The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) - James Taylor

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Published May 28, 2026

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In today's guitar lesson we learn how to play "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)" by James Taylor. Originally made famous by Nat King Cole, this is a beautiful christmas standard which features tons of lush jazz chords. By playing it fingerstyle in a James Taylor type of way, it becomes even more intimate on the guitar which fits perfectly for the holiday season.

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Video Chapters:
00:00 Demo
01:52 Lesson Introduction
02:08 Nat King Cole version
02:25 James Taylor version
03:02 Song Background
03:16 History of Chestnut Trees
03:45 Jazz Chords
04:53 Intro - Chords
07:05 Verse - 1st A Section
11:33 Verse - 2nd A Section
15:08 Bridge - B Section
17:22 Verse - 3rd A Section