This version is energetic and rock-driven, making it perfect for intermediate players who enjoy power chords, barre chords, and a touch of rhythm guitar flair. It incorporates driving rhythms, palm-muted power chords, and occasional melodic embellishments. The song is in the key of E major and emphasizes a steady, upbeat groove.

For a more upper-intermediate level follow the play-through in the video or continue to our description below.

To the full list of Christmas songs

Playing Tips

  1. Strumming Pattern: Use a steady down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern for the verses and an aggressive all-downstroke approach for the chorus.
  2. Palm Muting: Add palm muting during the verses to create a dynamic build-up.
  3. Power Chords: Focus on clean power chord transitions to capture the rock feel.
  4. Energy: Keep your strumming lively, matching the festive and playful vibe of the song.

Guitar Tabs and Lyrics

Intro

e|---------------------|----------------------|
B|---------------------|----------------------|
G|---------------------|----------------------|
D|--2---2-2---2---2-2-|--4---4-4---4---4-4---|
A|--2---2-2---2---2-2-|--4---4-4---4---4-4---|
E|--0---0-0---0---0-0-|--2---2-2---2---2-2---|

(Play with a driving rhythm, using palm muting lightly on the 2nd repetition)

Verse

(Chords: E5 | A5 | B5)

       E5
You better watch out, you better not cry
       A5
You better not pout, I'm telling you why
       B5              A5         E5
Santa Claus is coming to town

E5: 022XXX   A5: X022XX   B5: X244XX

Pre-Chorus

(Chords: G5 | A5 | E5)

     G5              A5
He's making a list, checking it twice
E5                   A5           B5
Gonna find out who's naughty or nice
       B5              A5         E5
Santa Claus is coming to town

G5: 355XXX

Chorus

e|---------------------|----------------------|
B|---------------------|----------------------|
G|--9--9--9--9--9-9---|--11--11--11--11-11---|
D|--9--9--9--9--9-9---|--11--11--11--11-11---|
A|--7--7--7--7--7-7---|--9---9---9---9--9----|
E|---------------------|----------------------|

(Play E5 and B5 power chords alternating with a driving, energetic rhythm)

         E5                     B5
Santa Claus is coming to town, oh yeah

Bridge (Rock Groove)

(Chords: C5 | G5 | A5 | E5)

e|---------------------|----------------------|
B|---------------------|----------------------|
G|--5------------------|--7-------------------|
D|--5---5------------- |--7---7--------------|
A|--3---5------------- |--5---7--------------|
E|------3------------- |------5--------------|

(Play power chords with a strong, syncopated rhythm)

C5                 G5
He sees you when you're sleeping
A5                 E5
He knows when you're awake
C5                 G5
He knows if you've been bad or good
A5              B5
So be good for goodness sake!

Outro

Repeat the chorus with energetic strumming and end on a ringing E chord:

e|-----0----------|
B|-----0----------|
G|-----1----------|
D|-----2----------|
A|-----2----------|
E|-----0----------|

Final Notes

  • Use distortion to match Bon Jovi’s gritty rock tone.
  • For additional flair, add slides and hammer-ons between power chord changes.
  • Keep the tempo steady and lively to retain the song’s festive energy.

Let me know if you’d like help with specific sections or additional tabs for solos or fills! 🎸

Check out a more traditional version of the song

How to take your guitar playing skills to the next level

The next step to bridging that gap is to explore the step-by-step lessons of the Fretello Learn Path. Not only will you learn how to master all of these chords, but it’ll teach you the basics and beyond including scales, power chords, improvisation and composition techniques, and much more!

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