Passenger’s “Let Her Go” is a fantastic song to learn on guitar, especially if you’re just starting out. Many online tutorials show complicated barre chords, but this guide will break down the easiest way to play “Let Her Go” chords on guitar using simple, open chord shapes. Forget struggling with difficult finger positions – we’ll get you playing this popular song quickly and smoothly.
Simple Guitar Chords for “Let Her Go”
The beauty of “Let Her Go” for beginner guitarists lies in its use of mostly basic chords. You’ll be working with common chords like C Major, G Major, D Major, and E minor. There’s also a Dsus4, which is a simple variation of the D chord, and the only slightly trickier chord is B minor. However, don’t worry! We’ll show you easier alternatives to the standard B minor barre chord so you can play without straining your hand.
Here are the essential chords you’ll need:
Alt text: Easy to play D Major open chord diagram for guitar beginners.
Alt text: Simple G Major open chord shape diagram for guitar lessons.
Now let’s tackle the B minor (Bm) chord. The traditional B minor is a barre chord, which can be challenging for beginners. Luckily, there are easier ways to play a B minor or a similar-sounding substitute in “Let Her Go”. You can choose from these simplified B chord options; they all contain the core notes and will sound great in the song. Experiment and see which one feels most comfortable for your fingers. We’ve also included a B7 chord, which is a great alternative that fits perfectly in place of the B minor and might even sound preferable to your ear in this context.
These are beginner-friendly versions of the B chords you can use:
B minor chord option 1
B minor chord option 2
B minor chord option 3
“Let Her Go” Song Structure and Chords
To really learn “Let Her Go”, understanding the song structure is key. Here’s the chord progression with lyrics to guide you:
Intro: C, D, Em, D
Well you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em)
Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D)
And you let her go…….
Bridge: Em, C, D, Bm, Em, C, D, Dsus4, D
(Em) Staring at the bottom of your glass (C) Hoping one(D) day you’ll make a dream last(Bm)
But dreams come slow(Em) and they go so(C) fast (D) (Dsus4) (D)
You see(Em) her when you close your eyes(C) Maybe one(D) day you’ll understand why(Bm)
Everything you touch(Em) surely dies (C) (D)
Cause you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em)
Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D)
(Em)Staring at the ceiling in the dark(C) Same old empty(D) feeling in your heart(Bm)
Love comes slow(Em) and it goes so(C) fast (D)
Well you see(Em) her when you fall asleep(C) But never to touch(D) and never to keep(Bm)
‘Cause you loved her too much(Em) and you dive too deep(D)
Cause you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em) Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D)
Bridge: Em, C, D, Bm, Em, C, D, Dsus4, D
Well you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em)
Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D)
Cause you only need the light(C) when it’s burning low (G)
Only miss the sun(D) when it starts to snow(Em)
Only know you love(C) her when you let her go(G) (D)
Only know you’ve been high(C) when you’re feeling low(G)
Only hate the road(D) when you’re missing home(Em)
Only know you love her(C) when you let her go(G) (D) And You Let Her Go……
Tips for Playing “Let Her Go” on Guitar
To get the strumming right, listening to the original song is super helpful. For a fantastic guide on strumming patterns, check out Marty Schwartz’s guitar tutorials online. Simply substitute the B minor barre chord with one of the easier versions we discussed whenever Marty plays it in his lesson.
The most important thing is to practice slowly and focus on smooth chord changes. Take your time, and soon you’ll be playing “Let Her Go” effortlessly on your guitar! Enjoy playing this beautiful song.
