Silent Night by Traditional is played in the key of C at a beginner difficulty level. It uses 4 chords — C G C F — arranged in the I-V-I-IV progression.

About the I-V-I-IV progression

This song is built on the I-V-I-IV progression. Follow the chord order in the diagrams above, and use the transpose controls if the key doesn't suit your voice.

Playing in the key of C

C major is the theoretical home key of Western music: all natural notes, no sharps or flats. On guitar, C, Am, Em, F, and G are the working chords. The one wrinkle is F, which as the IV chord requires either a barre or a partial shape — the first "difficult" chord most beginners meet.

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More songs in the key of C

Learn to play Silent Night by Traditional on guitar. It sits in the key of C and uses the I-V-I-IV progression with the chords C G C F.