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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · Am · Dm · G · F · Em
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · Am · Dm · G · F · Em
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · Am · Dm · G · F · Em
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · Am · Dm · G · F · Em
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · Am · Dm · G · F · Em
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · Am · Dm · G · F · Em
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Chords – Harmonica
The nostalgic World War II-era Christmas classic about longing to be home for the holidays. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.
Nostalgic Holiday (4/4 Time)
↓↑↓↑
1234
Tip: Play slowly and sentimentally. This song carries deep emotion — let each chord change breathe.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – A7 – Dm – G
Em – Am – Dm – G
C – Am – Dm – Fm
Em – A7 – Dm – G
Verse 2
C – A7 – Dm – G
Em – Am – Dm – G
C – Dm – Em – Am
Dm – G – C – C
Verse 3 (Repeat)
C – A7 – Dm – G
Em – Am – Dm – G
C – Am – Dm – Fm
Em – A7 – Dm – G
Outro
C – A7 – Dm – G
Em – Am – Dm – G
C – Dm – Em – Am
Dm – G – C (×2)
Practice tip: This song has many chord changes, but they move slowly. Take each line separately and practice the transitions. The A7 adds warmth — it’s like an Am with the C string open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "I’ll Be Home for Christmas"?
You need 6 beginner-friendly chords: C, Am, Dm, G, F and Em.
Is "I’ll Be Home for Christmas" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 6 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "I’ll Be Home for Christmas" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "I’ll Be Home for Christmas"?
It was written by Kim Gannon, Walter Kent, Buck Ram, and released in 1943.