In this segment, we'll take a closer look at how to play the fingerstyle melody solo arrangement for the song, O Come All Ye Faithful.

We'll take a look at the chords, and the fingering moves used in the video. Notice how the chords follow along the exact same way as they did in the vocal version of the song. You may need to make slight alterations (add or subtract a note) to a chord here and there to accommodate the melody.

Still, it is important to hold down as much of the chord as you can while playing the melody solo. This adds to the subtle harmonies and overtones that the guitar puts out, creating a richer backdrop for the melody to shine against.

As you work on the melody solo, listen for the quality and duration of each note of the melody. Make sure the notes are not getting cut short, either by lifting of the left hand pressure on the note, or obstructing it in some way. The melody wants to be as smooth and flowing as you can make it.

In this solo you will also occasionally hear me use the Right Hand Roll. Details on that technique can be found here:

Right Hand Roll

Also, because the vocal and instrumental solo version line up with each other exactly, you may wish to learn them both and blend them together to make a more complete project. You may begin the piece with the melody solo, then sing a verse or two, then play the melody solo again, sing another verse, and so on.

PRACTICE TIP: Playing along with the slow motion version of the instrumental solo in this video is a great way to practice and help get you up to speed!