Jingle Bells is an old-time classic that’s as much associated with winter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1850s.
As you learn this song, keep in mind that vertical lines in music are known as ‘bar lines’ and that you should learn each measure (section between bars) gradually.
G Major
G major is a diatonic scale with one sharp note: F#. Its relative minor scale is E minor.
As with other major scales, it can be broken into two tetrachords (four note patterns containing whole, whole and half). This helps you better understand chord progressions as each tetrachord will sound correct when played together either ascending or descending order.
Many popular songs written in G major are popular because this key makes learning to play easier for beginners. Jingle Bells, one of the classic carols sung at Christmas carol choir concerts and taught to beginning children alike, offers satisfying and rewarding instruction to learn its three note sequence.
C Major
The C Major chord is a fundamental building block for numerous other triads and progressions. Being diatonic scale without sharps or flats, this chord serves as the starting point of most other progressions.
An open C major chord can be formed easily by placing your index finger on all five strings at the 3rd fret (C string). Now move this finger up a minor 3rd (1 whole-step + 1 half-step = 4 frets), until G is found. A G minor triad then forms when its root is repeated with its G major fifth voicing; this voicing makes this chord extremely versatile.
D Major
D Major is a beloved key for guitar, appearing in many songs both old and new. The D major scale comprises diatonic notes D, E, F#, G, A and B with two sharps as its key signature.
To create chords from any major scale, stack thirds of individual notes into triads – this makes finding chords in any key easier!
Capo’s are invaluable tools for transposing to different keys when singing. Try placing the capo on either the second or third fret for an easier lower tone; singer-songwriters such as Lyle Lovett frequently utilize this trick.
E Major
E Major is an ideal holiday chord to have in your repertoire. Being four-string chord, its lighter texture makes it easier for quick playing. Furthermore, E Major lends itself well to many chord voicing options: use finger one to hammer-on a Emaj7 or add Sus to form Esus2.
All these chords work beautifully when combined using a capo, making key changes possible without needing to memorize new chords. Just be sure to keep your fingers relaxed as you move up and down the neck.
F Major
F Major is a great key to practice for beginners as its chord progression makes it easy to memorize. Additionally, F Major makes for great Christmas song arrangements because its clear sound stands out against other keys.
Beginning guitarists should start out by adding one down strum on every chord change until they gain some familiarity with playing guitar, as this will help them keep track of when each new chord will arrive and can allow them to sing along more easily. Doing this also provides them with a visual cue as to when to expect its arrival – much easier!
Learning chords of any major scale involves understanding both its signature and scale degree designations – this will give you a comprehensive view of everything related to chord formation! When learning new chords it is equally essential to familiarise oneself with its key signature as this will provide context on how it is written out, and which degree it represents!
G Minor
G minor is an emotive key for songs. Its dramatic tonality elicits feelings of anxiety and tension; Cherry Glazerr used this key in their heartbreaking song, “Had Ten Dollars,” perfectly demonstrating its dramatic character.
G minor is an arduous key for beginners to master, due to its complex barre chord shapes. You can make things easier on yourself by using a capo and refraining from fretting every string individually.
ChordBank’s interactive Guitar Trainer app can help you practice chords in this key. Real-time feedback provides real-time guidance as you play; one finger at a time!