“Hey Jude,” a timeless masterpiece by The Beatles, is not only a beautiful song but also a fantastic choice for guitarists of all levels. Its iconic melody and heartfelt lyrics are instantly recognizable, making it a crowd-pleaser and a must-learn for any aspiring guitar player. This guide will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the “Hey Jude” guitar chords, ensuring you can play this classic smoothly and confidently.
Decoding the “Hey Jude” Chord Progression
The original chord chart for “Hey Jude” is relatively straightforward, primarily utilizing common open chords. This makes it accessible for beginners while still offering musical depth and richness that more experienced players will appreciate. Let’s break down the chord progression section by section.
Verse 1 & 2 (A Section): Simple Beginnings
The verses of “Hey Jude” (often referred to as the ‘A section’) establish a gentle and melancholic mood. The chord progression here is repetitive and easy to grasp:
F C C7 F
Bb F C7 F
These chords are foundational in guitar playing. F major (F), C major (C), and Bb major (Bb) are all common open chords. The C7 (C dominant 7th) adds a touch of color and a slight bluesy feel, creating a smooth transition back to the F chord.
This progression repeats for both the first and second verses, building familiarity and allowing you to focus on your strumming and feel of the song.
B Section: Adding Emotional Depth
The ‘B section’ or bridge of “Hey Jude” introduces a change in harmonic intensity, reflecting the lyrical shift towards encouragement and hope. This section uses slightly more complex chord changes and a descending bass line that adds emotional weight:
F7 Bb Bb/A Bb/G Bb/F
C C7
F F7
Bb Bb/A Bb/G Bb/F
C C7 F
Here, we encounter a few new elements:
- F7 (F dominant 7th): Similar to C7, F7 adds a bluesy and slightly more urgent feel than a plain F major.
- Bb/A, Bb/G, Bb/F (Bb bass inversions): These are Bb major chords with descending bass notes (A, G, then F). This creates a smooth, stepwise bass line movement, adding sophistication and harmonic interest. While these inversions might seem complex, they are often played by simply moving your finger position on the fretboard while maintaining the Bb chord shape as much as possible.
- Return to C and C7: The progression resolves back to the familiar C and C7 before returning to the F major, creating a satisfying resolution.
Verse 3 & 4 (A Section) and C Section (Na Na Nas)
Verse 3 and 4 revert to the simple ‘A section’ chord progression, reinforcing the core melodic and harmonic themes of the song. This repetition builds anticipation for the final ‘C section’:
F C C7 F
Bb F C7 F (Verse 4 includes “Better better better better better better, oh.”)
The ‘C section’ is the iconic “Na na na” outro. The chords here are simple yet powerful in their repetition:
F Eb/G Bb F
- Eb/G (Eb major over G bass): This chord provides a slight harmonic surprise and a lift before returning to the F and continuing the “Na na na” fade-out. The G in the bass creates a smooth transition from the F chord.
Tips for Playing “Hey Jude” Guitar Chords
- Strumming: For the verses, a simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern in 4/4 time works perfectly. As the song builds, you can experiment with more dynamic strumming, perhaps incorporating some eighth notes or a slightly more aggressive strumming pattern in the ‘B section’.
- Beginner Friendly: “Hey Jude” is excellent for beginners because it relies heavily on open chords. Focus on clean chord changes, especially between F, C, C7, and Bb. Practice these transitions slowly at first, gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable.
- Simplify if Needed: If the Bb inversions in the ‘B section’ (Bb/A, Bb/G, Bb/F) are challenging initially, you can simplify them by just playing Bb major throughout that part of the progression. The essence of the song will still be there, and you can gradually incorporate the inversions as your skills develop.
- Listen to The Beatles: The best way to learn “Hey Jude” is to listen to the original recording repeatedly. Pay attention to the rhythm, dynamics, and feel of the song. Try to internalize the musicality and let that guide your playing.
- Sing Along: Singing along while playing guitar chords is a fantastic way to improve your timing and coordination. “Hey Jude” is a singalong classic, so belt it out!
Mastering “Hey Jude” Guitar Chords: A Rewarding Journey
Learning “Hey Jude” on guitar is a rewarding experience for any musician. It’s a song that resonates with audiences of all ages and skill levels. By understanding the chord structure, practicing diligently, and incorporating the tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to playing this iconic Beatles anthem and adding a true classic to your guitar repertoire. Keep practicing and enjoy the journey of mastering these timeless “Hey Jude” guitar chords!
