Unsung Holiday Shred: Underrated Guitar Riffs for Christmas When December rolls around, the airwaves are dominated by the same dozen festive tunes. While “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Feliz Navidad” certainly have their place, guitarists looking to spice up their holiday playlist often find themselves stuck in a rut of predictable chord progressions. The true magic of the season, musically speaking, lies in the overlooked, the underappreciated, and the downright rocking riffs that rarely get played around the Christmas tree. It is time to look beyond the standard carol book and bring some serious attitude to the holiday season.
From blues-rock anthems to melancholic holiday tunes, there is a wealth of material that demands a high-gain setting and a festive spirit. These riffs are not only fun to play, but they also offer a fresh perspective on familiar celebrations, proving that Christmas music can be both jolly and heavy. Here are some of the most underrated guitar riffs for Christmas that deserve a spot in your holiday repertoire. The Bluesy Holiday Groove
One of the most essential, yet often overlooked, Christmas tunes for guitarists is “Merry Christmas Baby” by Otis Redding or Bruce Springsteen. While the vocal performances are iconic, the backing guitar work is pure, soulful magic. The riff is rooted in a slow, 12-bar blues format that allows for expressive, soulful licks between chord changes. Playing this on a hollow-body guitar with a touch of overdrive brings a sophisticated, smoky bar vibe to the festive season, perfect for playing with a bit of grit and soul.
Another blues-oriented gem is Albert King’s “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’.” This track offers a funkier, R&B-infused riff that is infectious. It’s all about the rhythm and the pocket, providing a great opportunity to work on your phrasing and rhythmic timing. The riff is simple, yet it drives the entire song, making it a fantastic choice for a blues-based holiday jam session. Rocking the Holiday Season
For those who prefer their Christmas with a side of distortion, Greg Lake’s “I Believe in Father Christmas” offers an unexpectedly complex and melodic riff. While famous for its orchestral backing, the underlying acoustic guitar work is intricate and beautiful. Translating that melodic, somewhat haunting melody onto an electric guitar with light chorus and delay creates an ethereal sound that captures the more introspective side of the holidays, breaking away from the typical festive cheer.
If you want to turn up the volume, look no further than The Darkness with “Don’t Let the Bells End.” While the band is known for their glam-rock aesthetic, this track features a surprisingly heavy and melodic riff that is pure fun to play. It’s high-energy, packed with power chords, and features a classic rock structure that is guaranteed to get everyone in the room rocking, offering a great, high-octane alternative to traditional Christmas music. Melancholic and Melodic Treasures
Sometimes the best Christmas riffs are the ones that lean into the emotional, nostalgic side of the season. “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley, while popular, is often overlooked for its iconic country-blues riff. It is a masterclass in clean, rhythmic guitar playing. The riff requires precise string muting and a steady, alternating bassline, making it an excellent exercise for improving technique while delivering a classic, melancholic vibe.
For a completely different take, listen to “Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis” by Tom Waits. While not a traditional Christmas song, it is set during the season and features a sparse, haunting guitar part. This is an exercise in minimalism, relying on chord voicing and atmosphere rather than technical complexity. It offers a dark, storytelling element to the holidays that is rarely explored, ideal for a moody, late-night guitar session. Adding Your Own Twist
The beauty of these underrated riffs lies in their versatility. You can play “Merry Christmas Baby” as a slow blues, or turn up the gain for a hard-rock cover. You can take the melodic structure of “I Believe in Father Christmas” and turn it into a shred masterpiece, or keep it clean and acoustic. These songs offer a fantastic foundation for improvisation and personalization, allowing you to create your own unique holiday sound.
The key to mastering these riffs is to focus on the feel and tone. Whether you are using a clean, compressed sound for a country-tinged riff or a roaring Marshall stack for a Christmas rock anthem, these songs are all about bringing personality to the holiday season. They prove that you don’t have to sacrifice your musical identity to play in the festive spirit.
Exploring these underrated Christmas riffs not only adds a new dimension to your holiday playlist but also challenges your playing, offering a mix of blues, rock, and melancholic melodies to explore. This year, grab your guitar and explore the hidden gems of Christmas music, ensuring your holiday soundtrack is as unique and rocking as you are.
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