Hi GMCers, and welcome to The Festive Challenge for 2010 !!!

I've arranged 3 lessons for you in order of Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Ive taken 3 well known Christmas Carols and added my own arrangements to them for a rocking, guitar-tastic challenge !!

BEGINNER: Ding Dong Merrily On High - The exact origins of this song are unknown but it first appeared in a French book of dance music in the 16th Century, with the lyrics being added in 1924 by an English composer. I've followed the main theme and aimed for an epic, triumphant rock solo feel. The lesson will test your fretting hand finger shifting and timing. The lesson is in the key of A# and uses the A# Major scale throughout. Tempo 180 bpm. DIFFICULTY: 3

INTERMEDIATE: Away In A Manger - A Christmas Carol of American origin, first published in 1885. This is a speed metal version. I've kept the main melody and added a middle section with some faster paced alternate picking. This will test the same things as the beginner lesson but also has string bending as well as the previously mentioned alternate picking. The key and scale of F Major is used throughout. Tempo 150 bpm. DIFFICULTY: 5 

ADVANCED: Deck The Halls - This carol dates back to the 16th Century and is Welsh. I've gone for a mid tempo modern metal feel, with sparse chords being mirrored by the kick drum and bass. This will test everything that can be found in the first 2 lessons, but there is also a challenging sweep picked arpeggio to get to grips with ! Take it slow, and make sure you have't had too much wine before attempting this lesson. The song is in the key of F Major and the F Major scale is used through most of the song, with G Mixolydian making a brief appearance. Tempo 110 bpm. DIFFICULTY: 7

Good Luck and Happy Christmas !!

Guitar Pro Files:
* Ding Dong
* Away In A Manger
* Deck The Halls

Are you ready? Is it finished? Don't just check it once, you better check it twice 'cause Kris is gonna find out who shredded naughty or nice!

UPLOAD YOUR TAKES HERE!