Jazzing Up Jingle Bells with Shuffle Bass
- Diana Mascari
- Oct 13, 2025
- 5 min read
A Fresh Spin on a Holiday Classic
Every December, pianists everywhere return to the same stack of familiar tunes—Jingle Bells, Silent Night, Deck the Halls. They never go out of style, but after years of playing them, it’s easy to feel like you’re just going through the motions. What if, this year, you could bring new sparkle and swing to those well-loved songs? With a jazz-inspired left-hand pattern called Shuffle Bass, you can turn “Jingle Bells” into a lively, toe-tapping favorite that surprises your listeners—and delights you as well.
The Story Behind My “Jingle Bells Shuffle”
For many years, I performed as a solo pianist at the Sheraton Milford Hotel. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and continuing through the holidays, my job was to play Christmas and seasonal favorites for hours each evening.
After doing this for a couple of years, my enthusiasm began to fade. I wanted to bring genuine spirit—not routine—to the guests, staff, and partygoers who were celebrating the season.
The answer came in two parts:
Listening. I immersed myself in jazz recordings of holiday tunes—this was long before YouTube or Spotify! My library of vinyl records and cassette tapes became my creative laboratory.
Experimentation. By listening deeply, I began to discover fresh ways to arrange familiar songs. That’s when I created a swinging Jingle Bells arrangement using the shuffle bass pattern.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Why the Shuffle Bass Works
The magic of shuffle bass lies in its steady, loping groove—a rhythm that feels both relaxed and energetic. It’s the sound that drives rhythm & blues classics like Route 66 or Sentimental Journey.
When applied to a Christmas carol, that same rhythmic pulse gives it a brand-new life. Instead of a simple singalong tune, Jingle Bells becomes a jazz-infused celebration of rhythm, harmony, and joy.
In this instructional video, I will go over the basics of Shuffle Bass
What Notes Work for the Jingle Bells Shuffle Bass Arrangement?
Many books show the music to Jingle Bells in the Key of G Major (one sharp i.e. F#), in light of that, we'll use chords for the Key of G. You may need to simplify the chords depending on the edition of the song, the chords and the related accompaniment patterns in the chart below WILL work for you.
Chord | Shuffle Bass Pattern |
G (G6 or G7 also work) | G-D-E-D-F-D-E-D |
C (C6 or C7 also work) | C-G-A-G-Bb-G-A-G |
D (D6 or D7 also work) | D-A-B-A-C-A-B-A |
A (A6 or A7 also work) | A-E-F#-E-G-E-F#-E |
Chord | Boogie-Woogie pattern |
D (D6 or D7 also work) | D-high D-E-high E-F-high F-F#-high F# |
A (A6 or A7 also work) | A-high A-B-high B-C-high C-C#-high C# |
Here is my arrangement of Jingle Bells. I used the Shuffle Bass with the patterns shown in the chart above
To Learn About Shuffle Bass and Other Accompaniment Styles
Sign Up for My Free Course Today!
Why This Matters for Adult Pianists
Over time, I discovered that experimenting with accompaniment styles like the shuffle bass didn’t just make my performances more fun—it reignited my love for playing.
When you take a familiar tune and breathe new rhythmic life into it, you’re not just entertaining your listeners—you’re reconnecting with your own creativity.
Ready to Get Started?
Can I Really Learn to Play in a New Way as an Adult? Yes, you absolutely can—and piano lessons are a great way to begin. Many of my adult students first hear about thinking differently when it comes to playing the piano wonder if it’s too jazzy or too advanced. But once they start working with it—step by step—they’re amazed at how fun, accessible, and rewarding it becomes.
Whether you’re returning to the piano or starting after playing another instrument, you don't have to be an expert, you just need curiosity, patience, and someone to guide you through the process. That’s where lessons come in. I’ll help you build confidence, understand how different accompaniment patterns work, and learn to play them in ways that feel musical and natural.
Why not give it a try?
Piano lessons with Diana Mascari are designed specifically for adults like you—creative, motivated, and ready to enjoy the piano on your own terms.
Let’s get started!
Composition Lessons for the Curious Musician
Has the concept of thinking differently when playing the piano sparked your curiosity? If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your own musical ideas into a piece of music, now is the time to find out. I’ll guide you step by step—no previous composing experience needed.
When you take Composition lessons with Diana Mascari, not only will you be able to create your own musical works, but you'll also have knowledge and insights as to how to play the piano better. Learn about composition lessons:
Whether you're a beginner or returning to music after years away, I’ll help you turn understanding into creativity and confidence.
Schedule Your Free 30 Minute Consultation with Diana Mascari, You can discuss piano lessons, composition lessons as well as your musical interests and goals. Click Here:
About Diana Mascari
Diana Mascari
American Composer & Jazz Pianist
Teacher of Piano & Composition for Adults
Diana Mascari has taught piano to hundreds of students for more than 47 years. She is dedicated to enriching her students’ lives by supporting their individual musicality.ition L She has developed a teaching system called the Transformational Approach to Piano. It offers her students colorful musical insights that broaden their experience beyond traditional methods.
Diana holds two Masters of Music degrees from New England Conservatory, taught keyboard harmony to music majors at Boston University, and was the music director of a multicultural Presbyterian Church for four decades.
Diana has performed as a solo jazz pianist as well as with her ensembles at many colleges and jazz clubs throughout New England. Many of these performances featured Diana's jazz compositions.
As a composer, she has explored the intersection of jazz and classical music. Her compositions reflect her deep appreciation for musical structure, enhanced by the spontaneity and emotion of jazz. Each piece has a timeless sense and is designed to move and inspire. Her works have been performed in Europe, Japan, and the Eastern United States.
Diana’s vibrant personality infuses her teaching, performing, and composing as she inspires piano students to achieve their musical goals.
Two Free Piano Courses:
To schedule your FREE 30 Minute Consultation for Composition Lessons or Piano Lessons with Diana Mascari on Zoom
Click Here:
Comments