About the Original
The Beatles' "We Can Work It Out" features a blend of folk-pop and classic rock, with a rhythmic, upbeat feel. The original uses acoustic guitar and keyboard, with a driving, steady tempo. Understanding the song’s optimistic mood helps maintain energy while playing.
Chords and Progression
This song uses basic open chords: G, F, C, D, Em, and B7. Beginners may find F and B7 slightly challenging—practice finger placement for smoother transitions. The verses mainly use G and F, with C and D for the chorus, and Em, C, and B7 for the bridge.
Strumming Pattern
Start with a relaxed, steady strumming pattern: Down, down-up, up-down-up Keep the rhythm even, matching the song’s bouncy feel. For the bridge, strum a little softer to highlight the change in mood.
Chord Transitions
When moving from G to F, anchor your index finger for efficiency. Practice shifting between F and G repeatedly. The jump from C to D at the end of the chorus is quick—try practicing those two chords in sequence.
Other Tips
If F is too difficult, use an F major 7 (xx3210) as a substitute. Slow down tricky passages and increase speed as you get comfortable. Listen to the original for timing, especially for the pauses after “we can work it out.”