🎄Christmas Tabs: Fairytale of New York - The Pogues (Intermediate)

Released in 1987, the song blends Irish folk and rock with bittersweet storytelling about a couple reminiscing on their failed dreams and troubled love. Written by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer, it became a holiday staple despite its unconventional and melancholic themes. MacColl’s soulful vocals and the raw emotion from MacGowan make this track stand out among Christmas songs.

The song was recorded in a vibrant mix of piano, accordion, and guitar, giving it a folk-rock feel that is both festive and heartfelt. For guitar players, it’s a wonderful piece that uses simple chords but relies on dynamics and rhythm to bring the story to life.

See the tutorial below or follow our description below for a slightly different version.

How to Play the Song

Key: D Major
Tempo: 78 BPM (Moderate Waltz Feel, 3/4 Time Signature)
Chords Used: D, A, Bm, G, E, F#m

Intro

The intro features a beautiful melody over a D chord with a waltz rhythm (3/4 time):

Tabs:

e|----2-2-2-----2--3--5--3--2------|  
B|--3--------3----------------3----|  
G|---------------------------------|  
D|---------------------------------|  
A|---------------------------------|  
E|---------------------------------|  

Play D chord underneath the melody with a soft, flowing strum:

D (waltz rhythm)  
| D   D   D |  

Verse 1

The verse begins with D, and the rhythm has a steady waltz feel (3 beats per bar).

   D                        A  
It was Christmas Eve, babe, in the drunk tank  
     Bm                      G  
An old man said to me, "Won't see another one."  
   D                       A  
And then he sang a song, the Rare Old Mountain Dew  
       Bm                        G  
I turned my face away, and dreamed about you  

Chorus

The chorus has a sweeping melody that lifts the energy.

       D           G              D               A  
And the boys of the NYPD choir were singing 'Galway Bay'  
        Bm          G         A        D  
And the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day  

Strumming Pattern

The song has a waltz rhythm (3/4 time). Use this pattern:

1   2   3  
D   D   D U  

• Strum down on beats 1 and 2.
• Add a down-up on beat 3 for flow and momentum.

Bridge

The bridge introduces a minor tone with F#m and Bm chords:

      F#m               Bm  
I could have been someone  
       F#m            Bm  
Well, so could anyone  
       D                 G  
You took my dreams from me  
      D               A  
When I first found you  

Ending

The song ends softly, repeating the chorus progression:

D           G              D               A  
And the boys of the NYPD choir were singing 'Galway Bay'  
        Bm          G         A        D  
And the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day  

Tips for Playing

1. Focus on Rhythm: Keep a steady waltz rhythm throughout the song.
2. Dynamics: Play softly in the verses and build energy in the chorus.
3. Melodic Intro: Practice the intro melody slowly to capture its smooth flow.

Final Thoughts

This song is a beautiful mix of melancholy and hope. It’s perfect for intermediate guitarists looking to add emotion and storytelling into their playing. Whether you perform it for friends or family, its charm will always resonate.

How to take your guitar playing skills to the next level

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!