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Key
C Major
Difficulty
Easy
Capo
None
Chords
C · Am · F · G
Leonard Cohen’s masterpiece is one of the most covered songs in history. The fingerpicked arpeggios and haunting melody create an experience that transcends genres.
Strumming Pattern (6/8 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Fingerpick this song if possible. The arpeggiated chords in 6/8 time are what give Hallelujah its hypnotic, meditative quality.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the four chords
You need C, Am, F, and G. The verse uses C-Am-C-Am-F-G-C-G. The chorus uses F-Am-F-C-G-C.
2
Feel the 6/8 time
Count “1-2-3-4-5-6.” The song has a rolling, wave-like feel. Each chord gets a full measure of six beats.
3
Try fingerpicking
The classic arrangement uses arpeggios. Pick bass note, then roll through the strings upward. This creates the song’s signature sound.
4
Build emotional dynamics
Start almost whispering. Build through each verse. Let the “Hallelujah” ring out with full emotion and volume.
5
Learn all the verses
Cohen wrote 80 verses. The commonly performed ones tell a story from biblical to personal. Learn at least 4 verses for a complete performance.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
C Am
I’ve heard there was a secret chord
C Am
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
F G C G
But you don’t really care for music, do you?
Verse 2
C F G
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
Am F
The minor fall, the major lift
G Am F
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Chorus
F Am F C
Hallelujah, hallelujah
F Am G C
Hallelujah, hallelu-u-u-u-jah
Practice tip: This song rewards patience. Spend a week on just the fingerpicking pattern before attempting to sing. When your right hand moves without thinking, the song will come alive.