Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Little Drummer Boy Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Little Drummer Boy Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Little Drummer Boy Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Little Drummer Boy Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Little Drummer Boy Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Ctap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Little Drummer Boy Chords – Harmonica
A traditional Christmas carol about a poor boy’s humble gift to the newborn king. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Gentle Ballad (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Keep a steady, marching rhythm to mimic a drumbeat.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G (×3)
D – G
Chorus
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G (×3)
D – G
Verse 2
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G (×3)
D – G
Chorus
G – D
C – G
G – D
C – G (×3)
D – G
Practice tip: Mute the strings with your strumming hand on the “pa rum pum pum pum” parts to create a percussive, drum-like sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Little Drummer Boy"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.
Is "Little Drummer Boy" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Little Drummer Boy" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "Little Drummer Boy"?
It was written by Katherine Kennicott Davis, and released in 1941.