The Basic Chord Progression for "What Child Is This"
"What Child Is This" uses a straightforward three-chord pattern that repeats throughout the song. The chords are A minor, C major, and E major. If you play in the key of A minor, you will move between these three chords in a steady rhythm that matches the melody most players recognize from the traditional tune.
The song follows the same melody as "Greensleeves," a sixteenth-century English folk song. Because of this shared tune, the chord structure is straightforward and forgiving for beginners. You do not need to switch chords rapidly or hold difficult finger positions.
The standard progression moves: A minor for four beats, then C major for four beats, then E major for four beats. This pattern repeats for the verse and chorus. Once you lock in the timing, the rest of the song follows the same shape.
Key Takeaways
- The three chords you need are A minor, C major, and E major, played in that order and repeated throughout the song.
- Each chord holds for four beats in standard time, making the rhythm predictable and straightforward to follow once you learn the pattern once.
- A minor is the easiest of the three to finger, so start there and practice the transitions to C and E before playing the full song.
- The song works in multiple keys; if A minor feels too high or low for your voice, you can transpose the entire progression up or down by moving to a different starting chord.
Fingering A Minor, C Major, and E Major
A minor requires only two fingers. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string (the second string from the top) and your middle finger on the second fret of the D string (the fourth string). Leave the A string (the thickest string) and the high E string (the thinnest) open. Strum all six strings.
C major is slightly harder. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Mute the low E string (do not strum it) and strum from the A string upward.
E major uses all three fingers across the first fret. Place your index finger on the first fret of the G string (the third string), your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings from the low E down.
Practice each chord separately until your fingers land cleanly without buzzing. Then practice switching between A minor and C, then C and E, then E back to A minor. The transitions are the hardest part; the chords themselves are beginner-level.
Strumming Pattern and Timing
The most common strumming pattern for "What Child Is This" is a straightforward downstroke on each beat. Play four downstrokes per chord, one on each beat of a four-beat measure. This gives the song its steady, hymn-like feel.
If you want more texture, try a pattern of down-down-up-up-down-up within each four-beat measure. This creates a gentler, more flowing sound that suits the carol's traditional character. Start with the straightforward downstroke version first; once you can switch chords cleanly, add the more complex pattern.
Keep a steady tempo. The song should feel unhurried and reverent, not rushed. A tempo of 60 to 80 beats per minute works well for most versions.
Playing the Song in Different Keys
If A minor feels too high for your voice or too low, you can move the entire progression to a different key. The easiest way is to use a capo. A capo clamps across all six strings at a specific fret and raises the pitch of every open string by the same amount.
If you place a capo on the first fret and play A minor, C major, and E major shapes, you will hear the song in B minor. A capo on the second fret raises it to C minor. Each fret up raises the key by one semitone. Experiment to find the key that matches your vocal range.
Alternatively, you can transpose the chords themselves. If you want to play in G minor instead of A minor, move every chord down two semitones: G minor, B-flat major, and D major. This requires learning new finger positions but gives you more control over the exact key.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The most frequent error is muting strings that should ring open. In A minor, beginners often accidentally touch the open A and E strings with their fingers, stopping the sound. Check that your fingers are arched and only touching the strings you intend to fret.
Another common problem is rushing the chord changes. If you switch too quickly, your fingers land in the wrong place or the new chord sounds before the old one has finished. Count "one, two, three, four" for each chord and change on the "and" between measures. This gives you time to move your fingers without losing the beat.
Buzzing or muted notes usually mean your fingers are too close to the frets or not pressing hard enough. Press down firmly, about one-quarter inch behind the fret wire, not on top of it. If a string still buzzes, move your finger slightly closer to the fret.
Adding Melody or Fingerpicking
Once you can strum the chords smoothly, you can add the melody on top. The main tune of "What Child Is This" sits on the high E string and the B string. Play the melody notes while holding the chord shapes underneath, or play the melody alone over the chord progression.
For a fingerpicking version, pluck the strings individually instead of strumming. A common pattern is to pluck the lowest note of the chord, then the three middle strings in sequence, then the highest string. This creates a rolling, harp-like sound that suits the song's gentle character.
Fingerpicking takes more practice than strumming, so master the chord changes and basic strum first. Once those feel automatic, experiment with picking patterns that match the song's tempo and mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play "What Child Is This" with just two chords?
You can play a simplified version using only A minor and C major, which covers most of the song. However, E major appears in the chorus and adds harmonic color that makes the tune sound complete. Learning all three chords takes only a little longer and gives you the full arrangement.
What if I cannot reach all the strings in C major?
If your hand is small, try muting the low E string instead of fretting it. Place your index finger on the B string as usual, but let your hand relax so the low E string does not ring. You will still hear the chord clearly without the lowest note.
Is there a capo position that makes this song easier?
Using a capo on the first fret raises the key but does not change the finger shapes you need to learn. If A minor, C major, and E major are already comfortable, a capo just changes the pitch, not the difficulty. Start without a capo until the chords feel solid.
How long does it usually take to play this song smoothly?
Most players can strum through the basic progression in one or two practice sessions. Clean, confident chord changes usually take one to two weeks of regular practice. Adding melody or fingerpicking takes longer, but the foundation is quick to build.
Can I play this song on an electric guitar?
Yes. The chord shapes and progression are identical on electric and acoustic guitars. Electric strings are thinner and may feel easier on your fingers at first, but the technique is the same. The song sounds beautiful on either instrument.