The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by playing some classic Christmas tunes on our guitars? One of the most beloved and enduring holiday songs of all time is "Blue Christmas," made famous by the one and only Elvis Presley. In this article, we'll delve into the easy guitar chords and lyrics of "Blue Christmas," so you can strum your way through the holiday season in style.
Written by Jay W. Johnson and Billy Hayes, "Blue Christmas" was first recorded by Doye O'Dell in 1948. However, it was Elvis's 1957 version that catapulted the song to international fame. With its soulful, bluesy melody and heartfelt lyrics, "Blue Christmas" has become a holiday staple, covered by countless artists over the years.
Easy Guitar Chords for "Blue Christmas"
One of the best things about "Blue Christmas" is its simplicity. The song uses a straightforward chord progression that's easy to follow, even for beginner guitarists. Here are the chords you'll need to play "Blue Christmas":
- C Major (C)
- G Major (G)
- Am (A minor)
- F Major (F)
- Em (E minor)
The chord progression for "Blue Christmas" is as follows:
Verse: C - G - Am - F C - G - F - C
Chorus: G - Am - F - G C - G - F - C
Bridge: Am - F - G - C Am - F - G - C
Strumming Pattern
To give your "Blue Christmas" a more authentic feel, try using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes. Focus on emphasizing the 2nd and 4th beats in each measure, with a gentle down-up strumming pattern.
Down: C - G - Am - F Up: C - G - F - C
Lyrics to "Blue Christmas"
Now that you've got the chords down, let's take a look at the lyrics to "Blue Christmas." This is where the song's true magic happens, with Elvis's emotive vocals painting a picture of a holiday season filled with longing and heartache.
I'll have a blue Christmas without you I'll be so blue just thinking about you
Decorations of red on a green Christmas tree Won't be the same dear, if you're not here with me
I'll have a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas
That's why I'm feeling sad and blue He's not here with me
Playing Tips
To make your "Blue Christmas" truly shine, pay attention to your playing dynamics. Try to convey the emotions of the lyrics through your strumming and chord changes. For example, you could play the verses with a more subdued tone, building up to a louder, more dramatic chorus.
Also, don't be afraid to add your own flair to the song. "Blue Christmas" is a timeless classic that lends itself well to improvisation. Experiment with different chord voicings, strumming patterns, and even add some holiday-themed sound effects to make the song your own.
Conclusion
With its easy guitar chords and timeless lyrics, "Blue Christmas" is a holiday classic that's sure to get you in the mood for the season. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this song is a great choice for anyone looking to add some festive cheer to their repertoire.
So why not grab your guitar, gather 'round the tree, and start strumming your way through the holiday season? With "Blue Christmas," you'll be well on your way to creating a merry and bright musical celebration that's sure to delight friends and family alike.
We hope you've enjoyed this article on the easy guitar chords and lyrics of "Blue Christmas." If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to share them with us below. Happy playing, and happy holidays!
What are the chords used in "Blue Christmas"?
+The chords used in "Blue Christmas" are C Major, G Major, A minor, F Major, and E minor.
Who wrote "Blue Christmas"?
+"Blue Christmas" was written by Jay W. Johnson and Billy Hayes.
What is the strumming pattern for "Blue Christmas"?
+The strumming pattern for "Blue Christmas" is a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes, emphasizing the 2nd and 4th beats in each measure.