Learning to play Passenger’s hit song “Let Her Go” on guitar is easier than you might think! Many tutorials online might show you complicated barre chords, but we’re going to focus on simple, open chords and beginner-friendly variations. This guide will break down the essential “Let Her Go” chords, making it accessible and enjoyable for guitarists of all levels, especially those just starting out. Get ready to impress your friends with this beautiful song!
Simple Chords to Get You Started
The good news is that “Let Her Go” primarily uses a set of basic guitar chords that are foundational for many songs. You’ll be working with:
- C Major
- G Major
- D Major
- E minor (Em)
- Dsus4
These chords are likely already in your repertoire, or will be quick to learn. Here’s a visual reminder of how to play them:
C Major Chord Diagram
D Major Chord on Guitar
G Major Chord on Guitar
Tackling the B minor (Bm) Chord: Beginner Options
Now, let’s address the chord that often scares beginners: B minor (Bm). The standard Bm chord is a barre chord, which can be challenging for developing hand strength and dexterity. However, for “Let Her Go,” we absolutely don’t need to struggle with the barre version!
There are several easier variations of the Bm chord that capture the essence of the song perfectly without the barre. You can choose whichever Bm variation feels most comfortable for your fingers. Here are a few excellent non-barre B minor options:
B minor Chord Diagram Variation 1
B minor Chord Diagram Variation 2
B minor Chord Diagram Variation 3
Experiment with each of these B minor alternatives. They all contain similar notes and will sound great in the context of “Let Her Go.” The most important thing is to choose the version that allows you to play smoothly and enjoy the song. You can even try a B7 chord as a substitute for Bm – many guitarists find it fits nicely and is easier to play!
Strumming and Playing Along with “Let Her Go”
Once you’re comfortable with these chords, the next step is to get strumming! The best way to learn the rhythm and strumming pattern for “Let Her Go” is to listen to the song closely. Pay attention to how the chords change with the lyrics.
For a more detailed lesson on strumming, Marty Schwartz is a fantastic online guitar teacher. Search for his “Let Her Go” tutorial and focus on how he approaches the strumming pattern. Don’t worry too much about replicating it perfectly at first – just try to match the general feel and tempo.
Or, you can simply follow along with the lyrics and chord changes provided below. The chords are indicated in parentheses () where they occur in the song. Have fun and let the music guide you!
“Let Her Go” Chord Progression and Lyrics
(Intro: C, D, Em, D)
Well you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em)
Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D)
And you let her go…….
(Bridge: Em, C, D, Bm, Em, C, D, Dsus4, D)
(Em) Staring at the bottom of your glass (C) Hoping one(D) day you’ll make a dream last(Bm)
But dreams come slow(Em) and they go so(C) fast (D) (Dsus4) (D)
You see(Em) her when you close your eyes(C) Maybe one(D) day you’ll understand why(Bm)
Everything you touch(Em) surely dies (C) (D)
Cause you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em)
Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D)
(Em)Staring at the ceiling in the dark(C) Same old empty(D) feeling in your heart(Bm)
Love comes slow(Em) and it goes so(C) fast (D)
Well you see(Em) her when you fall asleep(C) But never to touch(D) and never to keep(Bm)
‘Cause you loved her too much(Em) and you dive too deep(D)
Cause you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em) Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D)
(Bridge: Em, C, D, Bm, Em, C, D, Dsus4, D)
Well you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em)
Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D)
Cause you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em)
Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D) And You Let Her Go……
With these easy “Let Her Go” guitar chords and variations, you’ll be playing this popular song in no time. Keep practicing, and enjoy the journey of learning guitar!
