Learn how to play "Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin on guitar!

In this easy lesson, we'll learn how to play Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin on the acoustic guitar. It's such a great song for beginners! Since the original recording is acapella – we'll be replicating those vocals on the guitar.

This 80s hit song spreads positivity with a simple message and a super catchy rhythm! Playing this feel-good tune will change your mood for the better. :)

This is an excellent developer song to add to your repertoire. You can start with simple strumming, then develop it by picking out the bass notes and alternating between them. Loads of stuff to explore here! So grab your guitar and let's start with that simple version. :)

Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin – Guitar Chords

We’ll play this song in the key of C. The original recording is in B, but this is a strange key for guitar!

🤔 Chords In Keys – what does "key of C" mean? Sounds complicated, but it's actually pretty simple. :) Check out my Beginner lesson on chords in the key.

The basic chord progression only needs C, Dm, and F chords: it’s C C Dm Dm; F F C C. This is great practice if you're learning the infamous F chord: you get plenty of practice with super-common chord changes like F to C and F to Dm.

Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin – Strumming

As for the strumming, start simple with one strum on each chord. Once you're hip with that, try out the Old Faithful strumming pattern! It's perfect for this tune and is not too difficult!

If you want to take your rhythm to the next level, try picking the bass note on beats 1 and 3 and strumming the full chord on 2 and 4. This is the basic pattern.

1  2  3  4
B  D  B  D

Remember that the bass notes are on different strings for each chord. So, hit string 5 for C, string 4 for D, and string 6 for F. You can also add some upstrums. This pattern sounds great.

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
B   D U B U D U

The next step is to alternate the bass note. On beat 3 of C, we move finger 3 over to 6:3 and hit string 6. On Dm, we hit string 4 on beat 1 and string 5 on beat 3. And on the F, we hit string 6 on beat 1 and string 5 on beat 3.

I like ditching the pick and using thumb and finger 1 instead. The thumb plucks the bass notes while finger 1 strums the chords. The thumb gives a rounder, more mellow groove to your playing.

🚨 Learn all about this technique in the Thumb & Finger Strums Lesson. This lesson is part of the Grade 3 Guitar Course, and is a technique you need if you dig picking out song melodies!

What a fantastic tune! Have loads of fun playing this one. And do make sure to revisit this one as your skills grow! Laters. :)

Follow along with TABS – an awesome feature on the JustinGuitar website. Try it out for FREE!