Christmas

Silent Night Chords

Traditional Beginner Key of G 3 Chords 2 min read

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

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.

Gtap to play

Dtap to play

Ctap to play

Key

G Major

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.