Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE C
EADGBE F
EADGBE G
EADGBE G7
EADGBEXX D7
Other songs by Traditional
The Twelve Days Of Christmas Traditional

 “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a traditional English Christmas carol. Its simple melody and repetitive structure make it a great choice for beginner guitarists, especially during the holiday season.

Chords

You’ll need to know these basic open chords: C, F, G, G7, and D7. If F is difficult, try the easier “mini F” (xx3211) or play just the top four strings.

Strumming Pattern

A gentle and steady down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) folk strumming pattern works well. For absolute beginners, simple downstrokes on each beat will keep the rhythm clear. Try to accent the first beat of each measure for that festive feel.

Chord Transitions

The song mostly alternates between C, G, and G7, with F and D7 appearing in the chorus lines. Practice moving from C to G and G7 smoothly, as these changes happen frequently and sometimes quickly. For “five golden rings,” the D7 to G transition is a classic turnaround—take it slow and aim for clean switches.

Tips

Sing along as you play, letting the lyrics guide your chord changes. The song repeats each verse with minor changes, so you’ll get plenty of practice with the same chord shapes. If playing with others, keep your strumming light so vocals can shine.

Enjoy the repetition to master your chord transitions and build confidence!

EADGBE C
EADGBE F
EADGBE G
EADGBE G7
EADGBEXX D7
Intro
C F C G C
Verse 1
On the first day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
A parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.
 Verse 2
On the second day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Two turtleG7 doves and aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.
 Verse 3
On the third day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Three French hens, two turtleG7 doves, and aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.
 Verse 4
On the fourth day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtleG7 doves,
And aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.
 Verse 5
On the fifth day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
FiveD7 goldenG rings.C Four calling birds,F three French hens,G two turtleG7 doves,
And aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.
 Verse 6
On the sixth day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Six geese aG7 laying,C fiveD7 goldenG rings.C Four calling birds,
F Three French hens,G two turtleG7 doves, and aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.F C
Verse 7
On the seventh day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,C fiveD7 goldenG rings.
C Four calling birds,F three French hens,G two turtleG7 doves,
And aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.F C
Verse 8
On the eighth day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,C fiveD7 goldenG rings.
C Four calling birds,F three French hens,G two turtleG7 doves,
And aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.F C
Verse 9
On the ninth day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,
C FiveD7 goldenG rings.C Four calling birds,F three French hens,G two turtleG7 doves,
And aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.F C
Verse 10
On the tenth day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Ten Lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming,
Six geese a laying,C fiveD7 goldenG rings.C Four calling birds,F three French hens,
G Two turtleG7 doves, and aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.F C
Verse 11
On the eleventh day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Eleven pipers piping, ten Lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking,
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,C fiveD7 goldenG rings.C Four calling birds,
F Three French hens,G two turtleG7 doves, and aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.F C
Verse 12
On the twelfth day of Christmas myG true loveG7 sent toC me:
G Twelve drummers drumming, eleven pipers piping, ten Lords a leaping, nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,C fiveD7 goldenG rings.
C Four calling birds,F three French hens,G two turtleG7 doves,
And aC parF tridgeC in aG7 pearC tree.F C
Other songs by Traditional