Learn How To Play "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" On Guitar 🎄

Learn The Easy Strumming Version Of This Holiday classic!

After releasing a fingerstyle version of this song, I got a few requests for a simple strumming version. So here is that song lesson. :)

If you're following my Beginner Guitar Course, this will be perfect to practice techniques for Grade 3 guitar students. I'll also show you how to rock it out with power chords. :)

Grab your guitar & let's get merry!

🎅Looking for that perfect Christmas Songbook? Check out the JustinGuitar Christmas Songbook - It features 21 Xmas classics perfect for any holiday gatherings to come. With lyrics and chords, you'll be able to sing along and have so much fun with your friends & family!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas: Easy Guitar Version

You can play this song however you like. Keep it simple or make it fancy - it's up to you!

If you're a beginner guitarist, I recommend you start the most basic version. For that, you'll play this Christmas classic strumming in 3/4 time.

You'll need a C, Dm, and G chord for the first chord progression. You also encounter an F chord at some point, but don't panic! I have a few options for that F chord if you're a beginner. You can also check out my lesson on F chord cheats for detail s.

This song has a couple of tricky transitions, mainly from the C chord to the F barre chord. Move fingers 2 and 3 down a string from the C chord, avoiding that thickest string. For an F major 7 - try flattening your first finger down so it's covering the three strings. I call this one the mini F chord.

💡 F to D minor it's also a tough transition for most beginners. It might be something you want to work on with your One Minute Changes and add to your practice assistant.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas Rock Version

If you're an advancing beginner or enjoy experimenting, you can have a go at playing this in a rock style.

Play it all with power chords in 4/4 time. This is how I would play it in my rock band for years - it's a crowd pleaser!

You can and a bit of palm muting to add some accent to the beats. It's an excellent little option if you want to perform this with your band! Or even - a Christmas party - it's a fun way to rock it up a bit and show off in front of your coworkers!

Ready For More? Try The Fingerstyle Version

If you're confident with this easy strumming version, the next step will be to explore my chord analogy in the fingerstyle versions. You'll learn different options to make it fancy!

Want chords, tabs, and lyrics to follow along with my song tutorials? Check out JustinGuitar Tabs!