How to Play "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" on Piano

Christmas time is the perfect season to sit around the piano with friends and family, playing and singing some of the most beloved holiday songs. Two favorites that capture the festive spirit are "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". In this guide, you'll learn how to play these classics on the piano, bringing holiday cheer to your celebrations.

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" Music Notes

"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is a traditional English carol that dates back to the 16th century. Its cheerful melody and repetitive structure make it an easy piece to learn, even for beginners. Before diving into the music notes, familiarize yourself with the melody by listening to a recording or watching a performance.

Music Notes for "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Here's a simple version of the music notes for "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". This arrangement keeps it straightforward, perfect for beginners to practice:

    E D C D E E E    D D D E G G    E D C D E E E    D D E D C    

Play each note steadily and try to keep a consistent tempo. Don't worry if you don't get it perfect the first time – practice makes perfect!

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" Piano Music

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a more modern holiday classic, made famous by Judy Garland in the 1944 film, Meet Me in St. Louis. The song has been covered by countless artists and remains a staple of holiday music. While "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is lively and upbeat, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" has a more mellow, reflective tone.

Starting with the Melodic Line

When learning "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", start with the main melodic line. Here's a simplified version of the beginning music notes to get you started:

    C E F G A G F    E D C A F E D     

Like with "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", take your time to practice these notes until you can play them smoothly.

Adding Chords

Once you're comfortable with the melody, you can start adding some basic chords to accompany your playing. This song uses a mixture of major and minor chords to create its beautiful harmonies. An example of chords you can use:

    C       Am   Dm7   G7    Have yourself a merry little Christmas    

Practice playing the chords along with the melody, and soon you'll be able to perform a richer version of the song.

Tips for Playing Christmas Music on Piano

Here are a few tips to help you master your holiday piano pieces:

• Start slow: Play the notes at a slower tempo until you’re comfortable with the transitions and feel of the song.
• Use sheet music: If possible, get your hands on the sheet music for these songs. It will make your practice more accurate and efficient.
• Listen to recordings: Hearing the songs played by different artists can give you a better sense of how they should sound and inspire your performance.
• Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering any piece of music. Set aside some time each day to play.

Distributing Your Holiday Music

If you're a musician looking to share your holiday performances with a wider audience, consider using SoundOn. Through our platform, you can distribute your music globally and reach new fans via TikTok and other streaming services. Join the growing community of artists and bring your festive tunes to more listeners by registering as a SoundOn artist today!

Conclusion

Playing holiday classics like "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" can add a magical touch to your celebrations. Take your time to learn and enjoy these pieces, and they will become a beloved part of your festive traditions. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!