John Mayer Guitar Lessons
John Mayer blends pop, blues and soul into some of the most recognizable guitar-driven songs of the last two decades. On this page, you'll find acoustic guitar lessons for eight John Mayer songs, with each arrangement broken down to help you work through the chords, rhythm patterns, riffs and picking techniques used in the lesson.
From soulful songs like Gravity and In The Blood to the relaxed acoustic grooves of Queen Of California and Your Body Is A Wonderland, these lessons cover a wide range of Mayer's guitar style. You'll work with standard and Drop D tunings, capo arrangements, bass runs, hammer-ons, rhythmic riffs and lead sections adapted for a single acoustic guitar.
Whether you're building your rhythm skills or learning how to blend picking and riffs into a complete acoustic arrangement, these John Mayer guitar lessons offer a progression from beginner-friendly songs through intermediate-level challenges.
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performance clips taken directly from the complete lesson videos.
Click Play, then drag the timeline to quickly preview any John Mayer lesson featured on this page.
Note: Every arrangement has been personally created, recorded and taught by Kirby
using teaching methods refined through decades of acoustic guitar instruction.
What's Included With Every Lesson
📦 Your Lesson Package Includes
✓ 8–12 minute HD video lesson so you can learn each song step-by-step.
✓ Printable chords & lyrics PDF for easy practice away from the screen.
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✓ Learn at your own pace on any device.
New to John Mayer?
If you're new to playing John Mayer songs on acoustic guitar, start with Dear Marie, which uses just four chords and a steady shuffle rhythm with only a few small riffs and a bass run. From there, try Waiting On The World To Change or In The Blood, where you'll begin adding riffs, arpeggio notes, hammer-ons and bass runs to the rhythm.
When you're ready for more of a challenge, move into songs such as Who Says, I Guess I Just Feel Like and Queen Of California, where quicker chord changes, lead sections and rhythm-and-picking combinations require more coordination. Finish with Something Like Olivia and Your Body Is A Wonderland, where singing while playing recurring riffs and moving between different rhythm and picking patterns adds another layer to the performance.
John Mayer Guitar Lessons Included On This Page
Dear Marie Guitar Lesson
Gravity Guitar Lesson
I Guess I Just Feel Like Guitar Lesson
In The Blood Guitar Lesson
Queen Of California Guitar Lesson
Something Like Olivia Guitar Lesson
Waiting On The World To Change Guitar Lesson
Who Says Guitar Lesson
Your Body Is A Wonderland Guitar Lesson
🎁 Free Lesson Preview
Want to see a full demo? Scroll down to check out a completely free demo on John Mayer's “Your Body Is A Wonderland”Dear Marie - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Dear Marie was released on John Mayer’s 2013 album Paradise Valley and became one of the record’s more personal songs. Mayer has explained that it was inspired by a real woman he dated before becoming famous, although “Marie” was not her actual name. The song finds him looking back on that relationship from the perspective of his later success and wondering what became of her and whether she ever thinks about him.
Musically, Dear Marie reflects the rootsier folk, country and Americana influences Mayer explored during this period of his career. The song reached No. 30 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart and has remained a fan favorite from Paradise Valley.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
Dear Marie is played in standard tuning with the chords A, D, E and Gbm. The rhythm uses a steady root down up down up down up down up down up down up down up shuffle that gives the song its relaxed acoustic groove. There are also a few small riffs blended into the rhythm, mainly using notes on the G string, along with one bass run midway through the song. There is no separate lead work required.
I'd rate this lesson beginner-friendly. Start by learning the four chords and getting comfortable with the steady shuffle rhythm. Once the groove feels relaxed and consistent, work on adding the G-string accents without interrupting your strumming. Finish by adding the single bass run midway through the song. The key is to keep the rhythm flowing naturally while adding those small melodic touches.
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Gravity - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Gravity became one of John Mayer’s defining recordings after appearing on his 2006 album Continuum, a record that marked a stronger move toward blues, soul and R&B influences in his music. Written by Mayer, the song uses gravity as a metaphor for the forces that can pull someone away from staying grounded and making good choices, particularly in the face of success and temptation.
Mayer had performed Gravity before Continuum, recording an earlier version with the John Mayer Trio for the 2005 live album Try!. The Continuum recording features blues guitarist Buddy Guy on vocals.
The song has since become a staple of Mayer’s live shows and an enduring showcase for the expressive blues-influenced guitar style that became central to his music.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
Gravity is played in standard tuning with the chords G, C, Am, D7, Gm and Eb7. The rhythm uses a down down down down up down up down up pattern, with some of the down strokes optionally muted to create space and give the song its relaxed, soulful groove.
There is plenty of electric lead guitar in the original recording, but rather than trying to reproduce all of it note for note, I teach a less intense improvised lead section designed for a solo acoustic arrangement. There are also a few bass runs that help connect the chord changes and add movement to the rhythm.
I'd rate this lesson intermediate. Start by learning the chords and getting comfortable with the rhythm pattern, including the optional muted strokes. Next, work in the bass runs while maintaining the groove. Once those pieces are comfortable, tackle the lead section. You can play the version I teach or use it as a starting point for creating your own improvised picking sequence.
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I Guess I Just Feel Like - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
I Guess I Just Feel Like first arrived as a standalone single in February 2019, more than two years before John Mayer included it on his 2021 album Sob Rock. Mayer had debuted the song live in October 2018 after a period when he was struggling to find material he was happy with. He returned to a simpler recording approach built around acoustic guitar and tape, and said most of the song came together very quickly.
The reflective lyrics deal with frustration, uncertainty and feeling worn down by the world, while ultimately leaving room for hope. Musically, the track returned Mayer to a rootsier blend of blues, country and singer-songwriter influences. It reached No. 6 on Billboard's Hot Rock Songs chart before eventually finding a home on Sob Rock.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
I Guess I Just Feel Like is played with a capo on the 2nd fret using the chords A, D/A, Gbm, G, D and E. The song has a laid-back feel, which is captured with a down down up down up down – up down up down up down up rhythm pattern. There is a slight pause in the middle of the pattern that helps create the relaxed groove rather than making the strumming sound too continuous.
There is also a lead break in this arrangement, with some of the picking blended together with the rhythm rather than treating the lead as a completely separate guitar part.
I'd rate this lesson intermediate. Start by learning the chords and getting comfortable with the single rhythm pattern, paying particular attention to that slight pause in the middle. Once the groove feels natural, move on to the lead section and practise blending the picking with the rhythm without losing the timing.
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In The Blood
- Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
In The Blood was featured on John Mayer’s 2017 album The Search for Everything and became one of the record’s most personal and introspective songs. Written by Mayer, the lyrics explore how much of a person's character, relationships and behavior may be inherited from their parents and how difficult it can be to separate those influences from who they become.
The song also revealed Mayer's continuing interest in Americana and country influences, earning airplay beyond his usual pop and rock audience.
In The Blood reached No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart and also crossed onto the Hot Country Songs chart, where it peaked at No. 39. Its reflective subject matter and acoustic-oriented sound make it particularly well suited to a stripped-down guitar arrangement.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
In The Blood is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 1st fret to match the original key. The chords are G, Em, C and D. The main rhythm uses a 1-2 up down up pattern, where the 1-2 represents two arpeggio notes picked from the chord before moving into the strumming. There is also a quick shuffle used in places, accented with an occasional hammer-on.
As the song builds near the end, the intensity increases and the rhythm changes to a down down – down up down up muted pattern. A few light bass runs help smooth out the chord changes, and there is a short picking break that stays within the chord shapes, so there isn't a lot of additional fretboard movement required.
I'd rate this lesson beginner to intermediate. Start with the four chords and main arpeggio-based rhythm, then learn the shuffle and stronger rhythm used near the end. Add the hammer-ons and bass runs once those patterns are comfortable, and finish by blending the short picking break into the rhythm.
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Queen Of California - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Queen Of California helped introduce the rootsier direction John Mayer explored on his 2012 album Born and Raised. Released as the album’s second single, the song reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Songs chart and also appeared on the rock charts. Its acoustic-driven arrangement reflects the folk, country and Americana influences that became central to Mayer’s sound during this period.
Lyrically, the song looks toward leaving the past behind and beginning a new chapter, with Mayer referencing Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush in the opening line. That musical connection fits the Laurel Canyon-inspired atmosphere heard throughout Born and Raised. A music video was also produced for the song, while its layered acoustic guitar parts have helped make it a particularly appealing Mayer track for guitar players.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
Queen Of California is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 4th fret to keep the song in the original key. The chords are G, G/F, C, Am and D. The rhythm uses a repeating root down up down up down up down up down up down up down up pattern played with a mid-tempo shuffle feel.
There are several hammer-on sequences throughout the arrangement, along with additional riffs and a main picking break. Near the end of the song, you'll also be singing over a picking riff at the same time, which adds another coordination challenge to the arrangement.
I'd rate this lesson intermediate. Start with the five chords and get comfortable with the repeating shuffle rhythm. Then go back and gradually work in the hammer-ons, smaller riffs and main picking break. Save the ending for last, where the challenge is keeping the picking riff flowing while adding the vocal.
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Something Like Olivia - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Something Like Olivia comes from John Mayer’s 2012 album Born and Raised, where its bluesy groove sits alongside the folk, country and Americana influences heard throughout the record. Written by Mayer, the song revolves around being captivated by an idealized woman—while acknowledging that if he can't have Olivia herself, he'd settle for finding someone like her.
Although Something Like Olivia was not released as an official single, it became a popular album track and a favorite among guitar players, thanks in part to Mayer's blues-influenced guitar work and relaxed rhythm. He has also performed the song live in different arrangements, including stripped-down acoustic versions that highlight how naturally the song translates from the full-band recording to a single guitar.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
Something Like Olivia is played in standard tuning using just three chords: G, C and D. The rhythm uses a down up down down pattern, followed by a riff after each chord. That combination of strumming and picking continues through the verses and gives the acoustic arrangement much of its character.
There is also a lead section to work through, and the song finishes with two quick descending riffs. Because the recurring riffs are played while you're singing, keeping the vocal and guitar parts coordinated becomes one of the main challenges.
I'd rate this lesson intermediate. Start by learning the three chords and rhythm pattern, then practise the riff that follows each chord during the verses. Once you can move smoothly between the rhythm and riffs, add the vocals. From there, learn the main lead section and finish with the two descending riffs that close out the song.
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Waiting On The World To Change - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Waiting On The World To Change opened John Mayer’s 2006 album Continuum and became one of the biggest songs of his career. Written by Mayer, the song reflects the frustration of a younger generation that recognizes social and political problems but feels it has limited power to influence them. Its relaxed groove and soul-influenced sound also helped signal the broader musical direction Mayer explored on Continuum.
The song became a major radio hit and helped introduce Continuum to a much wider audience. It also earned Mayer the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 2007 ceremony, while Continuum won Best Pop Vocal Album. The song remains one of Mayer's most recognizable recordings.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
Waiting On The World To Change is played in standard tuning with the chords D, Bm, G, A and Em. The rhythm uses a repeating down down up down up down – down up down up down up pattern that carries through the song.
One of the interesting parts of this arrangement is the keyboard riff heard during the intro chord progression, which I show you how to incorporate on guitar while working through the chords. Later in the song, there is also a lead break. I play that section using lower notes so you can keep some rhythm wrapped around the picking rather than completely separating the lead from the accompaniment.
I'd rate this lesson beginner to intermediate. Start by learning the five chords and getting comfortable with the repeating rhythm pattern. Once those are flowing smoothly, add the intro riff and then work on the lead break. The chords and rhythm are manageable for newer players, while blending the riffs and picking with the rhythm adds the intermediate challenge.
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Who Says
- Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Who Says introduced listeners to John Mayer’s 2009 album Battle Studies when it arrived as the record’s lead single in September of that year. Written by Mayer, the song takes a deliberately carefree approach to adulthood, questioning the expectations and restrictions people place on themselves as they get older. Its laid-back acoustic sound contrasts with some of the more polished and emotionally heavier material found elsewhere on the album.
The song reached No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to No. 1 on the Adult Alternative Songs chart, giving Mayer another strong radio hit. With its relaxed groove, conversational lyrics and prominent acoustic guitar, Who Says has also become a natural fit for stripped-down solo performances and acoustic guitar arrangements.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
Who Says is played in Drop D tuning, which gives the acoustic arrangement a fuller sound. The chords are D, G, D/Gb, E7, A7, A7/A#, Bm, Bm/A and Em. The rhythm uses a repeating root down root up down up pattern. Some of the chord changes come fairly quickly, which helps create the groove that carries the song.
There is no separate lead section required, as the instrumental break is played using the rhythm. There are, however, several hammer-ons and bass runs blended into the arrangement that add movement and help fill out the sound of a single acoustic guitar.
I'd rate this lesson beginner to intermediate. Start by learning the chord progression and getting comfortable with the Drop D tuning. Next, work on the single rhythm pattern and the quicker chord changes until the groove flows smoothly. Once those pieces are comfortable, go back and add the hammer-ons and bass runs without interrupting the rhythm.
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Your Body Is A Wonderland - Learn To Play On Acoustic Guitar
Your Body Is A Wonderland became John Mayer’s second single from his debut album Room for Squares in 2002 and helped establish him as a major new singer-songwriter. Built around an intimate acoustic arrangement, the song reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the album’s biggest hits.
Mayer wrote the song before achieving mainstream success, although stories about exactly who inspired it have varied over the years. Its romantic lyrics, distinctive acoustic guitar part and conversational vocal style became closely associated with his early sound. Your Body Is A Wonderland also earned Mayer his first Grammy Award, winning Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2003 and helping turn Room for Squares into his breakthrough album.
What You'll Learn From This Lesson
Your Body Is A Wonderland is played with a capo on the 3rd fret using the chords D, A, G, Em, D/Gb and Bm. There are two rhythm patterns in this arrangement. The main pattern is root up root down up down and repeats through roughly 95% of the song, giving the rhythm a distinctive hop-and-skip feel.
The second pattern comes into play when the riffs begin and uses down down down up down up – up up down up down up. Rather than a traditional standalone lead break, the lead section is essentially a series of riffs worked together with this second rhythm pattern. This lets you maintain the accompaniment while bringing the recognizable guitar parts into a solo acoustic arrangement.
I'd rate this lesson intermediate. Start with the chords and concentrate on the first rhythm pattern since it carries most of the song. Once that's comfortable, learn the second pattern and the riff sequence leading into the break before putting everything back together. If you're playing and singing this one solo, pay particular attention to the vocal phrasing so it stays comfortably aligned with the guitar.
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John Mayer Guitar Lessons FAQ
Are these John Mayer guitar lessons suitable for beginners?
There is a range of difficulty across these lessons. Dear Marie is the most beginner-friendly place to start, while songs such as Waiting On The World To Change, In The Blood and Who Says move from beginner into intermediate territory. The remaining lessons introduce more riffs, lead work or coordination between rhythm, picking and vocals.
What is the easiest John Mayer song to learn on acoustic guitar?
Of the songs taught on this page, Dear Marie is the easiest starting point. It uses four chords, one steady shuffle rhythm and only a few small melodic accents. Once you're comfortable with that arrangement, Waiting On The World To Change is a good next step.
Are John Mayer songs difficult to play on acoustic guitar?
The chords themselves aren't always the difficult part. One of the main challenges with these songs is getting the groove, timing and rhythm-and-picking coordination to sound natural. Several songs become more challenging when riffs, bass runs, hammer-ons or lead phrases are blended into the rhythm.
Do I need to play John Mayer's guitar parts exactly like the original recordings?
No. These lessons are arranged for a single acoustic guitar rather than being note-for-note recreations of every guitar heard on the recordings. The goal is to keep the recognizable chords, rhythms, riffs and important melodic elements while creating an arrangement that works when you're playing by yourself.
Do these John Mayer lessons use standard tuning and a capo?
It depends on the song. Several arrangements use standard tuning with or without a capo, while Who Says uses Drop D tuning. Capo positions are explained within the individual lessons so you can play in the key used for each arrangement.
How should I practice these John Mayer songs?
Start with the chords and main rhythm before adding the extra guitar parts. Once you can move through the progression without stopping, add bass runs, hammer-ons and riffs one at a time. Leave the more involved picking or lead sections until the rhythm is comfortable. If you're singing as well, get the guitar part established first before combining the two.
John Mayer's catalog is packed with songs that translate naturally to acoustic guitar, combining memorable chord progressions with expressive rhythms, riffs and melodic picking. Whether you're learning the relaxed feel of Dear Marie, working through the bluesy lead playing in Gravity, or developing the rhythmic groove of Who Says, each lesson gives you a different way to build your acoustic guitar skills.
Work through the easier arrangements first, then move into the intermediate lessons where you'll blend rhythm with bass runs, hammer-ons, riffs and lead sections. With eight songs to choose from, you can follow the learning path that suits your playing level or simply start with the John Mayer song you've always wanted to play.
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Kirby Swinemar is an acoustic guitar instructor, performer and song arranger who has taught online for 21 years and created more than 4,000 original acoustic guitar lessons. He specialises in song-based acoustic guitar instruction, rhythm guitar techniques, and creating full-sounding solo arrangements that help beginner and intermediate players move beyond basic strumming.
Explore his work at Kirby's Guitar Lessons and on social media on his social media YouTube Channel and his Facebook Page. Learn more about Kirby on his About Me page.
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