Jingle bells make an enchanting addition to any holiday ensemble, be it family gatherings or concerts. Their cheerful sound brings extra cheer.
James Lord Pierpont came up with this timeless tune in 1857 titled, “Jingle Bells; or The One Horse Open Sleigh”. Since then it has become an evergreen Christmas classic and makes an excellent song to learn as an introduction to guitar playing.
Key of G
No matter your experience level, learning guitar chords in the key of G is a great way to start off the holiday season right. Easy to play and full of holiday spirit!
G major is one of the most frequently-used keys for music, particularly songs and carols. It serves as the official key of “God Save The Queen”, the New Zealand national anthem, as well as being popular across genres including country rock classical.
The key of G is an ideal way for beginners to start reading music, with only one sharp (F). Furthermore, its chords are generally easy to play and suitable for various musical genres; you could also use this key when caroling or performing other Christmas songs for family members or parties.
Chorus
Choruses, in musical parlance, refer to repeated parts of songs that engage listeners by creating memorable choruses that make them sing along and become memorable moments for listeners. You’ll often find this structure used in pop songs, rock tunes, hip hop tracks and beyond; their chorus is what gets people listening and singing along!
Beginners looking to start playing holiday songs such as Jingle Bells will find this simple chord progression a great way to begin. Playing it will surely impress family and friends at any holiday gathering you attend, just remember to practice frequently to hone your craft!
Verse 1
A straightforward chord progression and walking bass line make this Christmas classic one of the easiest songs to learn, making this arrangement of the James Lord Pierpont tune an excellent choice for beginner guitarists to practice their skills.
As you play the first line of verse, keep your index finger on C throughout the entire first measure for easier transition into full C chord starting in third measure.
As in previous verses, choose a lively rhythm for this verse by using guitar to mimic bells or speed of sleigh ride. Your overall tempo of song and personal comfort level with singing will influence which rhythm to use.
Verse 2
Jingle Bells is one of the best-known songs ever. However, its chord progression and melody are relatively uninvolved, giving it below-average scores for Chord Complexity and Chord-Melody Tension.
At the start of a second line of lyrics, rest your index finger on the C note at the first fret of B string for a steady rhythm as you transition into another pair of notes in each measure.
At the start of the third measure, form a G chord using your ring finger and middle fingers, ready for transition to A chords in subsequent measures. Depending on your stretching abilities, consider using pinky for the last pair of beats in third measure.
Verse 3
Jingle Bells is an exciting song to learn, thanks to its easy melody and versatility in terms of styles of playing it. Add it to holiday medleys or use it for caroling trips and party performances!
If you want to play Jingle Bells in a lower key, try using a capo on the second fret of your guitar – this will let you sing in whatever key is most comfortable for you!
To play the first two notes in verse 3, begin by forming a C chord. For the next set of notes, either use an F chord with your index finger, or switch from using your ring finger to using pinky depending on personal preference and stretching ability.