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Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Carol of the Bells - Guitar Tab

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Carol of the Bells - Guitar Tab

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Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Carol of the Bells guitar tab video
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Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra Rock D minor
Capo Advisor 0 D minor · Original key

Carol of the Bells

"Carol of the Bells" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a hard rock and orchestral arrangement of the classic Christmas carol, itself rooted in the Ukrainian New Year song "Shchedryk," composed by Mykola Leontovych between 1901 and 1916. Trans-Siberian Orchestra's electrified version transforms the piece into a showcase of layered guitar work, dramatic dynamics, and melodic intensity. For electric guitarists, it offers a rewarding challenge that blends precise melodic picking with powerful rock energy.

  • The original melody dates back to a Ukrainian New Year folk song called "Shchedryk," giving the piece deep historical roots beyond Christmas.
  • Mykola Leontovych wrote and arranged the original composition over a span of roughly 15 years, from 1901 to 1916.
  • The familiar English lyrics were added in 1936 by American composer Peter Wilhousky, decades after Leontovych's original melody was written.
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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