“Linger” by The Cranberries is a timeless classic, instantly recognizable by its delicate guitar intro and Dolores O’Riordan’s unforgettable vocals. If you’re looking to learn how to play this beautiful song on guitar, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides you with the guitar chords for “Linger”, making it easy for you to strum along to this 90s anthem.
Verse Chords
The verses of “Linger” use a simple yet effective chord progression that creates its signature melancholic feel. You’ll primarily be using four chords throughout the verse sections.
Verse 1 & 2:
D D
If you, if you could return
A6 A6
Don't let it burn, don't let it fade
Cadd9 Cadd9
I'm sure I'm not being rude
Cadd9 Cadd9
But it's just your attitude
G G
It's tearing me apart
It's ruining everythingD D
And I swore, I swore I would be true
A6 A6
And honey so did you
A6 Cadd9
So why were you holding her hand
Cadd9 Cadd9
Is that the way we stand
G G
Were you lying all the time
Was it just a game to youChorus Chords
The chorus of “Linger” is where the song truly takes off emotionally. The chord progression remains relatively similar, but with a slight lift that emphasizes the heartfelt lyrics.
Chorus:
D D
But I'm in so deep
A6 A6
You know I'm such a fool for you
Cadd9 Cadd9
You got me wrapped around your finger
Cadd9 G
Do you have to let it linger
G
Do you have to, do you have to
D
do you have to let it lingerVerse 3 Chords
Returning to the verse for the third time, the chords maintain the emotional intensity while building towards the final choruses.
Verse 3:
D A6 A6
Oh, I thought the world of you
Cadd9 Cadd9
I thought nothing could go wrong
G G
But I was wrong I was wrong
D D
If you, if you could get by
A6
Trying not to lieA6 Cadd9
Things wouldn't be so confused
Cadd9 Cadd9
And I wouldn't feel so used
G
But you always really knew
G
I just wanna be with youInterlude Chords
The interlude provides a brief instrumental break, maintaining the song’s atmosphere with a slightly different chord sequence before returning to the powerful chorus.
Interlude:
|A6 A| |A6 A| Cadd9 Cadd9 G GOutro Chords
The outro gently fades out, echoing the intro’s harmonic feel and leaving a lasting impression.
Outro:
A6 A6 Cadd9 Cadd9 G GOutro Picking: (The original article mentions “Outro Picking” but doesn’t provide specific tab or notation. This section is left as a note for players to explore fingerpicking patterns in A6, Cadd9, and G if desired.)
“Linger” is a fantastic song for guitarists of various levels to learn. Its chord progression is repetitive and relatively easy to grasp, allowing you to focus on strumming patterns and capturing the emotional nuances of the song. Practice these “Linger The Cranberries Guitar Chords” and soon you’ll be playing this 90s favorite yourself!
