“Hurt,” originally by Nine Inch Nails, became a signature song for Johnny Cash in his later career, resonating deeply with audiences through its raw emotion and Cash’s poignant delivery. This guide provides you with the guitar chords to play this powerful song, perfect for acoustic guitar and capturing the somber mood of Cash’s rendition. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, learning the chords to “Hurt” will add a deeply moving piece to your repertoire.
The song primarily uses a fingerpicking pattern in the verses that creates a melancholic and introspective feel, before transitioning to strumming in the chorus for a more impactful and emotionally charged sound. Let’s break down the chords and song structure to get you playing.
Verse Chords: Picking and Introspection
The verses of “Hurt” are built around a simple yet effective chord progression, using Am, C, and Dsus2. This sequence creates a haunting and reflective atmosphere, mirroring the lyrical themes of pain and introspection.
The verse chord progression is: Am |C Dsus2 |Am |C Dsus2 | Am |C Dsus2| Am |C Dsus2 | Am.
Here’s a breakdown of these chords:
- Am (A minor): A fundamental minor chord, Am often evokes feelings of sadness or melancholy. In “Hurt,” it sets the stage for the song’s emotional depth.
- C (C major): A major chord that provides a slight lift from the minor key, offering a brief moment of contrast before returning to the somber mood.
- Dsus2 (D suspended 2nd): This chord, with its suspended second, adds a touch of unresolved tension and beauty. It moves away from a typical major or minor sound, contributing to the unique harmonic texture of the song.
For the verse, the original notation indicates a picking pattern. While the exact pattern can be interpreted in various ways, a common approach is to fingerpick arpeggiated patterns through these chords. Experiment with picking the root, then the 5th, then 3rd and then 2nd of each chord in sequence to create a flowing and melancholic feel. Listen closely to Johnny Cash’s version to capture the rhythm and nuances of his performance.
[Insert an image here of Johnny Cash playing guitar, perhaps during a performance of “Hurt”. Alt text: Johnny Cash performing Hurt guitar chords, live acoustic performance.]
Chorus Chords: Strumming and Emotional Release
The chorus of “Hurt” shifts from the picking pattern to strumming, and introduces a slightly different chord progression that amplifies the emotional intensity of the song. The chorus is where the song’s raw vulnerability truly shines.
The chorus chord progression is: G Am7 A/Fadd9 C G Am7 A/Fadd9 C G Am7 A/Fadd9 G G Am7 A/Fadd9 G.
Let’s look at the chords introduced in the chorus:
- G (G major): A bright and resonant major chord, G provides a lift from the minor feel of the verses, but in the context of “Hurt”, it carries a weight of emotion rather than pure joy.
- Am7 (A minor 7th): A richer version of Am, the Am7 adds a jazzy and sophisticated touch while maintaining the minor key’s melancholic character.
- A/Fadd9 (A over F add 9): This is a more complex chord, often written as Fadd9/A or similar depending on notation preference. It creates a beautiful and slightly uneasy harmony, adding to the emotional complexity of the chorus. The ‘A’ in the bass gives it a grounding feel while the Fadd9 portion adds a unique color. You might also simplify this to an Fadd9 or explore different voicings to find what sounds best for you.
- C (C major): Returns from the verse, providing a familiar anchor point.
In the chorus, strumming patterns bring a fuller, more powerful sound. A common strumming pattern for this section could be down-down-up-down-up on each chord, or adapt a pattern that feels natural and emphasizes the emotional peaks of the chorus. Focus on dynamics, strumming more intensely during the most poignant lines.
Interlude and Outro: Returning to Solitude
The interlude and outro sections return to the picking pattern and the verse chord progression (Am |C Dsus2 |Am |C Dsus2 | for the interlude). This cyclical structure reinforces the song’s themes of repetition and inescapable pain. The outro fades out on variations of Am7, A/Fadd9, and G, leaving a lingering sense of unresolved emotion.
The outro progression is: Am7 A/Fadd9 G G Am7 A/Fadd9 G (hold). The final held G chord provides a sense of closure, albeit a somber one.
Tips for Playing “Hurt” on Guitar
- Start Slow: Especially when learning the picking pattern in the verses, begin slowly to ensure accuracy and a smooth sound. Gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.
- Focus on Transitions: Practice moving smoothly between chords, particularly between the verse and chorus chords. Clean chord changes are crucial for the song’s flow.
- Listen to Johnny Cash’s Version: Pay close attention to Cash’s recording of “Hurt.” Note his phrasing, dynamics, and the overall emotional delivery. This will inform your own interpretation of the song.
- Experiment with Dynamics: “Hurt” is a song that thrives on dynamics. Play the verses softer and more introspectively, and build intensity in the choruses through stronger strumming and vocal delivery (if you’re singing along).
- Acoustic Guitar is Key: While “Hurt” can be played on any guitar, an acoustic guitar truly captures the organic and raw emotion of the song, especially Cash’s version.
Conclusion: Embracing the Emotion of “Hurt”
Learning to play “Hurt” by Johnny Cash on guitar is not just about mastering the chords; it’s about connecting with the profound emotion and vulnerability of the song. By understanding the chord progressions and practicing the picking and strumming patterns, you can bring this iconic song to life. “Hurt” is a testament to the power of music to express deep and complex feelings, and playing it on guitar is a rewarding experience for any musician. Keep practicing, and you’ll be able to capture the haunting beauty of “Hurt” on your guitar.
