Rock, Alternative

Santa Monica Chords

Everclear Beginner Key of G 4 Chords 3 min read Updated Jul 2026

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Santa Monica Chords – Guitar

Everclear’s 1995 alternative rock hit about escaping to a California beach city. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Driving Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a pick and strum with confidence for that gritty rock feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I am still living with your ghost

D G

Lonely and dreaming of the west coast

G C

I don’t wanna be your downfall

D G

I don’t wanna be your ghost at all

G C

I don’t wanna be your bedtime

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your forgotten anger

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Verse 2

G C

I am still dreaming of your face

D G

Hungry and hollow for all the things you took away

G C

I don’t wanna be your good time

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your fall-back baby anymore

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Bridge

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C

Watch the world die away

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C D

And watch the world die away

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Outro

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Practice tip: Master the G-C-D chord progression changes before adding the strum pattern, as it forms the core of the entire song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Santa Monica"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Santa Monica" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Santa Monica" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Santa Monica"?

It was written by Art Alexakis, and released in 1995.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Santa Monica Chords – Ukulele

Everclear’s 1995 alternative rock hit about escaping to a California beach city. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Driving Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a pick and strum with confidence for that gritty rock feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I am still living with your ghost

D G

Lonely and dreaming of the west coast

G C

I don’t wanna be your downfall

D G

I don’t wanna be your ghost at all

G C

I don’t wanna be your bedtime

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your forgotten anger

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Verse 2

G C

I am still dreaming of your face

D G

Hungry and hollow for all the things you took away

G C

I don’t wanna be your good time

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your fall-back baby anymore

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Bridge

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C

Watch the world die away

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C D

And watch the world die away

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Outro

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Practice tip: Master the G-C-D chord progression changes before adding the strum pattern, as it forms the core of the entire song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Santa Monica"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Santa Monica" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Santa Monica" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Santa Monica"?

It was written by Art Alexakis, and released in 1995.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Santa Monica Chords – Piano

Everclear’s 1995 alternative rock hit about escaping to a California beach city. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Driving Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a pick and strum with confidence for that gritty rock feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I am still living with your ghost

D G

Lonely and dreaming of the west coast

G C

I don’t wanna be your downfall

D G

I don’t wanna be your ghost at all

G C

I don’t wanna be your bedtime

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your forgotten anger

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Verse 2

G C

I am still dreaming of your face

D G

Hungry and hollow for all the things you took away

G C

I don’t wanna be your good time

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your fall-back baby anymore

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Bridge

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C

Watch the world die away

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C D

And watch the world die away

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Outro

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Practice tip: Master the G-C-D chord progression changes before adding the strum pattern, as it forms the core of the entire song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Santa Monica"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Santa Monica" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Santa Monica" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Santa Monica"?

It was written by Art Alexakis, and released in 1995.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Santa Monica Chords – Banjo

Everclear’s 1995 alternative rock hit about escaping to a California beach city. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Driving Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a pick and strum with confidence for that gritty rock feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I am still living with your ghost

D G

Lonely and dreaming of the west coast

G C

I don’t wanna be your downfall

D G

I don’t wanna be your ghost at all

G C

I don’t wanna be your bedtime

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your forgotten anger

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Verse 2

G C

I am still dreaming of your face

D G

Hungry and hollow for all the things you took away

G C

I don’t wanna be your good time

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your fall-back baby anymore

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Bridge

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C

Watch the world die away

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C D

And watch the world die away

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Outro

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Practice tip: Master the G-C-D chord progression changes before adding the strum pattern, as it forms the core of the entire song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Santa Monica"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Santa Monica" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Santa Monica" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Santa Monica"?

It was written by Art Alexakis, and released in 1995.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Santa Monica Chords – Mandolin

Everclear’s 1995 alternative rock hit about escaping to a California beach city. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Driving Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a pick and strum with confidence for that gritty rock feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I am still living with your ghost

D G

Lonely and dreaming of the west coast

G C

I don’t wanna be your downfall

D G

I don’t wanna be your ghost at all

G C

I don’t wanna be your bedtime

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your forgotten anger

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Verse 2

G C

I am still dreaming of your face

D G

Hungry and hollow for all the things you took away

G C

I don’t wanna be your good time

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your fall-back baby anymore

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Bridge

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C

Watch the world die away

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C D

And watch the world die away

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Outro

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Practice tip: Master the G-C-D chord progression changes before adding the strum pattern, as it forms the core of the entire song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Santa Monica"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Santa Monica" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Santa Monica" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Santa Monica"?

It was written by Art Alexakis, and released in 1995.

Gtap to play

Ctap to play

Dtap to play

Emtap to play

Key

G

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

G · C · D · Em

Santa Monica Chords – Harmonica

Everclear’s 1995 alternative rock hit about escaping to a California beach city. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.

Driving Rock (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: Use a pick and strum with confidence for that gritty rock feel.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song

Verse 1

G C

I am still living with your ghost

D G

Lonely and dreaming of the west coast

G C

I don’t wanna be your downfall

D G

I don’t wanna be your ghost at all

G C

I don’t wanna be your bedtime

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your forgotten anger

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Verse 2

G C

I am still dreaming of your face

D G

Hungry and hollow for all the things you took away

G C

I don’t wanna be your good time

D G C D

I don’t wanna be your fall-back baby anymore

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Bridge

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C

Watch the world die away

Em C

Swim out past the breakers

Em C D

And watch the world die away

Chorus

G C

I just want to have some peace

D G

I want to sleep in peace

G C

I just want to dream

D G

Of the beaches in Santa Monica

G C

Wish we could go

D G

We could sit on the beach in Santa Monica

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Outro

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

G C

Forget all the limits

D G

Forget all the limits

Practice tip: Master the G-C-D chord progression changes before adding the strum pattern, as it forms the core of the entire song.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords do you need to play "Santa Monica"?

You need 4 beginner-friendly chords: G, C, D and Em.

Is "Santa Monica" easy to play on guitar?

It is rated beginner and uses only 4 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.

What key is "Santa Monica" in?

It is in the key of G.

Who wrote "Santa Monica"?

It was written by Art Alexakis, and released in 1995.