Released in 1973, the song was written and produced by Roy Wood, the band's frontman and a former member of The Move and Electric Light Orchestra (ELO).

At the time, Wizzard was known for their glam rock style, which combined catchy melodies with a festive, over-the-top sound. Wood wanted to create a Christmas song that captured the excitement and joy of the season, taking inspiration from Phil Spector's Wall of Sound production style, known for its lush arrangements and layered instruments.

The track features cheerful sleigh bells, a children's choir, and bold brass sections, giving it a timeless Christmas atmosphere. Despite being released in the same year as Slade's "Merry Xmas Everybody" (a song it often competes with on UK charts), Wizzard's tune has remained a staple of holiday playlists.

The song’s blend of rock energy, festive cheer, and nostalgic charm makes it a must-play for guitarists who want to add a touch of holiday spirit to their repertoire. 🎄🎸

To the full list of Christmas songs

Song Overview

  • Key: G Major
  • Tempo: Moderate Rock, about 140 BPM
  • Chords Used: G, C, D, A, Em
  • Style: Strumming with some rhythm syncopation and melodic riffs

Playing Notes for Intermediate Players

This song has a fun and lively vibe with classic Christmas rock energy. Here’s how to approach it:

  1. Chord Progressions: The main rhythm section is based on simple open chords with a steady 8th-note strum pattern.
  2. Strumming: Use a down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern to add energy.
  3. Melodic Riffs: In between chords, there are small melodic fills that match the vocal melody.
  4. Dynamics: Start softer in the verses and build into a loud, full strumming chorus.

Intro

The intro starts with a lively riff over a G major chord.

e|-----3-----3-----3-----3---|
B|---3-----3-----3-----3-----|
G|----------------------------|  (Play this twice with energy)
D|----------------------------|
A|----------------------------|
E|--3-----3-----3-----3------|

Verse 1

| G          | C             | D          | G          |
| When the snowman brings the snow...  |

Strum G - C - D - G with a lively, bouncy feel.

Add this melodic fill when changing to G:

e|-----3--2--0-------------|
B|--------------3----------|
G|-------------------------|
D|-------------------------|
A|-------------------------|
E|-------------------------|

Chorus

Chords: G, C, D, Em

| G             | C           | D          | G            |
| Oh, I wish it could be Christmas every day... |

Strumming Pattern:

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &  
D   D U U D U

Chorus Progression:

G         C            D             G
Oh, I wish it could be Christmas every day
G          C               D                 G
When the kids start singing and the band begins to play
Em        A        C            D
Oh, I wish it could be Christmas every day
       C                 D
Let the bells ring out for Christmas

Bridge

The bridge adds some variety with an Em minor progression:

Em           C           D           G
Why don't you give your love for Christmas?

Play softer here, then return to the full energy chorus.

Ending (Outro)

Repeat the main riff and sing the chorus. End with this tab:

e|-----3-----------3-----------|
B|---3---3-------3---3---------|
G|-----------0-----------------|
D|-----------------------------|
A|-----------------------------|
E|--3-----------3-------------|

Strumming Summary

  • Verses: Play gently using downstrokes on beats 1 and 3.
  • Choruses: Use full strums with the "down-down-up-up-down-up" pattern.
  • Bridge: Reduce dynamics, then build back into the chorus.

Final Tips

  • Focus on clean chord transitions to keep up with the song's tempo.
  • Add the melodic fills between chord changes for a polished, professional sound.
  • Have fun with it—this is a festive, joyful rock song meant to bring energy and smiles!

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