Good King Wenceslas guitar chords
An 1853 carol set to a tune from the 1200s.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A carol with a stately, marching rhythm built on repeated down-strums. It is a simple way to practise keeping a steady pulse.
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 D D D
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 four even down-strums on each chord.
- Practise the change from G to D, which comes up often in the verses.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and count four beats per bar.
Tips that matter
- Keep the strum steady. Four equal down-strums per bar make the carol sound stately.
- Change on the beat. Move to the next chord on beat one.
Questions about Good King Wenceslas
What chords are in Good King Wenceslas?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Good King Wenceslas 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 Good King Wenceslas free to learn and share?
Yes. Lyrics by John Mason Neale, 1853, set to a 13th-century spring carol. Public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.