the polar express

The Polar Express

Composer Alan Silvestri’s The Polar Express theme is a modern classic, and I think of it in the same caliber — as any of the classic John Williams movie themes.

Even though The Polar Express was released in my adulthood (2004) 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 Polar Express. The whole thing is just 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.

For more guitar arrangements like this, check out my Holiday archive. I really like Silent Night for beginner guitar players which is also a *free tab.

More experienced guitar players can try my version of Greensleeves which is entirely doable for intermediate level guitarists.

How to play The Polar Express Theme for classical guitar

This piece is the central theme of The Polar Express, and it can be a real tear jerker if you’re a fan of the movie.

Although the guitar tab is just over one page long, this song is better suited to intermediate guitar players and up. You’ll have to change some bar chords shapes rather quickly. Happy Holidays! Enjoy, the guitar tab is available below:

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

Intro 2x, Middle,

Outro 2x, End.

Again, it’s a very short and simple guitar tab.

**The Polar Express: theme for classical guitar

The Polar Express is played in standard tuning.