Inspired by a BBC news report on the crisis, Geldof rallied top British and Irish musicians to record the song under the name Band Aid. Featuring stars like Bono, George Michael, Sting, and Boy George, the track was recorded in a single day at SARM West Studios in London. Released on December 3, 1984, it became an instant hit, selling over a million copies in its first week and raising millions for famine relief. Its success also inspired the global Live Aid concert in 1985, further cementing its impact.
Though the song has faced criticism for its portrayal of Africa and simplistic messaging, its cultural and charitable significance remains undeniable. As one of the best-selling singles in UK history, it paved the way for future charity music projects and demonstrated the power of music to inspire global change. "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" continues to be a holiday classic, remembered as much for its cause as its iconic chorus.
Check out the video to learn a more classic interpretation or follow our version below.
This rock version below adds punchy power chords, energetic strumming, and a driving rhythm to give the song a more electrified and upbeat feel while maintaining its heartfelt message.
Chords Used (Power Chords and Open Chords):
- C (x32010 or C5: x355xx)
- F (133211 or F5: 133xxx)
- G (320003 or G5: 355xxx)
- Am (x02210)
- Em (022000)
Strumming Pattern:
🎸 Verses: Down, down-up, down-up (steady rhythm).
🎸 Chorus: Down, down-up, down-up (more open and dynamic).
Intro (Rock Riff with Chords):
C5 F5 G5 C5
e|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|
G|--5------3-------4-------5------|
D|--5------3-------5-------5------|
A|--3------1-------5-------3------|
E|-----------------3--------------|
Play this twice, adding palm muting for a tight, rhythmic sound.
Verse 1 (Open Chords or Power Chords):
C F G C
It’s Christmas time, there’s no need to be afraid,
C F G C
At Christmas time, we let in light and banish shade.
Am Em
And in our world of plenty,
F C
We can spread a smile of joy,
F G C
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time.
Chorus: (Add energy and open up the chords)
C F
Feed the world,
G C
Let them know it’s Christmas time.
C F
Feed the world,
G C
Let them know it’s Christmas time.
Bridge (Power Chords):
Am Em
Here’s to you, raise a glass for everyone,
F C
Here’s to them, underneath that burning sun,
Am Em
Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?
Solo Section (Improvisation over Verse Progression):
Improvise using the C Major Pentatonic Scale for a melodic lead:
e|--8-10-12--10-8--10-12-13--12-10-------|
B|-------------------------------13-12-10|
Outro (Repeat Chorus with Energy):
Finish with repeated:
C F
Feed the world,
G C
Let them know it’s Christmas time.
End with a big C5 power chord.
Tips for Rocking This Version:
- Power Chords: Use power chords for a punchier, rock-driven sound, especially in the intro and chorus.
- Dynamics: Alternate between palm-muted verses and open-strummed choruses for contrast.
- Soloing: Keep the solo melodic and simple, capturing the song’s emotive feel.
- Tone: Use a bright distortion with some reverb to replicate a polished rock tone.
This rock version of "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" brings new energy to a classic, making it a powerful and fun addition to any holiday playlist. 🎸
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The next step to bridging that gap is to explore the step-by-step lessons of the Fretello Learn Path. Not only will you learn how to master all of these chords, but it’ll teach you the basics and beyond including scales, power chords, improvisation and composition techniques, and much more!