Christmas Tab for Ukulele
- Lloyd Crowley
- Nov 27, 2025
- 2 min read
This week won't be your regular blog post - instead I'll be giving you some Christmas tab for ukulele to take you into December! I've written out a few carols for ukulele quartet (Uke, Low G Uke, Baritone and Bass), as well as some chord sheets. Download them for free and get festive!
Good King Wenceslas
Good King Wenceslas is based on a story of Saint Wenceslaus I, who was Duke of Bohemia. In the story, he goes out during bad winter weather to give alms to a peasant on the Feast of Stephen, which is 26th December.
The full score and ukulele parts can be downloaded by clicking the button to the right.
The First Noel
This carol is originally from Cornwall. The word Nowell was originally used as a synonym for Christmas, from the French word Noël which means "The Christmas season." The original Cornish words in the chorus actually don't say Noel - they say "O well, O well." More apt for someone who's just dropped their pasty than a Christmas carol.
The full score and ukulele parts can be downloaded to the right.
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
This one dates back to around the 1650s, and the phrase "God rest you merry" historically meant "may God grant you peace and happiness." According to the Oxford English Dictionary, this phrase was used from 1534 onwards, and even appears in William Shakespeare's play As You Like It in the 1590s.
Punctuation makes a big difference - the comma is sometimes put after the word "Ye," making it seem as if the song is about merry gentlemen.
Carol of the Bells
If you've seen Home Alone, you'll definitely know this one. Carol of the Bells is based on a Ukrainian New Year's song called Shchedryk, which in English means "bountiful evening." This song tells of a swallow that flies into a house to tell everyone that the following spring will bring wealth.
This piece is based on a 4-note motif that repeats throughout the song, and was written in around 1916. As well as the ukulele quartet version, I have attached a chord sheet for those wanting to add chords or play in a larger group.
Ring Out, Solstice Bells - Jethro Tull
This song was recently introduced to me by a good friend, and I have to say that it is now my favourite Christmas song. I warn you though - it's tricky to get the hang of. The verses are in 7/4 time, so some careful counting is required. However, once you get the hang of it, it's great!
The chord sheet is below, as well as the tabs that fit in with it.
Christmas Tab for Ukulele Summary
So that's all for now folks, but more will be coming soon! Keep an eye on my YouTube and Facebook, as I'll be uploading some Christmas recordings throughout December.
Next week, we'll launch into the world of music theory, with a bit of explanation for beginners to the subject.
Comments