"O Christmas Tree," also referred to as "O Tannenbaum," is a 16th Century German folk song. The popular form of lyrics that we hear today did not arrive until hundreds of years later, written by August Zarnack and Ernst AnschΓΌtz in the 19th Century.
Riga, Latvia, is said to have had the first decorated Christmas tree back in 1510. The tree was located in the town square, gathering all the townspeople to begin traditions we still use to this day.
The song is played in 3/4 time, meaning that each bar consists of three beats instead of the four. There are two sections, each of which carry the same chords, except an added B7 chord in the B section.
The song can be played with a simple down-up strumming pattern. Since there are some quick chord transitions, it's better to simplify the strumming in order to keep a consistent rhythm. Follow along with the video to get your 3/4 counting down and to find a strumming pattern that works best for you.
"O Christmas Tree" uses the following chords:
Sing and Play!
- Played in the key of D major with a light 3/4 feel -
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
B7 Em
Not only green when summer's here,
A7 D
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!!
Em A7 D
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
B7 Em
How often has the Christmas tree
A7 D
Afforded me the greatest glee!
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
Thy candles shine so brightly!
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
Thy candles shine so brightly!
B7 Em
From base to summit, gay and bright,
A7 D
There's only splendor for the sight.
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
Thy candles shine so brightly!
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
How richly God has decked thee!
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
How richly God has decked thee!
B7 Em
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
A7 D
And trust in God unchangingly.
D A7 D
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Em A7 D
How richly God has decked thee!