God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen guitar chords
The minor-key carol, and the most dramatic one to play.
At a glance
- Key Em
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords Em, Am, D, G, C, B7
Why this song is worth learning
A carol in E minor that moves into major chords, which gives you a taste of minor-key songs. The B7 chord adds tension that resolves back to Em.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| Em | 0 2 2 0 0 0 |
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 0 |
| D | x x 0 2 3 2 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| B7 | x 2 1 2 0 2 |
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 | Em | Am | Em | B7 | Em | Am | B7 | Em |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | C | G | D | Em | Am | B7 | Em |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU DU 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 Em, Am and D first.
- Add G, C and B7, and practise B7 as a single chord change.
- Play D DU DU DU on Em, then move through the chords.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and keep the strum even.
Tips that matter
- Feel the resolution. B7 wants to return to Em, so let it lead you home.
- Keep the minor soft. Em and Am are the calmer chords, so keep the strum gentle there.
Questions about God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
What chords are in God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen?
Em, Am, D, G, C and B7, all in the key of E minor.
What time signature is God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen 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 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional English carol, published in 1833 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.