O Little Town of Bethlehem guitar chords
An 1868 carol with a still, calm melody.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A slow carol with a gentle melody and five chords. The slow strum pattern is a good way to practise leaving space in the rhythm.
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 | Em | 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 (slow)
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, then Em and Am.
- Play the slow D - DU - D - DU pattern on G.
- Practise the change from G to Em.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and let each chord ring.
Tips that matter
- Leave gaps. The pattern works when the rests are as clear as the strums.
- Stay gentle. A soft strum suits a quiet carol.
Questions about O Little Town of Bethlehem
What chords are in O Little Town of Bethlehem?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is O Little Town of Bethlehem 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 O Little Town of Bethlehem free to learn and share?
Yes. Words by Phillips Brooks, 1868, with a traditional melody. Public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.