OB-LA-DI, OB-LA-DA
(THE BEATLES)
BEGINNER GUITAR LESSON
Original Tempo: 114bpm | Video Tempo: 80bpm | Capo: 3rd Fret
Learn how to play “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” by The Beatles with this fun, beginner-friendly guitar lesson. You’ll explore the easy open-chord shapes and a steady strumming pattern perfect for acoustic players. The lesson includes clear chord diagrams, step-by-step rhythm tips, and a Chord Guide to help you follow along and master the song’s structure. It’s a good track for building timing, smooth chord transitions, and feel-good confidence on the guitar.
CHORDS
STRUMMING PATTERN
STRUMMING STAGE 1
STRUMMING STAGE 2
STRUMMING STAGE 3
STRUMMING STAGE 4
CHORD GUIDE
INTRO
G |(x4)
VERSE 1
G D
Desmond has a barrow in the market place,
D7 G
Molly is the singer in a band.
G C
Desmond says to Molly, girl, I like your face
G D G
And Molly says this as she takes him by the hand
CHORUS 1
G D - Em
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on.. bra.
G D G
La-la how their life goes on.
G D - Em
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on.. bra.
G D G
La-la how their life goes on.
VERSE 2
G D
Desmond takes a trolley to the jeweler's store.
D7 G
Buys a twenty carat golden ring.
G C
Takes it back to Molly waiting at the door.
G D G
And as he gives it to her she begins to sing
CHORUS 2
G D - Em
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on.. bra.
G D G
La-la how their life goes on.
G D - Em
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on.. bra.
G D G
La-la how their life goes on.
BRIDGE
C G G, Gsus2, G, G7
In a couple of years they have built a home sweet home
C
With a couple of kids running in the yard,
D G
of Desmond and Molly Jones (ha ha ha ha)
VERSE 3
G D
Happy ever after in the market place,
D7 G
Desmond lets the children lend a hand.
G C
Molly stays at home and does her pretty face
G D G
And in the evening she still sings it with the band
CHORUS 3
G D - Em
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on.. bra.
G D G
La-la how their life goes on.
G D - Em
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on.. bra.
G D G
La-la how their life goes on.
BRIDGE REPEAT
C G G, G7
In a couple of years they have built a home sweet home
C
With a couple of kids running in the yard,
D G
of Desmond and Molly Jones (ha ha ha ha)
VERSE 3 REPEAT
G D
Happy ever after in the market place,
D7 G
Molly lets the children lend a hand.
G C
Desmond stays at home and does his pretty face
G D G
And in the evening she's a singer with the band.
CHORUS 4
G D - Em
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on.. bra.
G D G
La-la how their life goes on.
G D - Em
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, life goes on.. bra.
G D Em
La-la how their life goes on.
Em D G
And if you want some fun, sing Ob-La-Di-Bla-Da
Copyright Disclaimer
This file is the authors work and represents my interpretation of the song. It is intended solely for private study, scholarship, or research. The chord charts and lesson sheets provided are simplified resources to support online learning. For official sheet music, I highly recommend purchasing from licensed publishers such as Hal Leonard or Musicnotes.