Learn how to play "Down Under" by Men At Work on guitar!

Down Under by Men At Work is an all-time classic Aussie hit and great fun to learn on guitar.

As an Aussie myself, I have to say that this song makes me feel happy and almost homesick. :) So, recording this lesson was very cool –– I hope you dig it too!

We’ll start by exploring an acoustic arrangement that is a little bit similar to how Colin Hay plays it on his own. It’s not exactly the same, but it sounds awesome, and you can adapt it to your guitar level and preferences. As always, I recommend you explore your own cover of it!

💡 Following my guitar lessons? Beginners wrapping up Grade 1 will be able to play the easy version using a capo. New Intermediate players can use this song to practice their Barre Chords. :)

We’ll also learn a simplified open-chord version that most beginners will handle. Avoiding the riff is also be a great idea, especially if you’re planning to sing and play.

If you’d like chords, lyrics, and tab to follow along with this lesson on Down Under, check out JustinGuitarTABS. :)

Down Under by Men At Work: Intro Chords

For the intro, we’ll need three barre chords: Bm (799777), A (577655), and G (355433). It’s Bm, A, Bm, each for two beats, then G A for one beat each. I suggest you play these as E-shape barre chords. :)

If you want to go more complex, switch the first A for this version of A: X 0 11 9 10 9. Also add a reggae feel to give an authentic sound.

🔥 Keen to get into barre chords? Start your journey with my Ultimate Guide To Barre Chords. :)

This pattern has the right vibe and gives a cool reggae feel:

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

B means bass note, M means muted strum

Down Under by Men At Work: Verse Riff and Chords

The chords are the same as the intro, but you can add a riff over the Bm to make it sound awesome and vary the dynamics.

For the riff, finger 1 plays the note B at 5:2 (string 5, fret 2), and finger 4 plays F# at 4:4. The rhythm is:

1   e   +   a   2
B   B   F#  F#  B

🎸 Simplify: If you struggle to sing over the riff, just play a regular Bm chord (X24432) for two beats. This is the A minor shape barre chord. :)

We then go to a regular open A chord on beat 3. The second time round, it’s G on beat 3, then A on beat 4. For the G, we’ll play 3X000X, using finger 2 to fret 6:3 and mute strings 5 and 1.

Down Under by Men At Work: Chorus

Time for the classic chorus! If you can play the intro and verse, you’ll have no problem with it. It goes D, A, Bm, all for half a bar, then G A, each for one beat. Replace the Bm chord with the riff if you like. :)

This pattern sounds great in the chorus:

1   2  + a 3   4  + a
D   D  D U D   D  D U

Remember to keep your hand moving consistently! It also really helps to accent beats 2 and 4. :)

Not feeling like playing barre chords? You still can learn how to play Down Under by Men at Work on the guitar. Grab your capo! :)

Capo Version For Beginners

Put your capo on fret 2. That way, we lose the Bm barre chord and can play open chords for the whole song. You’ll need an F chord though, so use the F chord you feel most comfortable with!

💣 F Chord Variations: if you don’t like barre chord F, there are plenty of simpler ways to play it. Check out my three F chord variations. :)

The Bm, G, and A chords change to Am, F, and G. For example, the intro and verse progression is now Am G Am F G. The chorus now begins on C. Can you figure out the rest of the sequence? :)

Down Under by Men At Work: Rhythm

If you’re new to guitar and are still learning your barre chords, I’d recommend trying to play this song with a simplified rhythm. Learning real songs is a great way to practice your chord changes, get to know your instrument, and strengthen your fretting hand.

Try playing downstrums on the beats and off beats:

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
D D D D D D D D

Then you can start adding upstrums and try the patterns we cover above. :) Whatever you do, make sure you’re in time. Best to play a simple strumming pattern well than a complex one poorly. Your strumming hand must move consistently!

Have loads of fun rocking this song at your next barbecue. :) Not everyone will know the lyrics, but they'll definitely sing along as best they can. This is a classic!

🎵 Up for more? I've got over 600 free song lessons for you. Happy trails!