The Polar Express

Released in 2004, The Polar Express tells the story of a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, he embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole on a train called the Polar Express. Along the way, he learns about friendship, courage, and the power of believing.

Even though The Polar Express was released in my adulthood — I watch it every year with child-like wonderment. The dissonant sound design, and the bizarre voice over of Know-It-All (played by a similar looking Eddie Deezan) combine to create a strange Willy Wonka edge to the film. The whole thing is ever-so-slightly unsettling. I believe this is what so cleverly captures (even the adult) imagination.

Underneath all of this is Alan Silvestri’s joyful, celebratory score, which still lets your sub-conscience know it’s a holiday film. The theme is a modern classic — and I think of it in the same caliber as a John Williams theme.

You might also like to play…

Edelweiss | fingerstyle guitar + TAB

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel | fingerstyle guitar + TAB

Silent Night | fingerstyle guitar + TAB

How to play The Polar Express Theme | fingerstyle guitar

This piece is the central theme — and it can be a real tear jerker if you’re a fan of the movie. Although the guitar tab is just over 1 page long, this song is better suited to intermediate guitar players and up –as you’ll have to change some bar chords shapes rather quickly.

Happy Holidays! The guitar tab is available below:

My song structure, in accordance with the guitar tab is:

Intro 2x, Middle,

Outro 2x, End.

**The Polar Express: theme for classical guitar

The Polar Express is played in standard tuning.