Song Tabs

 Benny Bell’s “Shaving Cream” is a classic novelty song from the 1940s, known for its upbeat, comedic style and simple, singalong melody. The song’s original version relies on a steady, old-timey feel, making it great for beginner guitarists.

Chords

The main chords are C, F, G, Dm, and D7. All are open-position chords, easy for beginners. Practice switching between C, F, and G, as these changes happen frequently. The D7 and Dm appear only briefly, usually before a return to G.

Strumming Pattern

Use a simple down-up (D-U D-U D-U D-U) strumming pattern, or just steady downstrokes if you’re starting out. The song is in 4/4 time. Try tapping your foot to keep a steady beat.

Chord Transitions

For smooth transitions:

• Practice moving from C to F by anchoring your index finger.
• The F chord can be played as a simplified version (using only the top four strings) if full barre F is too difficult.
• Move quickly from D7/Dm to G by preparing your fingers in advance.

Additional Tips

Pause slightly before singing “shhhaving cream” for comedic effect, just like the original. Sing along as you play—the chords cycle simply, making it easy to focus on timing and lyrics.

Most of all, have fun with the playful nature of the song!