🎅 How to Nail "Fairytale of New York" on Guitar: Your Ultimate, Hilariously Irish-Adjacent, Ad-Friendly Guide!
Let's be real, you hear those first few piano tinkles, and suddenly you’re ready to belt out the most wonderfully melancholic, whiskey-soaked Christmas anthem ever penned. This tune by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl isn't just a song, it's a whole vibe! It’s the sound of a Big Apple dream turning into a delightful, slightly grumpy argument in a New York City bar. You wanna play this classic on your six-string? Settle down, buttercup, you came to the right place. We're gonna break it down like a cheap Christmas cracker, making you the hero of every holiday shindig.
Step 1: Getting Your Gear and Your Vibe dialed in
Before we hit the fretboard, let's talk setup. This song is traditionally played with a rootsy, acoustic feel, so dust off that dreadnought. No fancy electric riffs needed here, partner.
1.1 The Essential Chords—Your Power-Up Kit
You'll be stoked to hear that the main part of the song is built on a few common chords. We'll stick to the Key of D because it’s super accessible, but heads up, some folks play in C with a capo!
D Major: The heart of the song! Keep that pinky on the high e-string if you want a little sparkle.
G Major: Your trusty sidekick. Don't be shy with those low strings!
A Major (or A7): The tension builder. A great place to throw in a quick A7 if you're feeling frisky (finger one on the 3rd string, 2nd fret—easy peasy).
Bm (B Minor): The only one that might make your fingers weep, but you need it for the full flavor. If the full barre chord is a total beast, try substituting it with a D Major chord; it's a common cheat that still sounds pretty solid in a pinch!
Pro Tip: If you use a Capo on the second fret and use the chords C, F, and G, you will actually be playing in D Major, which matches the original recording pitch! That’s like a cheat code for chord changes.
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
1.2 The Strumming Pattern: The Rhythm of a Row
The original song has a cool, slightly wobbly, three-feel (it's often counted in 6/8 time), which gives it that classic Irish lilt. Don't overthink it, or you'll freeze up like a tourist in a blizzard.
The Basic Go-To: Think of it as a Down, Down-Up, Down-Up repeated. Try to make the first 'Down' a little stronger to emphasize the beat.
The Fancy Footwork: The true feel is like counting to six: 1-2-3-4-5-6. A decent rhythm is to do all downstrokes, focusing on the main beats: Down (1) - down (3) - Down (4) - down (6). Keep it loose! It's not supposed to be a metronome-perfect rocker.
 |
| How To Play Fairytale Of New York On Guitar |
Step 2: The Verse and Chorus—Where the Magic Happens
Once your fingers are warm (and maybe you've had a hot cup of something festive), it's time to put those chords to work and unleash the ballad.
2.1 The Slow Verse Chords (Shane MacGowan’s Part)
This is where the story begins. It’s slow, deliberate, and a little bit sad.
"It was Christmas Eve babe, in the drunk tank..."
The progression for the opening verses is typically: D - G - D - A (or D - G/D - D - A if you want to get super fancy with the G/D). This repeats a couple of times.
Focus on letting those chords ring out. You're setting the scene, like a gritty, snowy movie trailer.
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
2.2 The Main Verse and Chorus (Kirsty MacColl’s Part)
The song kicks into a higher gear here! This is the slightly more up-tempo section where the band is really hitting their stride.
The progression gets a little more complex but don't sweat it. The core movement is the same, but you add in the infamous B minor!
Verse Progression: D - A - Bm - G. This is your main four-chord sequence that drives the whole train. Repeat this until you get to the line that kicks off the chorus.
Chorus Progression: This is where you really shout about the "Boys of the NYPD Choir." It generally sticks to a variation of the main progression, but you can feel the energy lift with an emphasis on A Major, then back to D. Try A - D - Bm - G. Seriously, just hit those chords hard and smile.
 |
Step 3: The Killer Intro Lick and The Epic Ending
No one wants to hear you just strum a D chord for 30 seconds. You gotta hit that intro piano melody on the guitar to let everyone know you're the real deal.
3.1 Nailing the Opening Riff (The 'Ding-Dong' Part)
This part is actually a series of single notes—a lead line that's often played on the high strings.
You'll be mostly on the G (3rd) and B (2nd) strings.
Without getting too technical, the main riff uses the notes of the D Major scale. Try focusing on the 2nd and 4th fret of the G string and the open, 2nd, and 3rd fret of the B string.
A super simplified version: Start on the 2nd fret of the G string, then open G, then 3rd fret B string, 2nd fret B string, open B string. Listen to the song and try to match the rhythm! It's like playing a musical 'hello.'
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
3.2 The Strumming Finale—Go Big or Go Home
When the final chorus hits, you can’t just fade out quietly. This is a party tune, after all.
The Chord Outro: The ending is usually just a simple, triumphant repetition of the D, G, and A chords.
Strumming Intensity: Go full tilt! Lay into that strumming pattern (or just do all downstrokes) and make it loud. This is your time to shine. Hit that last D chord with all the energy you’ve got and then… cut it. Dead stop. A clean finish is always impressive.
You've done it! You've navigated the tricky waters of an Irish-American Christmas classic. Now go grab your guitar, your favorite drink (maybe ginger ale if it's a family gathering!), and be the superstar musician your friends and family deserve! You're a total rockstar, dude!
FAQ Questions and Answers
How do I play the Bm chord without using a full barre?
You can use a three-finger version that only requires two fingers. Mute the A and high E strings by not strumming them, then put your fingers on the 2nd fret of the A string, 3rd fret of the B string, and 4th fret of the D and G strings. It's close enough for rock and roll, trust me.
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
Which key is the original recording actually in?
The original recording by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl is in the key of D Major. Many guitarists play the easy chords (C, F, G, Am) with a Capo on the 2nd fret to get to D Major without wrestling those pesky Bm and F#m chords.
What strumming pattern is the most authentic for this song?
The song is in a 6/8 time signature, which means there are six beats per measure, usually counted in two groups of three (like a waltz, but faster). A Down-Down-Up Down-Down-Up pattern works great, focusing on beats 1 and 4 as the main emphasis. Think of it as two quick 'threes' strung together.
How do I make my acoustic guitar sound more Irish?
The classic "Irish" sound comes from a few things: a fast, driving rhythm, a slight swing or lilt to the strumming (not rigid), and often, a little bit of reverb or a chorus effect if you're plugging in. On a purely acoustic level, just play with enthusiasm and a firm hand—it's all about the energy!
Should I try to play the accordion or banjo parts on the guitar?
You absolutely should not try to play the accordion or banjo note-for-note unless you’re a total guitar whiz. Instead, focus on playing the chord structure cleanly and with great rhythm. Your job is to be the foundation. Let the melody line be the cherry on top, not the whole sundae!
Would you like me to find some helpful video tutorials that demonstrate the intro and strumming patterns?
 |
