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It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Or so the saying goes. And hey, we can’t deny that we’re big fans of the holiday season here at Thalia capos.
But, we do have a bit of a bee in our bonnet when it comes to the Christmas season, and that’s Christmas music.
For six-string aficionados, typical holiday music fare can be a bit of a bummer. The mighty guitar tends to play a supporting role in popular seasonal songs. Tis the season to be jolly? Sure. The season to shred and strum? Not so much.
So what can you do about it?
Well, option one is to complain royally about the terrible state of Christmas music to everyone within earshot. But, while doing so might mean catharsis for you, it’s a sure fire way to wind up the rest of your family over the holidays.
Option two– the option recommended by Thalia Capos – is to get your festive six-string fix by listening to the Thalia approved Christmas playlist!
As far as we’re concerned, nothing says “seasons greetings” like a scorching guitar line, and these cuts, from the greats of blues and rock n’ roll are testament to that.
Of course, as with all of our Thalia playlists, this is just the starting point. Make sure that you guys share your selections in the comments so that we can keep this one going and growing!
Chuck Berry – “Run Rudolph Run”
“Said Santa to a boy child what have you been longing for?
All I want for Christmas is a rock and roll electric guitar”
Now those are sentiments that all of us at Thalia can relate to. Chuck knew the score back in 1958 and they’re still true sixty years later.
Oh, and if Chuck’s version isn’t heavy enough for you, there’s always this blistering take by Motorhead’s Lemmy, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Dave Grohl.
Albert King – “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’”
The unmistakable sound of Albert King is up next, with this raunchy blues-funk blast. Bonus points for the use of sleighbells!
B.B. King – “Back Door Santa”
From one King to another, B.B. actually released an entire album of Christmas songs – “A Christmas Celebration of Hope” – in 2001. We’ll admit it’s not exactly a B.B. King classic, but there are some standouts, most notably this rollicking rendition of “Back Door Santa.”
Eric Clapton – “Crying Christmas Tears”,
Eric Clapton’s take on Freddie King’s “Crying Christmas Tears” from the 30th Anniversary Special Olympics Gala is a masterclass. See if you can make it through this one without picking up a guitar.
So those are our picks. But, we’re only just getting things started. What are your favorite Christmas-themed guitar numbers? Tell us your suggestions in the comments, we’ll add them to the list and create the ultimate Christmas playlist as chosen by the Thalia community!
It’s safe to say that some of the most influential musicians in the 1960s came from Britain. The list sure backs up that fact: Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, Peter Green, Richie Blackmore, John Lennon, George Harrison, and I can go on and on and on...
Notice, though, that I said musicians, not just guitarists. There are many heroes to be found for every instrument, particularly with our focus for this piece: the drums.
I’m not sure what the origin of this particular instrument was (though we may find out later), but maybe it was a crafty guitarist who thought: “You know what’s better than six strings? Double! Twelve strings!”
This story likely isn’t true, but the 12-string guitar is valuable in any guitarist's arsenal. With its thick, bright, and lush sound, the instrument has been a staple in most styles of music since its inception.
From being found in the wash to being left on counters and desks to being counted with change out of a guitarist’s pocket, guitar picks are the definitive proof that the holder undoubtedly plays the instrument.
But as omnipresent as they are, how many guitarists have pondered the history of the pick itself? Who are they? What were they doing?
