Happy Instead chords - Bryan Zach ♬ How to Play

Happy Instead chords

[Intro]
C G Am C/B C
 
 
[Verse 1]
       C         G           Am       C/B    C
Well, I've been pacin' this room for forty hours
    C            G          Am  C/B    C
Crawlin' up the wall and tryin' not to call
    C           G            Am   C/B    C
And I saw you walking in a supermarket aisle
   C             G             Am       C/B    C
I didn't say a word 'cause you had the biggest smile
 
[Verse 2]
     C         G           Am          C/B    C
And I've been thinkin' of you in the morning times
      C             G           Am       C/B          C
You woke me up so soft that I forgot the world ain't kind
    C      G           Am        C/B        C
I pull you in and you kissed me through a grin
     C            G                      Am  C/B    C
And you say you missed me when you were busy sleepin'
 
 

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[Chorus]
                 F              C
But what if I'd said happy instead
        G                          Am
Is the way that I reckon it should be
            F                    C
And if you called you'd say that you're okay
     G                    Am
And I'd be wishin' I was there
                      F     C
'Cause you're happy instead
        G    Am
Happy instead
 
 
[Verse 3]
     C         G                Am      C/B     C
And I've been dreamin' of the life we would have had
  C         G       Am C/B     C
Happy at times but mostly just mad
  C            G        Am   C/B      C
Maybe it'd worked out, maybe it'd be fine
     C              G                    Am      C/B     C
But every day your smile ain't showin', seems a waste of time
 
 
[Chorus]
                 F              C
But what if I'd said happy instead
        G                          Am
Is the way that I reckon it should be
            F                    C
And if you called you'd say that you're okay
     G                    Am
And I'd be wishin' I was there
                      F     C
'Cause you're happy instead
        G    Am
Happy instead
 
 
[Verse 4]
 C         G            Am      C/B      C
It's been ten years, I hadn't called you once
     C                G            Am   C/B     C
When you called last night and my child up and jumped
     C            G        Am C/B     C
He asked who you were and you did the same
  C             G          Am         C/B       C
Handed me the phone and I couldn't recall your name
 
 
[Chorus]
                 F              C
But what if I'd said happy instead
        G                          Am
Is the way that I reckon I should be
            F                     C
And if you called you'd hear that I'm okay
     G                       Am
And you'd be wishin' you was there
                      F     C
'Cause I'm happy instead
        G    Am
Happy instead
               F      C
Oh, I'm happy instead
       G      Am
Happy instead
 
[Outro]
        F                   C
What if I'd said happy instead
       G                          Am
Is the way that I reckon I should be
            F                      C
And if you called you'd hear that I'm okay
     G                        Am
And you'd be wishin' you was dead
                  F      C   G  Am
'Cause I'm happy instead




Intro and Verse Chord Progression:
The song begins with an intro progression C G Am C/B C, which also
serves as the foundation for the verses. This sequence sets a reflective tone,
inviting listeners into the narrative’s emotional depth.

C Major: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, middle finger
on the 2nd fret of the D string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.
G Major: Index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, middle finger on the 3rd
fret of the low E string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string.
Am (A Minor): Index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, middle finger on
the 2nd fret of the D string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
C/B: Similar to a C chord but with the A string (2nd fret) played with your middle
finger, emphasizing a B note in the bass, adding a transitionary feel between chords.

Chorus Chord Progression:
The chorus introduces the F chord, offering a shift that highlights the song's
central theme of happiness and the process of moving forward.

F Major: You can play a simplified F major chord by placing your index finger
across the first two strings (E and B) at the 1st fret, middle finger on the 2nd
fret of the G string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D string. For a fuller
sound, you can play a barre chord by barring all strings at the 1st fret with
your index finger and forming an E major shape with the rest of your fingers.

Guitar Lesson Summary:
- Start by practicing the chord transitions, focusing on the smooth movement from
one chord to the next. The progression from Am to C/B to C is particularly important
for capturing the song's emotional ebb and flow.
- Consider the strumming pattern that best fits the song's reflective mood. A pattern
that combines downstrokes and upstrokes can add dynamics and depth to your rendition.
- Pay attention to the dynamics throughout the song, especially during the chorus,
where you can emphasize the song's hopeful message through more forceful strumming
or a slight increase in volume.
- Use the instrumental and outro sections to explore the song's themes musically, letting
the chords resonate and giving the lyrics space to breathe.
- Reflect on the lyrics as you play. The guitar accompaniment should serve as
a backdrop that enhances the storytelling, conveying the nuances of reminiscence,
acceptance, and eventual contentment.