Jingle Bells guitar chords
An 1857 sleigh song that everyone can sing from memory.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A bright, familiar holiday song that uses five chords in a predictable pattern. It is a fun way to practise a steady strum with a melody you already know.
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 | C | G | G | D | D |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | G | C | G | G | 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 first, then Em and Am.
- Play D DU D DU on each chord, one chord per bar.
- Practise the change from G to C, which comes up often.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and sing along to keep the beat.
Tips that matter
- Use the rhythm. The song's bounce comes from a steady strum, not a fast one.
- Sing the chorus. Singing helps you keep the timing.
Questions about Jingle Bells
What chords are in Jingle Bells?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Jingle Bells in?
4/4, with four beats per bar. It is rated Easy.
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 Jingle Bells free to learn and share?
Yes. Written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.