A
E
D
Shambala
Three Dog Night
The original "Shambala" by Three Dog Night is an upbeat, feel-good classic rock song from the 1970s known for its driving rhythm and infectious chorus. It's a great song for beginner guitarists as it uses basic open chords and a straightforward structure.
## Chords
The main chords are A, D, and E, all of which are standard open chords. Make sure you are comfortable switching between these shapes.
## Strumming Pattern
A common strumming pattern for "Shambala" is D-DU-UDU (D = down, U = up). Try starting with all downstrokes if you are a beginner, then move to the suggested pattern for more groove. The song has a bright, steady tempo, so keep your strumming hand moving and relaxed.
## Chord Transitions
Practice moving from A to E to D smoothly. This song repeats these transitions throughout verses, choruses, and instrumental breaks. Pay special attention to the E–D–A sequence, as it forms the core progression.
## Tips for Beginners
- Count in sets of four to match the song’s rhythm.
- Mute unused strings with the edge of your palm for a cleaner sound.
- For the bridge (“How does your light shine…”), it alternates between D and A. Let the chords ring out slightly here for a dynamic contrast.
Enjoy playing and singing along—this song is meant to be fun and uplifting!
Intro
A E D A E D A
A E D A E D A
Verse 1Wash aE way my troubles,D wash aA way my pain, with theE rain in ShambaA la.
Wash aE way my sorrow,D wash aA way my shame with theE rain in ShambaA la.
Chorus 1Ah-ahE ooh ooohD oooh ooohA yeah.E Yeah yeahD yeah yeahA yeah.
Ah-ahE ooh ooohD oooh ooohA yeah.E Yeah yeahD yeah yeahA yeah.
Verse 2EveryE one is helpful,D everyA one is kind, on theE road to ShambaA la.
EveryE one is lucky,D everyA one is so kind on theE road to ShambaA la.
Chorus 2Ah-ahE ooh ooohD oooh ooohA yeah.E Yeah yeahD yeah yeahA yeah.
Ah-ahE ooh ooohD oooh ooohA yeah.E Yeah yeahD yeah yeahA yeah.
BridgeHow does your light shine, in theD halls of ShambaA la?
How does your light shine, in theD halls of ShambaA la?
InstrumentalE D A E D A
Verse 3I canE tell my sister,D by theA flowers in her eyes on theE road to ShambaA la.
I canE tell my brotherD by the flowers in hisA eyes on theE road to ShambaA la.
Chorus 3Ah-ahE ooh ooohD oooh ooohA yeah.E Yeah yeahD yeah yeahA yeah.
Ah-ahE ooh ooohD oooh ooohA yeah.E Yeah yeahD yeah yeahA yeah.
Final BridgeHow does your light shine in theD halls of ShambaA la?
How does your light shine in theD halls of ShambaA la?
Tell me howwww does your light shine in theD halls of ShambaA la?
Tell me howwww does your light shine in theD halls of ShambaA la?
OutroAh-ahE ooh ooohD oooh ooohA yeah.E Yeah yeahD yeah yeahA yeah.
Ah-ahE ooh ooohD oooh ooohA yeah on theE road toD ShambaA la.
Ah-ahE ooh ooohD oooh ooohA yeah.E Shamba ShambaA la.
AhhaE ooh ooohA oooh yeah. On theE road toD ShambaA la.
EndingE D A E D A E D A E D A