how to play once upon a december on guitar

3 min read 03-12-2024

how to play once upon a december on guitar

Meta Description: Learn to play the enchanting "Once Upon a December" on guitar with this comprehensive guide. We break down the chords, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking techniques, perfect for beginners and intermediate players alike. Master this Anastasia classic today! (158 characters)

Introduction: Embracing the Magic of "Once Upon a December"

"Once Upon a December," the hauntingly beautiful song from the animated film Anastasia, is a favorite among guitarists of all skill levels. Its melody is captivating, and the chords are surprisingly accessible, making it a rewarding piece to learn. This guide will walk you through playing this classic, whether you're a beginner just starting or an intermediate player looking to refine your technique. We'll cover everything from basic chord shapes to more advanced fingerpicking patterns, allowing you to play along with the original recording or create your own unique interpretation.

Understanding the Chords

The core chords for "Once Upon a December" are relatively simple. Mastering these will be the foundation of your performance.

Essential Chords:

G Major (G): A fundamental chord in many songs, G major is a great starting point. Place your fingers as follows:
- Index finger on the 6th string, 2nd fret
- Middle finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret
- Ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret
C Major (C): Another very common chord. Here's the fingering:
- Index finger on the 8th string, 1st fret
- Middle finger on the 6th string, 2nd fret
- Ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret
D Major (D): A slightly more challenging chord for beginners but essential for this song.
- Index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret
- Middle finger on the 7th string, 2nd fret
- Ring finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret
Em (E minor): This adds a touch of melancholy that fits the song's mood perfectly.
- Index finger on the 6th string, 2nd fret
- Middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret
- Ring finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret

Chord Transitions:

Practicing smooth transitions between these chords is key. Spend time moving between them slowly and deliberately, ensuring clean changes. Use a metronome to help develop timing and consistency.

Strumming Patterns

The strumming pattern for "Once Upon a December" is fairly straightforward, but adapting it to your own style can add character.

Basic Strumming:

A simple down-down-up-down-up pattern works well for much of the song. Experiment with varying the intensity of your strums to create dynamics.

Advanced Strumming (Optional):

More experienced players can try incorporating rest strokes or syncopated rhythms to make the performance more engaging. Listen to the original recording to get a feel for the subtle variations in rhythm.

Fingerpicking (Intermediate)

While strumming is sufficient, fingerpicking can add a deeper layer of texture and nuance to "Once Upon a December". A simple fingerpicking pattern, using your thumb for the bass notes and your index and middle fingers for the melody notes, can be very effective.

Q&A: Common Questions about Playing "Once Upon a December"

Q: What guitar tuning is best for this song?

A: Standard tuning (E A D G B e) is perfect for "Once Upon a December".

Q: Are there any online resources to help me learn the song?

A: Yes! YouTube is a fantastic resource. Search for "Once Upon a December guitar tutorial" and you'll find numerous videos demonstrating various playing styles and techniques. Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com also offer chord charts and tabs.

Q: How long will it take to learn this song?

A: The time it takes depends on your skill level and practice dedication. Beginners might take a few weeks, while intermediate players might master it more quickly. Consistent practice is key!

Conclusion: Bringing "Once Upon a December" to Life

Learning to play "Once Upon a December" is a rewarding experience. By mastering the chords, strumming patterns, and even incorporating fingerpicking, you can bring the magic of this Anastasia classic to life through your own guitar playing. Remember to practice consistently, have fun, and let your own personal style shine through. You'll be playing along to this enchanting melody in no time!