Nat King Cole 'The Christmas Song' Guitar Lesson

Hello friends,
Welcome back to Swift Guitar Lessons for another by request song tutorial. In today's session I've broken down Nat King Cole's 1961 holiday classic "The Christmas Song." Together we will discover an arsenal of useful jazz shapes and rhythm techniques that can be applied to countless standards. Let's get started!

Resources for today's lesson at:

Time-Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:37 - Demonstration (full song)
2:53 - Section #1 (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire)
13:26 - Section #2 (A turkey and some mistletoe)
15:35 - Section #3 (They know that Santa's on his way)
21:41 - Section #4 (Offering a simple phrase)
22:30 - Section #5 (outro)
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Links:

[swiftlessons]

Hey friends, thanks so much for all the support this year. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday! -Rob

Time-Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:37 - Demonstration (full song)
2:53 - Section #1 (Chestnuts roasting on an open fire)
13:26 - Section #2 (A turkey and some mistletoe)
15:35 - Section #3 (They know that Santa's on his way)
21:41 - Section #4 (Offering a simple phrase)
22:30 - Section #5 (outro)

Resources for today's lesson at:

[reedclayton]

I was discouraged Immediately by the shear amount of Jazz Chords. I'm a Blues and Rock player so it's not my sandbox. But I said "No! I can do this!" After 2 days of probably 6 hours+ of practice. I got it! Thank you Rob! And although its been said many times and many ways... Merry Christmas!

[raullukebenitez]

This is the most complete and satisfying lesson I've ever come across. 🙌 love this.

[stevehtml]

So Thankful to even get anywhere NEAR playing this . You've made the impossible look easy Thanks again !

[eduardocardenas]

Here I go again.
Is not easy but you make it look nice 😅
Thanks again for sharing your talents
Voice and guitar 🎸❤❤

[reneleonce]

Beautiful guitar playing. Not the easiest song to play let alone sing. Great job pal ✌🏽

[pioleonardorapirap]

Thanks for the lesson. I have brain's cerebellum damage and have right hand issues. Practiced playing guitar again for 4 years and I'm improving. I strongly think that I can do this! One of my favorite Christmas songs. Thanks very much!

[brendajeannewyche]

You sing so beautifully. You’re on my Holiday playlist with this, now. Thanks for teaching this, too. You’re an excellent teacher. Very engaging & easy to understand. ❤️🙌🏽😁

[RossMooreEnt]

Wonderful job of teaching. I have just bought my first Gretsch electric hollow body, and can finally get into the jazz chords I have pined for. Many thanks for all the hours of work you put into this.

[MichaelConferPhoto]

My third year back and this year after a handful of
Practice sessions, I will have it nailed. Thank you very much.

[PedroRodrigues-lbgv]

Absolutely awesome chords for this NKC song. That F#6 is pinkie finger breaking kkkk. Thank you Rob

[mattbarker]

Fantastic walk through! Thank you sir!

[KhojTheband]

Amazing. Please do more of such songs. This one, What a Wonderful World, White Christmas..

[Abdou]

Merry christmas Robert and thanks for all you're doing

[DannyWJaco]

I was planning on recording my first instructional guitar video today....until I found this. Now I have more learning to do. My mother has a Christmas song book with this version for piano and guitar....but it was too daunting putting it all together. Now I can surprise her this coming holiday by finally learning this song. Thanks Rob. Your singing voice is just a sweet as your playing.

[patrickmcandrew]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Ultimate Guitar didn't do it justice... you did!! Definitely on the nice list! 🎅

[harigeorgeson]

Gorgeous Rob! Should have it down by Christmas...of 2022 maybe. Thanks for another great year. Merry Christmas.

[nathancourtney]

Thanks for the gift, gratefully received. 😊

[eduardocardenas]

❤
Thanks again
And happy Thanksgiving..
And holidays ❤

[barry]

Dude that was awesome! You have a great voice as well as very nice chops. Merry Christmas.