Better Together Chords & Guitar Lesson (Most Accurate)

Jack Johnson and I both had a similar start.

You see, his career began by getting his music placed in surf movies. That was something I did as well, growing up on the coast in California.

Below, I want to share some insider tips on the guitar style behind one of his most iconic songs. 

So grab your axe, and let’s dive into this “Better Together” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Better Together?

“Better Together” was written by American singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, known for his laid-back folk/surf rock vibes. It’s a simple song expressing one of the greatest joys of life for men, being with someone you love. The lyrics reflect on how life's experiences can be more meaningful this way. 

This gem was recorded in October 2004 at The Mango Tree studio in Hawaii. Mario Caldato Jr., known for his work with the Beastie Boys, produced the song. The studio's relaxed atmosphere contributed to the song's laid-back vibe, characteristic of Johnson's style. The song is the opening track on Johnson’s third studio album, In Between Dreams, released on March 1, 2005.

“Better Together” reached number 24 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, a live version from the En Concert album peaked at number 22 on the Mediabase Triple A.

“Better Together” has been featured in various live performances, including the Kōkua Festival in 2010, where Johnson performed alongside other artists to support environmental causes. Beyond its commercial success, “Better Together” has resonated with audiences for its universal message of love and unity. 

Now, you may be wondering…

What is the tuning for Better Together?

The tuning for "Better Together" as recorded by Jack Johnson is standard tuning. Johnson kept things simple. Standard tuning is spelled: E, A, D, G, B, and E.

Here are the strings:

• E (6th string, lowest pitch)
• A (5th string)
• D (4th string)
• G (3rd string)
• B (2nd string)
• E (1st string, highest pitch)

All right! 

Now that you know the tuning for “Better Together”, let’s next talk about…

Better Together Chords

To play “Better Together”, as recorded by Jack Johnson, you’ll only need to know 7 main chords they are F, F/E, Dm, C, Bb, Bb/A, and Gm. Now, all of these chords are played as bar chords. If you have not discovered how to play effortless bar chords yet, go here: https://www.jonmaclennan.com/7mistakes 

Let’s take a look at a few ways they can be played on the fretboard.

F is played in 8th position on the middle strings like this:

Then F/E just shifts the root note down 1 fret like this:

Dm is a minor variation played in the 5th position like so:

C is the same shape as F, just relocated down to the 3rd position like this:

Bb uses all 6 strings and is played in 6th position like this:

Bb/A does another similar move where you shift the bass note down one fret:

Finally, we have Gm, which is played using all 6 strings like this:

If you’ve struggled to understand the fretboard for RHYTHM and LEAD guitar. and want to discover the easiest and fastest way. Then get your hands on my free Fretboard Guide PDF right here now:  

Is Better Together hard to play on guitar?

I would say playing “Better Together” on guitar requires a solid intermediate skill level. There are only a handful of chords and three main sections. However, the tricky part is getting the laid-back feel and playing bar chords throughout without fatiguing. This is something many players struggle with when they haven’t unlocked how to play effortless bar chords. 

What key is Better Together in?

“Better Together,” as recorded by Jack Johnson, is in the key of F major. The primary scale for this key is the F major scale, which contains the notes F, G, A, Bb, C, D, and E.

Here’s a quick look at how the chords relate in the key of F major:

F major

Notes: F, A, C

Function: This is the I chord in the key of F major.

It’s the tonic, or “home” chord. It feels stable and resolved. Most progressions in F major begin or end on this chord.

F/E

Notes: F, A, C (with E in the bass)

Function: This is a variation of the I chord with a descending bass line.

By placing E in the bass, this chord creates smooth voice leading, often functioning as a passing chord from F to Dm – like what you hear Johnson do in the Verse of “Better Together”.

D minor (Dm)

Notes: D, F, A

Function: This is the vi chord in the key of F major.

It’s the relative minor and provides a more emotional feel compared to the major chords. 

C major

Notes: C, E, G

Function: This is the V chord in the key of F major.

As the dominant chord, it creates strong tension that naturally resolves back to the I chord (F). It’s often used at the end of phrases or in cadences.

Bb major

Notes: Bb, D, F

Function: This is the IV chord in the key of F major.

It’s the subdominant, creating motion away from the tonic. Bb often leads to C or returns to F.

Bb/A

Notes: Bb, D, F (with A in the bass)

Function: This is the IV chord with its 3rd (A) in the bass.

It creates a smooth descending bass line when moving from Bb to Gm or continuing toward F. It’s often used to add movement and interest to otherwise simple progressions.

G minor (Gm)

Notes: G, Bb, D

Function: This is the ii chord in the key of F major.

As a minor chord built on the second scale degree, it’s commonly used in progressions like ii–V–I. This is how the Verse section ends in “Better Together”.

So that’s the theory. Next, let’s look at…

What is the strumming pattern for Better Together?

The main underlying groove for “Better Together” is a laid-back 8th-note swing feel. In 4/4 time, 8th notes are usually counted as evenly spaced: "1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &" – but in a swing feel, they’re played with a long-short rhythm, like a triplet where the first two notes are tied and the third is played.

So instead of sounding even, they feel like:

“Dah - duh, Dah - duh, Dah - duh, Dah - duh”

You still count them as:

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

But the feel is more like:

“One...and, Two...and, Three...and, Four...and”

—with the “&” coming late, like it’s leaning forward into the next beat.

Here’s an example of a strumming pattern in the style of “Better Together”:

Conclusion

To wrap it up, “Better Together” is a perfect song. The simple walk down chord progression, and the melody and lyrics flow like you’re riding a wave. 

Keep practicing, and if you want to learn songs way faster, better understand the fretboard for lead and rhythm, and not waste years spinning your wheels with guitar, grab my free fretboard guide here right now:  

Jon MacLennan