The solo guitar tab (chord melody) for “Happy Birthday” is available for download as a PDF.

Happy Birthday

“Happy Birthday to You” began life as “Good Morning to All,” written in 1893 by sisters Mildred J. Hill (music) and Patty Smith Hill (lyrics). Intended for classrooms, its simple melody helped it spread quickly beyond schools into homes and public gatherings.

By the early twentieth century, the familiar birthday lyrics had taken hold, turning the song into a universal ritual. As the guitar rose in popularity in American homes during the 1900s, it naturally became a common accompaniment for informal celebrations and sing-alongs.

Video

In the video below, I perform the piece as transcribed. This is the version in C major.

Solo Guitar Tabs

“Happy Birthday” solo fingerstyle acoustic guitar arrangements in two keys: C major and D major. The version in D major is a simpler arrangement.

Happy Birthday in C major

Here is another version in C major (slightly more difficult) also included in the purchase above.