Introduction
"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen is a remarkable song known for its majestic yet simple chord progression. This song is an excellent practice for beginners as it helps to develop smooth chord transitions and rhythm stability.
Chords and Transitions
The chords involved in this song, G, Em, C, D, and B7, are all basic open chords that a beginner player should be familiar with. The most challenging transition might be from D to B7, but with practice, it will become more comfortable. Focus on finger placement and strive for clean strums.
Strumming Pattern
A simple yet effective strumming pattern to use could be a basic four down strums per measure. This would be D-D-D-D for each chord. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with more complex strumming patterns, like D-DU-UDU (D=down, U=up), which gives the song a nice, flowing feel.
Techniques
In the instrumental section, you might want to try a little bit of fingerpicking to add variety. A simple pattern to start with would be to pick the bass note of the chord (usually the lowest string that the chord uses) and then pick the rest of the strings in an upward arpeggio.
Conclusion
Remember, playing smoothly and staying in time is more important than playing complex strumming patterns or techniques. Practice the chord transitions until you can do them cleanly, then start working on the strumming. With patience and practice, you'll be playing "Hallelujah" beautifully in no time.
IntroG Em G Em
Verse 1I'veG heard about thisEm baby boy who'sG come to earth toEm bring us joy
AndC I just want to singD this songG to yaD
ItG goes like this theC fourth theD fifth, theEm minor fall and theC majorD lift
With every breath I'mB7 singing HalleEm lujah
ChorusHalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah
G Em G Em
Verse 2AG couple came toEm Bethlehem, exG pecting child theyEm searched the inn
ToC find a place for YouD were comingG soonD
ThereG was no room forC them toD stay, soEm in a mangerC filled withD hay
God's only Son wasB7 born oh HalleEm lujah
ChorusHalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah
G Em G Em
Verse 3TheG shepherds lift theirEm flocks by night, toG see this babyEm walked in light
AC host of angels ledD them allG to YouD
ItG was just as theC angelsD said, you'llEm find Him in aC mangerD bed
Emmanuel andB7 Saviour, HalleEm lujah
ChorusHalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah
G Em G Em
Verse 4AG star shown bright upEm in the east, toG Bethlehem theEm wise men three
CameC many miles and jourD neyed long toG see youD
AndG to the place atC which YouD were, theirEm frankincense andC gold andD myrrh
They gave to You andB7 cried out HalleEm lujah
ChorusHalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah
G Em G Em
InstrumentalG Em G Em
C D G D
G C D Em
C D D B7 Em
ChorusHalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah
G Em G Em
Verse 5IG know You came toEm rescue me, thisG baby boy wouldEm grow to be
AC man and one day dieD for me andG youD
AndG sins would drive theC nails inD You, thatEm rugged cross wasC my crossD too
Still every breath YouB7 drew was HalleEm lujah
ChorusHalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah
G Em G Em
OutroHalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah
G Em G Em G
