It’s that time of the year again, and this time around, I think we can all agree that things are still looking a bit different. 2020 dealt us a pretty strange hand, changing so many aspects of our lives and the holidays were no exception. It’s hard to believe we are in the worldwide pandemic holiday season (part 2), but here we are!
While we still might not be able to cuddle up with our loved ones this year — for fear that we might spread more than just holiday cheer — we can still pull that beloved guitar close and strum out some holiday classics.
Are you finally traveling to see your family this year? Maybe you’re skipping the trip and doing another Zoom Christmas? Whatever your plans are, we’ve compiled some of our favorite seasonal songs that should put you in the spirit to present a live-streamed performance for the aunts and uncles or join in some long-distance caroling with the grandkids.
Frosty The Snowman
Frosty The Snowman – Gene Autry
Originally made famous by Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys in 1950, Frosty The Snowman has been elevated to holiday legend status with numerous animated film adaptations, the most notable being the beloved 1969 television special starring Jimmy Durante and Jackie Vernon. Guitar Tricks instructor Caren Armstrong teaches this fun holiday classic with a great boom-chick strumming pattern and a walk-up bass run.
Jingle Bell Rock
Jingle Bell Rock / Bobby Helms 1957
First released by Bobby Helms in 1957, Jingle Bell Rock has graced American radio waves for every holiday season since. It’s status as one of the all-time best-selling holiday songs makes it the perfect choice for your next sing-along — everyone should know the words! In this lesson, instructor Mike Olekshy will dive in and teach you each part of this winter classic.
Carol Of The Bells
Dwight’s Christmas Rock Out – The Office US
Ever since we all heard Trans-Siberian Orchestra perform their high-octane adaptation, I think it’s safe to say that we now associate Carol Of The Bells with rippin’ electric guitar. If you’re in agreement, you’ll love this tutorial in which Guitar Tricks instructor Christopher will show you all the rockin’ electric guitar parts for our arrangement of the holiday classic — from the quiet intro volume swells, to the harmonized melody lines and soaring solos.
Beginner Christmas Classics
Jingle Bells Guitar Lesson – Christmas – Acoustic Guitar Lesson – Guitar Tricks 34
This one is a “13 for 1” deal because there are just so many classic holiday songs that can be played with simple chords that I think we’d be doing your holiday cheer-building capabilities a disservice by not including them. In this jam-packed tutorial, Guitar Tricks instructor Lisa McCormick will show you how to play 13 holiday classics with just three chords. You may need to use a capo to adjust each song’s key to your singing voice, so keep one handy.
Daniel Butler is a writer for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer