Introduction
When the holiday season rolls around, one song that is sure to be heard is "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." This classic Christmas carol has been performed and enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. In this article, we will explore the chords and lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," providing a comprehensive guide to help you learn and play this beautiful song.
The History of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Before we dive into the chords and lyrics, let's take a moment to explore the history of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." The song was originally written by Charles Wesley, an English hymn writer, in 1739. It was then set to music by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840, creating the familiar melody we know today.
Charles Wesley: The Wordsmith
Charles Wesley was a prolific hymn writer, known for his poetic and lyrical compositions. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is just one of the many hymns he penned throughout his lifetime. Wesley's words beautifully capture the essence of the Christmas story, bringing together themes of joy, redemption, and the birth of Jesus Christ.
Felix Mendelssohn: The Composer
Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer, was responsible for setting Wesley's words to music. His composition elevated the hymn, giving it a grand and triumphant feel. Mendelssohn's arrangement has become the standard for "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and his contribution to the song cannot be overstated.
The Chords of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Now, let's delve into the chords of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." This song is typically played in the key of G major, making it accessible for guitarists and pianists alike. Here are the chords you'll need to know:
G Major
The main chord in "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is G major. This chord is formed by placing your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all the strings except for the high E string.
C Major
The C major chord is also used in "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." To play this chord, 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. Strum all the strings except for the low E string.
D7
Another chord you'll encounter in "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is D7. This chord adds a bluesy flavor to the song. To play D7, place your index finger on the second fret of the G string, your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all the strings.
The Lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Now that we've covered the chords, let's take a closer look at the lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." These words tell the story of the angels proclaiming the birth of Jesus and celebrate the joy of His arrival. Here are the lyrics:
Verse 1
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With th'angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Verse 2
Christ, by highest Heav'n adored
Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time, behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Verse 3
Hail the Heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"
Playing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Now that you are familiar with the chords and lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," it's time to put it all together and play the song. Here is a suggested chord progression for each verse:
Verse 1 Chord Progression
G / C / G / D7 / G / C / G / D7 / G
Verse 2 Chord Progression
G / C / G / D7 / G / C / G / D7 / G
Verse 3 Chord Progression
G / C / G / D7 / G / C / G / D7 / G
Tips for Playing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Here are some tips to help you master playing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing":
Practice the Chord Transitions
Smoothly transitioning between chords is essential for playing this song. Practice moving from G to C to D7 and back to G until the transitions feel natural and effortless.
Strum with Precision
Pay attention to your strumming pattern and make sure each strum is clear and defined. Experiment with different strumming techniques to find the one that best suits your style.
Sing Along
While playing the song, don't be afraid to sing along! The lyrics of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" are meant to be sung joyfully, so let your voice join in the celebration.
Add Your Personal Touch
Once you've mastered the basic chords and melody, feel free to add your own embellishments and variations to make the song your own. Get creative and have fun with it!
Conclusion
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a timeless Christmas carol that captures the spirit of the holiday season. By learning the chords and lyrics of this beloved song, you can join in the celebration and spread the joy of Christmas wherever you go. So grab your instrument, start practicing, and let the herald angels sing!