Do you want to play some Christmas songs on your guitar but are worried they might be too difficult? The good news is that learning Easy Christmas Songs On Guitar is absolutely achievable, even if you’re just starting out. Many beloved holiday tunes are based on simple chord progressions that are perfect for beginner guitarists. Let’s explore how you can bring the festive spirit to life with your guitar.
Acoustic or Electric Guitar for Christmas Carols?
One of the first questions beginners often ask is whether it’s better to use an acoustic or electric guitar for learning Christmas songs. The truth is, either type of guitar will work wonderfully.
Acoustic guitars have the advantage of being readily accessible. You can simply pick one up and start playing without needing to plug into any equipment. This makes them great for spontaneous practice sessions and casual strumming around the Christmas tree.
Electric guitars, on the other hand, can actually be a bit easier on your fingertips. The strings are typically lighter gauge and the action (string height) can be set lower, requiring less finger strength. For beginners still developing calluses, this can make learning chords and playing for longer periods more comfortable.
For easy Christmas songs, feel free to use whichever guitar you have available and prefer. You might find that acoustic guitars are perfect for songs with fewer chords and a more traditional, warm sound, while electric guitars can add a fun, brighter tone to more upbeat carols.
Are Christmas Songs Originally Guitar Songs?
While the chord charts and guitar tabs you find online make it seem like Christmas songs were written for the guitar, most of them were originally composed with the piano in mind. However, this doesn’t mean they aren’t perfectly suited for guitar!
Christmas songs have been adapted and arranged for countless instruments, including the guitar. The beauty of guitar arrangements is that they simplify the harmonies and melodies into playable chord shapes and strumming patterns. This makes these classic tunes accessible and enjoyable for guitarists of all levels. So even though “Jingle Bells” wasn’t born on a guitar, it certainly feels right at home there now.
Essential Guitar Chords for Christmas Songs
To start playing easy Christmas songs on guitar, you’ll only need to learn a few fundamental open chords. These chords are the building blocks for countless songs, and mastering them will unlock a whole repertoire of holiday music. We recommend focusing on these essential chords:
- G Major: A bright and cheerful sounding major chord.
- C Major: Another fundamental major chord, often used in combination with G.
- D Major: A slightly more driving major chord, adding energy to songs.
- E minor: A minor chord that brings a touch of melancholy or depth.
- A Minor: Another essential minor chord, creating a similar mood to E minor.
These five chords – G, C, D, Em, and Am – are incredibly versatile. Once you have them down, you’ll be amazed at how many Christmas songs you can play. They are the first chords every guitarist should learn, and they will open up a world of musical possibilities, especially during the holiday season.
Get Started and Spread the Christmas Cheer
Learning easy Christmas songs on guitar is a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit and impress your friends and family. Don’t be intimidated if you’re a complete beginner; start with simple chord charts and take it one song at a time. You’ll find numerous free resources online offering chords and tabs specifically designed for easy Christmas guitar playing.
Start with songs that use just two or three chords, and gradually work your way up to more complex arrangements as your skills improve. With a little practice, you’ll be strumming your favorite Christmas carols and enjoying the festive atmosphere you create with your guitar.
If you have any favorite easy Christmas songs for guitar, or if you have questions about learning these chords, please share them in the comments below! We’re always looking for new suggestions and happy to help you on your musical journey.
