Mad World

Although written by Tears for Fears, I based my version of Mad World on the stripped down Michael Andrews & Gary Jules performance from 2001’s Donnie Darko. To me, the song is haunting and sort of eerie –as it delves into themes of disillusionment with society. I get a sense of creeping dread every time I hear it. The lyrics could be right out of an episode of Black Mirror.

All around me are familiar faces
Worn out places, worn out faces
Bright and early for their daily races
Going nowhere, going nowhere

– Roland Orzabal (Years for Fears)

You might also like to play…

Hozier: Like Real People Do | fingerstyle guitar + TAB

Kavinsky: Nightcall | fingerstyle guitar + TAB

Depeche Mode: Never Let Me Down Again | fingerstyle guitar + TAB

How to play Mad World | fingerstyle guitar

The guitar tab for this piece is only a single page long. Although relatively easy to play, this song is best for intermediate guitar players and up. Enjoy, the guitar tab is available below:

In accordance with the guitar tab, my order of looks like this: Intro/chorus 2x, Verse 4 x, Chorus 4x — Intro/chorus 1x, Verse 4x, Chorus 4x, Intro/chorus 2x, End.

**Mad World | fingerstyle guitar

This song is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 1st fret.