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Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 - Guitar Lesson

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Key E minor
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 guitar lesson video
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Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
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Roll back the gain slightly and pick near the neck for a warmer, more open crunch.
Christmas Eve and Other Stories album cover
Christmas Eve and Other Stories
1996 3:25
Listen on Spotify
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Progressive Rock 1996 E minor
Capo Advisor 0 E minor · Original key

About Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24

Few holiday pieces put as much demand on a guitarist as this one. The arrangement by Trans-Siberian Orchestra layers the carol "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" over a driving hard rock riff in E minor, and switching cleanly between those two worlds is the central challenge. The Progressive Rock influence shows up in the tight rhythmic precision the track requires: at 120 BPM in E Standard tuning, the picking hand needs to stay locked and controlled throughout the heavy sections without rushing into the melodic passages. The main recurring riff sits low on the neck and rewards a firm, consistent pick attack, while the lead melody lines above it call for clear articulation and steady fretting-hand control. Getting the contrast between the soft, chiming melody and the crunching rhythm sections to sound intentional rather than sloppy takes real practice. Use the Practice Toolbar to loop the transition points slowed down until the dynamic shifts feel automatic.

  • The arrangement combines a clean melodic guitar line drawn from the carol "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" with a heavy rhythm riff, requiring confident switching between two very different touch levels.
  • Played in E Standard tuning in E minor at 120 BPM, the rhythm parts benefit from tight alternate picking and controlled palm muting to keep the drive consistent.
  • The hardest section for most players is the transition from the quiet melodic passages into the full-band riff, so isolate that handoff point and loop it slowed down.

How to Play Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24

Tuning: E Standard · Key: E minor · Tempo: 120 BPM

Use the section loop to isolate a passage, drop the speed below 100%, and set the metronome to 120 BPM to build it up to tempo.

Gibson Les Paul Standard
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Standard

TSO uses Les Paul-style guitars in the studio for thick, warm rhythm tones that cut through the orchestral arrangements without getting lost. The dual-humbucker design delivers the pronounced midrange needed to sit perfectly between strings and keyboards.

Gibson Les Paul Custom
Guitar

Gibson Les Paul Custom

The Custom's refined electronics and construction provide the articulate, saturated lead tones TSO needs for expressive solos against full orchestral walls. Its tight low-end response helps maintain clarity and punch in the heavily layered arrangements.

Marshall JCM800
Amp

Marshall JCM800

Pitrelli and Caffery rely on the JCM800's aggressive, tight high-gain character for rapid palm-muted rhythms that punctuate TSO's symphonic passages. The amp's focused midrange ensures guitar parts stay defined and cut through the dense instrumental tapestry.

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Amp

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier

The Dual Rectifier's thick, saturated lead tone and tight low-end response make it ideal for TSO's expressive solo work over orchestral arrangements. Its dynamic range allows lead passages to breathe and sing without losing articulation in the mix.

Peavey 5150
Amp

Peavey 5150

Pitrelli tracked heavy passages with the 5150's raw, compressed attack and intense gain structure, perfect for the aggressive rhythm sections that anchor TSO's symphonic metal arrangements. The amp's tight response handles fast palm-muted chugs against strings and choir without muddiness.

EMG 81
Pickup

EMG 81

The EMG 81 bridge pickup's tight, compressed attack and 13-16k output range delivers the fast, defined tone TSO needs for rapid position shifts and palm-muted rhythms. Its active design cuts through orchestral layers while maintaining clarity in heavily processed arrangements.

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