It features driving rhythm guitar, bluesy pentatonic riffs, and quick chord changes, making it an excellent piece for advanced players to showcase their rock chops. The song is in the key of E major, and its raw energy demands tight timing and dynamic playing.

To the full list of Christmas songs

Playing Tips

  1. Tone: Use overdrive or light distortion for a classic rock sound. Add some reverb for depth.
  2. Strumming: Employ aggressive, percussive strumming with occasional muting to emphasize the groove.
  3. Lead Riffs: Use the E major pentatonic scale for fills and embellishments.
  4. Rhythm Feel: Maintain a fast, driving rhythm throughout, with attention to dynamics and syncopation.
  5. Stage Presence: This is a performance piece! Play with energy and flair to match the song’s vibe.

Guitar Tabs and Lyrics

Intro Riff

e|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
G|----------------|----------------|----------------|--4-4-2-2-1-----|
D|--2-4--2-4-2-0-|--2-4--2-4-2-0-|--2-4--2-4-2-0-|-----------------|
A|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
E|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|

(Play with a heavy, driving rhythm)

Verse

(Chords: E | A | B | E)

         E
Santa's got a brand-new bag
                A
He's gonna rock it around the chimney stack
         B
Come on, boys, let’s rock some more
         E
Sock it to me, Santa!

E:   022100
A:   X02220
B:   X24442

Pre-Chorus

(Chords: G | A | E)

         G                   A
He's got the groove, he's got the swing
         E
He’s got the style to make you sing
         G                 A
So grab your guitar, start to play
        B
Sock it to me, Santa, every day!

G:   320033

Chorus

e|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
B|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
G|--4-4-2-2-1-1--|--4-4-2-2-1-----|--4-4-2-2-1-----|--4-------------|
D|--2-2-2-2-2-2--|--2-2-2-2-2-----|--2-2-2-2-2-----|--2-------------|
A|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
E|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|

(Repeat with the following lyrics)

Sock it to me, Santa, you've got to swing
Sock it to me, Santa, make the reindeer sing
Sock it to me, Santa, let's rock tonight
Sock it to me, Santa, make everything right

Bridge (Lead Section)

e|--12-12-10-9--|--9-10-9--------|--7-7-5-5-4----|-----------------|
B|--------------|--------10-9-7--|------------7--|--9-7------------|
G|--------------|----------------|----------------|------9-7--------|
D|--------------|----------------|----------------|-----------------|
A|--------------|----------------|----------------|-----------------|
E|--------------|----------------|----------------|-----------------|

(Play with slides and bends for a bluesy feel)

Solo (Optional)

Use the E major pentatonic scale for improvisation. Here’s a sample lick:

e|----------------|----------------|----------------|--12-14-12------|
B|----------------|--12-14b16--12-|--14b16--12-----|----------------|
G|--11-12b14--11-|----------------|----------------|----------------|
D|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
A|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|
E|----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|

Outro

(Chords: E | A | B | E)

         E
Sock it to me, Santa, the night's still young
        A
Keep that groove, let's have some fun
        B
Rock 'n' roll all through the night
        E
Sock it to me, Santa, make it all right

End on a ringing E chord with a dramatic slide up the neck:

e|--12----------------|
B|--12----------------|
G|--13----------------|
D|--14----------------|
A|--------------------|
E|--------------------|

Final Notes

  • Energy: Channel a rock-and-roll attitude in your playing. This song is meant to be loud and bold.
  • Improvisation: Use fills, slides, and bends liberally to make the song your own.
  • Timing: Keep the rhythm tight; syncopation and quick changes are key to nailing this track.

Let me know if you want any additional details or help with specific sections! 🎸

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