"The First Noel" is another classic Christmas carol set in 3/4 time. Songs in 3/4 time are also referred to as waltzes, and when we play we have to strum and count in sets of three: 1-2-3, 1-2-3. This song is so sweet and gentle that I almost consider it a Christmas lullaby.
I'm playing this song in the key of C because I wanted it to be relatively easy for beginners to play it, but you might notice this is not the best key for me to be singing it in, haha! If my goal for the video was to make the most of my vocal range, I would play it in a different key.
Transposing (changing the key of a song) is a topic that is near and dear to my heart, and it’s an essential skill if you’d like to sound as good as possible when you’re singing. Transposing and playing in 3/4 time are both topics I cover in my book, Let's Play! The Ukulele Handbook for Beginners, so go check it out if you’d like to learn more!
Resources:
This video explains the difference between 4/4 and 3/4 time signature.
Learn to play this song and twelve other Christmas classics with Oh, What Fun! Christmas Songs for the Ukulele, my beginner-friendly holiday songbook available in paperback and as a digital download.
