Unraveling the Mystery: What Child Is This Guitar Chords?

As the holiday season approaches, many music enthusiasts and guitar players eagerly seek out festive tunes to share with family and friends. One of the most beloved traditional songs during this time is “What Child Is This.” This hauntingly beautiful melody, set to the familiar “Greensleeves,” captures the essence of the season and is a staple in holiday music collections. In this article, we will delve into the guitar chords for “What Child Is This,” explore its musical background, and provide a comprehensive guitar tutorial that will enhance your playing techniques and music theory knowledge.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Song: A Brief History

What Child Is This” was written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865. Originally, the lyrics accompanied the traditional English melody “Greensleeves.” Over the years, this song has become synonymous with Christmas, often performed in various arrangements across different musical genres. Understanding the background of this holiday classic not only enriches your appreciation but also provides context for its musical structure.

The Musical Elements of “What Child Is This”

Before diving into the guitar chords, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the song’s musical elements:

Key: The song is typically played in the key of E minor.
Time Signature: The piece is in a 4/4 time signature, which gives it a steady and flowing rhythm.
Melody: The melody is lyrical and smooth, making it perfect for fingerstyle playing or gentle strumming.

What Are the Guitar Chords for “What Child Is This”?

Now, let’s explore the guitar chords needed to play “What Child Is This.” The simplicity of its chords makes it accessible for beginners while also offering room for embellishments for more advanced players.

Basic Chords

The basic guitar chords for “What Child Is This” are as follows:

Em (E minor)
A7 (A dominant seventh)
B7 (B dominant seventh)
G (G major)
C (C major)

Here’s how the chords fit into the song:

 Verse 1: Em G What child is this, who, laid to rest, A7 Em On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Em G Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, A7 Em While shepherds watch are keeping? Chorus: Em B7 This, this is Christ the King, G A7 Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Em B7 Haste, haste to bring Him laud, G Em The babe, the son of Mary.

Step-by-Step Guitar Tutorial

Now that you have an understanding of the chords, let’s break down the tutorial into manageable steps.

Step 1: Chord Familiarization

Before playing the song, ensure you are comfortable with the following chords:

E minor (Em): Place your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string) and your 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string).
A7: Place your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the D string and your 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string).
B7: Place your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the D string, your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your 4th finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string.
G major (G): Place your 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string (6th string), your 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your 3rd and 4th fingers on the 3rd fret of the B and high E strings, respectively.
C major (C): Place your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.

Step 2: Strumming Pattern

For a gentle, flowing feel, try the following strumming pattern:

 Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up

Practice this pattern slowly, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable.

Step 3: Putting It All Together

Now, combine the chords and the strumming pattern. Start with the first verse, playing each chord for a measure, and applying the strumming pattern. Don’t rush; focus on getting the transitions smooth.

Playing Techniques to Enhance Your Performance

To make your rendition of “What Child Is This” truly shine, consider incorporating the following playing techniques:

Fingerstyle: Instead of strumming, try fingerpicking the chords. This adds a delicate touch that suits the song’s ambiance.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Add embellishments by using hammer-ons and pull-offs on the melody notes, especially during the chorus.
Dynamics: Play softly during the verses and build intensity during the chorus to create a sense of emotional progression.

Understanding Music Theory Behind the Chords

As you learn guitar chords for “What Child Is This,” it’s beneficial to understand the music theory involved. The song is in E minor, which is the relative minor of G major. This relationship is key to understanding why certain chords work well together:

Chord Functions: The Em serves as the tonic (i), A7 as the subdominant (iv), B7 as the dominant (V), G as the major VI, and C as the major III.
Circle of Fifths: Familiarizing yourself with the circle of fifths can help you understand chord progressions and key changes in the song.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

As you practice, you may encounter some challenges. Here are a few common obstacles and how to overcome them:

Chord Transitions: If transitioning between chords feels difficult, practice switching between just two chords at a time until you build muscle memory.
Strumming Consistency: If your strumming feels off, consider slowing down and counting out loud to maintain a steady rhythm.
Feeling Overwhelmed: If you’re struggling with the song overall, break it into smaller sections and tackle each part individually.

Conclusion: Bringing the Spirit of the Holidays to Life

Playing “What Child Is This” on the guitar is a rewarding experience that can bring joy to your holiday celebrations. With the right guitar chords, playing techniques, and a bit of practice, you can master this traditional song and share it with loved ones. Whether you choose to strum along at family gatherings or perform it at a local holiday event, this timeless classic will surely resonate with the spirit of the season.

For more resources on holiday music and guitar tutorials, you can check out this comprehensive guide. Happy playing!

This article is in the category Theory and created by MusicProTips Team