Fairytale Of New York guitar tutorial for different levels

Breaking down "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl - a song that works for all levels. The super easy version uses basic open chords: G, then A, then D. The song has three parts - the intro, the fast middle section with quicker chord changes, and the ending which repeats the intro rhythm similar to "2000 Miles" by The Pretenders.

The middle section moves faster through the chord progression but still uses basic open chords. The rhythm is probably in 6/8 time (1-2-3-4-5-6), making it easier to count and maintain the flow through the faster changes.

An important option is using capo at the second fret and playing in C shape, which actually sounds like D. This is a CAGED system application - you're playing the same notes but in a different position. This isn't just an easier beginner option; it gives you different voicing possibilities and makes certain passages more accessible.

This leads into explaining why advanced fingerstyle pieces are often put into C major or G major - these keys allow you to play the full major scale over a complete octave and beyond. In C with capo second fret, you can go five notes higher than the octave and six notes lower, giving you maximum melodic range. You simply can't achieve this melodic freedom in every key on guitar - it really works in G and C.

The arrangement shares similarities with "Norwegian Wood," demonstrating how certain chord voicings and melodic approaches connect across different songs when you understand the underlying scale patterns and key advantages.