Christmas

Silent Night Chords

Traditional Beginner Key of G 3 Chords 2 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · D · C

Silent Night Chords – Guitar

The most beloved Christmas carol, gentle and reverent in 3/4 waltz time. Three chords and a peaceful melody create a moment of calm beauty.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↓

123

Tip: Play this one softly. Use your thumb instead of a pick for a warmer, more intimate sound. Let each chord ring fully before changing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need G, D, and C. All simple open chords that sound beautiful together.

2

Feel the waltz

This is in 3/4 time, like a waltz. Count “1-2-3, 1-2-3.” The gentle triple meter creates the peaceful feeling.

3

Learn the verse

The progression is G-G-D-G-C-G-D-G. Each chord lasts a full measure. The slow tempo gives you lots of time to change.

4

Create the atmosphere

Play as quietly as possible while still being heard. Silence between the notes is just as important as the notes themselves.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

All is calm, all is bright

C G

Round yon virgin mother and child

C G

Holy infant so tender and mild

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

Verse 2

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

Shepherds quake at the sight

C G

Glories stream from heaven afar

C G

Heavenly hosts sing alleluia

D G

Christ the Savior is born

D G

Christ the Savior is born

Practice tip: Practice playing this in a dark room with just a candle. Seriously — it changes how you play. You will naturally soften your touch and play with more feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Silent Night"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, D and C.

Is "Silent Night" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Silent Night" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Silent Night"?

It was written by Traditional.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · D · C

Silent Night Chords – Ukulele

The most beloved Christmas carol, gentle and reverent in 3/4 waltz time. Three chords and a peaceful melody create a moment of calm beauty.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↓

123

Tip: Play this one softly. Use your thumb instead of a pick for a warmer, more intimate sound. Let each chord ring fully before changing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need G, D, and C. All simple open chords that sound beautiful together.

2

Feel the waltz

This is in 3/4 time, like a waltz. Count “1-2-3, 1-2-3.” The gentle triple meter creates the peaceful feeling.

3

Learn the verse

The progression is G-G-D-G-C-G-D-G. Each chord lasts a full measure. The slow tempo gives you lots of time to change.

4

Create the atmosphere

Play as quietly as possible while still being heard. Silence between the notes is just as important as the notes themselves.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Verse 1

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

All is calm, all is bright

C G

Round yon virgin mother and child

C G

Holy infant so tender and mild

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

Verse 2

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

Shepherds quake at the sight

C G

Glories stream from heaven afar

C G

Heavenly hosts sing alleluia

D G

Christ the Savior is born

D G

Christ the Savior is born

Practice tip: Practice playing this in a dark room with just a candle. Seriously — it changes how you play. You will naturally soften your touch and play with more feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Silent Night"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, D and C.

Is "Silent Night" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Silent Night" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Silent Night"?

It was written by Traditional.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · D · C

Silent Night Chords – Piano

The most beloved Christmas carol, gentle and reverent in 3/4 waltz time. Three chords and a peaceful melody create a moment of calm beauty.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↓

123

Tip: Play this one softly. Use your thumb instead of a pick for a warmer, more intimate sound. Let each chord ring fully before changing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need G, D, and C. All simple open chords that sound beautiful together.

2

Feel the waltz

This is in 3/4 time, like a waltz. Count “1-2-3, 1-2-3.” The gentle triple meter creates the peaceful feeling.

3

Learn the verse

The progression is G-G-D-G-C-G-D-G. Each chord lasts a full measure. The slow tempo gives you lots of time to change.

4

Create the atmosphere

Play as quietly as possible while still being heard. Silence between the notes is just as important as the notes themselves.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Verse 1

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

All is calm, all is bright

C G

Round yon virgin mother and child

C G

Holy infant so tender and mild

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

Verse 2

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

Shepherds quake at the sight

C G

Glories stream from heaven afar

C G

Heavenly hosts sing alleluia

D G

Christ the Savior is born

D G

Christ the Savior is born

Practice tip: Practice playing this in a dark room with just a candle. Seriously — it changes how you play. You will naturally soften your touch and play with more feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Silent Night"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, D and C.

Is "Silent Night" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Silent Night" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Silent Night"?

It was written by Traditional.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · D · C

Silent Night Chords – Banjo

The most beloved Christmas carol, gentle and reverent in 3/4 waltz time. Three chords and a peaceful melody create a moment of calm beauty.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↓

123

Tip: Play this one softly. Use your thumb instead of a pick for a warmer, more intimate sound. Let each chord ring fully before changing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need G, D, and C. All simple open chords that sound beautiful together.

2

Feel the waltz

This is in 3/4 time, like a waltz. Count “1-2-3, 1-2-3.” The gentle triple meter creates the peaceful feeling.

3

Learn the verse

The progression is G-G-D-G-C-G-D-G. Each chord lasts a full measure. The slow tempo gives you lots of time to change.

4

Create the atmosphere

Play as quietly as possible while still being heard. Silence between the notes is just as important as the notes themselves.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Verse 1

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

All is calm, all is bright

C G

Round yon virgin mother and child

C G

Holy infant so tender and mild

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

Verse 2

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

Shepherds quake at the sight

C G

Glories stream from heaven afar

C G

Heavenly hosts sing alleluia

D G

Christ the Savior is born

D G

Christ the Savior is born

Practice tip: Practice playing this in a dark room with just a candle. Seriously — it changes how you play. You will naturally soften your touch and play with more feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Silent Night"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, D and C.

Is "Silent Night" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Silent Night" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Silent Night"?

It was written by Traditional.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · D · C

Silent Night Chords – Mandolin

The most beloved Christmas carol, gentle and reverent in 3/4 waltz time. Three chords and a peaceful melody create a moment of calm beauty.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↓

123

Tip: Play this one softly. Use your thumb instead of a pick for a warmer, more intimate sound. Let each chord ring fully before changing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need G, D, and C. All simple open chords that sound beautiful together.

2

Feel the waltz

This is in 3/4 time, like a waltz. Count “1-2-3, 1-2-3.” The gentle triple meter creates the peaceful feeling.

3

Learn the verse

The progression is G-G-D-G-C-G-D-G. Each chord lasts a full measure. The slow tempo gives you lots of time to change.

4

Create the atmosphere

Play as quietly as possible while still being heard. Silence between the notes is just as important as the notes themselves.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Verse 1

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

All is calm, all is bright

C G

Round yon virgin mother and child

C G

Holy infant so tender and mild

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

Verse 2

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

Shepherds quake at the sight

C G

Glories stream from heaven afar

C G

Heavenly hosts sing alleluia

D G

Christ the Savior is born

D G

Christ the Savior is born

Practice tip: Practice playing this in a dark room with just a candle. Seriously — it changes how you play. You will naturally soften your touch and play with more feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Silent Night"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, D and C.

Is "Silent Night" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Silent Night" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Silent Night"?

It was written by Traditional.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · D · C

Silent Night Chords – Harmonica

The most beloved Christmas carol, gentle and reverent in 3/4 waltz time. Three chords and a peaceful melody create a moment of calm beauty.

Strumming Pattern (3/4 Time)

↓↓↓

123

Tip: Play this one softly. Use your thumb instead of a pick for a warmer, more intimate sound. Let each chord ring fully before changing.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the three chords

You need G, D, and C. All simple open chords that sound beautiful together.

2

Feel the waltz

This is in 3/4 time, like a waltz. Count “1-2-3, 1-2-3.” The gentle triple meter creates the peaceful feeling.

3

Learn the verse

The progression is G-G-D-G-C-G-D-G. Each chord lasts a full measure. The slow tempo gives you lots of time to change.

4

Create the atmosphere

Play as quietly as possible while still being heard. Silence between the notes is just as important as the notes themselves.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Verse 1

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

All is calm, all is bright

C G

Round yon virgin mother and child

C G

Holy infant so tender and mild

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

D G

Sleep in heavenly peace

Verse 2

G G

Silent night, holy night

D G

Shepherds quake at the sight

C G

Glories stream from heaven afar

C G

Heavenly hosts sing alleluia

D G

Christ the Savior is born

D G

Christ the Savior is born

Practice tip: Practice playing this in a dark room with just a candle. Seriously — it changes how you play. You will naturally soften your touch and play with more feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Silent Night"?

You need 3 beginner-friendly chords: G, D and C.

Is "Silent Night" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 3 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Silent Night" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Silent Night"?

It was written by Traditional.