Guitar Chords For Happy Birthday|Lesson in G & Tab

This is one of the most popular songs ever written. You hear this song every year at least once, and often times more than that. Since you were a kid you have heard this song. So you know the lyrics, but do you know how to play Happy Birthday on Guitar?

Today if you pay close attention you will learn Happy Birthday on your guitar. This lesson will give you the chords to happy birthday in G. Also the strumming pattern, chord Diagrams, Tab, and a Video. So stick around lets learn Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday Chords in G

There are three easy chords in the song “Happy Birthday”. These chords are open chords. The song can be played in many different keys. But for today we are going to learn it in the Key of G.

If you are learning new chords you may also want to click the link,  and have a look at First Position Chords.

The chords that are needed to play this song are G, D, and C. Look how these chords look on the chord diagram.

If you use a Capo you can easily move the capo up the neck of the guitar to change the key. If you need to know more about the different capo styles click the link here.

Now that you have the chord chart in front of you take a look at where your fingers should be to play these chords.

The G chord finger positioning:

There are a few ways to play the G chord in the open position. I will show you a couple and then you decide which is best for you.

1. Place your 1st finger on the second fret of the A string.(5th string).
2. Your 2nd finger is at the 6th string (E string), on the 3rd fret.
3. Then your 3rd finger on the high E string, (1st string), at the 3rd fret.

This is the way I play the G chord. I find it to be easier:

1. Place your 2nd at the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string).
2. Your 3rd finger is on the G note. Which is the 3rd fret of the 6th string.
3. Then your pinkie is on the high E string at the 3rd fret.

The third way you use all four fingers, this gives you a fuller sounding G in the open position. It’s played like this:

1. Place your 1st finger on the second fret of the A string.(5th string).
2. Your 2nd finger is at the 6th string (E string), on the 3rd fret.
3. 3rd finger is at the 3rd fret of the 2nd string.
4. Last is your pinkie on the High E string at the 3rd fret.

Like I previously mentioned any of these G chords will do the job. So practice playing the G chord. Try all of them, and play the one that feels good in your hand.

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Second chord in the Song

Now lets take a look at the D chord, and how to position your fingers.

1. Place your 1st finger at the 2nd fret of G string (3rd string).
2. Your 2nd finger should be on the 1st string, 2nd fret.
3. Next put  your 3rd finger on the B string (2nd string), at the 3rd fret.

By the way click here if you want to learn 3 Ways to Play the D Chord on Guitar

The Last chord we are going to have a look at is the C chord. All three chords are played in thousands of songs. Once you learn these you will be well on your way.

1. First you place your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string, the B string.
2. Next place your 2nd finger on the D string (4th string) at the 2nd fret.
3. Your Pinkie is on the 4th string at the 3rd fret. The C chord.

Happy Birthday Guitar Chords & Strumming

Most songs you hear on the Radio are in 4/4 time. Which means the time is 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4. 4 beats to a measure. This song Happy Birthday is in 3/4 time which means there is 3 beats to a measure of time. Want to learn more about strumming? Click this link to learn how to strum a guitar beginner guitar lesson.

The strumming pattern in Happy Birthday is 3/4 time. Like a Walts, 1,  2, 3 , 1,  2 , 3,  1,  2, 3,  1,  2, 3. This is called 3/4 time. On the 1 you pick the root note, and on the 2 and the 3 strum.

To make the song sound pleasant pick the first string first. Then strum the chord. So you pick the 6th string. The song starts out with a G. So your playing the G note when you pick the 6th string, because your finger is covering the string at the 3rd fret.

Strum the Chord

Then you want to strum the chord two times. The chord changes to the D chord. What you want to do there is pick the D string 1st. Which is the 4th string open. Then strum the D chord two times. Using down strums.

Stay on the D chord, and pick the D string (4th) string. Then strum it two more times. The chord changes back to the G. Where you want to pick that G note again. Pick the 6th string, and strum the G chord 2 times.

Stay on the G chord, pick the 6th string and strum for 2 more times. Then the chord changes to the C chord. Pick the A string, (5th string), which is actually the C note; Your pinkie is covering the c at the 3rd fret 5th string. Then Strum 2 times. The chord changes to the D, and ends on G.

So there you have it. The strumming pattern for Happy Birthday. All these years you have listened to the most popular song of all time. Now you will be able to play it at your next Birthday party. Your friends and family will be shocked, and delighted that you are playing the song for them.

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Happy Birthday Chord Progression

The chord progression for this song is G D D G G C G D G. This is really an easy beginners song. One that you have heard for years so really you know the song. Now you are learning how to play it on your guitar.

Get the Happy Birthday Guitar Tab

To make it easier for you to practice this song. Download the Tab to Happy Birthday, and start playing Happy Birthday today.

Now you have everything you need to play this song. I remember as a kid how special birthdays were. Friends playing pin the tail on the donkey, bobbing for apples. Then came the next best thing to Christmas (as a child). The time for everyone to sing Happy Birthday.

At one moment in time you suddenly became the center of attention. All eyes were on you! Everyone gathers around the table to celebrate, and wish you a Happy Birthday.

Even sweeter than the cake that you are about to eat. Sweeter than blowing out the candles on top of the cake. That moment when everyone is singing to you.

Then you blow the candles out. Yeah! Such fun and excitement, everyone should get the joy of experiencing.

Now you will be able to give that same joy to a little one; Or maybe a Friend, Mother, Grand parent. That special someone on their Birthday. What a great gift to be able to play, and sing happy Birthday for your loved one.

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