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Welcome to our guide on “Easy Christmas Songs for Guitar”! As the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the joy of strumming some classic Christmas tunes on your guitar.
The great news for beginners and seasoned players is that many simple christmas songs for guitar are surprisingly easy to play. These timeless melodies often feature simple, repetitive patterns, making them perfect for guitarists of all skill levels.
We have prepared a list of easy Christmas guitar songs that will be perfect for family gatherings this year. So grab your guitar, and let’s dive into the world of easy, merry melodies that capture the essence of Christmas!
Before starting the list, check out the easy classical guitar songs you can learn.
Top 15 Songs for Christmas
Here’s a list of 15 easy Christmas songs on guitar that are great for guitar players, especially if you’re looking for tunes with simple chords and repetitive melodies
Jingle Bells – The Wiggles
Though it may sound a little corny, everyone can agree that “Jingle Bells” is the first song that comes to mind when they hear the word “Christmas.” It is one of the most iconic and universally recognized simple Christmas songs for guitar, synonymous with the holiday season’s cheer and festivity.
To play “Jingle Bells” on the guitar, Use a simple down-up strumming pattern for a lively rhythm. You’ll primarily use three basic chords: G, C, and D7. Start by strumming the G chord, then move to the C chord, and finally to the D7 chord. The song’s structure is straightforward, with a repetitive melody that makes it easy for beginners.
Click here for Jingle Bells’ Tab
Click Here for Jingle Bells’ Chord
Joy to The World– Sufjan Stevens
This song was composed in 1719 by Isaac Watts, an English priest. Ideal for all of you carolers!
To play “Joy to the World” in the style of Sufjan Stevens on the guitar, you’ll embrace a more indie-folk interpretation of this classic Christmas carols for guitar. The song uses a few basic chords, but Stevens’ version might include some unique chord variations or fingerpicking patterns to give it that distinctive indie feel.
Click here for Joy to The World’s Tab
Click Here for Joy to The World’s Chord
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Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
Feliz Navidad is a Spanish easy Christmas song on guitar written in 1970 by Puerto Rican songwriter José Feliciano. It is one of the most popular Christmas songs in the world and is often translated into other languages. The song is a simple but heartfelt message of peace and goodwill for the holiday season.
The song has a lively, upbeat rhythm, perfect for a festive atmosphere. Start with the D chord, strumming it a few times before transitioning to G and then A7. Occasionally, use Bm for variety. The strumming pattern can be a joyful down-up-down-up rhythm, capturing the song’s cheerful essence.
Click here for Feliz Navidad’s Tab
Click Here for Feliz Navidad’s Chord
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon
It’s a heartfelt plea for peace and an end to war, interwoven with the festive spirit of Christmas. The song’s melody is simple and memorable, making it easy to sing along. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” is particularly catchy and uplifting.
This song has a more contemplative and emotive rhythm. Start with the A chord, then transition through Bm, E, G, and D, following the melody’s flow. The chord progression is slightly more complex than simpler Christmas tunes, offering a rich and moving rendition that captures the song’s powerful blend of hope and reflection
Click here for Happy Xmas’ Tab
Click Here for Happy Xmas’ Chord
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – Johnny Marks
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is one of the belovedeasy Christmas songs on guitar for kids. It is cherished for its heartwarming story of resilience and acceptance. Its catchy, uplifting melody makes it a holiday favorite, especially for children.
The song follows a simple verse-chorus structure, with a playful strumming pattern that captures its cheerful spirit. Start with G for the verses, switch to C and D for the build-up, and use a mix of all chords in the chorus. This approach brings the story of Rudolph’s shining moment to life, spreading joy and holiday cheer.
Click here for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s Tab
Click Here for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s Chord
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Jingle Bell Rock isn’t your typical Christmas carol, but that’s what makes it so great! It’s a high-energy rock ‘n’ roll romp that brings a playful twist to the holiday season. It is a easy Christmas song on guitar.
Playing it is surprisingly easy too! Its upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm make it a festive favorite, evoking a lively holiday spirit. Just grab a few basic chords (D, A, Bm, G) and a simple strumming pattern (down-down-up-down-up).
Click here for Jingle Bell Rock’s Tab
Click Here for Jingle Bell Rock’s Chord
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We Wish You a Merry Christmas – The Irish Rovers
We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a timeless Christmas carol. It’s known for its joyful melody and heartwarming lyrics that convey good tidings and festive cheer. Its repetitive chorus makes it a sing-along favorite during the holiday season.
To play it on the guitar, you need to tune it in E A D G B E sequence. Just three chords (G, D, Em) and a basic strum (down-down-up-down), and you are good to go. Don’t be afraid to add percussion – stomping feet, clapping hands, anything goes!
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Click here for We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ Tab
Click Here for We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ Chord
Silent Night- Cyndi Lauper
Silent Night is a timeless Christmas gem that infuses every note with peace and serenity. Its simplicity is what gives it magic.
The song’s slow tempo and soft dynamics call for a gentle strumming or fingerpicking pattern, allowing each chord to resonate beautifully.
Click here for Silent Night’s Tab
Click Here for Silent Night’s Chord
All I Want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey
All I Want for Christmas is You isn’t just a song, it’s a holiday explosion! It’s infectious energy, Mariah’s soaring vocals, and a sleigh-bell-infused beat that makes you want to belt it out at the top of your lungs. It’s the ultimate singalong anthem, bringing friends and family together under the disco ball of Christmas cheer.
To play this song, place your capo on the 3rd fret and tune your guitar E A D G B E. The chord progression is straightforward, cycling through G, Em, C, and D, creating a cheerful and spirited sound.
Click here for All I Want for Christmas is You’s Tab
Click Here for All I Want for Christmas is You’s Chord
Last Christmas – WHAM
Last Christmas’ greatness lies in its bittersweet nostalgia. It captures the melancholy of past love under winter’s chill yet warms with hopeful reflection. Playing it is surprisingly simple!
Four chords (G, Bm, C, D) weave the melody, making it perfect for beginners. Strumming or fingerpicking both work, adding your spin to the classic tune. So grab your instrument, let the chords evoke memories, and celebrate the bittersweet beauty of Christmas.
Click here for Last Christmas’ Tab
Click Here for Last Christmas’ Chord
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Meredith Wilson
“It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” charms with its joyful anticipation. The bouncy rhythm and bright major chords paint a picture of festive cheer, while the lyrics celebrate familiar sights and sounds of the season. It’s an easy guitar Christmas song too!
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Just three chords (D, G, A) repeat throughout, making it ideal for beginners. Strum along with a steady beat, emphasize the syncopated accents, and let the music whisk you away to a winter wonderland. So grab your instrument, spread the Christmas cheer, and watch smiles bloom all around!
Click here for It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’ Tab
Click Here for It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’ Chord
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
“Blue Christmas” packs an emotional punch, contrasting holiday cheer with loneliness in a hauntingly beautiful way. Elvis’s soulful vocals paint a picture of yearning, while the bluesy chords (D, A7, D7, G) tug at your heartstrings.
Playing it requires some basic chords, but the real magic lies in the melody. The iconic A-string riff (1-2-A-E) adds a touch of bluesy swagger, while gentle fingerpicking captures the song’s melancholic mood. So grab your guitar, let the bluesy notes flow, and embrace the bittersweet beauty of a blue Christmas.
Click here for the Blue Christmas Tab
Click Here for Blue Christmas Chord
Deck the Halls – Debby Ryan
“Deck the Halls” shines as a festive anthem, brimming with the exuberance of the holiday season. Its lyrics, celebrating the tradition of decking halls with boughs of holly, capture the essence of Christmas preparations and communal joy.
On the guitar, the song flows smoothly with chords like G, C, D, and Am, offering an accessible challenge for players at any level. Its iconic “fa-la-la” chorus is not only catchy but also unites people in a shared moment of holiday cheer, making it a perennial favorite.
Click here for Deck the Halls’ Tab
Click Here for Deck the Halls’ Chord
Frosty The Snowman – Walter “Jack” Rollings And Steve Nelson
Frosty the Snowman’s charm lies in its playful storytelling and infectious melody, making it a delightful addition to any Christmas playlist. Frosty’s magic unfolds with just three chords – G, C, and D. This makes it perfect for beginner guitarists to learn and play along.
The verses and choruses use these chords in familiar patterns, helping build confidence and muscle memory. Strumming along with the steady beat adds to the joyous vibe, while fingerpicking can add a touch of wintery whimsy.
Click here for Frosty The Snowman’s Tab
Click Here for Frosty The Snowman’s Chord
I Saw Three Ships – Glen Campbell
Sailing into the holiday spirit, “I Saw Three Ships” is a lively Christmas carol with a unique maritime flair. This festive tune, with its vivid imagery of ships arriving in Bethlehem, brings an imaginative twist to traditional Christmas storytelling.
On the guitar, the song comes to life with simple guitar chords like G, C, D, and Em, making it a joyous and accessible piece for players of all levels.
Click here for I Saw Three Ships’ Tab
Click Here for I Saw Three Ships’ Chord
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Which guitar suits the best for Christmas songs: Acoustic or Electric Guitar?
You can play Christmas songs on both acoustic and electric guitars, as each brings its unique flavor to the music. Both types of guitars can beautifully convey the festive spirit of Christmas music. Here’s a table that compares acoustic and electric guitars for Christmas music.
| Feature | Acoustic Guitar | Electric Guitar |
| Sound | Warm, natural, classic Christmas vibe | Versatile, wide range of tones and effects |
| Songs | Traditional carols and hymns, singer-songwriter Christmas tunes | Bluesy renditions, rock, and funk-inspired Christmas music |
| Playability | Easier to learn for beginners | More challenging for beginners but allows for advanced techniques |
| Volume | Lower volume, ideal for intimate settings | Can be amplified for larger gatherings |
| Atmosphere | Cozy, traditional, nostalgic | Energetic, modern, playful |
| Examples | Silent Night, O Holy Night, What Child Is This | Jingle Bells (blues version), Frosty the Snowman (funky version) |
The List Goes On
In conclusion, the holiday season offers a treasure trove of easy Christmas guitar songs whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician. As the list of Christmas classics goes on, each song brings its own unique charm and warmth, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Songs like “Driving Home For Christmas,” “Wonderful Christmastime,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” are excellent examples of tunes that combine simple chord progressions with the festive spirit, making them accessible and enjoyable to play.
Easy Christmas Songs for Guitar FAQs
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