Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen | Song Tabs

Hallelujah Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" is a classic ballad often played in a gentle, reflective style. This version uses a simple set of open chords and a straightforward structure, making it approachable for beginners.

Chords and Transitions

The song primarily uses G, Em, C, D, and B7. Practice switching between G and Em, as this transition occurs frequently in both verses and instrumental sections. The C–D–G sequence is also common; work on moving smoothly between these chords. B7 appears at the end of verses, so familiarize yourself with its shape.

Strumming Pattern

A relaxed, slow 3/4 or 6/8 feel suits this song well. For beginners, try a simple down-down-up-down-up pattern for each measure, keeping your strums soft to match the ballad’s mood. You can also use all-down strums for a gentler sound or fingerpick the chords for more intimacy.

Tips

- Let each chord ring clearly—avoid rushing chord changes.
- Focus on smooth transitions, especially between Em and B7.
- Listen to a recording to internalize the rhythm and dynamics.
- If singing, keep your strumming subtle to highlight the vocals.

With practice, the gentle chord changes and steady rhythm will make "Hallelujah" a rewarding song for beginner guitarists to master.

Intro

G Em G Em

Verse 1

I'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

Chorus

HalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah

G Em G Em

Verse 2

AG 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

Chorus

HalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah

G Em G Em

Verse 3

TheG 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

Chorus

HalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah

G Em G Em

Verse 4

AG 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

Chorus

HalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah

G Em G Em

Instrumental

G Em G Em

C D G D

G C D Em

C D D B⁷ Em

Chorus

HalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah

G Em G Em

Verse 5

IG 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

Chorus

HalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah

G Em G Em

Outro

HalleC lujah, HalleEm lujah, HalleC lujah, HalleG luD uuuG jah

G Em G Em G