Upside Down

How to play Upside Down by Jack Johnson on guitar

This is a great beginner song to learn because the groove is steady and the harmony repeats in a way that helps you settle in fast. You can focus on keeping the feel relaxed and even, which makes it a good choice for building confidence.

The chart uses a mix of open shapes and barre shapes, so the main challenge is moving cleanly between the easier A and E shapes and the harder C#m, F#m, G#m, and B shapes. Watch the opening progression C#m - F#m - A - C#m, since that first move sets the pattern you will keep hearing.

Start by practicing the chord changes slowly, one switch at a time, until your fingers land cleanly. Then loop the opening progression, and only after that bring it up to tempo while keeping the rhythm steady and 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.