The Basic Chord Progression for "Is This Love"

"Is This Love" by Bob Marley uses four chords that repeat throughout almost the entire song: A, F#m, D, and E. The progression moves in this order: A–F#m–D–E, then repeats. This four-chord loop forms the foundation for the verse, chorus, and most instrumental sections.

The song is in the key of A major, which makes it accessible for players who know basic open-position chords. Each chord gets roughly one measure (four beats) before moving to the next, so the rhythm is straightforward and straightforward to follow along with the original recording.

Key Takeaways

  • The entire song uses just four chords—A, F#m, D, and E—played in that same order throughout.
  • Each chord typically holds for one full measure, giving you time to switch cleanly between shapes.
  • Finger placement for F#m is the most demanding part; practice the barre on the second fret before playing the full progression.
  • Strumming a steady downstroke pattern on eighth notes matches the reggae feel of the original recording.
  • The song works equally well on acoustic or electric guitar, and no capo is required.

Finger Placement for Each Chord

A major is an open chord: place your index finger on the first fret of the B string (second string), middle finger on the second fret of the D string (fourth string), and ring finger on the second fret of the G string (third string). Strum from the A string down, skipping the low E string.

F#m is a barre chord on the second fret. Press your index finger across the entire second fret, then place your middle finger on the third fret of the A string and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string. This chord is the trickiest in the song—your index finger must press hard enough that all six strings ring clearly. Strum from the F# note (the sixth string, second fret) downward.

D major is another open chord: index finger on the second fret of the G string, middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, and ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum from the D string down, avoiding the low E and A strings.

E major is an open chord: index finger on the first fret of the G string, middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and ring finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings from the low E down.

Strumming Pattern and Rhythm

The original recording has a reggae feel, which means the strumming is relaxed and syncopated rather than driving. A straightforward approach that works well is a steady eighth-note downstroke pattern: strike the strings eight times per measure, keeping the motion smooth and even. This creates the laid-back groove without requiring complex up-and-down picking.

If you want to match the recorded version more closely, try emphasizing the second and fourth beats slightly—this is the "skank" rhythm common in reggae. You can also add light upstrokes on the "and" of beats two and four to add texture, but the downstroke foundation is what carries the song.

Practice the strumming pattern slowly with a metronome set to around 76 beats per minute, which is close to the original tempo. Once the rhythm feels natural, speed up gradually until you match the recording.

Switching Between Chords Smoothly

The biggest challenge most players face is moving cleanly from F#m back to A without stopping or muting the strings. The key is to release F#m slightly before you land on A, but keep your hand moving so there is no gap in the sound. Practice the A–F#m–D–E progression on its own, slowly, until your fingers know where to go without thinking.

One helpful trick: when you finish F#m, lift your fingers off the fretboard but keep your hand in position. Your next chord (A) is only a small shift away, so your muscle memory will guide you there quickly. Spend at least five minutes per practice session on just this four-chord loop before playing the full song.

If F#m is giving you trouble, an alternative is to play F#m7 (a simpler barre that uses only four fingers) or even skip the barre entirely and use a capo on the second fret, then play Em instead of F#m. This changes the sound slightly but keeps the song playable while you build strength in your barre technique.

Playing Along with the Original Recording

Once you can play the four-chord progression at a steady tempo, play along with the Bob Marley recording. Start at a lower volume so you can hear yourself clearly and catch any timing issues. The song has a natural swing to it, so matching the feel of the original is as important as hitting the right chords.

The verse and chorus use the same chord progression, so there are no surprises once you learn the main loop. The instrumental break in the middle also follows the same A–F#m–D–E pattern, making this one of the most consistent songs to learn on guitar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is muting strings during the F#m barre chord because your index finger is not pressing hard enough. Make sure your finger is right behind the fret wire (not on top of it) and explore firm, even pressure across all six strings. If some strings sound dead, adjust your finger position slightly until they all ring.

Another mistake is rushing the chord changes. Because the song is relaxed, there is no need to switch quickly—take your full measure to move from one chord to the next. Rushing creates sloppy transitions and breaks the reggae groove.

Finally, avoid strumming too hard. Reggae is about pocket and feel, not volume. Use a light to medium touch and let the chords breathe. This also makes the barre chords easier on your hand during long practice sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a capo to play this song?

No. The song is written in A major, and all four chords (A, F#m, D, E) are standard open and barre positions without a capo. Using a capo would change the key and require you to learn different chord shapes, so it is not necessary.

Can I play this song on an acoustic guitar?

Yes. "Is This Love" sounds great on both acoustic and electric guitars. Acoustic guitars may require slightly more finger strength for the F#m barre, but the chord shapes and progression are identical. The reggae feel works equally well on either instrument.

What if I can't play the F#m barre chord yet?

Try F#m7 instead, which uses fewer fingers and is easier to hold. Alternatively, use a capo on the second fret and play Em in place of F#m—this keeps the song playable while you build barre strength. Practice the full F#m shape separately until your hand is ready.

How fast should I play this song?

The original recording is around 76 beats per minute. Start slower (around 60 bpm) while you learn the progression, then gradually increase the tempo until you match the recording. The reggae feel means precision matters more than speed.

Are there any other chords used in the song?

No. The entire song—verse, chorus, and instrumental sections—uses only A, F#m, D, and E. Once you can play these four chords and switch between them smoothly, you can play the whole song.