“Hey Jude” by The Beatles is one of the most iconic and beloved songs of all time. Its heartfelt lyrics and singalong chorus make it a favorite for generations. If you’re a guitar player looking to add this timeless classic to your repertoire, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will break down the guitar chords for “Hey Jude” in an easy-to-follow format, perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike. Learn how to play along and bring this legendary song to life on your guitar.
Easy Guitar Chords for Hey Jude: A Step-by-Step Guide
“Hey Jude” is primarily played using relatively simple open chords in the key of F Major, making it accessible for guitarists of all skill levels. While the song does include a few slightly more complex chords, we’ll walk you through each section step-by-step.
Verse 1 (A Section)
The verses of “Hey Jude” start with a classic and familiar chord progression. Here’s how to play the chords for the first verse:
F C C7 F
Hey Jude, don’t make it bad, take a sad song and make it better.
Bb F C7 Remember to let her into your heart, then you can start to make it
F
better
This section mainly uses F, C, C7, and Bb chords. These are fundamental chords that are essential for any guitarist to learn. Focus on smooth transitions between these chords to capture the gentle flow of the verse.
Verse 2 (A Section)
The chord progression for the second verse is identical to the first, making it easy to learn and memorize.
F C C7 F
Hey Jude, don’t be afraid, you were made to go out and get her.
Bb F C7 The minute you let her under your skin, then you begin to make it
F
better.
Practice switching between F, C, C7, and Bb chords until you can do so comfortably and in time with the rhythm of the song.
B Section
The ‘B Section’ introduces a slight change in the chord progression, adding a touch more harmonic complexity and emotional depth.
F7 Bb Bb/A Bb/G Bb/F
And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain, don’t carry the
C C7
world upon
F F7
your shoulders.
Bb Bb/A Bb/G Bb/F For well you know that it’s a fool who plays it cool by making his
C
world a
C7 F
little colder.
In this section, we encounter the F7 and the descending bass line chords: Bb, Bb/A, Bb/G, Bb/F. The F7 adds a bluesy flavor, while the descending bass line provides a smooth and melodic transition. The Bb/A, Bb/G, and Bb/F chords are variations of the Bb chord, with the bass note changing to A, G, and F respectively. These can be a bit trickier for beginners, so take your time and practice these transitions slowly.
Verse 3 (A Section)
Returning to the familiar A section, the third verse uses the same chord progression as the first two verses.
F C C7 F
Hey Jude, don’t let me down, you have found her, now go and get her.
Bb F C7 Remember to let her into your heart, then you can start to make it
F
better.
Reinforce your muscle memory by playing through this verse, focusing on consistent rhythm and clean chord changes.
B Section (Variation)
The second B section has a slight lyrical variation but maintains a similar chord structure with a small extension at the end.
F7 Bb Bb/A Bb/G Bb/F
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin, you’re waiting for
C C7
someone to
F
perform with.
F7 Bb Bb/A Bb/G And don’t you know that it’s just you, hey Jude, you’ll do, the
Bb/F
movement
C C7 F
you need is on your shoulder.
This section is very similar to the first B section, providing more practice with the F7 and descending bass line chords. Pay attention to the slightly extended lyrical phrase at the end and ensure your chord changes align with the rhythm.
Verse 4 (A Section)
Verse 4 is a shortened A section, leading into the iconic “Na na na” outro.
F C C7 F
Hey Jude, don’t make it bad, take a sad song and make it better.
Bb F C7 Remember to let her under your skin, then you’ll begin to make it
F Better better better better better better, oh.
This verse serves as a bridge to the final section, maintaining the familiar chord progression while building anticipation for the outro.
C Section
The C Section is the world-famous “Na na na” outro, and while seemingly simple, it’s incredibly catchy and satisfying to play.
F Eb/G Bb F
Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude…
(repeat X number of times, fade)
The outro section introduces a new chord, Eb/G. This is an Eb chord with a G in the bass, creating a smooth transition between the F and Bb chords. The “Na na na” section is repetitive, so focus on maintaining a consistent strumming pattern and rhythm as you repeat and fade out.
Tips for Playing Hey Jude on Guitar
- Strumming Pattern: For most of the song, a simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern in 4/4 time works beautifully. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what feels and sounds best to you.
- Chord Transitions: Smooth chord transitions are key to making “Hey Jude” sound polished. Practice moving between chords cleanly and efficiently. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
- Listen to the Original Song: Listen to “Hey Jude” repeatedly to internalize the rhythm, phrasing, and feel of the song. Playing along with the recording is an excellent way to improve your timing and accuracy.
- Simplify if Needed: If the Bb/A, Bb/G, and Bb/F chords are too challenging initially, you can simplify them by just playing the Bb chord throughout the B section. As you progress, you can gradually incorporate the more complex chord variations.
Conclusion
Learning to play “Hey Jude” on guitar is a rewarding experience. With its relatively straightforward chord progression and iconic melody, it’s a fantastic song for guitarists of all levels to learn and enjoy. By practicing these chords and sections, you’ll be well on your way to playing this timeless Beatles classic. So pick up your guitar, start with these “Guitar Chords For Hey Jude”, and begin your musical journey with one of the greatest songs ever written!
