My arrangement of "Angels We Have Heard on High" was intended to have a bouncy and as happy of a feel as you can possibly imagine. I hope that's the way you feel while playing it, as you should sense the notes dancing off your fingertips.

This effort is accomplished with a couple of particular moves. Throughout measures 1 through 4, as your 3rd finger bounces back and forth between the 5th and 6th strings, you should attempt to achieve a staccato-like effect as you intentionally release the pressure from the left hand 3rd finger and almost pop the note.

Ideally, I suppose, rests could have been placed in the music following these bass notes, but I would prefer that you play it more from feel and create your own staccato bounce as you go. You can also offer this staccato approach to your left hand melody notes by clipping their duration periodically.

Listen to the way I play it, as well as how my friend and co-producer Tim May treats his accompanying guitar with his energetic flat pick style. And remember to smile while you practice, as you will begin to hear this beautiful tune come alive using these techniques.

Please tune in here to the mp3 of me playing one of Stephen Siktberg's arrangements of "O Holy Night" from my CD, "Strings for a Season", with guest violinist Gretchen– Priest– May and keyboardist David Webb. Stephen's arrangements are available through Mel Bay at 94428 and the book is entitled, "Christmas Music for Acoustic Guitar." This book was my initial inspiration to put this entire project together and, in my opinion, these arrangements are nothing short of stunning. "Strings for a Season" is available from www.richardgilewitz.com.