Song Tabs

 "I Saw Three Ships" is a traditional English Christmas carol, often played in a lively, joyful style. Its simple melody and repetitive structure make it a great choice for beginner guitarists.

## Chord Shapes and Transitions

The song uses just three chords: A major, Asus2, and E major. Asus2 is played like A, but with the second (B) string open (x02200). Transition smoothly between A and Asus2 by lifting your finger from the B string. Practice moving between A, Asus2, and E to get comfortable with the changes, especially since these transitions happen frequently.

## Strumming Pattern

A steady, simple strumming pattern works best. Try a basic down-down-up-up-down-up (D D U U D U) pattern, or even just downstrokes for each beat if you are just starting out. The song is in 4/4 time, so keep your strumming even to match the carol’s cheerful rhythm.

## Tips for Beginners

— Start slowly, focusing on clean chord changes, especially between A and Asus2.
— Hum or sing along to stay on track with the lyrics and chord changes.
— Use the intro ([A] [A] [A] [A]) to get in rhythm before starting the verses.
— If E major feels tricky, practice switching between A and E separately.

With practice, this carol will sound bright and joyful, perfect for holiday gatherings!