Easy Christmas Music Guitar Chords for Beginners

Holiday gatherings and a guitar go hand in hand - nothing brings people together quite like singing familiar carols around the tree. Most carols sound warm and natural on an acoustic guitar. The good news for beginners is that most Christmas songs are built on simple, easy-to-learn chords. That means you don’t need years of practice to get started - a few basic shapes on the fretboard can give you the confidence to play along with friends and family.

Learning Christmas music guitar chords is also one of the fastest ways to improve as a player. Because the melodies are already familiar, you can focus on strumming, rhythm, and switching chords smoothly. The songs are short, cheerful, and perfect for sing-alongs, making them ideal for building both skill and confidence at the same time.

In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the easiest Christmas songs you can learn on guitar - ones that sound great, feel festive, and will have everyone joining in.

Easy Christmas Guitar Songs with Chords

1) Jingle Bells

Chord set: G, D, C
Core loop: G → D → C (repeat)

“Jingle Bells” is a Christmas classic that beginners can pick up almost instantly. It uses only three of the most common open chords, and the sequence repeats line after line. That means once you’ve got the first verse down, you can play the whole song.

To play (step by step):

• Hold G and strum four steady beats.
• Switch to D for two beats.
• Play C once, then loop back to G.

Strum: Try a light down–down–up rhythm to mimic the jingle of sleigh bells.
Make it easier: Play slower at first, letting each chord ring out clearly before switching.

2) Joy to the World

Chord set: G, D, C
Core loop: G → D → G → C → G

This carol works brilliantly for beginners because it moves at a slow tempo. You have more time to change chords, so you can focus on clean transitions instead of speed.

To play (step by step):

• Begin on G, using simple downstrums.
• Move to D on “Joy to the world” then back to G.
• Add C briefly before resolving on G again.

Strum: Stick to steady downstrums; it keeps the tempo strong and forgiving.
Make it easier: Anchor your ring finger on the same string when moving between G and C, it saves time.

3) Silent Night

Chord set: C, G, Am, F (or simplified to G, C, D)
Core loop (full): C → G → C → F → C → G → C

“Silent Night” is slow, calm, and perfect for beginners who want to take their time. The pace means you don’t have to rush your switches, and it sounds beautiful even when played very simply. Fresh guitar strings make a huge difference to tone, especially on slow songs like Silent Night, where every chord rings clearly.

To play (step by step):

• Start with C and pick the strings gently.
• Move to G, then back to C for the main line.
• Add F and Am for the fuller version or use the three-chord simplified set if you’re still learning.

Strum: A gentle arpeggio (picking strings one by one) matches the song’s mood.
Make it easier: Stick with G–C–D and slow down your strumming; it still sounds lovely.

4) Feliz Navidad

Chord set: G, C, D7, Am (swap D7 → D if easier)
Core loop: G ↔ C for verses • G → D7 → Em → C → D7 → G for chorus

“Feliz Navidad” is upbeat and repetitive, so it’s great for singalongs. The verse stays simple, and the chorus adds a few more chords for variety.

To play (step by step):

• Strum G and C back and forth during the verses.
• Use the longer loop for the chorus once per line.
• Keep your strumming bright to capture the festive mood.

Strum: Down–down–up–up–down–up works perfectly.
Make it easier: Swap D7 for a regular D to avoid finger stretching.

5) We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Chord set: C, F, G
Core loop: C → F → C → G → C

Short and catchy, this one is often the first full song beginners master. It loops so quickly that you’ll feel like you’re playing the whole tune within minutes.

To play (step by step):

• Begin on C for “We wish you…”.
• Switch to F on “Merry Christmas”.
• Use G as the turnaround before landing back on C.

Strum: Even down–up strums match the lively tempo.
Make it easier: Count aloud (1-2-3-4) while switching chords to stay in rhythm.

6) Frosty the Snowman

Chord set: C, F, G7
Core loop: C → F → C → G7 → C

A playful song with a swing feel, perfect for practising chord changes while keeping things fun.

To play (step by step):

• Four beats on C.
• Move to F briefly, then back to C.
• Add G7 to close the phrase and return home to C.

Strum: A bouncy down–up keeps the rhythm cheerful.
Make it easier: Use G instead of G7 if you’re still learning.

7) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Chord set: C, F, G
Core loop: C → F → C → G → C

This one is ideal for kids’ singalongs. The melody is predictable, and the chords repeat in the same order.

To play (step by step):

• Hold C through most of the line.
• Move to F on the words “red-nosed reindeer”.
• Use G as the turnaround chord, then land back on C.

Strum: Down–down–up–up–down–up suits the bounce.
Make it easier: Keep your index finger planted when switching C↔F.

8) Deck the Halls

Chord set: C, F, G
Core loop: C → F → C → G → C

The repeated “fa-la-la” parts make this predictable and fun to play.

To play (step by step):

• Strum C for the main line.
• Shift to F for “deck the halls”.
• Add G during the “fa-la-la” then return to C.

Strum: Consistent down–up strums keep it flowing.
Make it easier: Shorten the “fa-la-la” bars if changes feel rushed.

9) Last Christmas (Wham!)

Chord set: D, Bm, Em, A
Core loop: D → Bm → Em → A (repeats all through)

A modern classic that’s still beginner-friendly because it’s built on one repeating chord loop. If you’re plugging in, even a small guitar amp will give you that clean pop sound.

To play (step by step):

• Play D, then shift to Bm.
• Move to Em, then land on A.
• Repeat the same loop for both verse and chorus.

Strum: Pop rhythm - down–down–up–up–down–up.
Make it easier: Use Bm7 (x20202) instead of full barred Bm.

10) Happy Xmas (War Is Over – John Lennon)

Chord set: C, F, G, Am
Core loop: C → G → Am → F → C → G → F → C

A slower, folk-style ballad that works beautifully for strumming.

To play (step by step):

• Start with C → G → Am for the verse.
• Add F to close each line.
• Repeat the loop; the tempo is steady and forgiving.

Strum: Gentle downstrums or soft down–up fit the mood.
Make it easier: Practise the switch between C and Am slowly until it’s smooth.

Tips for practising Christmas music guitar chords

• Learn each chord on its own first. Fret the shape cleanly, strum each string to check for buzz, then hold for 30–60 seconds. This builds muscle memory so your fingers “find” the shape without thinking.
• Drill two-chord switches. Practise pairs you’ll use a lot (G↔C, C↔F, D↔G) for 1–2 minutes each. Fewer variables = faster progress, and smooth changes are what make songs sound polished.
• Use “anchor” and “pivot” fingers. Keep any finger that stays on the same string between chords planted (e.g., ring finger from G to Cadd9). Minimising movement reduces missed changes.
• Separate strumming from fretting. First, mute the strings and practise the pattern (e.g., down–down–up). Then add the chords. Isolating skills improves timing and consistency. Regular care matters - check our quick tips to keep your guitar in top condition.
• Play slowly with a metronome or slowed recording. Start around 60–72 bpm or at 0.75× speed, then increase by 5 bpm when you can play cleanly. Slow, correct reps beat fast, messy ones.
• Use a capo to suit your voice. Keep easy open chords but shift the song to a comfortable key. Same chord shapes, better singing - perfect for carol singalongs.
• Choose friendly chord voicings. For beginners, shapes like Cadd9–G–Em7–D keep similar finger positions, making transitions noticeably easier.
• Short, regular sessions. Ten focused minutes per song (with a quick shake-out to relax the hands) beats one long, tiring practice. Less tension = cleaner tone.
• Record a 30-second clip. Listening back reveals timing slips or muted notes you might miss while playing, so you can fix them fast.
• Don’t forget the basics - a strap, tuner, and stand. Simple guitar accessories can make practice far more comfortable, especially when you’re just starting out.

These simple habits make Christmas music guitar chords feel natural, so you can focus on the fun part - leading the singalong.

Conclusion

Christmas is all about bringing people together, and there’s no better way to do it than with music. Learning a handful of easy festive songs on guitar not only spreads cheer but also builds confidence for beginners - proving that with just a few chords, you can create an atmosphere everyone will remember. Whether it’s “Jingle Bells” by the tree, “Silent Night” by candlelight, or a fun sing-along of “Feliz Navidad”, the guitar can turn holiday gatherings into something truly magical. If you’re new to playing, our guide on the benefits of learning the acoustic guitar can help you understand why it’s perfect for festive songs.

If you’re looking to get started or upgrade your gear,Music Street is here to help. Based in the UK, we stock a wide range of acoustic and electric guitars, beginner bundles, and accessories - plus expert advice to guide you in finding the perfect instrument for your playing style and budget. From first guitars to seasoned setups, our team makes sure you’re ready to enjoy playing not just at Christmas, but all year round. Not sure which to pick? Here’s a detailed guide on electric vs acoustic guitars for beginners.

So, pick up your guitar, strum those chords, and let the festive spirit take over - because Christmas music sounds best when it’s shared. For living room jam sessions, an acoustic amp or a sturdy guitar stand can make things easier when passing your instrument around.

Planning to get started this season? Here’s what to know when buying your first acoustic guitar. Once you’ve mastered these carols, try a few more from our list of easy guitar songs for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I learn Christmas songs on guitar without reading music?

Yes - most beginners use chord charts and lyrics rather than sheet music. All you need is to know the chord shapes and a simple strumming pattern to get started.

2. Do I need a capo to play Christmas songs on guitar?

Not always. A capo simply lets you shift the key to suit your voice while keeping the same easy chords. Many festive songs can be played without one, but it’s handy if you plan to sing along.

3. What type of guitar is best for Christmas songs - acoustic or electric?

Both work fine, but an acoustic guitar tends to give a warm, traditional sound that suits carols and singalongs. Electric guitars can be great for modern Christmas pop songs if you prefer that style.

4. How long will it take a beginner to learn one Christmas song?

With regular practice, most players can learn the chords and strumming for a simple Christmas carol in under a week. Songs with only 2–3 chords (like Jingle Bells) may take just a few practice sessions.

5. Are Christmas songs good for children learning guitar?

Absolutely. Because many carols use basic chord progressions and familiar melodies, they’re perfect for children. They also keep practice fun, since kids usually know the songs already.