“Silent Night” Guitar Chord Chart & Easy Guitar Tutorial
This Silent Night guitar chord chart and web page will teach you one of the most classic Christmas songs on guitar. We will cover the easy strumming version of this song, as well as a easy fingerstyle chord melody.
Silent Night is an easy 3-chord Christmas song! It uses G, C and D. You can add some other chords to it, if you’re up for the challenge (as I outline in the above tutorial.) One thing to note, it’s in 3-4 time. That means we have to count it a particular way: 1 + 2 + 3 +. Below you will find the Silent Night chords and lyrics, which will guide you through this song from start to finish.
Silent Night Chords:
Strumming Pattern:
The strumming pattern for Silent Night is quite simple. Since this song is in 3-4 time we have to count it a particular way: 1 + 2 + 3 +
Silent Night Chord Melody:
This fingerstyle arrangement for Silent Night is quite simple, usually playing just 2 notes at a time. It’s important to note the chord shapes are still there, underneath it all, so it’s worth it to get used to strumming the song first. That’ll make the chord melody MUCH easier to learn!
Silent Night Chords and Lyrics
[Verse 1]
G G G G
Silent night, holy night
D D G G
All is calm, all is bright
C C G G
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
C C G G
Holy Infant so tender and mild
D D G G
Sleep in heavenly peace
G D G G
Sleep in heavenly peace
[Verse 2]
G G G G
Silent night, holy night
D D G G
Shepherds quake at the sight
C C G G
Glories stream from heaven afar
C C G G
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
D D G G
Christ the Savior is born
G D G G
Christ the Savior is born
[Verse 3]
G G G G
Silent night, holy night
D D G G
Son of God, love's pure light
C C G G
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
C C G G
With the dawn of redeeming grace
D D G G
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
G D G G
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Who wrote Silent Night?
“Silent Night” was written by Joseph Mohr, an Austrian priest, who penned the original German lyrics in 1816. The music was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, a school teacher and organist, in 1818. The song was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria.
Famous recordings of Silent Night:
- Bing Crosby (1942) – His version is one of the best-selling recordings of all time and brought the song widespread popularity in the U.S.
- Elvis Presley – He included “Silent Night” in his 1957 album Elvis’ Christmas Album, which became a holiday classic.
- Frank Sinatra – His smooth version added a touch of his signature vocal style to the song.
- Mariah Carey – Known for her powerful voice, her rendition is featured on her 1994 album Merry Christmas.
- Nat King Cole – His rich, warm voice made his version particularly memorable.
- Pentatonix – This a cappella group’s contemporary take has become popular for its complex harmonies and modern sound.
- Josh Groban – His version showcases his powerful vocal range and emotional depth.
- Andrea Bocelli – The opera tenor’s rendition brings a classical and soulful approach to the beloved carol.
