“Jingle Bells” is a very well-known Christmas song and, of course, a big Christmas classic in the English-speaking world. But it has also gained popularity in many other countries in recent decades and became one of the most popular Christmas songs around the world. The song originated in the United States in the 19th century. Although it is often associated with Christmas, it was not originally written as a Christmas carol.
It was composed by James Lord Pierpont and published in 1857 under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh”, and simply depicted a horse-drawn sleigh race by young people. The lyrics had nothing to do with Christmas. It was originally sung and played as a dance song at Thanksgiving and during the winter season. However, its catchy melody and lyrics about a joyful sleigh ride in the snow with jingling bells quickly made the song popular. Over time, Jingle Bells became associated with Christmas and was included in the repertoire of traditional Christmas carols. The song’s cheerful and infectious atmosphere was a perfect match for the festive spirit of the season.
Guitar Chords and Lyrics for Jingle Bells
“Jingle Bells” is a really good song, especially for beginners, because it is made up of basic chords, so you can practise switching between them effectively. There are four chords: C, F, G and D, which are also commonly used in many songs and are usually among the first chords that any guitar beginner learns. Below you’ll find the corresponding guitar chord diagrams to play this children’s song on the guitar.
GDashing through the snow in a one-horse open Csleigh,
o’er the fields we D7go, laughing all the Gway.
Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits Cbright.
What fun it is to Gride and sing a D7sleighing song Gtonight.
GJingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
COh, what fun it Gis to ride in a A7one-horse open D7sleigh!
GJingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
COh, what fun it Gis to ride in D7a one-horse open Gsleigh.
Sheet Music for Jingle Bells
If you can read music, then playing from sheet music is perfect for you, whether it’s guitar, piano or flute. The Jingle Bells sheet music is also great for students who are just learning to read music, as it contains many basic elements.
You can also download the sheet music with the chords as a PDF for free in order to use it for your guitar lessons!
Learn another easy nursery rhyme:
ABC Song
Baa Baa Black Sheep
Brother John
Happy Birthday
Humpty Dumpty
Itsy Bitsy Spider
Mary had a little Lamb
O Christmas Tree
Old MacDonald had a Farm
Row row row your Boat
Silent Night
Twinkle twinkle little Star
Wheels on the Bus
Yankee Doodle