Song Tabs

 "Up On The Housetop" is a cheerful Christmas classic, typically played in a lively, upbeat style. The original melody is simple, making it ideal for beginners learning to accompany singing on guitar.

Chord Progression and Transitions

The song uses four basic chords: G, C, D, and D7. If you’re new to D7, practice the shape slowly, as it appears frequently at the end of lines. All chords are in open positions, suitable for beginners.

Tip:
When transitioning from G to C, anchor your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (for C) after playing G to help move smoothly. Practice moving from G to D7 as well, since this is a common change in the song.

Strumming Pattern

A simple strumming pattern works best. Try:

Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (D, D-U, U-D-U)

Alternatively, use a steady Down-Up pattern to keep the tempo bright and even. Emphasize the first down strum of each measure to accentuate the festive rhythm.

Additional Tips

Pause slightly at the end of each line to match the song’s phrasing. If singing, let the lyrics guide your rhythm. For variety, try a single down strum per chord for the first verse, then add full strumming for the chorus to build energy.

Have fun and play along with the melody to keep the Christmas spirit lively!