How to Play “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” on Guitar

Learning to play familiar tunes is a great way for beginners to develop confidence and gain practical experience on the guitar. We Wish You a Merry Christmas is a perfect holiday song for beginners, as it’s easily recognizable and can be arranged using simple open strings and the first few frets. This version makes the melody approachable for newer players, allowing them to celebrate the holiday season with a festive tune. 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!

About the Arrangement

In this beginner-friendly arrangement, the melody is played using open strings and only the first few frets. This approach minimizes finger stretching and position shifting, allowing players to focus on the melody without feeling overwhelmed by complex fingerings. The arrangement also gives students a chance to explore basic note-reading and rhythm while enjoying a familiar tune.

The 3/4 Time Signature

We Wish You a Merry Christmas is written in a 3/4 time signature, meaning each measure contains three beats. This waltz-like rhythm adds a lively, celebratory feel to the song and provides beginners with a chance to practice counting in triple meter. When playing, aim to keep a steady, flowing rhythm to maintain the song’s recognizable structure.

Practicing the Melody

Take the time to work through each phrase of the melody at a slow tempo. Beginners may find it helpful to practice picking exercises using open strings before tackling the melody. Once comfortable, gradually increase the tempo to bring out the song’s upbeat holiday character. Focus on smooth transitions between notes and maintaining a consistent rhythm.

Conclusion

This arrangement of We Wish You a Merry Christmas allows beginners to play a holiday classic with ease, using open strings and familiar finger positions. With practice, it can be a joyful addition to your holiday repertoire, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Grab your guitar, follow the attached PDF, and enjoy making music this season!