“Hurt,” performed by Johnny Cash, is a deeply moving song that resonates with many. Originally written and performed by Nine Inch Nails, Cash’s rendition brought a new layer of vulnerability and gravitas to the track. For guitar players, learning Hurt Johnny Cash Guitar Chords is a rewarding experience, allowing you to capture the emotional depth of this iconic song. This guide provides you with the chords and structure to play “Hurt” on your guitar.
Standard Tuning and Chord Chart
To play “Hurt” as Johnny Cash did, you’ll need to tune your guitar to standard tuning (E A D G B e). The song primarily uses a simple chord progression, making it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. Here are the main chords you’ll need:
- Am (A minor)
- C (C major)
- Dsus2 (D suspended 2nd)
- G (G major)
- Am7 (A minor 7th)
- A/Fadd9 (A over F add 9)
While some chord names like A/Fadd9 might seem complex, they are variations that add richness to the song but can be simplified if needed, especially for beginners.
Verse Chord Progression
The verses of “Hurt” establish the melancholic and introspective mood of the song. The chord progression for the verse is based around Am, C, and Dsus2:
Am | C Dsus2 | Am | C Dsus2 |
Am | C Dsus2 | Am | C Dsus2 | Am
This sequence is repeated throughout the verses, creating a hypnotic and emotionally charged backdrop for the lyrics. The picking pattern in the intro and verses adds to the song’s delicate and intimate feel.
Chorus Chord Progression
The chorus of “Hurt” builds in intensity both lyrically and musically. It introduces the G chord and moves through a slightly different progression that still feels naturally connected to the verse:
G Am7 A/Fadd9 C G
Am7 A/Fadd9 C G
Am7 A/Fadd9 G G
Am7 A/Fadd9 G
This chorus progression provides a release and then a return to the emotional core of the song, particularly with the repeated line “I will make you hurt.”
Picking and Strumming Patterns
“Hurt” begins with a distinctive fingerpicking pattern in the intro and verses. This pattern is relatively simple and arpeggiated, focusing on individual notes within the chords rather than full strumming. You can experiment with different fingerpicking patterns, but a common approach is to pick the root, fifth, third, and then second string of each chord in sequence.
For the chorus, the song transitions to strumming, which adds power and drive. You can use a basic down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern, or adapt it to your own style and feel. The contrast between the delicate picking in the verses and the stronger strumming in the chorus is key to the song’s dynamics.
Tips for Playing “Hurt”
- Focus on Dynamics: The shift between picking and strumming is crucial. Practice transitioning smoothly between these styles to capture the song’s emotional arc.
- Emphasize Emotion: “Hurt” is a song driven by feeling. Try to infuse your playing with the vulnerability and rawness that Johnny Cash brought to his performance.
- Listen to the Original: Listen closely to Johnny Cash’s version to understand the nuances of timing, dynamics, and phrasing. This will help you capture the essence of the song in your own playing.
- Simplify if Needed: If the A/Fadd9 chord is challenging, you can simplify it to a standard A minor or even just an F major chord and still maintain the overall harmonic feel of the song.
Learning hurt johnny cash guitar chords allows you to connect with a powerful and moving piece of music history. With practice and attention to the emotional content of the song, you can learn to play “Hurt” and appreciate its enduring impact.
