We Wish You a Merry Christmas

O Holy Night
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Our Expert: Jen Trani

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Meet Jen, one of Mahalo's guitar experts. Born and raised in Denver, Jen Trani has been playing guitar in all styles since the age of 13. Having earned her bachelor's degree in music performance from the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, Trani teaches guitar and plays lead with several bands. She also appeared in the Shirelles-inspired '60s musical ''Baby It's You,'' ''The Price Is Right,'' and is the composer for an online series of video shorts.

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"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" dates back as far as the 16th Century, but little else is known about the song's origin. The carol is popular in modern times as a traditional sing-along in both religious and community gatherings. Its lyrics emphasize that its significant to both Christmas and the new year.

The video shows two separate playing options: the first in the key of C and the second in the key of G. The song uses a handful of open chords and is played in 3/4 time. The strumming pattern for this song is just steady downstrokes, but you can spice the song up by adding some quick upstrokes to the pattern.

The speed at which you play can be determined by your level of experience, or whichever sounds best to you.  There are some quick chord transitions, so start slow and gradually increase your speed as you feel comfortable.

Follow along with the video and the "Sing & Play!" section to get the timing and chord transitions down solid. Practice the song in both keys, and try experimenting with a capo to find the key that's just right for you.

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" uses the following chords:















Sing & Play!

- Played in the key of C major with a moderate 3/4 waltz feel -

      C                           F
We wish you a Merry Christmas; 
      D7                         G7
We wish you a Merry Christmas; 
      C                           F                                Dm G7   C
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 
          C               Em         Am        D7   G
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; 
      C                           F                                Dm G7   C
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

       C                        F
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; 
       D7                      G7
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; 
       C                        F                            Dm G7    C
Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer
       C                          F
We won't go until we get some; 
       D7                        G7
We won't go until we get some; 
       C                          F                              Dm    G7  C
We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here

      C                           F
We wish you a Merry Christmas; 
      D7                         G7
We wish you a Merry Christmas; 
      C                           F                                Dm G7   C
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

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