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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Bm · Em
Fairytale of New York Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Bm · Em
Fairytale of New York Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Bm · Em
Fairytale of New York Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Bm · Em
Fairytale of New York Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Bm · Em
Fairytale of New York Chords – Mandolin
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Bm · Em
Fairytale of New York Chords – Harmonica
The Pogues’ classic Christmas duet about love, loss, and nostalgia in New York City. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Folk Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: This song has a waltz feel (3/4 time), so adapt the strum to a “D, D, U” pattern or a simple downstroke on each beat.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D
A
Bm – G
D
A
Bm – G
Chorus
D
A
Bm
G
D
A
Bm
G
Verse 2
D
A
Bm
G
D
A
Bm
G
Chorus
D
A
Bm
G
D
A
Bm
G
Verse 3
D
A
Bm
G
Bridge (Male)
D
A
Bm
G
D
A
Bm
G
Bridge (Female)
D
A
Bm
G
D
A
Bm – G
Chorus
D
A
Bm
G
D
A
Bm
G
Outro
D
A
Bm
G
Practice tip: The chords D, A, Bm, and G are the only ones used. Practice switching between B minor and G, as that is the most common transition in the song.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Fairytale of New York"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: D, G, A, Bm and Em.
Is "Fairytale of New York" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Fairytale of New York" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Fairytale of New York"?
It was written by Shane MacGowan, Jem Finer, and released in 1987.