The I’m Yours guitar lesson is perfect for acoustic players looking for an upbeat, feel-good song. This Jason Mraz hit has a simple chord progression, a catchy strumming pattern, and that laid-back reggae-inspired groove that makes it instantly recognizable.
In this lesson, Marty Schwartz breaks down the chord progression, the strumming pattern, the rhythm techniques, and everything you need to nail this modern classic.
The Chord Progression
I’m Yours uses a four-chord progression that repeats throughout the entire song. It’s simple, melodic, and works perfectly with the reggae-inspired rhythm.
The progression: G major → D major → E minor → C major
G major: Standard open G chord. This is your starting point.
D major: Standard open D chord (2nd fret on G and high E, 3rd fret on B string).
E minor: Standard open Em chord (2nd fret on A and D strings).
C major: Standard open C chord (1st fret on B string, 2nd fret on D string, 3rd fret on A string).
This G-D-Em-C progression is one of the most popular in modern pop music. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it sounds great. The beauty of I’m Yours is in the rhythm, not the chords.
The Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern is what gives I’m Yours its signature feel. It’s got that reggae-inspired upbeat emphasis that makes the song bounce.
Basic strumming pattern: Down-up-down-up-down-up-down-up
Here’s the key: the emphasis is on the UPSTROKES, not the downstrokes. This is what creates that reggae feel.
Think of it like this: down-UP-down-UP-down-UP-down-UP
The upstrokes should be louder and more pronounced than the downstrokes. This flips the traditional strumming emphasis and creates that bouncy, island vibe.
Adding muting: Between some of the strums, you can add a palm mute or a “chop” by lightly touching the strings with your fret hand. This creates a percussive effect that adds texture to the rhythm.
The Reggae Rhythm Technique
To really nail the I’m Yours vibe, you need to understand the reggae rhythm technique. It’s all about the off-beat accents.
In traditional strumming, you emphasize beats 1 and 3 (the downbeats). In reggae rhythm, you emphasize beats 2 and 4 (the off-beats or upbeats).
Here’s how to practice it:
Count: 1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and
Strum: down-UP-down-UP-down-UP-down-UP
Emphasis: down-UP-down-UP-down-UP-down-UP
The “and” beats (upstrokes) should be louder. This is what gives the song its laid-back, groovy feel.
The Chord Change Timing
Each chord gets one bar (four beats). The progression moves smoothly: G (four beats), D (four beats), Em (four beats), C (four beats), then repeat.
The key is keeping your strumming consistent even as you change chords. Don’t pause between chord changes—let the rhythm flow continuously.
Practice the chord changes slowly at first. Once you can transition smoothly without breaking the strumming pattern, gradually increase the tempo.
The Singing and Strumming Together
I’m Yours is a great song for practicing singing and strumming simultaneously. The vocal melody sits comfortably over the chord progression, and the rhythm is forgiving enough that you can focus on both without getting overwhelmed.
Start by humming the melody while you strum. Once that feels natural, add the lyrics. Don’t worry about perfection—Jason Mraz’s delivery is relaxed and conversational, so embrace that laid-back vibe.
Tips for Playing I’m Yours
- Master the upstroke emphasis. The reggae feel comes from the upstrokes. Practice emphasizing them until it feels natural.
- Keep the rhythm consistent. Don’t let the chord changes interrupt your strumming. The groove needs to stay locked in.
- Use a relaxed grip. Don’t strangle the pick. A loose, relaxed grip helps you get that bouncy reggae rhythm.
- Add dynamics. The verse can be quieter and more subdued. The chorus opens up. Use dynamics to create contrast.
- Sing along. I’m Yours is meant to be sung. The chord progression supports the vocal melody perfectly.
Why I’m Yours Works
I’m Yours is a masterclass in simplicity. Four chords, a straightforward progression, and a catchy rhythm—that’s all it takes to create a song that’s been played millions of times.
Jason Mraz understood how to write songs that connected with people emotionally without being overly complex. I’m Yours is uplifting, optimistic, and fun to play.
It’s also a great song for beginners and intermediate players because the chords are basic open shapes, and the strumming pattern, while unique, is easy to learn once you get the feel for it.
Common Mistakes
Emphasizing downstrokes instead of upstrokes: This is the most common mistake. The reggae feel requires upstroke emphasis. Don’t forget this.
Rushing the tempo: I’m Yours has a laid-back groove. Don’t speed it up. Keep it relaxed and steady.
Breaking the strumming pattern during chord changes: The rhythm needs to stay consistent even as you change chords. Practice slowly until the transitions are smooth.
Weak chord transitions: The G-D-Em-C changes need to be clean. Sloppy transitions kill the groove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chords for I’m Yours?
I’m Yours uses G major, D major, E minor, and C major. The progression is G-D-Em-C and repeats throughout the entire song.
Is I’m Yours easy to play on guitar?
Yes, I’m Yours is beginner-friendly. The chord progression is simple (G-D-Em-C), and all the chords are open shapes. The strumming pattern requires practice to get the reggae feel, but it’s achievable with focused work.
What is the strumming pattern for I’m Yours?
The strumming pattern is down-up-down-up-down-up-down-up with emphasis on the upstrokes. This creates the reggae-inspired rhythm that defines the song.
What tuning is I’m Yours in?
I’m Yours is played in standard tuning (EADGBE).
What key is I’m Yours in?
I’m Yours is in the key of G major.
Can beginners play I’m Yours?
Absolutely. I’m Yours is one of the best songs for beginners. The chords are all basic open shapes, and while the reggae strumming pattern takes practice, it’s a great way to develop rhythm skills.
I’m Yours is a feel-good classic that’s perfect for acoustic sing-alongs, campfires, or just playing for yourself. Once you’ve got that reggae rhythm down, you’ll have a song that always brings a smile.
Rock on!