Hark! The Herald Angels Sing guitar chords
Wesley's words from 1739 set to Mendelssohn's 1840 tune.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A famous Christmas hymn that moves between major and minor chords with a bright, lifting feel. Its changes are a good test of your G, C and D.
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 | C | G | D | G | C | D | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | C | G | Em | Am | D | 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 until each rings cleanly.
- Add Em and Am, and practise moving between G and Em.
- Play D DU D DU on each chord, one chord per bar.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and lift the energy on the chorus.
Tips that matter
- Change ahead. Think of the next chord before the bar starts, so the switch is smooth.
- Keep it bright. A firm, even strum matches the song's celebratory mood.
Questions about Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
What chords are in Hark! The Herald Angels Sing?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 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 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing free to learn and share?
Yes. Words by Charles Wesley, 1739; Mendelssohn melody, 1840. Public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.