🎄Christmas tabs: Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End) - The Darkness (Intermediate)

Florian Lettner -

The song is in the key of G major and features a mix of rhythm and lead guitar parts. The dynamic shifts, vibrato, and melodic embellishments make it perfect for intermediate guitarists looking to add flair to their holiday repertoire.

Follow a detailed video tutorial or check out our tabs below.

To the full list of Christmas songs

Playing Tips

  1. Power Chords: Use power chords with tight muting to capture the rhythm guitar's punchy tone.
  2. Open Chords: Incorporate open chords in the chorus for a fuller sound.
  3. Lead Parts: Add bends and vibrato to the lead lines for expressive phrasing.
  4. Strumming Pattern: Use a down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern during the verses and choruses.
  5. Feel: Keep the glam rock energy alive by playing with confidence and dynamic expression.

Guitar Tabs and Lyrics

Intro

e|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|----------------|--8-8-8-7-7-5---|
G|--7-7-7-5-5-4--|--5-5-4-4-2----|--7-7-7-5-5-4---|----------------|
D|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
A|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
E|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|

(Play with light distortion and palm muting for a clean start)

Verse

(Chords: G | D | Em | C)

G                     D
Feigning joy and surprise
                Em          C
At the gifts we despise over mulled wine
G                 D
With you on the 25th day
              Em           C
Of the 12th month, the sleigh bells are in time

G:  320033
D:  XX0232
Em: 022000
C:  X32010

Pre-Chorus

(Chords: D | Em | C | D)

D                     Em
The snow is falling down
              C                     D
And it seems like it's barely covering the ground

Chorus

(Chords: G | D | C | Em | D)

G                D
Christmas time, don’t let the bells end
C                Em                D
Christmas time, just let them ring in peace

Bridge (Lead Section)

e|----------------|----------------|----------------|--10-10-9-7-----|
B|--8-8-10-12----|--12-12-10-8----|--8-8-8-10-12---|------------10--|
G|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
D|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
A|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
E|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|

(Use bends and vibrato liberally for an emotional lead)

Outro (Acoustic Style)

(Chords: G | C | G | D)

G               C
Christmas time, don’t let the bells end
G               D
Christmas time, just let them ring in peace

Final Notes

  • Tone: Use moderate distortion for rhythm parts and a brighter tone with reverb for the lead sections.
  • Dynamics: Keep the intro soft and build into the chorus for dramatic effect.
  • Melodic Fills: Add slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs during the bridge and outro to elevate the performance.

Let me know if you'd like further guidance on specific sections or tips for improvisation! 🎸