Songs · Beginner
How to play O Come All Ye Faithful on violin
A Christmas carol that sits perfectly in first position and sounds full even played by one violin. Great for church, school and family performances.
- Composer
- John Francis Wade (18th century)
- Key
- G major
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Tempo
- 84–100 bpm
- Strings used
- D, A and E
- Level
- Beginner
The notes
G G D G A D — B A B C B A G
Finger numbers
- D string: D = open (0), G = 3rd finger
- A string: A = open (0), B = 1st finger, C = 2nd finger, D = 3rd finger
Why this piece is worth learning
The tune moves mostly by step with a few confident leaps, so it drills clean string crossings and a steady dotted-rhythm bow arm — both essential for carol season.
Step by step
1. Two-bar chunks
Learn it two bars at a time and only join chunks that are already in tune.
2. Watch the leaps
The G to D drop crosses strings; move the arm level early so the note speaks immediately.
3. Detache first
Separate bows for every note, then add slurs where a singer would take a breath.
4. Play with the tune
Practise against a recording so your tempo matches what a congregation expects.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Second finger C too high
In G major the C is natural — it sits low, close to the first finger.
Scratchy accents on string changes
Lighten the bow slightly through the crossing and keep the speed constant.
Rushing the last phrase
Metronome at 84 bpm for the final line only.
A 15-minute practice plan
- •3 min — G major scale, one octave, with a tuner
- •5 min — first four bars slowly
- •7 min — full carol at 84 bpm
- •5 min — play along with a recording
Practise O Come All Ye Faithful with real-time feedback
Violin AI listens while you play and scores your intonation note by note — free to start.
Questions
What are the violin notes for O Come All Ye Faithful?
In G major the opening is G, G, D, G, A, D, B, A, B, C, B, A, G — all in first position on the D and A strings.
Can a beginner play this carol?
Yes. After a few months of lessons most students can play it in G major at a slow, singable tempo.
Next songs: twinkle twinkle little star · ode to joy · amazing grace · canon in d
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