The holiday season is approaching, and what better way to get into the spirit than by analyzing the chord progressions of your favorite Christmas songs? With the help of Piano Companion, you can not only play these songs but also understand the theory behind their timeless sound. Let’s dive into the chord progressions of some of the most popular Christmas songs and see how you can recreate them with the app.
Chord progressions provide for the basis of every song. First is a look at the chord progressions of the choruses of four popular Christmas songs from different eras. After that, you will find how to replicate the chords of these choruses using the Piano Companion app on your phone, tablet, or computer.
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s Christmas song “All I Want For Christmas Is You” was first released in 1994 and has turned into a modern-day classic. In fact, there are estimates that the song will hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in 2019, a full 25 years after the initial release. Written and produced by Carey alongside Walter Afanasieff, the chord progression and chords in the chorus are much more complicated than one may think for an instantly catchy song.
“Jingle Bells” – James Lord Pierpont
“Jingle Bells” dates back to 1857, when it was performed by James Lord Pierpont and titled “One Horse Open Sleigh”. There is no doubt that this has become a well-known classic, and it has been covered by countless singers ever since it was originally released. Its chorus does not follow a simple sequence with its chord progression and chords; rather, it utilizes multiple of them that combine to make this previously seemingly simple song into a classic.
“Last Christmas” – Wham!
“Last Christmas” was released by Wham in 1984. It topped the Billboard charts in many countries, mostly throughout Europe, and peaked at #5 on the US Holiday 100. It’s been a mainstay on holiday playlists ever since it was released, with countless covers and reissues. The chorus of “Last Christmas” follows a four-chord progression and utilizes four chords, as noted above. The chord progression is used in many other songs, particularly in the beginning stages of jazz music. With that in mind, it is impressive that Wham pulled this chord progression off as a holiday pop song.
“Frosty the Snowman” – Walter Rollins and Steve Nelson
Like “Jingle Bells”, “Frosty The Snowman” is a classic holiday song that seems to have been a mainstay in holiday music for a long time. The song was written in 1950 by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson, the former of which sang (but did not write) “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. “Frosty The Snowman” went as high as #7 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart, a now-defunct chart that preceded its flagship Hot 100. It also went to #4 on the now-defunct Billboard Country Singles chart. Despite being in the simple key of C Major, the chorus has a rather complicated chord progression. While most of the chord progressions are I and IV, and most of the chords are C and F, the sequence of them does not follow prolonged patterns and is occasionally interrupted by other chord progressions and chords.
Unlock the Power of Music Theory with Piano Companion
What makes Piano Companion so invaluable to musicians of all levels is its ability to teach, inform, and inspire creativity. Whether you’re a beginner just learning about chord progressions or a seasoned songwriter looking for new ideas, this app has something for everyone.
Here are some of the standout features of Piano Companion:
- Find piano chords and scales by key or using your external MIDI keyboard
- Create custom chords and scales for your user library
- View chord and scale notes on the grand staff, degrees, intervals, and fingering
- Listen to chords and scales in a loop or arpeggiated form
- Explore compatible chords and scales for any progression
- Practice scales, chords, and progressions in different keys and clefs
How to Use Piano Companion for Your Holiday Practice
If you’re planning to play any of these classic Christmas songs, start by downloading Piano Companion and exploring the chord progressions in the app. You can save your progressions, try different versions, and even build custom progressions using the app’s Chord Progression Builder. Not sure how a chord sounds? Play it on repeat or as an arpeggio until you’re satisfied with the sound.
Even better, the app lets you record your practice sessions so you can listen back and track your progress. You can tweak your fingerings, try alternative voicings, and experiment with different time signatures – all within the app!
Make This Holiday Season Musical with Piano Companion
As you gather around the piano this holiday season, let Piano Companion be your guide to making these festive melodies come alive. Whether you’re performing for friends and family or simply enjoying a quiet practice session, the app will enhance your understanding of music theory and inspire you to create your own seasonal classics.
Start exploring the wonderful world of chords, scales, and progressions today by downloading Piano Companion, and let the music flow!