Joy to the World chords for guitar

The chords

Press a chord to hear it, or its name for every way to play it.

How to play it

• The strum. Four beats to the bar: four down strums is enough to start; then the folk strum (down, down-up, up-down-up). On guitar a bass note then a strum sounds fuller. Start slow, around 80 beats a minute, and change chord on the first beat of the bar.
• Too low or too high to sing? Change the key above. Or keep these shapes and put a capo on: two frets up raises the song a whole step (the capo chart works it out).
• A new chord? Press its card for every way to play it, or start from the beginner chords.

About the carol

Words by the English hymn writer Isaac Watts, published in 1719 as a paraphrase of Psalm 98; the tune Antioch was arranged and published by the American Lowell Mason in 1839, built from phrases attributed to Handel. (source)

Questions

What chords are in Joy to the World?

In D: D, A7 and G, three of the first chords anyone learns.

What key is Joy to the World in?

It is sung in many keys. On guitar D is the easiest, with open chords; use the Key menu for any other.

What strumming pattern does Joy to the World use?

Four beats to the bar: four down strums is enough to start; then the folk strum (down, down-up, up-down-up). On guitar a bass note then a strum sounds fuller.

Sources

The chords were checked against these, bar by bar; where they differ, this page gives the version most beginner sheets agree on.

• Paul Hardy's Xmas Tunebook (ABC with simplified chords, key D, credited Lowell Mason 1839)
• RiffSpot (key D)
• Making Music Fun (key G)

More Christmas songs

Silent NightJingle BellsWe Wish You a Merry ChristmasDeck the HallsO Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum)Away in a MangerHark! The Herald Angels SingO Come, All Ye FaithfulThe First NoelGod Rest Ye Merry GentlemenGood King WenceslasWe Three KingsO Little Town of BethlehemJolly Old Saint NicholasUp on the HousetopAngels We Have Heard on HighAuld Lang SyneAll Christmas songs