The Basic Chord Progression for "How Far I'll Go"
"How Far I'll Go" from Disney's Moana uses a straightforward progression that repeats throughout most of the song. The main chords are D major, A major, B minor, and G major — played in that order. This progression (D–A–Bm–G) forms the backbone of the verses, pre-chorus, and chorus.
Each chord typically gets one or two beats, depending on the strumming pattern you choose. If you are new to the song, start by playing each chord for one full measure (four beats) before moving to the next. This gives you time to switch cleanly and hear how the progression sounds. Once the changes feel natural, you can speed up or add variation.
The song stays in the key of D major throughout, which means no capo is required if you want to play it in the original key. If the original key feels too high or too low for your voice, you can use a capo — moving it up or down will shift all the chords equally.
Key Takeaways
- The main progression is D–A–Bm–G, repeated for verses, pre-chorus, and chorus sections.
- Each chord typically lasts one measure (four beats) when you are learning, and you can speed up once the changes feel smooth.
- No capo is needed to play in the original key, but you can add one if you want to transpose the song higher or lower.
- The bridge uses the same four chords but may be strummed differently or with a different rhythm to create contrast.
- Barre chords are not required — all four chords can be played as open shapes on a standard tuned guitar.
Finger Placement for Each Chord
D major uses three fingers: place your index finger on the second fret of the G string (the third string from the top), your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string (the thinnest string), and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string (the second string from the top). Strum from the D string down — skip the low E string.
A major is played with your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the high E string. Strum from the A string down, skipping the low E and D strings.
B minor requires a barre: lay your index finger flat across the second fret of the B and high E strings, then place your middle finger on the third fret of the D string and your ring finger on the fourth fret of the G string. Strum from the B string down. If the barre feels difficult at first, you can play just the open B and high E strings without barring — it will sound slightly different but still work.
G major uses your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum from the G string down, skipping the low E and D strings.
Strumming Patterns That Work
The song has a moderate, steady tempo. A straightforward down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well: strum down twice, up twice, down once, and up once within each measure. This creates a flowing rhythm that matches the song's energy without being too complicated.
If you prefer something simpler while learning, try a basic down-down-up pattern: strum down, down, up, and repeat. This gives you four strums per measure and is easier to keep steady. Once you feel confident with the chord changes, you can layer in more complex strumming or add muted strums (where you touch the strings lightly without letting them ring) for texture.
The verses tend to be softer and more restrained, so lighter strumming works there. The chorus builds in energy, so you can strum harder or add more strums per measure to match the intensity. Listen to the original song and match the feel — your strumming does not have to be exact, just in time with the beat.
Verse, Chorus, and Bridge Sections
The verse uses the D–A–Bm–G progression, usually with two measures per chord. Sing the opening lines ("I've been staring at the edge of the water...") while cycling through this progression. The rhythm is steady and conversational.
The pre-chorus ("And I...") also uses D–A–Bm–G but may feel slightly faster or more urgent in the original recording. You can keep the same chord progression and let your strumming speed or intensity change to match the mood.
The chorus ("How far I'll go...") repeats the same four chords. The main difference is the vocal melody becomes more powerful, so your strumming can become more energetic. Some players add a percussive element by muting the strings briefly between strums.
The bridge (the section in the middle of the song that breaks from the main pattern) still uses D–A–Bm–G, but the phrasing and rhythm may shift. Listen carefully to the original to hear where the chords land, or stick with the same progression and adjust your strumming to fit the melody you are singing.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The most common problem is rushing the chord changes. If you find yourself fumbling between D and A, slow down. Practice switching between just those two chords for a minute, then add B minor, then G. Building up speed gradually is faster than trying to play fast before you are ready.
Another frequent issue is muting strings accidentally. When you move from one chord to another, make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly enough that all the strings ring clearly. If a chord sounds dull or muted, check that no finger is touching a string it should not be, and that each finger is pressing close to (but not on) the fret wire.
If B minor feels impossible, remember that you can play a simplified version: just press the B and high E strings at the second fret without barring, and add the other fingers as described. It will not sound identical to the full barre, but it is a valid shortcut while you build strength.
Transposing the Song to a Different Key
If the original key is uncomfortable for singing, you can move the entire song up or down by using a capo. A capo is a device that clamps across all the strings at a specific fret, effectively shortening the playable length of the strings and raising the pitch.
For example, if you place a capo on the first fret and play D–A–Bm–G, the chords will sound as D#–A#–C#m–G# (one semitone higher). If you place it on the second fret, they will sound as E–B–C#m–A (two semitones higher). Each fret you move up raises the pitch by one semitone. Moving the capo down the neck (toward the headstock) lowers the pitch.
Experiment with different capo positions to find a key that feels natural for your voice. Once you find it, the fingering stays exactly the same — you are just playing the same shapes in a different position on the neck.
Resources for Learning the Song
Listening to the original recording while you practice is one of the best ways to internalize the rhythm and phrasing. Play the song on repeat and sing along while you work through the chords. Your ear will pick up the timing faster than reading instructions alone.
If you want to slow down the original recording to practice at a comfortable speed, free tools like YouTube's playback speed control or apps like Moises (which also separates the vocal from the instrumental) can help. Slowing the song to 75 or 80 percent speed lets you hear each chord change clearly without losing the feel of the song.
Practicing with a metronome set to a steady beat keeps your timing consistent. Start at a slow tempo (around 60 beats per minute) and increase the speed as you get more comfortable. This builds muscle memory and makes the chord changes feel automatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a capo to play this song?
No. The song is in D major, so you can play it without a capo using the standard D–A–Bm–G progression. Use a capo only if you want to transpose the song to match your vocal range or preference.
Can I play this song with just three chords?
The song uses four chords (D, A, Bm, G), and all four are important to the progression. You could technically skip one, but it would change the sound noticeably. Learning all four is worth the effort — they are all common chords used in many other songs.
What if B minor is too hard?
Play a simplified B minor by pressing only the B and high E strings at the second fret without barring. Add the other fingers (D string, third fret; G string, fourth fret) as your hand strength improves. Many players start this way and graduate to the full barre later.
How long does it take to learn this song?
If you already know basic open chords, you can play a rough version in one or two practice sessions. Smooth, confident playing usually takes a week or two of regular practice. The song is not technically difficult — it is mostly about building speed and confidence with the chord changes.
Should I use a pick or play with my fingers?
Either works. A pick gives you a brighter, more defined sound and is easier for consistent strumming. Fingerpicking is softer and more intimate. Start with whichever feels more natural, and you can always switch later.