“Three Little Birds”

Bob Marley & The Wailers · 1977 reggae classic from Exodus

Key A Major

All Chords A · D · E

Difficulty Beginner

Capo None

“Three Little Birds” is Bob Marley’s 1977 message of reassurance from
Exodus: three chords, one sentiment, and roughly a hundred million
people who can sing the chorus from memory. If you’re starting out in A major,
this is about as gentle an entry point as exists.

A, D, and E are the three chords, and they’re the three chords: the I, IV, and V
of the key. Every one is an open shape, no barres anywhere, and the same handful
of changes carries the entire song. Let’s dive in!

The Chords You’ll Need

Chord Chart

Intro

   A
e|-------------0------------|
B|---------0-------2--0-----|
G|-2--2--2---2----------2---|
D|-2--2---------------------|  x4
A|-0--0---------------------|
E|--------------------------|

Chorus 1

      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 1

              A
Rise up this mornin'
               E
Smile with the rising sun
             A               D
Three little birds sit 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 2

              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 2

              A
Rise up this mornin'
               E
Smile with the rising sun
             A               D
Three little birds sit 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 3

      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 4

      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

A, D, and E — the I, IV, and V These three chords are the backbone of more songs than any other combination in popular music. In A major, A is the I, D is the IV, and E is the V. They also sit conveniently close together on the fretboard, which is part of why A major feels so comfortable once you’re in it. Learning them here sets you up for a huge amount of the repertoire.

Getting the reggae feel The chords are easy; the syncopated rhythm is the real lesson. Reggae accents the offbeats — the “and” between the counted beats — with short, muted upstrokes rather than steady strumming. There’s more on that skank rhythm over on No Woman, No Cry, which uses the same approach.

Practice Tips

The chorus is just A and D. Drill that one change and you can already play the most recognizable part of the song.
E only shows up in the verses. Practice A → E separately, since it’s the one move the chorus never asks for.
The solo is four bars of the same three chords in a slightly different order — no new shapes, no soloing required. You can strum straight through it.
Keep it relaxed and let the chords ring. This is a song about everything being alright; playing it tense works against the entire point.