Best Christmas Guitar Songs To Play During The Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by strumming some Christmas classics on your guitar? Whether you're a seasoned musician or a beginner, playing Christmas guitar songs is a great way to spread cheer and create lasting memories with family and friends. In this article, we'll dive into the best Christmas guitar songs to play during the holidays, along with some helpful tips and chord charts to get you started.

The Importance of Music During the Holidays

Music has a way of bringing people together, and the holidays are no exception. Whether you're gathered around the tree, swapping gifts, or enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa, music can add a special touch to your holiday celebrations. Guitar music, in particular, is a popular choice for holiday gatherings, as it's often easy to sing along to and can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Getting Started with Christmas Guitar Songs

Before we dive into our list of Christmas guitar songs, let's cover some basics. If you're new to playing guitar, you may want to start with some simple songs that use basic chords. Christmas songs often use familiar chord progressions, making them a great choice for beginners. If you're more advanced, you can try tackling more complex arrangements or even creating your own holiday tunes.

Best Christmas Guitar Songs for Beginners

Here are some easy Christmas guitar songs perfect for beginners:

1. Jingle Bells

• Chords: C, G, Am, F
• Strumming pattern: Down, down, up, down, up, down, up

This classic holiday tune is a great choice for beginners, as it uses simple chords and a catchy melody.

Chord Chart:

Verse 1: C C7 G G7 Dashing through the snow C C7 G G7 In a one-horse open sleigh

Chorus: Am F G C Jingle bells, jingle bells Am F G C Jingle all the way

2. Silent Night

• Chords: C, G, Am, F
• Strumming pattern: Down, down, up, down, up, down, up

This beautiful carol is a staple of holiday gatherings, and its simple chord progression makes it easy to play.

Chord Chart:

Verse 1: C G Am F Silent night, holy night C G Am F All is calm, all is bright

Chorus: F G C Sleep in heavenly peace F G C Sleep in heavenly peace

3. Deck the Halls

• Chords: C, G, Am, F
• Strumming pattern: Down, down, up, down, up, down, up

This fun and upbeat song is perfect for getting everyone in the holiday spirit.

Chord Chart:

Verse 1: C G Am F Deck the halls with boughs of holly C G Am F Fa la la la la, 'tis the season

Chorus: F G C Don we now our gay apparel F G C Fa la la la la, 'tis the season

Best Christmas Guitar Songs for Intermediate Players

If you're looking for a challenge, here are some intermediate Christmas guitar songs to try:

1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

• Chords: C, G, Am, F, Em
• Strumming pattern: Down, down, up, down, up, down, up

This beautiful song features a more complex chord progression and a soaring melody.

Chord Chart:

Verse 1: C G Am F Have yourself a merry little Christmas C G Am F Let your heart be light

Chorus: Em F G C Next year all our troubles will be out of sight

2. Winter Wonderland

• Chords: C, G, Am, F, Dm
• Strumming pattern: Down, down, up, down, up, down, up

This fun and upbeat song features a catchy melody and a more complex chord progression.

Chord Chart:

Verse 1: C G Am F Sleigh bells ring, are you listening C G Am F In the lane, snow is glistening

Chorus: Dm G C A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight Dm G C Walking in a winter wonderland

3. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

• Chords: C, G, Am, F, Em
• Strumming pattern: Down, down, up, down, up, down, up

This classic holiday song features a beautiful melody and a more complex chord progression.

Chord Chart:

Verse 1: C G Am F Chestnuts roasting on an open fire C G Am F Jack Frost nipping at your nose

Chorus: Em F G C Yuletide carols being sung by a choir Em F G C And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Best Christmas Guitar Songs for Advanced Players

If you're looking for a real challenge, here are some advanced Christmas guitar songs to try:

1. Linus and Lucy (A Charlie Brown Christmas)

• Chords: C, G, Am, F, Em, Dm
• Strumming pattern: Down, down, up, down, up, down, up

This beautiful instrumental piece features a complex chord progression and a soaring melody.

Chord Chart:

Verse 1: C G Am F Linus and Lucy, a beautiful sight C G Am F Peanuts characters, bringing joy to all tonight

Chorus: Em F G C A Charlie Brown Christmas, a classic tale Em F G C Linus and Lucy, a beautiful sight

2. The First Noel

• Chords: C, G, Am, F, Em, Dm
• Strumming pattern: Down, down, up, down, up, down, up

This beautiful carol features a complex chord progression and a soaring melody.

Chord Chart:

Verse 1: C G Am F The first Noel, the angel did say C G Am F Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay

Chorus: Em F G C In fields where they lay keeping their sheep Em F G C On a cold winter's night that was so deep

3. O Holy Night

• Chords: C, G, Am, F, Em, Dm
• Strumming pattern: Down, down, up, down, up, down, up

This beautiful carol features a complex chord progression and a soaring melody.

Chord Chart:

Verse 1: C G Am F O holy night, the stars are brightly shining C G Am F It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Chorus: Em F G C Long lay the world in sin and error pining Em F G C Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth

Conclusion

Playing Christmas guitar songs is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, there are countless holiday tunes to choose from, each with its own unique chord progression and melody. So why not grab your guitar and start strumming? You never know, you might just find a new favorite holiday tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this article has helped you find the perfect Christmas guitar songs to play during the holidays. Happy playing!