Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE G
EADGBE Em
EADGBEX Am
EADGBEXX D
EADGBE C
EADGBEXX D7
EADGBE G7
EADGBEX A7
Other songs by Traditional
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Traditional

 The original "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" is a classic holiday song with a cheerful, upbeat feel, often played in a swing or light pop style.

Chords and Progression

This arrangement uses basic open chords:
G, C, Em, Am, D, D7, G7, and A7
All are beginner-friendly and widely used in many songs.

Strumming Pattern

A simple strumming pattern works well:
Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up
Keep the rhythm steady and light to match the song’s playful mood.
Try muting the strings slightly with your palm for a bouncy feel, especially on verses.

Chord Transitions

Practice switching between G and C, as these change frequently.
Moving between G and Em is smooth since they share similar finger positions. For D and D7, lift your middle finger slightly to switch; for G7, slide your index finger down one fret from G.

Tips for Beginners

Play slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes.
Sing along to help memorize chord timing and structure.
Use a capo on the 2nd fret if you want a brighter sound or to match higher vocal ranges.
If strumming feels tricky, try simple Down-strokes on each beat to start.

Enjoy playing and spreading holiday cheer with this festive song!

EADGBE G
EADGBE Em
EADGBEX Am
EADGBEXX D
EADGBE C
EADGBEXX D7
EADGBE G7
EADGBEX A7
Intro
G Em Am D G
Verse 1
You better watchG out. YouC better not cry.G Better notG pout, I'mC telling you why.
G SantaEm Claus isAm comingD toG townD7 .
 Verse 2
He'sG making aG list, andC checking it twice.G Gonna findG out who'sC naughty and nice.
G SantaEm Claus isAm comingD toG town.
 Bridge
HeG7 sees you when you'reC sleeping, heG7 knows when you're aC wake.
HeA7 knows if you've beenD bad or good so beA7 good for goodnessD sake.
 Verse 3
Oh, youG better watchG out. YouC better not cry.G Better notG pout, I'mC telling you why.
G SantaEm Claus isAm comingD toG townD7 .
 Verse 4
WithG little tinG horns andC little toy drums.G Rooty tootG toots andC rummy tum tums.
G SantaEm Claus isAm comingD toG town.
 Verse 5
With curly headG dolls thatC toddle and coo,G elephantsG boats andC kiddie cars too.
G SantaEm Claus isAm comingD toG town.
 Bridge 2
TheG7 kids in Girl andC Boy Land, willG7 have a jubiC lee.
They'reA7 gonna build aD Toyland Town all aA7 round the ChristmasD tree.
 Outro
So, youG better watchG out. YouC better not cry.G Better notG pout, I'mC telling you why.
G SantaEm Claus isAm coming,G SantaEm Claus isAm coming,
G SantaEm Claus isAm comingD toG town.
Other songs by Traditional