“Let It Be” by The Beatles is not just a song; it’s a global anthem of hope and reassurance. Its simple yet profound lyrics and melody have resonated with generations, making it a timeless classic. For guitar players, “Let It Be” is also an excellent song to learn, thanks to its accessible chord progression and beautiful arrangement. This guide will break down the guitar chords for “Let It Be”, making it easy for you to play and enjoy this iconic track.
Understanding the Chords in “Let It Be”
“Let It Be” is primarily built around a core set of chords that are fundamental in guitar playing. The song is in the key of C major, which is known for being beginner-friendly on the guitar. The main chords you’ll encounter are:
- C Major (C): A foundational chord, bright and uplifting.
- G Major (G): Another essential major chord, often paired with C.
- Am (A minor): A minor chord adds a touch of melancholy and depth.
- F Major (F): A slightly trickier chord for beginners initially, but crucial for this song and many others.
These four chords – C, G, Am, and F – form the harmonic backbone of “Let It Be”. The song’s structure is straightforward, making it easy to follow and memorize the chord changes.
“Let It Be” Chord Progression: Section by Section
Let’s break down the chords for each section of the song. You’ll find that the patterns repeat, making it even easier to learn.
Intro Chords
The intro of “Let It Be” sets a gentle and reflective mood. The chord progression is:
|C G| |Am F| |C G| |F F C C|
This sequence is repeated to create the complete introduction. Notice the move from C to G, then into the minor Am, before resolving to F and back to C. This circular progression is part of what makes the song so captivating.
Verse Chords
The verses tell the story and build the emotional depth of “Let It Be”. The chords are:
|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| And in my hour of darkness
|C G | |F C| She is standing right in front of me
As you can see, the verse progression is very similar to the intro, creating a sense of familiarity and ease as you play along.
Chorus Chords
The chorus is the heart of “Let It Be”, delivering the song’s powerful and comforting message. The chord progression shifts slightly to emphasize the key phrase:
|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.
The chorus introduces the Am-G chord movement, which adds a slightly different flavor compared to the verse and intro. The resolution back to C and F maintains the song’s comforting and hopeful tone.
Bridge Chords (Verse 3)
The third verse, often considered a bridge, continues the same chord pattern as the first two verses:
|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
This consistency in the chord progression throughout the verses helps build the song’s emotional arc without making it overly complex.
Tips for Playing “Let It Be” Guitar Chords
- Strumming Pattern: For beginners, a simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern in 4/4 time works perfectly. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with more complex rhythms.
- Chord Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between chords, especially the F chord, which can be challenging for beginners. Slow practice and repetition are key.
- Listen to the Original: Listen to The Beatles’ recording of “Let It Be” frequently to get a feel for the timing, rhythm, and overall musicality of the song.
- Use a Capo: If you find the F chord too difficult initially, you can use a capo on the 5th fret and play C as G, G as D, Am as Em, and F as C shapes. This transposes the song but allows you to play with simpler chord shapes.
“Let It Be” – A Song for Every Guitar Player
“Let It Be” is more than just a song to learn on guitar; it’s a piece of music history that you can bring to life with your own playing. Its straightforward chord progression and powerful message make it an ideal song for guitarists of all levels, especially those looking to expand their chord vocabulary and play a truly iconic song. So pick up your guitar, learn these “Let It Be” guitar chords, and start playing this timeless classic today!
