Song Tabs

 About the Original

Morning Has Broken by Cat Stevens is a gentle, hymn-like folk song best known for its flowing piano accompaniment and lyrical melody. The song’s calm, uplifting mood translates beautifully to acoustic guitar.

How to Play on Guitar

The song uses open chords and a moderate tempo, making it approachable for beginners, though frequent chord changes and the occasional barre chord (like F and Bm) provide some challenge.

Strumming Pattern:
Use a relaxed, flowing strum. A good starting point is a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern (D D U U D U) for each measure. Keep your strumming even and soft to match the song’s gentle feel. For bridges or dramatic moments, you may strum slightly louder or add a single slow downstroke per chord for emphasis.

Chord Transitions:
Practice moving smoothly between chords, especially:

• C to Dm and C to F (watch for F, a common beginner hurdle—try Fmaj7 as an easier option)
• G7 to C and F to G transitions
• The shifts between D, G, and A in the third verse
• Barre chords (Bm, F#m, F#) may require extra attention—try partial barre or simplified versions if needed.

Tips:

• Break the song into sections and practice each slowly.
• Focus on clean chord sounds; don’t rush the transitions.
• Listen to the original for guidance on tempo and feel.

With patience and careful practice, this song can be a rewarding addition to a beginner’s repertoire.