"Little Drummer Boy" is a classic Christmas song known for its steady, march-like rhythm that mimics the sound of a drum. Playing it on guitar captures this percussive feel, making it a favorite for sing-alongs during the holidays.
Chords and Progression
The song uses basic chords: D, A7, A, G, and D7. These are all open chords, making it accessible for beginners. Practice transitioning between D and A7, as this is the most frequent change.
Strumming Pattern
To evoke the "drum" feel, use a steady down-up-down-up strumming pattern, emphasizing the down strums (e.g., D-DU-DU). Try palm muting lightly with the edge of your hand near the bridge to create a percussive sound.
Tips for Beginners
**- Break the song into sections; practice each verse slowly before putting them together.
- The “pa rup a pum pum” lines are great spots to accentuate the strum for a rhythmic effect.
- Watch out for the quick changes between G, D7, and A in the “rup a pum pum” sequences—practice these transitions separately.
- Keep your fretting hand relaxed to ensure clean chord changes.
- Sing along to help internalize the timing and chord shifts.**
Enjoy bringing this holiday classic to life with a rhythmic, steady strum and clear chord transitions!
IntroD D D D
Verse 1D Come, they told me paA7 rup a pumD pum
A new born king to see paA7 rup a pumD pum
A Our finest gifts we bringG paD rup a pumA pum
To lay beD fore the KingG paD7 rup a pumG pum, rup a pumD pum, rup a pumA pum
D So, to honour Him paA7 rup a pumD pum,A7 when weD come
Verse 2Baby Jesus paA7 rup a pumD pum
I am a poor boy too paA7 rup a pumD pum
A I have no gifts to bringG paD rup a pumA pum
That's fit toD give our KingG paD7 rup a pumG pum, rup a pumD pum, rup a pumA pum
D Shall I play for you paA7 rup a pumD pum,A7 on myD drum
Verse 3Mary nodded paA7 rup a pumD pum
The ox and lamb kept time paA7 rup a pumD pum
A I played my best for HimG paD rup a pumA pum
I played myD best for himG paD7 rup a pumG pum, rup a pumD pum, rup a pumA pum
D Then He smiled at me paA7 rup a pumD pum,A me and myD drum
OutroA Me and myD drum,A rup a pumD pum