D
Em
A7
G
A
Happy Jack
The Who
Commentary and Beginner Tips
Original Version
"Happy Jack" by The Who is a playful, upbeat rock song released in 1966. The original features brisk acoustic guitar strumming and a bouncy tempo. Listening to the original can help you get a feel for its cheerful energy and rhythm, which are key to capturing its spirit on guitar.
Chords and Progression
This song uses basic open chords: D, Em, A, A7, and G. These are beginner-friendly shapes—practice switching between them to build fluidity, especially between D and A7, which occur frequently.
Strumming Pattern
Keep the strumming brisk and light. A simple down-up-down-up (1-2-3-4) pattern works well. For added energy, try accenting the 2nd and 4th beats: D (down), U (up), D (down), U (up), with a slight emphasis on the "up" strums.
Chord Transitions
Most transitions are between D and A7. Practice moving between these two without pausing, as they drive both the verse and chorus. Use your index finger as an anchor when shifting between D and A7 to speed up the transition.
Techniques
In the chorus, where G and A alternate, keep your fingers close to the fretboard to move quickly. For the outro, follow the sequence closely and keep your strumming steady.
Focus on steady rhythm and clean chord changes to capture the lively feel of the song.
Intro
D Em D
D D D D
Verse 1Happy Jack wasn't tall but heA7 was aD man
He lived in the sand at theA7 Isle ofD Man
The kids would all sing he wouldA7 take the wrongD key
So they rode on his head in aA7 hurry onD quay
ChorusTheG kids couldn't hurt Jack, theyA tried triedA tried
TheyG dropped things on his back, theyA lied liedA7 liedA lied
But theyD couldn't stop Jack or theA7 waters lapD ping
And they couldn't prevent Jack fromA7 feeling hapD py
BridgeA D A D A D A D
Verse 2They couldn't stop Jack or theA7 waters lapD ping
And they couldn't prevent Jack fromA7 feeling hapD py
OutroA D A D G A D G A
D Em D