Happy Xmas Piano Chords & Patterns

Learn Happy Xmas in 5 steps

The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.

1
Chords: A – Bm – E – A
Happy Xmas sits in A major: A is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: A is A, C# and E; Bm is B, D and F#; E is E, G# and B. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
AIBmiiEVAI
- AA · C# · E
- BmB · D · F#
- EE · G# · B
34 songs go round the same chords
2
Left hand: Lapping waves
A low note, then a high pair rocking like small waves in a waltz. Musicians call it open arpeggio 1-5-10-5-10-5 (3/4) (open arpeggio), a medium pattern heard in 74 songs of the library.
Lapping wavesOpen arpeggio · WaltzLeft handMedium
3
Right hand: the chords, held
In this song the right hand mostly plays the tune itself. Hold the chords lightly, or play the melody over the left hand.
4
Both hands at 99 BPM
Put the two hands together over the loop. Start at half speed with the player's speed control, and bring it up once every change is easy.
5
Ending: Bm – E – A
The last chords are ii – V – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
BmEA

What chords are in Happy Xmas?

The loop is A – Bm – E – A (I – ii – V – I) in A major, and the song ends on Bm – E – A.

What key is Happy Xmas in?

A major, at about 99 beats a minute in 12/8.

What does the left hand play in Happy Xmas?

Lapping waves: open arpeggio 1-5-10-5-10-5 (3/4), a medium pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.

Is Happy Xmas easy to play on piano?

It is a medium one: learn the 4 chords as blocks first, then add the left hand, then the right, slowly.

Can I hear the real melody of Happy Xmas?

Yes: "The part you know" plays the catchy part of the song from a score, with both hands.