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Intermediate acoustic guitar sheet music for "Don't Be Scared" by Bruce Johnston, in F♯ major at about 62 BPM. Transcribed from the track by Songscription. Available as an easy beginner, intermediate, or advanced arrangement.

Intermediate Acoustic Guitar Sheet Music for "Don't Be Scared" by Bruce Johnston

Preview of the intermediate acoustic guitar sheet music arrangement for “Don't Be Scared” by Bruce Johnston.

Don't Be Scared by Bruce Johnston
Acoustic Guitar Sheet Music

Treble clefMid-staff range

The acoustic guitar part reads from treble clef, arranged to sit naturally for the instrument.

Difficulty

Intermediate

For players comfortable with the basics.

Inside the music
Signature

Music DNA

Genrefolk · acoustic · singer‑songwriter
Moodcomforting · reassuring
Signaturegentle acoustic ballad with a warm, intimate feel
F♯ major
Key
62
BPM
2/4
Time
Chords

The progression

B♭m7
E♭m7
A♭7
C♯7
F♯
F♯9
Bmaj7
E
Form

Structure & dynamics

IntroVerseChorusVerseChorusBridgeChorusOutro
Instrumentation

What's in the mix

acoustic guitar
fingerpicked, providing the harmonic and rhythmic foundation
male lead vocal
clear, warm, slightly melancholic timbre; intimate, expressive delivery
bass guitar
warm, supportive low end that grounds the harmony
subtle percussion
soft, understated drum touches that add gentle pulse without overpowering
Album & artist
ALBUM

Going Public (1977)

Released on Columbia Records, this is Johnston's third solo album and the only one he recorded after joining the Beach Boys, made during a period when he had briefly stepped away from the group. It includes re-recordings of his Beach Boys compositions 'Deirdre' and 'Disney Girls', as well as his own version of 'I Write the Songs'.

All of Going Public
Artist

Bruce Johnston

Bruce Johnston, born in Illinois and raised in Los Angeles, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has been part of the Beach Boys since 1965. He works primarily in pop and soft rock, and he composed 'I Write the Songs', which became a number-one hit for Barry Manilow in 1976. He also wrote several Beach Boys songs, including 'Disney Girls' and 'Deirdre'.

All Bruce Johnston songs
How it works

From a recording to your part in three steps

  1. Step 1
    Bring the recording

    Paste a YouTube link or upload an audio file, the studio cut, a live take, or a cover.

  2. Step 2
    We transcribe it

    Our model listens and arranges this exact performance for acoustic guitar, at your chosen level.

  3. Step 3
    Play & export

    Read it on screen, transpose, slow it down, and export the sheet music when it feels right.

Ready to play it?

Start from any recording, your acoustic guitar sheet music in minutes.

FAQ

Good to know

What key is "Don't Be Scared" in?

"Don't Be Scared" by Bruce Johnston is in F♯ major.

What is the tempo of "Don't Be Scared"?

"Don't Be Scared" plays at around 62 BPM in 2/4 time.

What chords are in "Don't Be Scared"?

The core progression is B♭m7, E♭m7, A♭7, C♯7, F♯, and F♯9, built around the F♯ major tonal center.

What instruments play on "Don't Be Scared"?

The recording features acoustic guitar, male lead vocal, subtle percussion, and bass guitar.

Can I get "Don't Be Scared" acoustic guitar sheet music?

Yes. This is the intermediate acoustic guitar sheet music arrangement of "Don't Be Scared" by Bruce Johnston, transcribed by Songscription.

Is "Don't Be Scared" acoustic guitar sheet music easy to play?

"Don't Be Scared" acoustic guitar sheet music comes in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so there is an easy version to start with. At 62 BPM in F♯ major with 21 chords to navigate, the part sits at a comfortable intermediate level. You can switch levels on this page before you save it.

Is there an easy, beginner version of "Don't Be Scared" acoustic guitar sheet music?

Yes. The beginner acoustic guitar sheet music for "Don't Be Scared" simplifies the busiest passages and rhythms while keeping the melody, so it is the easiest way to start. The intermediate and advanced arrangements are one tap away when you want more of the original.

What album is "Don't Be Scared" on?

"Don't Be Scared" appears on Going Public (1977).

How does Songscription turn a song into sheet music?

Give it a recording, a YouTube link or an audio file, and its AI transcribes that performance into notation for the instrument and level you choose.

Can I get sheet music for a live or cover version?

Yes. The score is generated from whatever recording you pick, so a live take, a remix, or a cover each match that exact performance.

What instruments and formats are available?

Piano, guitar, violin, trumpet, sax, bass, drums, vocals and more, as standard sheet music, a piano roll, or guitar tabs.

Is Songscription free to use?

You can try it free, with no credit card needed.

Can I download the sheet music as a PDF?

Yes. You get a downloadable PDF, plus in-app playback and the option to transpose or adjust the arrangement before you print.

How accurate is the transcription?

It is produced by AI trained on millions of bars of music, and you can play it back and fine-tune any details before you download.

Is this transcription licensed?

Yes. We have licensed this track from its publisher, so we are permitted to transcribe it and provide the sheet music to you.

Transcribed from licensed catalogs by AI trained on millions of bars of music.

Made with in California.