Below is the lesson for “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Gene Autry.

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A cheerful take on a classic Christmas carol. This arrangement is perfect for the beginner fingerstyle player.

From a fingerstyle perspective, this arrangement is pretty straightforward. But there is one concept you can use to enhance the intro. Before we talk about what that concept is, take a moment to recall the intro:

You know Dasher and Dancer
And Prancer and Vixen,
Comet and Cupid
And Donner and Blitzen.
But do you recall
The most famous reindeer of all?

Chances are you probably sang the above. And I’m betting that you sang it like it’s usually performed, with rubato.

Rubato is a stylistic approach used to amplify emotion in music. This is accomplished through tempo alteration, specifically via speeding up or slowing down in sections.

Rubato is the concept that gives the intro its iconic feel. If you’ve never studied this concept before, check out our lesson on it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with rubato for the intro. Try to give it a free-flowing feel.

Part 1 – Performance & Free Lesson

Tab Play Along