How to Play “We Three Kings of Orient Are” on Guitar

“We Three Kings of Orient Are” is a hauntingly beautiful holiday tune, well-suited for guitar and perfect for beginners eager to learn a recognizable song. This arrangement is designed to simplify the melody by focusing on open strings and notes within the first few frets. If you’re comfortable reading tab and/or sheet music, dive into the PDF below! Here’s my article on note values if you need it.

Check out more Songs for Learning (including more holiday tunes) in my Free Sheet Music Library!

Using Open Strings and First Few Frets

One of the key features of this beginner arrangement is its reliance on open strings and the first few frets of the guitar, which makes the melody accessible to players still becoming familiar with the fretboard. This setup allows beginners to focus on timing, rhythm, and musical expression without worrying about tricky stretches or barre chords. As you follow along with the PDF, practice keeping your fingers close to the fretboard to ensure smooth transitions between notes. I wrote the finger numbers for some of the first few notes to help you get started with a good fingering. Continue using those fingers whenever those notes are repeated.

Understanding the 3/4 Time Signature

“We Three Kings of Orient Are” is set in a 3/4 time signature, which creates a gentle, swaying rhythm often likened to a waltz. This means each measure contains three beats, with an emphasis on the first beat. While practicing, it can be helpful to count “1, 2, 3” in each measure. This counting will help you feel the flow of the piece as you play each phrase.

Conclusion

Learning “We Three Kings of Orient Are” on guitar provides a rewarding way to build your skills while enjoying the holiday spirit. This simplified arrangement lets you work on timing and finger placement while familiarizing yourself with the melodic flow of a classic carol. As you grow comfortable with the piece, consider adding your own dynamics and expression to bring this beloved tune to life. Happy practicing!