Introduction to Jingle Bells Guitar Chords – Easy Tutorial for Beginner

The holiday season is synonymous with festive decorations, joyous gatherings, and, most certainly, classic Christmas carols. One such tune that universally captures the essence of this time is “Jingle Bells”. Originating in the mid-19th century, not as a Christmas song but a song for Thanksgiving, it has since become a staple during the festive season. For budding guitarists, learning to play timeless classics such as “Jingle Bells” can be both a delightful challenge and a way to spread cheer among family and friends.

In this guide, we’ll delve into an easy-to-follow tutorial tailored for beginners, teaching you to strum along to “Jingle Bells” in the key of C. Armed with a handful of basic chords and a sprinkle of holiday spirit, you’ll be serenading your loved ones in no time! Whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace or caroling under twinkling lights, this song is sure to make the occasion special. Let’s get started!

Chords Required for “Jingle Bells” – Easy Tutorial for Beginners

Before diving straight into playing “Jingle Bells”, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the basic chords that form the backbone of the song. Playing in the key of C is ideal for beginners, as it involves some of the most fundamental chords that are not only prevalent in many songs but also relatively straightforward to play.

Here are the chords you’ll need:

C Major (C)

Finger placement: Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string (A string), middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string), and index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string). Strum from the 5th string down.

Finger placement: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string), middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string), and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string (high E string). Strum from the 4th string down.

D Minor (Dm)

Finger placement: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st string (high E string), ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string (B string), and middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string). Strum from the 4th string down.

Finger placement: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st string (high E string), middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string (A string), and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 6th string (low E string). Strum all strings.

F Major (F)

Finger placement: Place your index finger across the 1st and 2nd strings at the 1st fret, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string), and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string (D string). Strum from the 4th string down. (Note: This is a simplified version of the F chord, suitable for beginners.)

Jingle Bells in the key of C

Playing “Jingle Bells” in the key of C is ideal for beginner guitarists. The key of C is a common starting point for many due to its relatively simple chord structures and transitions. The chords associated with this key are some of the first that guitarists often learn, making it an approachable choice for newcomers.

Why Play in the Key of C?

Simplicity: The chords in the key of C, especially the C, G7, and F chords, are straightforward to play, allowing beginners to focus more on rhythm and transitioning.
Versatility: The key of C is a foundational key in music. By learning songs in this key, you’re also setting a solid base for understanding music theory and other songs.
Warmth: The key of C provides a warm and rich sound, which suits the festive and joyful nature of “Jingle Bells”.

Chord Progression for “Jingle Bells” in C:

(For this tutorial, we’ll associate specific lines of the song with the chords you’ll play.)

(Note: This is a simple representation. Depending on your strumming pattern or nuances in your rendition, you might make minor changes to when exactly you transition between chords.)

Verse 1 Chord Progression & Lyrics for “Jingle Bells” in the Key of C

For those just embarking on their guitar journey, breaking down the song verse-by-verse can make the learning process smoother. This step-by-step approach ensures that you master each section before moving on to the next, ensuring a seamless rendition when you piece everything together.

Verse 1 Chord Progression:

The progression for the first verse of “Jingle Bells” is fairly straightforward with the chords we’ve introduced earlier. Here’s how the chords map onto the lyrics:

C
We’re dashing through the snow,
G7
in a one-horse open sleigh
C
and o’er the fields we go,
G7
a laughing all the way.
F
The bells on bob-tail ring,
C
they’re making spirits bright,
G7
what fun it is to ride
F C
and sing a sleighing song tonight.

Chorus Chord Progression & Lyrics for “Jingle Bells” in the Key of C

The chorus of “Jingle Bells” is its most recognizable part, the one that everyone eagerly sings along to. Given its repetitive nature, it’s a great section for beginners to get comfortable with. Here’s how the chords fit with the lyrics:

Chorus Chord Progression:

G7
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
C
jingle all the way.
F
Oh, what fun it is to ride
C G7
in a one-horse open sleigh, hey!
G7
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
C
jingle all the way.
F
Oh, what fun it is to ride
C G7 C
in a one-horse open sleigh.

Verse 2 Chord Progression & Lyrics for “Jingle Bells” in the Key of C

The second verse of “Jingle Bells” carries forward the story of the song. While the melody remains consistent with the first verse, the lyrics change, detailing more of the sleigh ride’s adventures. Here’s the chord progression for the second verse:

Verse 2 Chord Progression:

C
A day or two ago,
G7
I thought I’d take a ride
C
and soon Miss Fanny Bright
G7
was seated by my side.
F
The horse was lean and lank,
C
misfortune seemed his lot,
G7
He got into a drifted bank
F C
and then we got upsot.