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Christmas Carol - The First Noel Chords

ChordsG, D, C, Bm
Strumming↓-↓↑-↓↑-↓↑

Before you play, tune your guitar and use the tools below to set up your view and flow. Using the Transpose tool, switch to A,D keys to play this song with easier chords.

TheGfirstDNoel,theCangelsdidGsaywastoCcertainpoor
BmShepherdsinCfieldsasDtheyGlay:
InGfieldswhereDthey,layCkeepingtheirGsheep
OnaCcoldwinter’sBmnightthatCwasDsoGdeep.
GNoelDNoel,CNoelGNoel
CBornistheBmKingofCIsrael.
TheyGlookedDupandCsawaGstar
ShiningCintheBmeastCbeyondDthemGfar:
AndGtotheDearthitCgavegreatGlight
AndCsoitBmcontinuedbothCdayDandGnight.
GNoelDNoel,CNoelGNoel
CBornistheBmKingofCIsrael.
AndGbytheDlightofCthatsameGstar
ThreeCwisemenBmcamefromtheCcountryDfar;
ToGseekforaDKingwasCtheirGintent,
AndtoCfollowtheBmstar CwhereverDitGwent.
GNoelDNoel,CNoelGNoel
CBornistheBmKingofCIsrael.
ThisGstarDdrewnightoCthe Gnorth-west;
OverCBethlehemitCtookDit’sGrest,
AndGthereitDdidbothCstopandGstay,
RightCovertheBmplacewhereCJesusDlay.
GNoelDNoel,CNoelGNoel
CBornistheBmKingofCIsrael.
ThenGenteredDinthoseCwisemenGthree,
FellCreverentlyCuponDtheirGknee,
AndGofferedDthereinhisCpresence
TheirCgoldandBmmyrrhandCfrankincense.
GNoelDNoel,CNoelGNoel
CBornistheBmKingofCIsrael.
ThenGletusDallwithConeGaccord
SingCpraisesBmtoourCheavenlyGLord,
ThatGhathDmadeheavenandCearthofGnought,
AndCwithhisBmblood CmankindDhasGbought.
GNoelDNoel,CNoelGNoel
CBornistheBmKingofCIsrael.
GNoelDNoel,CNoelGNoel
CBornistheBmKingofCIsrael.
AlbumThe First Noel
GenresChristmas
Year1823
KeyG
DifficultyIntermediate

How to play The First Noel on Guitar (Step-by-step)

Christmas Carol - The First Noel on guitar requires 4 chords and 4 core chord transitions. You can find the full step-by-step guide below. Before you start, tune your instrument. The song uses the ↓-↓↑-↓↑-↓↑ pattern; practice it muted first, or simplify to downstrokes while you learn the changes.

The First Noel uses these transitions most often: Bm → C (19), C → Bm (19), and C → D (19). These transitions may feel a little challenging at first, but with steady practice you can play this song quickly.When you are ready, begin with G - D chord transition.

1. G → D chord transition

Switching from G to D:

  1. Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on G string fret 2.
  2. Slide your middle finger from E string fret 3 to E string fret 2.
  3. Lift your ring finger from E string fret 3 and place it on B string fret 3.

This transition appears in the verse, played 19 times.

G to D

2. D → C chord transition

To move from D to C:

  1. Lift your index finger from G string fret 2 and place it on B string fret 1.
  2. Slide your middle finger from E string fret 2 to D string fret 2.
  3. Lift your ring finger from B string fret 3 and place it on A string fret 3.

This transition appears in the verse, played 19 times.

D to C

3. C → G chord transition

To move from C to G:

  1. Lift your index finger from B string fret 1 and place it on A string fret 2.
  2. Slide your middle finger from D string fret 2 to E string fret 3.
  3. Lift your ring finger from A string fret 3 and place it on E string fret 3.

This transition appears in the verse, played 19 times.

C to G

4. C → Bm chord transition

To move from C to Bm:

  1. Lift your index finger from B string fret 1 and place it on E string fret 2.
  2. Slide your middle finger from D string fret 2 to B string fret 3.
  3. Lift your ring finger from A string fret 3 and place it on D string fret 4.
  4. Place pinky on G string fret 4.

This transition appears in the verse, played 19 times.

C to Bm

A short, data-driven summary of the chord flow in The First Noel.

  • The First Noel includes 152 chord transitions, 4 of them unique.
  • These transitions represent 0.04% of all chord transitions in Chordier.
  • The First Noel contains 3 of the top 10 transitions across Chordier.
  • These transition patterns show how The First Noel connects to the rest of Chordier. Mastering them helps you move to similar songs faster.
    After G, the most likely next chords across Chordier are C (25%), D (24%), and Am (13%).
    • G → C: 25%
    • G → D: 24%
    After C, the most likely next chords across Chordier are G (35%), F (16%), and D (11%).
    • C → G: 35%
    • C → D: 11%