Three Little Birds

How to play Three Little Birds by Bob Marley on guitar

Three Little Birds is a great beginner song because it stays relaxed, upbeat, and easy to loop once you settle into the groove. You get a steady, feel-good progression that repeats often, so you can focus on clean changes and keeping the rhythm smooth.

You will use mostly open shapes here, with A, D, and F feeling more accessible than the barre shape C#m. The main thing to watch is the switch into C#m, since that change can slow you down if your hand is not ready. The opening move A - D - A - D is a good place to lock in your timing.

Start by practicing the opening progression slowly until your changes sound even. Then add the full cycle of chords and repeat it without stopping, making sure C#m stays clear. Once the shapes feel automatic, bring it up to song speed and keep the motion relaxed.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.