Three Little Birds Chords: Bob Marley

"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley uses three chords. A, D, and E. The whole song. Released in 1977 on the Exodus album, written by Marley, the song is one of the easiest entries into reggae rhythm guitar.

The Chords

• A major (open)
• D major (open)
• E major (open)

The verse: A-A-A-A. (Just A for the verse.) The chorus: D-A-E-A. The simplest possible pop song construction, in the simplest possible reggae key.

The Reggae Strumming Pattern

Reggae rhythm guitar emphasizes the off-beats (beats 2 and 4 in 4/4 time, or "the and" of each beat). The pattern is short, clipped upstrokes that hit only the upper strings.

• Beat 1: rest (or a muted scratch)
• Beat 2: short upstroke on strings 1-3
• Beat 3: rest (or scratch)
• Beat 4: short upstroke on strings 1-3

The bass and drums fill the down-beats. The guitar fills the off-beats. This is what gives reggae its distinctive bouncing feel.

Muting Between Strums

The reggae chop requires muting the strings between strokes. Press the chord shape with your fretting hand. After each upstroke, release the pressure slightly so the strings stop ringing. The result is a percussive "chk" between the chord hits.

Some players also use the side of the strumming hand's palm to mute as they release the upstroke. Either method works.

The Verse Has Only One Chord

The verse stays on A for the entire stretch. This sounds boring on paper but works because the rhythm guitar's percussive chops keep the song moving. In a band, the bass and drums change underneath. Solo, you can occasionally swap A for Asus2 or A6 to add variety.

Common Mistakes

• Strumming on the down-beats. Reggae is off-beats. If your strums fall on 1, 2, 3, 4, the song sounds like rock instead of reggae. Strum only on the "and" of each beat.
• Long sustained strums. Reggae chops are short. Mute the strings immediately after each strum.
• Strumming all 6 strings. The reggae chop hits the upper 3 or 4 strings only. The bass guitar handles the low end.

FAQ: Three Little Birds Questions

What key is "Three Little Birds" in?

A major. No capo needed.

Is "Three Little Birds" easy for beginners?

The chords are easy. The reggae rhythm is the harder part. If you've never played reggae rhythm before, give yourself a month to develop the off-beat strum.

Why does reggae emphasize the off-beats?

Because the bass and drums emphasize the down-beats. The guitar fills the gaps. The interlocking pattern is what gives reggae its characteristic bounce.

What's the strumming pattern in "Three Little Birds"?

Short upstrokes on beats 2 and 4 (the "and" of each beat in counting terms). Muted between strums. Hit the upper 3 strings.

Can I strum it like a normal pop song?

You can, but the song loses its character. The reggae groove is what makes "Three Little Birds" work. Strumming it as straight pop sounds wrong.