Let Her Go Chords for Guitar Beginners

Learning to play a song that resonates emotionally can be a powerful motivator for any beginner guitarist. "Let Her Go" by Passenger is one such song. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a favorite among players starting their guitar journey. The song is primarily in the key of E minor, which is a great key for beginners because it uses some of the most common and accessible chords. This post will guide you through mastering the chords of "Let Her Go" in E minor, helping you build confidence and skill as you play.

Acoustic guitar fretboard with E minor chord finger placement

[Chorus] C G Well, you only need the light when it's burning low D Em Only miss the sun when it starts to snow C G D Only know you love her when you let her go C G Only know you've been high when you're feeling low D Em Only hate the road when you're missin' home C G Only know you love her when you let her go D And you let her go [Instrumental] Em C D Bm Em C D [Verse 1] Em C Staring at the bottom of your glass D Bm Hoping one day you'll make a dream last Em C D But dreams come slow and they go so fast Em C You see her when you close your eyes D Bm Maybe one day you'll understand why Em C D Everything you touch surely dies [Chorus] C G But you only need the light when it's burning low D Em Only miss the sun when it starts to snow C G D Only know you love her when you let her go C G Only know you've been high when you're feeling low D Em Only hate the road when you're missin' home C G D Only know you love her when you let her go [Verse 2] Em C Staring at the ceiling in the dark D Bm Same old empty feeling in your heart Em C D 'Cause love comes slow and it goes so fast Em C Well you see her when you fall asleep D Bm But never to touch and never to keep Em 'Cause you loved her too much C D And you dived too deep [Chorus] C G Well, you only need the light when it's burning low D Em Only miss the sun when it starts to snow C G D Only know you love her when you let her go C G Only know you've been high when you're feeling low D Em Only hate the road when you're missin' home C G D Only know you love her when you let her go [Bridge] Em And you let her go C D Ooooo ooooo oooooo Em And you let her go C D Ooooooo ooooo ooooo Em C D Bm And you let her go [Interlude] Em C D [Chorus] C G 'Cause you only need the light when it's burning low D Em Only miss the sun when it starts to snow C G D Only know you love her when you let her go C G Only know you've been high when you're feeling low D Em Only hate the road when you're missin' home C G D Only know you love her when you let her go [Chorus] (One Strum) C                           G 'Cause you only need the light when it's burning low D                       Em Only miss the sun when it starts to snow C                           G       D Only know you love her when you let her go N.C. Only know you've been high when you're feeling low Only hate the road when you're missin' home Only know you love her when you let her go And you let her go

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How to Play Each Chord

• Em (E minor)

Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string) and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string). Strum all six strings.

• G major

Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string (6th string), your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string), and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string (1st string). Strum all six strings.

• D major

Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string), your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string (1st string), and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string). Strum from the D string (4th string) down.

• C major

Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (5th string), your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string), and your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string). Strum from the A string down.

• Am (A minor)

Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string), your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string), and your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string). Strum from the A string down.

Practicing Chord Transitions

One of the biggest challenges for beginners is switching smoothly between chords. Here are some tips to help you practice transitions effectively:

• Start slow: Play each chord slowly and clearly before trying to speed up.

• Focus on finger placement: Make sure your fingers are pressing down the strings firmly and close to the frets.

• Use a metronome: This helps keep your rhythm steady as you practice switching chords.

• Practice common transitions: For example, move back and forth between Em and G, or C and D, to build muscle memory.

  
  

Strumming Pattern for "Let Her Go"

The strumming pattern is crucial to capturing the feel of the song. The original track uses a gentle, flowing rhythm that complements the melody.

A simple strumming pattern to start with is:

• Down, down-up, up-down-up

  
  

Practice this pattern slowly, making sure each strum is even and smooth. Once comfortable, try playing along with the song or a backing track.

Putting It All Together

Now that you know the chords and strumming pattern, it’s time to combine them. The chord progression for the verse and chorus is fairly repetitive, which makes it easier to memorize.

Basic chord progression example:

| Em | G | D | C |

| Em | G | D | C |

| Em | G | D | C |

| Em | G | D | C |

Play this progression while using the strumming pattern described above. Listen carefully to the original song to match the rhythm and timing.

Tips for Improving Your Play

• Practice daily: Even 10-15 minutes a day will improve your muscle memory.

• Record yourself: Listening back helps identify areas for improvement.

• Play along with the song: This builds timing and helps you stay in rhythm.

• Use a capo if needed: If the song feels too low or high, a capo can adjust the pitch without changing chord shapes.

• Be patient: Mastery takes time, and every guitarist started where you are now.

  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not pressing strings firmly: This causes buzzing or muted notes.

• Rushing chord changes: Speed comes with accuracy, so focus on clean transitions first.

• Ignoring rhythm: Playing the right chords but off-beat can ruin the song’s feel.

• Skipping warm-ups: Finger stretches and simple exercises prevent strain and improve flexibility.

  
  

Exploring Variations and Adding Your Style

Once you feel comfortable with the basic chords and strumming, try experimenting with:

• Fingerpicking: "Let Her Go" sounds beautiful with fingerstyle playing. Start by plucking the bass note with your thumb and the higher strings with your fingers.

• Adding hammer-ons and pull-offs: These techniques add expression and make your playing more dynamic.

• Changing strumming dynamics: Play some parts softly and others louder to match the song’s emotional flow.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Learning "Let Her Go"

Mastering the chords of "Let Her Go" in E minor is a rewarding step for any beginner guitarist. The song’s simple chord progression and memorable melody make it an excellent practice piece. By focusing on clean chord shapes, smooth transitions, and steady rhythm, you will build a solid foundation for playing many other songs.

Keep practicing regularly, listen closely to the original track, and don’t hesitate to slow down difficult parts. With patience and dedication, you will soon be able to play "Let Her Go" confidently and enjoy the satisfaction of making music.