Deck the Halls guitar chords
A Welsh tune from the 1500s with words from 1862.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A bright Christmas carol with a Welsh melody that moves through five chords. Its changes follow a predictable pattern, so it is a fun step up from the simplest songs.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| D | x x 0 2 3 2 |
| Em | 0 2 2 0 0 0 |
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 0 |
x means do not play that string, 0 means play it open. Tap any shape on the page to hear it.
Play along
Press play. The track counts you in, clicks the beat and lights up the chord you should be holding. Drop the tempo while you are learning and raise it once you can get through without stopping.
Chord order
| Verse | G | G | C | G | G | D | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | Em | Am | D | G | C | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU D DU
D is a down-strum and U is an up-strum. If the pattern feels like too much at first, play one down-strum per bar until the chord changes are comfortable, then add the rest.
How to learn it
- Learn G, C and D first, then Em and Am.
- Play D DU D DU on G, then repeat it on C.
- Practise the change from D back to G, which returns to the start of many phrases.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and sing the 'Fa la la' lines to keep your timing.
Tips that matter
- Sing the refrain. The 'Fa la la' lines are a good timing guide.
- Master one verse first. Once one verse is smooth, the rest comes quickly.
Questions about Deck the Halls
What chords are in Deck the Halls?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Deck the Halls in?
4/4, with four beats per bar. It is rated Improver.
How fast should I practise it?
The play-along is set to 100 beats per minute. Start slower while you learn the changes, then raise the tempo in small steps once you can play through without stopping.
Is Deck the Halls free to learn and share?
Yes. Welsh melody from the 1500s with English lyrics from 1862. Public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.