Introduction
Introduction:
Even from the name, you can see that the song is going to be uplifting, and it’s a perfect song to feel good about. It is the only single from the soundtrack album of the animated movie Despicable Me 2, which was released in 2013.
Happy is the song written and performed by Pharell Williams, and the music video of the song was nominated for Best Male Video and Video of the Year by the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson
Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song follows a simple four-chord progression throughout; the arpeggios picking pattern is going to be like this:
e|-----------1------------|
B|------1------1---------|
G|----2---2------2------|
D|----------------------|
A|----------------------|
E|--1------------------|
Strumming Pattern
The strumming has to be tight, quick and rhythmic for this song, it follows 4/4 time and there is a funk-style muted strumming feel: D x D U x U D U.
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
- X = percussive muted strum
Song Structure
Introduction: In the introduction section, Mike shows you how to tune up your guitar to play this song.
Song Arrangement: Here your guitar instructor Mike has divided the song arrangement in different sections and he starts showing you how to play different chords for different sections starting with the intro.
Song Demo: Finally comes the time when Mike plays the guitar chords with the backing track playing alongside.
Why Learn Happy By Pharrell Williams Song?
It uses simple major chords that are easy to learn for beginners and even for intermediate players as it will help them be more consistent in their rhythmic strumming. In addition to this, the guitar sound is much funk-inspired, making it a perfect choice for improving your timing and groove.
FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. Was the song Happy made specifically for the movie Despicable Me?
Ans. Yes, the song was written only for the animated movie Despicable Me 2, which was released in 2013. The song received an Academy Award nomination for best original song, and the singer also performed it live at the Oscars ceremony.
Q2. Who originally sang the Happy?
Ans. Pharrell Williams has revealed that it was Cee Lo Green who recorded the song for the first time. But the producer didn’t feel like that the song belonged to Green so he gave Pharrell Williams a try and rest is history.
Q3. What was the reason Pharrell wrote Happy?
Ans. According to Pharrell the lyrics of the song came out of sarcasm, he wrote the song when he was 40 years old.
Fun Fact: The song got nominated by Academy Awards but it failed to win Best Original Song because it lost to Let It Go from Frozen.
Happy
Introduction
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Introduction:
Even from the name, you can see that the song is going to be uplifting, and it’s a perfect song to feel good about. It is the only single from the soundtrack album of the animated movie Despicable Me 2, which was released in 2013.
Happy is the song written and performed by Pharell Williams, and the music video of the song was nominated for Best Male Video and Video of the Year by the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson
Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song follows a simple four-chord progression throughout; the arpeggios picking pattern is going to be like this:
e|-----------1------------|
B|------1------1---------|
G|----2---2------2------|
D|----------------------|
A|----------------------|
E|--1------------------|
Strumming Pattern
The strumming has to be tight, quick and rhythmic for this song, it follows 4/4 time and there is a funk-style muted strumming feel: D x D U x U D U.
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
- X = percussive muted strum
Song Structure
Introduction: In the introduction section, Mike shows you how to tune up your guitar to play this song.
Song Arrangement: Here your guitar instructor Mike has divided the song arrangement in different sections and he starts showing you how to play different chords for different sections starting with the intro.
Song Demo: Finally comes the time when Mike plays the guitar chords with the backing track playing alongside.
Why Learn Happy By Pharrell Williams Song?
It uses simple major chords that are easy to learn for beginners and even for intermediate players as it will help them be more consistent in their rhythmic strumming. In addition to this, the guitar sound is much funk-inspired, making it a perfect choice for improving your timing and groove.
FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. Was the song Happy made specifically for the movie Despicable Me?
Ans. Yes, the song was written only for the animated movie Despicable Me 2, which was released in 2013. The song received an Academy Award nomination for best original song, and the singer also performed it live at the Oscars ceremony.
Q2. Who originally sang the Happy?
Ans. Pharrell Williams has revealed that it was Cee Lo Green who recorded the song for the first time. But the producer didn’t feel like that the song belonged to Green so he gave Pharrell Williams a try and rest is history.
Q3. What was the reason Pharrell wrote Happy?
Ans. According to Pharrell the lyrics of the song came out of sarcasm, he wrote the song when he was 40 years old.
Fun Fact: The song got nominated by Academy Awards but it failed to win Best Original Song because it lost to Let It Go from Frozen.
Happy
Introduction
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Explore More in English Songs
Introduction
Join our expert instructor, Bobby Koeble, for an in-depth lesson on "Always With Me, Always With You" by Joe Satriani. This song is a lyrical masterpiece known for its challenging legato-style licks and smooth melodic phrasing. This intermediate to advanced-level lesson will walk you through every section of the song, helping you master both the technical and emotional elements that make it so iconic.
Interesting fact: Joe Satriani wrote "Always With Me, Always With You" as a heartfelt tribute to his wife. Unlike many of his other complex, high-energy tracks, this song stands out for its melodic simplicity and emotional depth. Satriani has said that the song represents a peaceful and constant connection with his wife, capturing the feeling of always being together no matter the distance.
Bobby has broken down the song lesson into various sections for a detailed understanding.
- Introduction
- Separate lessons for Solo section 1-6
- Conclusion and backing track
Chords Used
This song is in the key of B major and follows a 3/4 time signature. Some of the key chords used are:
- B11 – Uses the E string for added depth.
- E major – Bobby teaches a unique fingering that differs from standard chord shapes.
- G# minor and F#sus4 – Essential for the song’s harmonic feel.
Tune into the song lesson to learn the rest of the chords that make up this song.
Strumming Pattern
The rhythm of this song is signature to the tune. It follows a strict 8-note rhythm with incorporated techniques such as:
- Palm muting
- Arpeggios
- Sliding
Bobby also shares alternative ways to approach the rhythm so you can find what works best for you.
Song Structure
This song features a flowing, solo-driven structure:
Intro: It has a lyrical melody featuring legato-style licks
Solo Section 1: It is played in the key of B major and incorporates harmonics, vibrato, and sliding.
Solo Section 2: Moves higher up the neck and incorporates heavy use of vibrato and smooth phrasing.
Solo Section 3: This section has a harmony and melody change and is slightly longer and more complex. It introduces left-hand legato techniques.
Solo Section 4: Main melody moves up an octave and incorporates two-handed tapping.
Solo Section 5: It is the most rhythmically challenging part that includes double stops and varied phrasing.
Solo Section 6: Returns to the earlier melody with subtle variations in slide and inflexion. It has a fast legato-based lick to close out.
Outro: Bobby wraps up the lesson by playing along with the backing track
Why Learn This Song?
- Master left-hand legato techniques
- Develop precise control over sliding and vibrato
- Incorporate bluesy elements into your playing
- Build confidence with soloing and tapping
FAQs- Always With Me, Always With You Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song suitable for beginners?
No, this lesson is best for intermediate to advanced players due to the complex legato and tapping techniques.
Q2. How can I improve my sliding and vibrato?
Focus on timing and pressure consistency. Bobby shares detailed tips on mastering both.
Similar Pop Songs
Songs with Similar Difficulty
Introduction:
Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars, taught by expert instructor Mike Walker. This beautiful and heartfelt song is known for its simplicity and emotional depth, making it a great choice for both beginners and intermediate players. In this lesson, you'll learn two different ways to play this song with and without a capo along with essential strumming techniques and dynamics.
Fun Fact: "Just The Way You Are" was Bruno Mars' debut solo single, earning him the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. This song marked the beginning of his rise to global stardom!
Chords Used in Just The Way You Are Guitar Lesson
With Capo (3rd fret):
- Mike demonstrates how to play the song with chords like Bm, Double Stack G, and others.
- The non-capo version of the song includes just a handful of chords, with one being a barre chord (Bm). However, Mike Walker demonstrates an easy way to play it, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Without Capo:
- Bb (barre chord), F, and others.
- This version features slightly trickier chord shapes, but the lesson breaks down smooth transitions between them.
Strumming Pattern
The song follows a consistent and simple strumming pattern: DDDUDUDD.
Mike explains how to approach string roots and strumming accents to enhance your playing. Tune in to the lesson to learn these techniques in detail.
Pro Tip: Since the song is highly repetitive, dynamics play a crucial role. Dynamics keep the song engaging and expressive. The verse is played slightly louder than the chorus to create contrast and keep the song engaging.
Capo vs. Non-Capo Version
This lesson provides two approaches:
- Capo Version: A beginner-friendly arrangement with simple chord transitions.
- Non-Capo Version: A slightly more advanced version with barre chords and intricate transitions.
Mike plays both versions along with a backing track to help tie everything together. The lyrics provided with the guitar tutorial help you follow along seamlessly, making it easier to match your playing with the vocal phrasing and timing.
Why Learn Just The Way You Are?
This lesson is perfect for players who want to master song dynamics and strumming consistency. You'll also gain experience with barre chords, making it a great stepping stone toward more advanced playing.
FAQs – Just The Way You Are Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
A: Yes! The capo version makes it accessible, while the non-capo version challenges intermediate players.
Q2. Do I need a capo?
A: No, but the capo version simplifies chord shapes and makes the song easier to play.
Q4. What if I struggle with the barre chords?
A: Mike demonstrates easy ways to tackle the barre chords and some tips for smooth transitions and finger positionings.






































