How to Play “Deck the Halls”

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“Deck the Halls” is a traditional Christmas song that dates back to the 16th century. Originally it was a Welsh winter song about new years eve. Since it’s beginning, it has undergone a number of changes to become the beloved Christmas song we are familiar with today. This lesson will teach you how to play it in a very simple form and includes sheet music with chords. You can play it using the notation or you can use the chords to guide you along as you play by ear.

This version is in the key of C. Begin with your hands in C position. This means your right-hand thumb is on middle C, and your left-hand 5 finger is on low C. The first four measures of this song happen almost entirely in the first 5 notes of the C scale making it really simple to play. You won’t have to move your hands around very much at all.

The second line is a repeat of the first which leaves you with measures 9-12 to learn something new. These measures will bring you up to high C. It is a little bit of a challenge but because you’ve likely heard this song many many times before, your ear will help you know if you are on the right track.

Once you’ve figured out how to play this using sheet music, I’d love to challenge you to create your own embellishments and touches to the song by adding in intervals and chords.

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

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Lisa Witt has been teaching piano for more than 20 years and in that time has helped hundreds of students learn to play the songs they love. Lisa received classical piano training through the Royal Conservatory of Music, but she has since embraced popular music and playing by ear in order to accompany herself and others. Learn more about Lisa.