“Let Her Go” by Passenger is a massively popular song, and thankfully, it’s also quite approachable on guitar. Many tutorials might show you barre chords that can be tricky for beginners, especially the B minor. But fear not! This guide will break down the easiest way to play “Let Her Go” using simple open chords, perfect for guitarists of all levels.
This lesson focuses on making the song accessible, so you can enjoy playing this beautiful tune without struggling with difficult chord shapes. We’ll skip the barre chords and use easier variations, ensuring a smooth learning experience.
Essential Guitar Chords for “Let Her Go”
The core of “Let Her Go” relies on a few fundamental chords that are staples for any guitarist. You might already be familiar with some of these! These are the chords you’ll be using most frequently:
- C Major
- G Major
- D Major
- E minor (Em)
Let’s take a look at the diagrams for D Major and G Major as a reminder of these essential shapes.
These chords are foundational and once you have them down, a large number of songs become playable. “Let Her Go” is a fantastic song to practice these basic chords and improve your transitions.
Tackling the B Minor (Bm) Chord (The Easy Way!)
The B minor (Bm) chord is often a stumbling block for beginner guitarists because the standard version is a barre chord. Barre chords require you to use your index finger to press down multiple strings at once, which can be challenging and tiring when you’re starting out.
Luckily, for “Let Her Go”, we can completely avoid the barre Bm! There are several easier alternatives that capture the essence of the chord without the difficulty. Here are a few non-barred B minor options, including a B7 substitution, that work perfectly in this song:
B minor guitar chord – non-barred easy version 1
B minor guitar chord – non-barred easy version 2
B minor guitar chord – B7 alternative easy version
Experiment with these different B minor variations and see which one feels most comfortable and sounds best to your ear in the context of the song. The B7 is a particularly good substitute as it adds a slightly different flavor that many find pleasing. The key is to find a version that allows you to keep playing smoothly without getting frustrated by barre chords.
Strumming and Song Structure
When it comes to strumming patterns for “Let Her Go”, the best way to learn is by listening to the song itself and trying to mimic the rhythm. You can also find many excellent guitar tutorials online that demonstrate strumming patterns for this song.
A highly recommended resource for learning guitar strumming and songs is Marty Schwartz. He has countless free lessons online and is known for his clear and easy-to-follow teaching style. Search for Marty Schwartz “Let Her Go” on YouTube, and you’ll find helpful videos. Simply substitute the barre B minor he might use with one of the easier versions we discussed.
Alternatively, the chord and lyric breakdown below will guide you through the song structure, allowing you to play along and develop your own strumming feel.
“Let Her Go” Chords and Lyrics
Here are the lyrics with the chord changes indicated in parentheses. Follow along, practice your chord transitions, and you’ll be playing “Let Her Go” in no time!
(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……
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’re now equipped to play “Let Her Go” on guitar using a simplified chord approach. By focusing on open chords and easy B minor variations, you can bypass the frustration of barre chords and enjoy making music right away. Keep practicing the chord changes and strumming along with the song, and you’ll be impressing your friends and family with this popular hit in no time. Happy playing!
