Emtap to play
Amtap to play
B7tap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Em · Am · B7 · G · D · C
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Chords – Guitar
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
B7tap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Em · Am · B7 · G · D · C
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Chords – Ukulele
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
B7tap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Em · Am · B7 · G · D · C
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Chords – Piano
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
B7tap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Em · Am · B7 · G · D · C
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Chords – Banjo
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
B7tap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Em · Am · B7 · G · D · C
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Chords – Mandolin
Emtap to play
Amtap to play
B7tap to play
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Ctap to play
Key
E
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Em · Am · B7 · G · D · C
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Chords – Harmonica
The dramatic minor-key Christmas carol about the angel’s message to the shepherds. Intermediate difficulty in the key of Em.
Dramatic Minor Carol (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Play with intensity and drama. The minor key gives this carol a mysterious, powerful quality. Let the chords ring with authority.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
Em – C
B7 – Em
Em – C
B7 – Em
Am – Em
Am – B7
Chorus
G – B7 – Em – D
G – B7 – Em
Verse 2
Em – C
B7 – Em
Em – C
B7 – Em
Am – Em
Am – B7
Chorus
G – B7 – Em – D
G – B7 – Em
Verse 3
Em – C
B7 – Em
Em – C
B7 – Em
Am – Em
Am – B7
Chorus
G – B7 – Em – D
G – B7 – Em
Verse 4
Em – C
B7 – Em
Em – C
B7 – Em
Am – Em
Am – B7
Chorus
G – B7 – Em – D
G – B7 – Em
Practice tip: The Em-C-B7 sequence in the verses is the core of this song. The B7 chord gives it that dramatic resolution. Practice moving between Em and B7 until it’s fluid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"?
You need 6 intermediate-friendly chords: Em, Am, B7, G, D and C.
Is "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 6 chords in the key of E, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" in?
It is in the key of E.
Who wrote "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"?
It was written by Traditional.