G
D
C
D7
Em
Good King Wenceslas
Traditional
About the Original
"Good King Wenceslas" is a traditional Christmas carol, often sung in a moderate tempo with a bright and cheerful feel. Listening to classic choral versions can help you get a sense of the song's rhythm and melody, which is straightforward and easy to follow for beginners.
Chord Progression and Transitions
This arrangement uses common open chords: G, D, C, D7, and Em. All are beginner-friendly. Practice transitioning especially between G and D, as they occur frequently. D7 may be new to some beginners; try to keep your fingers close to the fretboard for smoother changes.
Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D D U U D U) strumming pattern works well, but you can also use a steady downstroke on each beat for a more traditional sound. Try to accent the first beat of each measure to give the song a marching, carol-like feel.
Techniques and Tips
- Play slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes.
- For verses with quick chord changes (e.g., [Em][D][Em][D][G][D7][Em][C][G]), keep your strumming hand moving and focus on landing the bass notes.
- Sing along to help remember chord changes and timing.
- If the D7 feels awkward, substitute with a regular D until comfortable.
Enjoy playing and singing this festive classic!
Intro
G D G G D G
Verse 1Good King WenD cesG las looked out,C on the FeastD7 ofG Stephen
When the snowD lay 'G round about,C deep and crispD7 andG even
Brightly shone the moonD thatEm night,C though the frostD7 wasG cruel
When aEm poorD manEm came inD sight,G gath'ring winD7 terEm fuC uG el
Verse 2"Hither pageD andG stand by me,C if thou know'stD7 itG telling
Yonder peasD antG who is he?C Where and whatD7 hisG dwelling?"
"Sire he lives a goodD leagueEm hence,C underneathD7 theG mountain
Right aEm gainstD theEm forestD fence,G by Saint AgD7 nes'Em fouC ounG tain"
Verse 3"Bring me fleshD andG bring me wine,C bring me pineD7 logsG hither
Thou and ID shallG see him dineC when we bearD7 themG thither"
Page and monarch forthD theyEm went,C forth they wentD7 toG gether
Through theEm rudeD wind'sEm wild lamD ent,G and the bitD7 terEm weaC eaG ther
Verse 4"Sire the nightD isG darker now,C and the windD7 blowsG stronger
Fails my heartD IG know not how,C I can goD7 noG longer"
"Mark my footsteps goodD myEm page,C tread thou inD7 themG boldly
Thou shallEm findD theEm winter'sD rage,G freeze thy bloodD7 lessEm coC oldG ly"
Verse 5In his masD ter'sG steps he trod,C where the snowD7 layG dinted
Heat was inD theG very sod,C which the SaintD7 hadG printed
Therefore Christian menD beEm sure,C wealth or rankD7 poG ssessing
Ye whoEm nowD willEm bless theD poor,G shall yourselvesD7 findEm bleC essG ing