“Let It Be” by The Beatles is not just a song; it’s an anthem of hope and reassurance that resonates across generations. Its simple yet profound lyrics and soothing melody make it a timeless classic, and wonderfully, it’s also quite accessible for beginner guitarists. If you’re looking to learn a beautiful song with just a few basic chords, “Let It Be” is an excellent choice to start with.
This guide will break down the guitar chords for “Let It Be” in an easy-to-follow format, perfect for those just beginning their musical journey. We’ll explore the chords used in the song, the structure, and provide some tips to help you play this iconic track smoothly and confidently. Get ready to bring this legendary song to life on your guitar!
Understanding the Chords in “Let It Be”
“Let It Be” primarily uses four fundamental guitar chords: C, G, Am (A minor), and F. These are common chords that are often among the first learned by guitarists. Let’s take a quick look at each chord and how they are typically played:
-
C Major (C): Often considered one of the most basic chords, C major is a cornerstone of guitar playing.
-
G Major (G): Another essential chord, G major is frequently used in countless songs and is relatively straightforward to learn.
-
A Minor (Am): The A minor chord adds a touch of melancholy and is a vital minor chord to have in your repertoire.
-
F Major (F): The F major chord can be slightly more challenging for beginners initially as it often involves a barre or a partial barre. However, for “Let It Be”, we can use a simplified version that avoids a full barre, making it easier to grasp.
These four chords are the building blocks of “Let It Be,” and mastering them will not only allow you to play this song but also open doors to countless others.
“Let It Be” Chord Progression: Verse and Chorus
The song structure of “Let It Be” is quite repetitive, which is great for learners. The verses and choruses follow similar chord progressions, making it easier to memorize and play along.
Verse Chord Progression:
The verse uses a simple four-chord sequence that repeats:
|C G| |Am F|
|C G| |F C|
Let’s break this down:
- |C G|: Start with a C chord and transition to a G chord.
- |Am F|: Then move from A minor to F major.
- |C G|: Back to C major and then G major.
- |F C|: Finally, from F major back to C major to complete the verse line.
This progression is repeated throughout each verse.
Chorus Chord Progression:
The chorus shifts slightly but remains based on the same chords:
|Am G| |F C|
|C G| |F C|
Here’s how it works:
- |Am G|: Begin with A minor and switch to G major.
- |F C|: Move from F major to C major.
- |C G|: Return to C major and then G major.
- |F C|: End on F major and back to C major.
Notice the chorus starts on Am, giving it a slightly different feel from the verse, but still resolves nicely back to the familiar C and G chords.
“Let It Be” Song Structure with Chords
Here’s the structure of “Let It Be” with the chords indicated for each section. This will guide you through the song from start to finish.
INTRO: |C G| |Am F| |C G| |F F C C|
This intro sets the mellow and reflective tone of the song. The last line extends the F and C chords, creating a gentle and concluding feel before moving into the verse.
VERSE 1:
|C G| |Am F| When I find myself in times of trouble
|C G| |F C| Mother Mary comes to me
|C G| |Am F| Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
|C G | |F C| Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
CHORUS:
|Am G| |F C| Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
| C G | |F C| Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
VERSE 2:
|C G| |Am F| And when the broken hearted people
|C G | |F C| Living in the world agree,
|C G| |Am F| There will be an answer, let it be.
|C G | |F C| There will be an answer, let it be.
CHORUS:
|Am G| |F C| Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
| C G | |F C| Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
|Am G| |F C| Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
| C G | |F C| Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
VERSE 3:
|C G| |Am F| And when the night is cloudy,
|C G| |F C| There is still a light that shines on me,
|C G| |Am F| Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
|C G| |F C| I wake up to the sound of music
|C G| |Am F| Mother Mary comes to me
|C G| |F C| Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
CHORUS:
|Am G| |F C| Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
| C G | |F C| Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
|Am G| |F C| Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
| C G | |F C| Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
Tips for Playing “Let It Be”
- Start Slow: Begin practicing at a slow tempo. Focus on clean chord changes and smooth transitions between C, G, Am, and F. Speed will come with practice.
- Master Chord Changes: Pay special attention to the transitions between chords. Practice moving smoothly from C to G, G to Am, Am to F, and F back to C. This is crucial for a seamless sound.
- Strumming Pattern: For a beginner-friendly strumming pattern, try a simple down-down-up-down-up pattern for each chord. As you get comfortable, you can explore more complex patterns.
- Listen to the Original Song: Listen to “Let It Be” frequently to internalize the rhythm and feel of the song. This will help you play with better timing and expression.
- Simplified F Chord: If the full F major chord is challenging, use a simplified version. You can play F by barring only the first two strings at the first fret with your index finger, and then adding your middle finger on the G string (3rd string) at the second fret, and your ring finger on the A string (5th string) at the third fret. This omits the bass note of the F chord but works perfectly well for beginners and in the context of “Let It Be.”
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice, even in short sessions, is more effective than long, infrequent practices. Aim for at least 15-20 minutes of practice each day.
Why “Let It Be” is Perfect for Guitar Beginners
“Let It Be” is an ideal song for guitar beginners for several reasons:
- Simple Chords: It utilizes only four basic chords that are foundational to guitar playing.
- Repetitive Structure: The verses and choruses are structurally similar, making the song easy to memorize and follow.
- Slow Tempo: The song has a moderate tempo, which allows beginners to practice chord changes and strumming without feeling rushed.
- Iconic and Motivating: Learning to play such a well-known and loved song can be incredibly motivating and rewarding for new guitarists.
Learning “Let It Be” on guitar is a fantastic way to develop your chord skills, timing, and overall musicality. It’s a song that sounds beautiful even when played simply, and it’s sure to impress anyone who hears you play it. So, pick up your guitar, take your time, and enjoy the process of learning this timeless classic. Let the music be!
