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Ftap to play
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Amtap to play
Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town Chords – Guitar
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town Chords – Ukulele
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town Chords – Piano
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town Chords – Banjo
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town Chords – Mandolin
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Key
C
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
C · F · G · Am
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town Chords – Harmonica
A traditional Christmas song warning children to be on their best behavior. Beginner difficulty in the key of C.
Basic Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Keep a steady, bouncy rhythm to match the playful warning of the lyrics.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
C – G7 (×2)
C – G7 – C
Chorus
C – G7 (×2)
C – G7 – C
F – C (×3)
G7
Verse 2
C – G7 (×2)
C – G7 – C
Chorus
C – G7 (×2)
C – G7 – C
F – C (×3)
G7
Bridge
F – C – G7
C – G7
C – G7 – C
Chorus
C – G7 (×2)
C – G7 – C
F – C (×3)
G7
Practice tip: The G7 chord leads strongly back to C; practice the C to G7 and F to G7 changes to keep the song flowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town"?
You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: C, F, G and Am.
Is "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of C, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town" in?
It is in the key of C.
Who wrote "Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town"?
It was written by J. Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie, and released in 1934.