We Three Kings chords for ukulele

The chords

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

How to play it

• The strum. It is a waltz, three beats to the bar: strum down on 1, then down-up on 2 and 3, or play the bass note then two strums (Play uses the waltz pattern). 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 and music by John Henry Hopkins Jr., an American Episcopal clergyman, written in 1857 for a Christmas pageant in New York and published in 1863 in his Carols, Hymns, and Songs. (source)

Questions

What chords are in We Three Kings?

In C: Am, E7, C, G, G7, Dm and F.

What key is We Three Kings in?

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

What strumming pattern does We Three Kings use?

It is a waltz, three beats to the bar: strum down on 1, then down-up on 2 and 3, or play the bass note then two strums (Play uses the waltz pattern).

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, 6/8, Em verse and G refrain, credited J. H. Hopkins 1863)
• RiffSpot: We Three Kings of Orient Are (key Em)
• Making Music Fun (key Am, relative major C in the refrain)

More Christmas songs

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