Three Little Birds by Bob Marley is played in the key of A at a beginner difficulty level, originally released in the 1970s. It uses 3 chords — A D E — arranged in the I-IV-V progression.
About the I-IV-V progression
The I-IV-V progression uses the three primary chords of the key — nothing else. It's the harmonic foundation of blues, folk, country, and early rock and roll. Learning to switch between these three chords fluently in every key is a fundamental milestone for beginner guitarists.
Playing in the key of A
A major is rock and blues territory. A, D, and E are open shapes; F#m requires a barre. The E7 chord sits naturally under the fingers in this key, which is why it feels made for country and blues players.
Related songs
More songs in the key of A
More songs using the I-IV-V progression
Learn to play Three Little Birds by Bob Marley on guitar. It sits in the key of A and uses the I-IV-V progression with the chords A D E.