“Hurt,” popularized by Johnny Cash but originally by Nine Inch Nails, is a deeply moving song that resonates with many. Its simple yet powerful chord progression makes it an excellent choice for guitarists of various skill levels to learn and play. This guide will provide you with the chords and structure to play “Hurt” on your guitar, enhancing your understanding and performance of this iconic song.
Basic Guitar Chords for “Hurt”
The song primarily uses a set of fundamental guitar chords, making it accessible for beginners. Here are the chords you’ll need to learn to play “Hurt”:
- Am (A minor)
- C (C major)
- Dsus2 (D suspended 2nd)
- G (G major)
- Am7 (A minor 7th)
- A/Fadd9 (A over F add 9) – This can be simplified to Fadd9 or even just F if needed for beginners.
While some chord names might look complex, like Dsus2 and A/Fadd9, they are not overly difficult to finger, and contribute significantly to the song’s unique sound. For beginners, focusing on Am, C, Dsus2, and G will get you through the core of the song.
Song Structure and Chord Progression
“Hurt” follows a verse-chorus structure, with an intro, interlude, and outro. Understanding this structure will help you learn the song more efficiently.
Intro: (Picking pattern)
Am |C Dsus2 | : | 2 times
The intro uses a picking pattern over the Am, C, and Dsus2 chords. This delicate intro sets the melancholic tone of the song.
Verse:
Am |C Dsus2 |Am |C Dsus2 | Am |C Dsus2| Am |C Dsus2 | Am |C Dsus2 | Am |C Dsus2 | Am |C Dsus2 |
The verse maintains the picking pattern and the same chord progression, creating a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The lyrics are deeply personal, and the simple chord progression emphasizes this rawness.
Chorus: (Strumming pattern)
G Am7 A/Fadd9 C G Am7 A/Fadd9 C G Am7 A/Fadd9 G G Am7 A/Fadd9 G
The chorus shifts to strumming and introduces the G, Am7, A/Fadd9, and C chords. This section builds in intensity and emotion. The A/Fadd9 chord adds a unique flavor, but as mentioned, you can simplify it if needed. The strumming pattern here can be varied, but a basic down-down-up-down-up pattern works well.
Interlude: (Back to Picking)
Am |C Dsus2 |Am |C Dsus2 |
The interlude returns to the picking pattern and the initial chord progression, providing a moment of reflection after the emotional intensity of the chorus.
Outro:
Am7 A/Fadd9 G G Am7 A/Fadd9 G (hold)
The outro fades out with a sequence of Am7, A/Fadd9, and G chords, ending on a sustained G. This provides a sense of resolution and lingering emotion.
Playing Tips for “Hurt” on Guitar
- Picking Pattern for Intro and Verse: Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns. A common one is to pick the root note of the chord on the downbeat and then pluck higher strings. Listen to the original song to get a feel for the rhythm and nuances.
- Strumming for Chorus: Start with basic down strums and then incorporate up strums to create a fuller sound. Dynamic variation is key in the chorus; build intensity as the chorus progresses.
- Dynamics and Emotion: “Hurt” is all about emotion. Pay attention to dynamics – play softer in the verses and build up in the choruses. Let the emotion of the song guide your playing.
- Chord Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between chords, especially between Am, C, and Dsus2 in the verses, and between G, Am7, A/Fadd9, and C in the chorus.
- Listen to Both Versions: Listen to both the Nine Inch Nails original and Johnny Cash’s version to understand different interpretations and emotional deliveries. Cash’s version is often slower and more poignant, while NIN’s has a raw intensity.
About the Song “Hurt”
Written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, “Hurt” was released in 1994. Johnny Cash’s 2002 cover, released shortly before his death, gave the song a new layer of meaning and resonated with a broader audience. The song deals with themes of pain, regret, and self-destruction, making it a powerful and emotionally resonant piece. Learning to play “Hurt” on guitar is not just about mastering the chords; it’s about understanding and conveying the deep emotions embedded within the song.
Conclusion
“Hurt” is a rewarding song to learn on guitar. Its relatively simple chord structure combined with its profound emotional depth makes it a favorite for many guitarists. By understanding the chords, song structure, and incorporating the playing tips, you’ll be well on your way to playing “Hurt” and connecting with its powerful message. Keep practicing and let the emotion of the song guide your performance!
