“Mary, Did You Know?” is a beloved modern Christmas carol that beautifully explores the perspective of Mary, mother of Jesus, and the extraordinary nature of her son. For guitar players looking to add this poignant song to their holiday repertoire, learning the chords is a wonderful way to bring its message to life. This guide provides you with easy-to-follow guitar chords for “Mary, Did You Know?”, allowing you to play this classic carol for yourself, family, and friends.
Simple Guitar Chords for “Mary Did You Know”
This version uses a common and beginner-friendly chord progression, making it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. The song is primarily in the key of Em (E minor), utilizing chords that are frequently learned early in guitar playing.
Here are the chords you’ll need to play “Mary, Did You Know?”:
- Em (E minor)
- D (D major)
- C (C major)
- B7 (B dominant 7th)
- G (G major)
- Am7 (A minor 7th)
Many guitarists find these chords comfortable to transition between, making the learning process smoother. Let’s look at the chord progression with the lyrics to help you play along.
Em D
Mary did you know that your baby boy
C B7
would someday walk on water?
Em D
Mary did you know that your baby boy
C B7
would save our sons and daughters?
C D
Did you know that your baby boy
G D Em
has come to make you new?
Am7 Em7
This child that you've delivered
B7
will soon deliver you.
Em D
Mary did you know that your baby boy
C B7
will give sight to a blind man?
Em D
Mary did you know that your baby boy
C B7
will calm a storm with His hand?
C D
Did you know that your baby boy
G D Em
has walked where angels trod?
Am7 Em
When you've kissed your little baby
B7
then you've kissed the face of God.
Em D C B7
Mary, did you know...?
Em D C B7
Mary, did you know...?
C D
The blind will see, the deaf will hear
G Em
the dead will live a-gain
C D
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
G B7
the praises of the Lamb.
Em D
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
C B7
is Lord of all creation?
Em D
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
C B7
will one day rule the nations?
C D
Did you know that your baby boy
G D Em
was heaven's perfect lamb?
Am7 Em
This sleeping child you're holding
B7 Em
is the great "I AM".Tips for Playing “Mary Did You Know” on Guitar
- Strumming Pattern: A simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern in 4/4 time works beautifully for this song. Feel free to experiment with variations once you are comfortable with the basic chords.
- Chord Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between chords, especially between C and B7, and B7 back to Em. Slow practice is key to clean chord changes.
- Listen to the Song: Familiarize yourself with the melody and rhythm of “Mary, Did You Know?” by listening to recordings. This will help you understand the timing and feel of the song as you learn the chords.
- Capo: If the key of Em feels too low for your vocal range, you can use a capo to raise the pitch. Placing a capo on the 2nd fret, for example, will transpose the song up a whole step.
- Simplify B7 (Optional): The B7 chord can be a bit challenging for beginners. If you are finding it difficult, you can temporarily substitute it with a simpler Bm (B minor) chord while you practice. However, B7 adds a distinct flavor to the song, so try to learn it when you can.
Learning “Mary, Did You Know?” on guitar is a rewarding experience. With these chords and tips, you’ll be well on your way to playing this beautiful Christmas carol and sharing its message through music. Enjoy playing and have a wonderful Christmas season!
