O Christmas Tree

The tune is the German folk song “O Tannenbaum.” Ernst Anschütz wrote the best-known German words in 1824. The English words below are a traditional translation, and both words and tune are in the public domain.

The song starts on the 3 blow, below the usual starting point in hole 4. It also uses the 3 draw on “un-” in “unchanging.” Both notes are played straight, with no bending.

Harmonica tabs

Verse 1

3 4       4   4     -4 5       5   5
O Christ- mas tree, O  Christ- mas tree,

5   -4     5   -5 -3  -4     4
Thy leaves are so un- chang- ing;

3 4       4   4     -4 5       5   5
O Christ- mas tree, O  Christ- mas tree,

5   -4     5   -5 -3  -4     4
Thy leaves are so un- chang- ing;

6   6   5  -6    6    6    -5    -5
Not on- ly green when sum- mer's here,

-5  -5  -4 6    -5   -5   5   5
But al- so when 'tis cold and drear.

3 4       4   4     -4 5       5   5
O Christ- mas tree, O  Christ- mas tree,

5   -4     5   -5 -3  -4     4
Thy leaves are so un- chang- ing!

Playing tips

• The 3 draw can sound flat if you pull too hard. Draw softly and it will sound true.
• Each “Christ-mas tree” has a short note followed by a longer one. Think “Christ-mas TREE.”
• Words: traditional English translation of “O Tannenbaum.” Public domain.