Learning to play popular songs on guitar is a fantastic way to improve your skills and have fun. “Let Her Go” by Passenger is a song that’s not only beautiful but also surprisingly accessible for beginner guitarists. Many online tutorials might show you complicated barre chords, but we’re going to focus on the easiest way to play “Let Her Go” chords using simple open chords and a non-barred B minor. You’ll be strumming along in no time!
Most of the chords in “Let Her Go” are fundamental chords that you might already know. These include the essential C Major, G Major, D Major, and E minor chords. These are the building blocks of countless songs and are perfect for beginners to master.
You will also encounter a Dsus4 chord, which adds a touch of flavor, and the B minor chord. The B minor is often considered tricky because the standard version is a barre chord. However, we’ll show you some incredibly easy alternatives to the B minor so you can play the entire song without struggling with difficult barre shapes.
Here are the basic chords you’ll need to get started with “Let Her Go”:
D Major open chord diagram for guitar beginners.
G Major open chord diagram for easy guitar playing.
Now, let’s tackle the B minor chord. Traditionally, the B minor is played as a barre chord, which can be challenging for beginners. The good news is that there are several easier versions of the B minor chord that capture the essence of the chord without the difficulty. The original song uses a B minor, but these alternatives will work perfectly and sound great.
Below are a few options for playing an easy B minor chord. Experiment with each one and see which feels most comfortable for your hand. The best option is the one that allows you to play smoothly and enjoy the song! You can even substitute a B7 chord for a slightly different but still compatible sound.
B minor chord diagram – Version 1, non-barred
B minor chord diagram – Version 2, non-barred
B minor chord diagram – Version 3, non-barred
To really master the strumming pattern and timing for “Let Her Go”, watching a tutorial can be incredibly helpful. Marty Schwartz is a fantastic online guitar teacher known for his clear and easy-to-follow lessons. Search for his “Let Her Go” tutorial and simply replace the barre B minor chord he might use with one of the easier B minor variations we’ve shown you.
Alternatively, you can follow along with the chord progression and lyrics below! The chords are indicated in parentheses () where they change in the song. Have fun playing this popular and moving song!
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……
