E7
A
A7
D
E
Hanky Panky
Tommy James And The Shondells
The original "Hanky Panky" is an upbeat, danceable song released in the 1960s, featuring a classic rock and roll feel with simple, catchy chords.
Chords:
The song uses basic open chords: A, A7, D, E, E7.
- A: Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the 2nd fret of the D, G, and B strings.
- A7: Lift your middle finger from the A chord.
- D: Standard open D shape.
- E: Standard open E shape.
- E7: Remove your ring finger from the E chord.
Strumming Pattern:
A basic down-up strumming pattern works well:
Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
Keep it bouncy and steady, matching the energetic mood of the song.
Tips for Beginners:
- Practice switching between A and A7 quickly—these chords are similar, so you only need to lift or place one finger.
- For chord transitions between A/A7 and D or E/E7, practice slowly at first to avoid breaking the rhythm.
- When you see [A] [E] [A] at the end of lines, play each chord for about a bar or half-bar, keeping the strumming light.
- Keep your wrist loose for a classic, swinging rock feel.
- Use the instrumental section to practice your transitions without singing.
With some repetition, you'll quickly get the feel for this fun, straightforward song!
Verse 1
My baby does the hanky pankE7 y yeahA
MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
D My baby does the hanky panky
A MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
E Hey my babyD does the hanky pankyA E A
Verse 2My baby does the hanky pankE7 y yeahA
MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
D Hey my baby does the hanky panky
A MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
E My babyD does the hanky pankyA E A
Verse 3I saw her walking on down the lineE7 yeah
A You know IA7 saw her for theA very firstA7 time
D A pretty little girl standing all alone
A Hey babyA7 baby can IA take youA7 home
E I never saw herD never really saw herA E A
Verse 4My baby does the hanky pankE7 y yeahA
MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
D My baby does the hanky panky
A MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
E My babyD does the hanky pankyA E A
InstrumentalA D A E7 D A E A
Verse 5I saw her walking on down the lineE7 yeah
A You know IA7 saw her for theA very firstA7 time
D A pretty little girl standing all alone
A Hey babyA7 baby can IA take youA7 home
E I never saw herD never really saw herA E A
Verse 6My baby does the hanky pankE7 y yeahA
MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
D My baby does the hanky panky
A MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
E My babyD does the hanky pankyA E A
OutroMy baby does the hanky pankE7 y yeahA
MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
D My baby does the hanky panky
A MyA7 baA by does the hankyA7 pankA y
E My babyD does the hanky pankyA