Feliz Navidad is a classic Christmas song that was released in 1970 by Puerto Rican singer/guitarist Jose Feliciano. In this Feliz Navidad Piano Tutorial, I will teach you how to play the chords and create an accompaniment that sounds just like the recording!
In this tutorial, we will use my typical three-step song learning strategy, where we start by learning the chords, then the accompaniment rhythm and finally putting the whole thing together.
Step #1: Learn the Chords to Feliz Navidad
Here are the chords I am using in this piano tutorial. Notice that I'm playing all of the chords in root position, except the D chord, which is in second inversion. I am doing this for better voice leading of the chords.
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Step #2: Accompaniment Strategy for Feliz Navidad on piano
This groove works great for Latin influenced or soft pop songs. Below is part of the chorus of Feliz Navidad.
Step #3: Sing and Play Feliz Navidad
Remember that you can (and should!) customize this to fit your skill level. If the chord inversions are too challenging for you, then play them all root positiong. If you want to level it up, try altering the groove or adding some solo fills.
Try to avoid getting stuck in the little details! The goal is for you to learn to sing and play more songs - not drown in a pool of perfectionism. Have fun - it’s only music!
Want to learn some more Christmas and holiday songs? Check out:
Baby Please Come Home for Christmas
Ready for the next step? Have I got something for you!
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This is a perfect starting point for anyone who needs to build their basic piano skills or wants to incorporate basic piano into their voice lessons. Learn:
- 5 note finger exercises that double as voice exercises
- How to play chords
- How to fake accompaniments from a lead sheet for play for yourself and your students.
- How to build a practice routine that WORKS
You get:
🎹 7 video modules with a close up of the piano keyboard.
🎹 23 page course book with meticulously notated EVERYTHING.
🎹 A brilliantly organized practice checklist
🎹 Weekly emails to inspire, motivate, offer practice tips and give bonus material
"Thanks Brenda. This was a fantastic workshop and I’m excited to use your approach to improve my playing for my students."
- Sarah
A Long December Piano tutorial