Dtap to play
Gtap to play
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Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Joy to the World Chords – Guitar
Dtap to play
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Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Joy to the World Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Joy to the World Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Joy to the World Chords – Banjo
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
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Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Joy to the World Chords – Mandolin
Dtap to play
Gtap to play
Atap to play
Emtap to play
Key
D
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
D · G · A · Em
Joy to the World Chords – Harmonica
The beloved Christmas hymn celebrating the birth of Jesus. Beginner difficulty in the key of D.
Joyful Hymn (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Play this with a bright, celebratory feel. The descending melody is iconic — if you can pick the melody on the high strings while strumming, it adds a nice touch.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D – G – A
D – G – D
D – A – D
D – A
A – D
D – G – A – D
Verse 2
D – G – A
D – G – D
D – A – D
D – A
A – D
D – G – A – D
Verse 3
D – G – A
D – G – D
D – A – D
D – A
A – D
D – G – A – D
Verse 4
D – G – A
D – G – D
D – A – D
D – A
A – D
D – G – A – D
Practice tip: Just three chords (D, G, A) make this a perfect beginner Christmas song. The descending “and heaven and nature sing” section is the most fun part to play.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Joy to the World"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: D, G, A and Em.
Is "Joy to the World" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Joy to the World" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Joy to the World"?
It was written by Isaac Watts, George Frideric Handel.