Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
G · D · Em · C · Am
If It Makes You Happy Chords – Guitar
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
G · D · Em · C · Am
If It Makes You Happy Chords – Ukulele
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
G · D · Em · C · Am
If It Makes You Happy Chords – Piano
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · D · Em · C · Am
If It Makes You Happy Chords – Banjo
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
G · D · Em · C · Am
If It Makes You Happy Chords – Mandolin
Gtap to play
Dtap to play
Emtap to play
Ctap to play
Amtap to play
Key
G
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · D · Em · C · Am
If It Makes You Happy Chords – Harmonica
Sheryl Crow’s 1996 alternative rock anthem about complex emotions and self-acceptance. Beginner difficulty in the key of G.
Driving Rock (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a capo on the 4th fret to match the original recording’s key of B, but play the G, C, D, and Em shapes as written.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
G – C (×3)
G – C – D
Chorus
Em – C
G – D
Em – C
G – D
Verse 2
G – C (×3)
G – C – D
Chorus
Em – C
G – D
Em – C
G – D
Bridge
C – G (×8)
Verse 3
G – C – G
C – G – C
G – C
G – C – D
Chorus
Em – C
G – D
Em – C
G – D
Chorus
Em – C
G – D
Em – C
G – D
Practice tip: The bridge is all downstrokes on the beat for a powerful, driving feel. Focus on keeping a steady tempo through the many chord changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "If It Makes You Happy"?
You need 5 beginner-friendly chords: G, D, Em, C and Am.
Is "If It Makes You Happy" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated beginner and uses only 5 chords in the key of G, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "If It Makes You Happy" in?
It is in the key of G.
Who wrote "If It Makes You Happy"?
It was written by Sheryl Crow, Jeff Trott, and released in 1996.