“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley is an iconic song known for its uplifting message and easy-going rhythm. For guitar players, especially beginners, it’s also a fantastic song to learn. This guide will break down the simple chords and strumming patterns you need to play this classic tune, making it a rewarding addition to your guitar repertoire. Get ready to bring some sunshine to your guitar playing with “Three Little Birds”!
Simple Reggae Strumming Pattern
The heart of “Three Little Birds” lies in its reggae rhythm. Unlike many popular music styles that emphasize beats 1 and 3, reggae accents the offbeats, specifically beats 2 and 4. Think of a typical beat count as “ONE-two-THREE-four”, where ONE and THREE are strong. In reggae, this shifts to “one-TWO-three-FOUR“.
To achieve this reggae feel on guitar, you’ll use a strumming pattern that emphasizes these offbeats. Imagine counting “1-2-3-4” and strumming on beats 2 and 4. To add to the authentic reggae vibe, you’ll want to “choke” or mute the chords immediately after strumming, preventing them from ringing out for too long. This creates a percussive, rhythmic feel. For an even more nuanced reggae strum, on beat 2, perform two quick strums while maintaining the muted quality. This adds a subtle syncopation to your rhythm.
Bass Note Reggae Strumming Variation
Once you’re comfortable with the simple reggae strum, you can explore a variation that adds depth and richness to your playing: the bass note reggae strum. This technique builds upon the simple strum by incorporating bass notes on beats 1 and 3.
Here’s how it works with the chords used in “Three Little Birds”:
- A Chord: The bass note is the open 5th string (A string).
- D Chord: The bass note is the open 4th string (D string).
- E Chord: The bass note is the open 6th string (E string).
When using the bass note strum, ensure that the bass notes are clear and distinct while the subsequent strums remain muted. This technique is excellent practice for developing muted note control and adds a professional-sounding touch to your reggae strumming. If the bass note strum feels too challenging initially, stick with the simple reggae strum and revisit the bass note version later as your skills progress.
Essential Guitar Chords: A, D, and E
“Three Little Birds” is wonderfully accessible because it relies on just three open chords: A, D, and E. These are foundational chords for any guitarist and are often among the first chords beginners learn.
- A Major: Place your second finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string, your third finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, and your first finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string. Strum all strings.
- D Major: Place your first finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string, your second finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string, and your third finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string. Strum strings 4-1.
- E Major: Place your second finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string, your third finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string, and your first finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string. Strum all strings.
If you are new to these chords, take some time to practice transitioning smoothly between A, D, and E. Clean chord changes are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable rendition of “Three Little Birds.”
Putting It All Together
With the reggae strumming patterns and the A, D, and E chords in hand, you’re ready to start playing “Three Little Birds.” Listen to the song carefully to internalize the rhythm and chord changes. Begin practicing slowly, focusing on maintaining a consistent reggae strum and clean chord transitions. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your tempo.
Learning “Three Little Birds” is not only a fun way to play a beloved song, but it’s also a great exercise for developing your reggae strumming technique and mastering essential guitar chords. Embrace the relaxed vibe of the song, practice consistently, and you’ll soon be playing “Three Little Birds” with confidence and joy.
