On guitar, it combines power chords and simple progressions that sound great with a lively strumming pattern, making it a fun and engaging piece for intermediate players. Whether you're playing for friends, family, or just yourself, this song is sure to get everyone singing along and feeling the Christmas spirit!
Playing Guide
This song has a lively rhythm and is great for intermediate players. It mainly uses power chords and basic open chords with a strong strumming pattern. Pay attention to the timing and dynamics to capture the festive spirit. Start slow, focusing on clean transitions, then pick up the tempo. A capo is not required.
The song features:
- Verse and Chorus Progressions: Based on power chords.
- Strumming Pattern: A consistent down-up-down-up rhythm with accents on the 2nd and 4th beats.
- Bridge: Slightly softer dynamics, then building up.
Here is the play-through video for you to follow along:
Tabs with Lyrics
Intro:
e|--------------------|--------------------| Â
B|--------------------|--------------------| Â
G|----7--6-----------|----7--6-----------| Â
D|----7--7--7-7-7-7--|----7--7--7-7-7-7--| Â
A|----5--7--7-7-7-7--|----5--7--7-7-7-7--| Â
E|-------5--5-5-5-5--|-------5--5-5-5-5--|
Verse:
(Play power chords with steady strumming)
  G      D      C      D
e|--------------------------------------------| Â
B|--------------------------------------------| Â
G|--0----------7-----------5-----------7------| Â
D|--0----------7-----------5-----------7------| Â
A|--2----------5-----------3-----------5------| Â
E|--3------------------------------------------|
🎵 Are you hanging up a stocking on your wall?
🎵 It's the time that every Santa has a ball.
Chorus:
  G      C      D
e|--------------------------------| Â
B|--------------------------------| Â
G|--0-----------5-----------7-----| Â
D|--0-----------5-----------7-----| Â
A|--2-----------3-----------5-----| Â
E|--3------------------------------|
🎵 So here it is, Merry Christmas!
🎵 Everybody's having fun...
Bridge:
(Play softly at first, then increase volume)
  C      G      D
e|--------------------------------| Â
B|--------------------------------| Â
G|--5-----------0-----------7-----| Â
D|--5-----------0-----------7-----| Â
A|--3-----------2-----------5-----| Â
E|--------------3------------------|
🎵 Look to the future now, it's only just begun.
Outro:
(Strum G, C, D power chords with an upbeat rhythm)
🎵 So here it is, Merry Christmas!
Tips for Playing:
- Dynamics: Emphasize the chorus with louder strumming and let the verse feel more relaxed.
- Palm Muting: Use palm muting during the verse to create contrast with the full, ringing chords in the chorus.
- Feel the Rhythm: Keep a steady beat and let the strumming hand do the work for that festive rock-and-roll vibe.
Have fun playing this Christmas classic! 🎸🎄
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!