The song is simple, fun, and easy to play, making it a great choice for guitarists of all levels. In a rock version, you can add energy with power chords, palm muting, and a steady, upbeat strumming pattern. The song alternates between Spanish and English lyrics, giving it an international feel perfect for the holiday season.
Chords Used
For the rock version, we’ll focus on power chords for a punchy sound.
- G (355xxx or 320003)
- C (x355xx)
- D (x577xx)
If you’re playing in a softer style, stick to standard chords.
Strumming Pattern
Rock Feel:
Down, down, down, down-up (mute the strings slightly between strums for emphasis).
Intro (Power Chords):
G C D G
e|---------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------|
G|----4--5--5---7--7---5--4--------|
D|----5--5--5---7--7---5--5--------|
A|----5--3--3---5--5---3--5--------|
E|----3----------------------------|
Chorus: (Rock Feel)
G C D G
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad,
G C D G
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad.
Repeat Chorus 2x
Verse (English Lyrics):
G C D G
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas,
G C D G
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas,
G C D G
I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart!
(Repeat the verse and chorus multiple times with increasing energy).
Rock Solo/Instrumental Bridge:
(Power Chord Progression)
G C D G (Repeat)
For the solo, you can improvise using the G Major Pentatonic Scale on the 3rd fret. Slide between notes for that classic rock feel.
Outro:
Play the chorus repeatedly with a strong, energetic strum:
G C D G
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad,
G C D G
Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad.
End with a big G power chord (G5):
e|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|----4-----------|
D|----5-----------|
A|----5-----------|
E|----3-----------|
Tips for Beginners:
- Power Chords: Focus on clean transitions between G5, C5, and D5.
- Palm Muting: Lightly rest your hand on the strings for a tighter, rockier sound.
- Energy: Keep a steady rhythm and increase your strumming intensity as the song progresses.
Have fun with this upbeat, rock-style version of "Feliz Navidad"—it’s perfect for spreading Christmas cheer with a little edge! 🎸
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!