C
G
D
D7
Am
A7
Jingle Bells
Pierpont
About the Song
"Jingle Bells," written by James Lord Pierpont, is a classic holiday song known for its cheerful melody and lively rhythm. Its popularity makes it a favorite for singalongs, especially for beginner musicians._
Chords and Progression
This version uses basic open chords: G, C, D, D7, Am, and A7. All are beginner-friendly, but switching between G, D, and C quickly can be challenging at first. Practice moving between these chords slowly, focusing on minimizing finger movement.
Strumming Tips
Keep the strumming pattern simple. A straightforward down-down-up-up-down-up pattern fits well and maintains the song's upbeat feel. For absolute beginners, strumming down on each beat works fine. Try to accentuate the first and third beats for a bouncy, festive rhythm.
Transitions and Techniques
D7 and D appear together often—practice switching between these two as they share similar finger positions. For Am to D7, move your index and middle fingers together. Use the intro [C] [G] [D] [D7] [G] to get comfortable before singing.
Play at a comfortable speed and sing along. Focus on keeping steady rhythm rather than speed. As you gain confidence, add small up-strums or light palm muting to add texture.
Most importantly, have fun—this song is about joy and celebrating togetherness!
Intro
C G D D7 G
Verse 1G Dashing through the snow, in a one horse openC sleigh
Am O'er the fields weD7 go,D laughing all theG way
Bells on bob-tails ring, making spiritsC bright
WhatAm fun it is toD ride and sing aD7 sleighing song toG night
ChorusOh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
C Oh what fun it isG to ride in a oneA7 horse openD7 sleigh
G Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
C Oh what fun it isG to ride in aD one horseD7 openG sleigh
Verse 2G A day or two ago, I thought I'd take aC ride
AndAm soon Miss FannyD7 Bright, wasD seated by myG side
The horse was lean and lank, misfortune seemed hisC lot
WeAm got into aD drifted bank andD7 then we got upG sot
ChorusOh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
C Oh what fun it isG to ride in a oneA7 horse openD7 sleigh
G Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
C Oh what fun it isG to ride in aD one horseD7 openG sleigh
Verse 3G A day or two ago, the story I mustC tell
IAm went out on theD7 snow, andD on my back IG fell
A gent was riding by, in a one-horse openC sleigh
HeAm laughed as there ID sprawling lie butD7 quickly drove aG way
ChorusOh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
C Oh what fun it isG to ride in a oneA7 horse openD7 sleigh
G Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
C Oh what fun it isG to ride in aD one horseD7 openG sleigh
Verse 4G Now the ground is white, go it while you'reC young
Am Take the girls toD7 night, andD sing this sleighingG song
Just get a bob-tailed bay, two-forty as hisC speed
Am Hitch him to anD open sleigh andD7 crack! you'll take theG lead
ChorusOh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
C Oh what fun it isG to ride in a oneA7 horse openD7 sleigh
G Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
C Oh what fun it isG to ride in aD one horseD7 openG sleigh