The First Noel guitar chords
A traditional carol first printed in 1823.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 3/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A traditional English carol in three-time with five chords. It is a good way to practise bass-and-strum playing with a clear melody.
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 | G | D |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | C | G | Em | Am | D | G | G |
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 G, C and D, then Em and Am.
- Play one bass note on beat one, then strum on beats two and three.
- Practise the change from G to C.
- Play at 96 beats per minute and count three per bar.
Tips that matter
- Bass on one. Land the bass note on beat one; the strum follows.
- Stay even. Keep the three beats equal.
Questions about The First Noel
What chords are in The First Noel?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is The First Noel in?
3/4, with three beats per bar, a waltz feel. It is rated Improver.
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 The First Noel free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional English carol, published in 1823 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.