“Three Little Birds” is one of those songs that almost everyone learns early on — and for good reason. It only uses three basic chords, sounds great on acoustic guitar, and is instantly recognisable even when you keep things simple.
I’ve taught this song to complete beginners more times than I can count. It’s forgiving, relaxed, and lets you focus on rhythm rather than worrying about tricky chord shapes.
If you’re looking for more beginner-friendly songs like this, you can also check out my full list of 100 easy guitar songs for beginners.
Chords used in Three Little Birds
This song uses just three open chords:
- A
- D
- E
These are all chords every beginner should know and are relatively easy to play
How to strum Three Little Birds
The original recording uses a reggae-style feel, but don’t overthink it at first.
Start by strumming lightly on the off-beats, which are the “ands” between the counts:
one and two and three and four and
You’re aiming to hit gentle upstrokes on the ands, not heavy downstrokes on the numbers. If that feels awkward, just strum all downstrokes in time to begin with — it will still sound good.
Once the chord changes feel comfortable, you can gradually shift towards the off-beat feel by listening closely to the record.
Three Little Birds Chords
Three Little Birds Chord Chart
[Chorus]
A
Don't worry, about a thing
D A
Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright
A
Singin' don't worry, about a thing
D A
Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright
[Verse]
A
Rise up this mornin'
E
Smile with the rising sun
A D
Three little birds perch by my doorstep
A
Singin' sweet songs
E
Of melodies pure and true
D A
Singin', this is my message to you-ou-ou
[Chorus]
A
Singin' don't worry, about a thing
D A
Cause' every little thing, (is) gonna be alright
A
Singin' don't worry, (don't worry) about a thing
D A
Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright
[Verse]
A
Rise up this mornin'
E
Smile with the rising sun
A D
Three little birds perch by my doorstep
A
Singin' sweet songs
E
Of melodies pure and true
D A
Singing, this is my message to you-ou-ou
[Chorus]
A
Don't worry, about a thing
D A
Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright
A
Singin' don't worry, about a thing
D A
Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright
[Solo]
A E
A D
A E
D A
[Chorus]
A
Don't worry, about a thing
D A
Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright
A
Singin' don't worry, about a thing
D A
Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright
A
Don't worry, about a thing
D A
Cause' every little thing, gonna be alright