The ULTIMATE Mad World Chords And Guitar Lesson (Gary Jules/Tears for Fears)

Here’s a hauntingly beautiful song that’s resonating with audiences around the world.

There are two famous versions. The original by Tears For Fears and the minimalistic piano cover by Gary Jules. In this post, I’m going to discuss guitar styles for how to play them both. And some behind the scenes on this powerful tune. 

So grab your 6-stringer and let’s dive into this “Mad World” chords and guitar lesson!

Who Wrote Mad World?

"Mad World" was originally written by Roland Orzabal, cofounder and main creative force behind the British pop rock band Tears for Fears. The song sings of deep emotional reflection and existential struggles.

It’s pretty bluesy and dark, but it’s moved a lot of people. Musically speaking, it’s very simple. Despite the melancholy feel of the lyrics, the original version of "Mad World" features a relatively upbeat new wave sound. Then the Gary Jules version lowers the key and hits a deeper emotional tone – for me at least.

In various interviews, Roland Orzabal has explained that the song was initially written as a form of commentary on the societal pressures faced by young people. He was inspired by the writings of Arthur Janov, a psychologist who developed primal therapy. 

"Mad World" was recorded for Tears for Fears' debut album, The Hurting (1983), at The Wool Hall Studios in Beckington, Somerset, England. Produced by Chris Hughes, the song stands out for its synthesizer-driven sound typical of early '80s new wave music. Curt Smith, who provided lead vocals, has explained that "Mad World" resonated with him because of the lyrical content, and he believed it perfectly suited his vocal style.

Upon releasing "Mad World" gained significant success. It was the band's first international hit, reaching: #3 on the UK Singles Chart, #1 in South Africa. It also charted in several other countries across Europe and around the world. 

Although it didn't initially perform as well in the U.S., the song found a new audience in the early 2000s. 

The Gary Jules Cover

In 2001, "Mad World" gained renewed popularity through a cover by Gary Jules and Michael Andrews. This version was recorded for the soundtrack of the cult film Donnie Darko (2001). It’s a much more stripped-down version. They turned it into a haunting, minimalist piano ballad.

Jules’ version gave the song a second life, introducing it to a new generation of listeners. It became a massive hit, topping the UK Singles Chart in December 2003 as the Christmas number-one song. The cover won widespread critical acclaim and was praised for its emotionally raw delivery, which matched the darker tone of the movie it accompanied. 

Michael Andrews, who produced Gary Jules' cover, initially hesitated to record it with just piano and voice, but eventually found that the stripped-back arrangement allowed the song's emotional depth to shine through.

Now, before we dive into this “Mad World” chords and guitar lesson any further, let’s answer the question of…

What is the tuning for Mad World?

I would recommend tuning your guitar to standard tuning for this lesson. But we are going to use a capo. However, you don’t need a capo to play the song. But we are going to dive more into that later. For now, standard tuning is spelled out as EADGBE. 

Here are the strings:

• E (6th string, lowest pitch)
• A (5th string)
• D (4th string)
• G (3rd string)
• B (2nd string)
• E (1st string, highest pitch)

Now that you know the “Mad World” tuning, let’s take a look at the…

Mad World Chords

To play “Mad World” on guitar you’ll only need to know 4 main chords Em, A, G, and D. All of these chords can be played in open position (no bar chords). Let’s take a look at a few examples of how they could be played on the fretboard.

Em is played using all 6 strings like this:

A is played from the 5th string down like this:

G is played using all 6 strings like this:

Finally, D is played from the 4th string down like this:

If you struggled to understand chords on the neck and navigate the fretboard for rhythm and lead then get your hands on my free fretboard guide PDF right here:

All right, now that you know the “Mad World” chords, let’s next answer the question of…

What key is Mad World in?

“Mad World” as recorded by Tears For Fears is in the key of F# minor. The version recorded by Gary Jules is one half step lower, F minor. This lower key gets a slightly more introspective sound, and haunting tone. 

You may be wondering… “What's with all these chords then?”.

Well, the chords I explain in this lesson are capo chords. You see, when I play the Gary Jules version or the Tears For Fears version, I think of them as the key of E minor. Then I simply move the capo accordingly. 

• Gary Jules version: Capo I (Key of F minor concert pitch)
• Tears For Fears version: Capo II (Key of F# minor concert pitch)

Either way, I’m thinking Em. So let’s take a look at how these chords relate to that key and to the scale. 

The key of E minor (Em) is based on the E natural minor scale, which uses the notes:

E - F# - G - A - B - C - D

E minor (Em): This is the i (tonic) chord in the key of E minor.

Built from the notes E - G - B, it contains the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the E natural minor scale.

Function: It provides the home base or resolution for the progression.

A major (A): This is a non-diatonic chord in the key of E minor. The diatonic chord built on A would normally be A minor (Am) in the natural minor scale.

A major consists of the notes A - C# - E, where the C# is not part of the E natural minor scale (E natural minor has C natural).

Function: A major often acts as a very common IV chord in minor chord progressions. Even though it’s not in the scale, millions of songs do this.

G major (G): This is the bIII (mediant) chord in the key of E minor.

Built from the notes G - B - D, which are all found in the E natural minor scale (the 3rd, 5th, and 7th degrees).

Function: G major is closely related to E minor and provides a sense of stability and release. It often serves as a transition between other chords in the key.

D major (D):

This is the bVII (subtonic) chord in the key of E minor.

Notes: D - F# - A

Function: The bVII chord (subtonic) is a diatonic chord in the E natural minor scale and plays an important role in minor keys. It often resolves back to the tonic (Em) or in this piece goes to the IV chord. 

Summary of the Chords in E Natural Minor:

Em: i (Tonic) – The home chord, providing resolution.

A: IV (Non-diatonic major IV chord)

G: bIII (Mediant) – Diatonic, adds stability and movement within the key.

D: bVII (Subtonic) – Diatonic chord, adds color and often resolves to the IV or back to the tonic (Em).

Mad World Chords No Capo

As mentioned above, you do not need a capo to play the song. Simply play what I am showing you without a capo and you’ll be fine. However, it will sound just slightly lower in key. This is fine. You can still train your fingers on the movements, then if/when you get a capo follow this:

• Gary Jules version: Capo I (Key of F minor concert pitch)
• Tears For Fears version: Capo II (Key of F# minor concert pitch)

So that is the theory behind this haunting tune. But remember – theory doesn’t mean a thing without a good…

Mad World Strumming Pattern And Groove

The main underlying groove for “Mad World” is a steady 8th-note feel. For even 8th notes, each beat in a 4/4 time signature is divided into two equal parts, creating a steady and even rhythm. Here's how they can be counted and understood:

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

1, 2, 3, 4: The downbeats (the main beats)

&: The upbeat, halfway between each downbeat

When counting out loud, it sounds like: 

"One and, Two and, Three and, Four and" 

This is the underlying pulse. However, the guitar does not need to strum all the 8th notes continuously. This is just the basic “feel” to help with timing. Here’s an example of a “Mad World” strumming pattern:

Conclusion

To wrap it up, “Mad World” is a beautifully simple yet deep song. It can make a great ballad or upbeat version to add to your setlist.  

Keep practicing, and if you want to learn songs faster, better understand the fretboard, and not waste years spinning your wheels with guitar, grab my free fretboard guide right here now:  

Jon MacLennan