Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
O Little Town Of Bethlehem Brooks/Redner

 The original "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" is a gentle Christmas carol, often played in a slow, flowing style that suits its reflective lyrics. It’s commonly performed with simple chords, making it approachable for beginner guitarists.

Chord Transitions and Fingering Tips
Most of the song uses open chords such as D, Em, G, and A/A7, which are beginner friendly. The more unusual chords here—Db, B7, and F#—add color but may require extra practice. For Db (C# major), you can use the barre chord at the 4th fret, and for F# a standard barre on the 2nd fret. If these are difficult, try substituting with simpler voicings or omitting the bass note for now.

Strumming Pattern
A gentle down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern fits the carol’s mood. Keep your strumming hand moving steadily and softly for a lullaby effect. If you’re just starting, simple downstrokes on each beat also work well.

Chord Transition Advice
Practice moving between D, Em, and A/A7, as these are most frequent. Pause and isolate transitions to B7 and F# to build muscle memory. Take your time with Db, as the switch from D to Db and back occurs throughout.

General Tips
Capo is not needed. Play slowly, focusing on smooth chord changes and even strumming. Singing along will help match chord changes to lyrics. As you gain confidence, add gentle dynamics to reflect the song’s peacefulness.

EADGBEXX D
EADGBEXX Db
EADGBE Em
EADGBEX A7
EADGBEX B7
EADGBEX A
EADGBE F#
EADGBE G
Verse 1
OD littleDb townD of BethleEm hem. HowD still weA7 see theeD lie.
Above thyB7 deep andEm dreamless sleep, theD silentA starsA7 goD by.
Yet in thy dark streetsF# shineth, theG everlastingF# Light.
TheD hopes andDb fearsD of all theEm years, areD met inA theeA7 toD night.
Verse 2
For Christ isDb bornD of MarEm y, andD gatheredA7 all aD bove.
While mortalsB7 sleep, theEm angels keep, theirD watch ofA wonderA7 ingD love.
O morning stars toF# gether, proG claim the holyF# birth.
AndD praisesDb singD to God theEm King, andD peace toA menA7 onD earth.
Verse 3
How silentDb ly, howD silentEm ly, theD wondrousA7 gift isD given.
So God imB7 parts toEm human hearts, theD blessingsA ofA7 HisD heaven.
No ear may hear HisF# coming, butG in this world ofF# sin.
WhereD meek soulsDb willD receive himEm still, theD dear ChristA enA7 tersD in.
Verse 4
O holyDb ChildD of BethleEm hem, deD scend toA7 us, weD pray.
Cast out ourB7 sin andEm enter in. BeD born toA usA7 toD day.
WeD hear the ChristmasF# angels, theG great glad tidingsF# tell.
OD come toDb us,D abide withEm us, ourD Lord EA mmanA7 uD el.G AD men.