This song is straightforward to play, with only four basic open position chords. However, its extra touches make it engaging for more experienced musicians.
This progression is a popular one for doo-wop and modern pop songs alike, and is easily transposable using a capo.
Key of D
The key of D is an accessible key in terms of chord progressions and strumming, with C, G/B, Am, F chords providing the framework. However, for advanced players it presents an opportunity to experiment further; but firstly we must understand how these chords function within a song’s structure.
This free guitar lesson walks through Bob Marley’s classic reggae hit No Woman No Cry from first position with an easy fingerstyle arrangement in first position, dissecting all chords, progression and scales used. This lesson is suitable for intermediate players or higher and requires knowledge of open position chords, barre chords and major and minor pentatonic scale patterns as well as major and minor pentatonic patterns – watch the entire lesson then scroll down for further info in chord chart format.
Intro
This guitar lesson offers a performance and breakdown of Bob Marley’s 1975 single, “No Woman No Cry.” Its chord progression and scale patterns are straightforward, making it a straightforward song to learn. Harmonically, its diatonic chords allow its melodies to stand out clearly. Written in D Major (a popular key for songs), “No Woman No Cry”
Starting off is simple – start practicing rhythm and strumming pattern with eight downstrums per bar with downward strokes on beats and off-beats, followed by push on F chord and famous bass riff if desired. Feel free to add more bits if necessary but this provides an ideal starting point for beginners.
Verse
Bob Marley’s classic song demonstrates the effectiveness of simplicity. Harmonically straightforward, it uses an uncomplicated loop of diatonic chords which highlights melody and lyrics while providing opportunities to practice strumming patterns as well as embellishments – including pushing on F chord and famous bass riff – but for most of it remains simple with eight down strums per bar hitting beats and offbeats; perfect for beginners as well as more experienced guitarists looking for opportunities to practice open position chords/bar chords/major/pentatonic scale patterns/melody etc.
Chorus
Once you have your bass rhythm and chord progression under control, it’s time to consider adding in harmony. We should start by considering the chords above the stave – C, G/B, Am and F; these open position chords should be familiar to most beginners; each lasts half a bar so should be easy enough for you to play along with your bass rhythm.
Even with its relatively straightforward melody, “No Woman No Cry” remains memorable and serves as a good example of how to use looped simple diatonic chords to craft memorable melodies. This arrangement of “No Woman No Cry” should be accessible for most intermediate level musicians or above; however it does require knowledge of barre chords, major scale patterns, and chord progressions.