The carol has been performed and reinterpreted countless times over the centuries, from traditional choral versions to modern rock and jazz adaptations. Its enduring appeal lies in its combination of profound religious meaning and accessible, singable melody.

Ronnie James Dio’s version transforms this classic into a heavy metal anthem, proving its versatility and timelessness. His interpretation highlights the song’s dramatic undertones while staying true to its celebratory spirit.

This version blends traditional Christmas melody with heavy metal energy, showcasing intricate riffs, solos, and power chords.

Here is the video tutorial for an acoustic guitar:

This arrangement captures Dio’s dramatic and powerful style, combining elements of metal with the traditional tune. Advanced guitar players will enjoy the challenge of maintaining the melodic phrasing while incorporating heavy rhythm techniques, fast alternate picking, and expressive bends.

To the full list of Christmas songs

Key Features:

  • Tuning: Standard E
  • Style: Metal-infused with melodic phrasing
  • Techniques: Power chords, alternate picking, slides, vibrato, palm muting, and pinch harmonics.
  • Tone: Use a distortion-heavy tone with a slight delay and reverb for a full sound.

Tabs

Intro (Melody & Harmony)

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

Main Riff

e|---------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|---------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|---------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|---7-7---8-8---5-5---7-7---|-7-7---5-5---3-3---5-5---------|
A|---5-5---6-6---3-3---5-5---|-5-5---3-3---2-2---3-3---------|
E|-0-------------------------|--------------------------------|

Verse (Power Chords with Palm Muting)

   Em                  D                  C                  B
e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
G|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
D|---2-------------|---0-------------|-----------------|---4-------------|
A|---2-------------|---0-------------|---3-------------|---2-------------|
E|---0-------------|---2-------------|---1-------------|-----------------|

Lyrics

Verse 1
God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas day.
To save us all from Satan's power
When we had gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Solo Section

The solo alternates between minor pentatonic and natural minor scales. Here’s a sample of the opening solo:

e|-----------------------12-15-12----------12-15b17r15-12----------|
B|--------------12-13-15----------15-13-15----------------15-------|
G|---------12-14---------------------------------------------------|
D|-12-14----------------------------------------------------------|
A|---------------------------------------------------------------|
E|---------------------------------------------------------------|

Tips for Advanced Players

  1. Dynamics and Emotion: This song balances heavy metal aggression with melodic phrasing. Pay close attention to dynamics when transitioning between softer melodic lines and power chord sections.
  2. Palm Muting: Use precise palm muting to make the rhythm section tight and heavy.
  3. Pinch Harmonics: Add pinch harmonics to emphasize key notes in the main riff.
  4. Bends and Vibrato: Add expressive bends and vibrato in the solo to match Dio's emotional vocal delivery.

Let me know if you'd like the full solo tab or specific sections!

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!

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