Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
White Christmas Bing Crosby

 "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby is a classic holiday ballad, beloved for its gentle melody and nostalgic lyrics. The original is performed in a slow, smooth style, which makes it ideal for beginner guitarists who want to focus on chord changes and expressive strumming.

How to Play on Guitar

Chords:
The song uses common open chords: G, Em, D, D7, Am7, C, Am, A7, Cm. These are mostly beginner-friendly, though Cm may require extra practice since it’s a barre chord.

Strumming Pattern:
A slow down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well to reflect the relaxed tempo. Alternatively, simple down-strokes on each beat suit the ballad style. Try playing softly to match the gentle mood.

Chord Transitions:
Practice moving between G and Em, Am7 and D7/D, and C and Cm. Isolate tricky changes, especially C to Cm and Am7 to D7. Take it slow and focus on clean transitions.

Tips:

  • Use a capo on the 1st or 3rd fret if you want to match Bing Crosby’s original key or better suit your vocal range.
  • For D7 and Am7, keep your fingers close to the fretboard for smoother changes.
  • Rest your strumming hand lightly; don't rush the tempo.
  • Practice the intro separately to set the feel for the song.

Enjoy expressing the warmth and nostalgia of the song with each chord and strum!

EADGBE G
EADGBE Em
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEXX D7
EADGBEX Am7
EADGBE C
EADGBEX Am
EADGBEX A7
EADGBEX Cm
Intro
G Em D D7 D7
G Em D D D
Verse 1
G I'mG dreamG ing of aAm7 whiteD7 ChristD mas
Am7 Just like theD7 ones I used toG knowD7 G
Where the tree tops glisEm ten andC children lisC ten
C ToG hearAm sleigh bellsA7 in theD snowD7
Verse 2
G I'mG dreamG ing of aAm7 whiteD7 ChristD mas
Am7 With everyAm ChristmasD7 card IG write
May your days be merEm ry andC brightCm
And mayG all yourC ChristmaD7 ses beG white
Verse 3
G I'mG dreamG ing of aAm7 whiteD7 ChristD mas
Am7 Just like theD7 ones I used toG knowD7 G
Where the tree tops glisEm ten andC children lisC ten
C ToG hearAm sleigh bellsA7 in theD snowD7
Verse 4
G I'mG dreamG ing of aAm7 whiteD7 ChristD mas
Am7 With everyAm ChristmasD7 card IG write
May your days be merEm ry andC brightCm
And mayG all yourC ChristmaD7 ses beG whiteG C G