This version is rich in stylistic nuances, making it a fun and challenging song to master. Advanced players will enjoy incorporating jazz chords, fingerpicking, and slides. The song typically swings in a 6/8 time signature, giving it a waltzy groove.

To the full list of Christmas songs

Playing Tips

  1. Chord Voicings: Use jazz-style chord voicings with extensions like 7ths, 9ths, and diminished chords for a rich harmonic texture.
  2. Swing Feel: Emphasize the triplet rhythm characteristic of 6/8 time, focusing on a light, bouncy strumming or picking technique.
  3. Fingerpicking: Use fingerpicking or hybrid picking to articulate individual notes within the chords.
  4. Dynamics: Play softly in verses and build volume and attack during the chorus for contrast.
  5. Chromatic Walks: Use chromatic basslines to connect chords smoothly.

Guitar Tabs and Lyrics

Intro

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

(Play slowly and with a light swing feel)

Verse

(Chords: A6 | D9 | E7 | A6)

       A6                    D9
Happy Holidays, Happy Holidays
       E7                    A6
While the merry bells keep ringing
       F#m7           Bm7  E7
May your every wish come true

A6:   X02222
D9:   X54555
E7:   020100
F#m7: 242222
Bm7:  X24232

Pre-Chorus

(Chords: Gdim | F#m7 | B7 | E7)

     Gdim          F#m7
The snow is softly falling
     B7               E7
The tree is trimmed with cheer
     A6               D9
It’s the time of year to share the joy
       Bm7              E7
With those we hold so dear

Gdim: 3X232X

Chorus

(Chords: A6 | D9 | E7 | A6)

       A6                D9
Happy Holidays, Happy Holidays
        E7                     A6
May the calendar keep bringing
        F#m7          Bm7  E7
Happy Holidays to you

Bridge (Chromatic Walk)

e|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
G|--2-3-4--------|--6-5-----------|--7-------------|--9-8-----------|
D|--4-3-2--------|--5-6-----------|--7-------------|--9-7-----------|
A|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
E|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|

(Use slides between frets for a smooth, jazzy sound)

Solo Section

Play over the verse chord progression, emphasizing chromatic fills and arpeggios. Here’s a sample lead line:

e|--5-7-9----7--9-10----|--10-9-7----9--7-----|--6----------------------|
B|--------9----------10-|--------9--------10--|----10-9-7----7----------|
G|-----------------------|---------------------|----------9-----9--------|
D|-----------------------|---------------------|-------------------------|
A|-----------------------|---------------------|-------------------------|
E|-----------------------|---------------------|-------------------------|

(Use vibrato and slides for a smooth, expressive tone)

Outro

(Chords: A6 | D9 | E7 | A6)

       A6                D9
Happy Holidays, Happy Holidays
        E7                     A6
May the calendar keep bringing
        F#m7          Bm7  E7
Happy Holidays to you
        A6
To you

Final Notes

  • Improvisation: Add your own fills and embellishments to the chord progressions, especially in the solo section.
  • Jazz Feel: Focus on fluid transitions between chords and let each note ring clearly for a polished sound.
  • Tone: Use a clean tone with a touch of reverb for that jazzy holiday vibe.

Let me know if you need help with specific techniques or sections! 🎸

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