Silent Night guitar chords
The 1818 carol, and the gentlest three-chord song you will learn.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 3/4
- Level Easy
- Chords C, F, G, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A carol written in 1818 and sung around the world. Its gentle 3/4 waltz rhythm and four chords make it a good way to practise a soft bass-and-strum pattern.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| F | 1 3 3 2 1 1 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| 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 | C | C | G | C | C | C | G | C |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | G | C | C | F | C | G | C |
Each group is one bar. Count 3 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
Bass - strum - strum
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 C, F, G and Am.
- Play one bass note on beat one, then strum on beats two and three.
- Practise the change from C to G, which comes up often.
- Play at 96 beats per minute, and keep the playing soft.
Tips that matter
- Play it quietly. A soft touch suits the carol's calm mood.
- Count three. Keep the count in each bar so the rhythm stays steady.
Questions about Silent Night
What chords are in Silent Night?
C, F, G and Am, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Silent Night in?
3/4, with three beats per bar, a waltz feel. It is rated Easy.
How fast should I practise it?
The play-along is set to 96 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 Silent Night free to learn and share?
Yes. Written by Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr in 1818 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.