Song Tabs

 Burl Ives made "Have A Holly Jolly Christmas" famous with his warm, inviting vocal style. The original recording features a cheerful, bouncy rhythm that perfectly suits beginner guitarists looking to play along with friends and family during the holidays.

Chord Shapes and Transitions

The song uses basic open chords: C, G, G7, Am, F, Em, Dm, and D7. Most are beginner-friendly, though switching to F and D7 may take some practice. Focus on moving smoothly from C to G (and G7), as these are frequent transitions. Practice the movement between C–G–G7 and Am–D7 for fluency.

Strumming Pattern

A simple strumming pattern works best: try a steady down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) per measure. For a more festive feel, you can add a light swing or accent the first beat of each bar. Keep your strums light and bouncy to match the song’s mood.

Tips for Beginners

**- Slow down when practicing chord changes, especially between F and Em, or Dm and G.

• If F is difficult, use the simplified F major (xx3211) or play only the top four strings.
• Singing along helps with chord timing.
• For the outro, keep strumming light and playful, echoing the “ding dong” lyrics.**

With practice, you’ll capture the song’s joyful spirit and enjoy sharing it with others!