Three Little Birds Chords and Lyrics – Bob Marley
Learn to play Three Little Birds by Bob Marley & The Wailers on guitar with easy chords and a beginner-friendly strumming pattern. This classic reggae song is a great choice for beginner guitarists who want to practice simple chord changes and a relaxed rhythm.
In this guitar lesson, you can practice the main chords, learn the song structure, and develop a smooth reggae-style strumming feel.
Three Little Birds Song Information
- Song Title: Three Little Birds
- Artist: Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Songwriter: Bob Marley
- Album: Exodus
- Album Release Year: 1977
- Single Release Year: 1980
- Genre: Reggae / Roots Reggae
- Original Key: A Major
- Guitar Tuning: Standard Tuning (E A D G B E)
- Chords Used: A, D, E
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Main Theme: Hope, positivity, and reassurance
The song appeared on the Exodus album in 1977 and was released as a single in 1980. Its cheerful melody and reassuring message have helped make it one of Bob Marley & The Wailers' best-known songs.
Strumming Pattern
For a beginner-friendly version, start with a simple downstroke pattern and gradually develop a relaxed reggae rhythm.
Practice Pattern: D – D – D – D
Three Little Birds Chords and Lyrics
[Chorus]
[A]Don't worry, about a thing
[D]'Cause every little thing, [A]gonna be alright
[A]Singin' don't worry, about a thing
[D]'Cause every little thing, [A]gonna be alright
[Verse]
[A]Rise up this mornin'
[E]Smile with the rising sun
[A]Three little birds sit by my [D]doorstep
[A]Singin' sweet songs
[E]Of melodies pure and true
[D]Singin', this is my message to [A]you-ou-ou
[Chorus]
[A]Singin' don't worry, about a thing
[D]'Cause every little thing, (is) [A]gonna be alright
[A]Singin' don't worry, (don't worry) about a thing
[D]'Cause every little thing, [A]gonna be alright
[Verse]
[A]Rise up this mornin'
[E]Smile with the rising sun
[A]Three little birds sit by my [D]doorstep
[A]Singin' sweet songs
[E]Of melodies pure and true
[D]Singing, this is my message to [A]you-ou-ou
[Chorus]
[A]Don't worry, about a thing
[D]'Cause every little thing, [A]gonna be alright
[A]Singin' don't worry, about a thing
[D]'Cause every little thing, [A]gonna be alright
[Solo]
[A] [E]
[A] [D]
[A] [E]
[D] [A]
[Chorus]
[A]Don't worry, about a thing
[D]'Cause every little thing, [A]gonna be alright
[A]Singin' don't worry, about a thing
[D]'Cause every little thing, [A]gonna be alright
[A]Don't worry, about a thing
[D]'Cause every little thing, [A]gonna be alright
How to Practice Three Little Birds
Learn the A, D, and E major chords individually.
Practice changing between the chords without stopping.
Start with slow, even downstrokes.
Listen to the original recording to understand the reggae rhythm.
Increase your speed gradually while keeping the rhythm relaxed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who wrote Three Little Birds?
Bob Marley wrote the song, performed by Bob Marley & The Wailers.
2. Which album features Three Little Birds?
The song appears on the 1977 album Exodus.
3. What key is Three Little Birds in?
The song is commonly identified in A major.
4. Is Three Little Birds easy to play on guitar?
Yes. A simplified arrangement using A, D, and E major chords is suitable for beginners.
5. What guitar tuning should I use?
Standard tuning: E A D G B E.
6. What is the best way to practice the reggae rhythm?
Start with slow strums, listen carefully to the beat, and gradually emphasize the offbeats for a more authentic reggae feel.
Final Thoughts
Three Little Birds is an excellent song for beginner guitarists learning chord transitions and reggae rhythm. Practice the chords slowly, keep your strumming relaxed, and enjoy playing this timeless classic.
Explore more easy guitar chords and song tutorials on our website.
