"The Pain Of Loving You" is a classic country ballad known for its heartfelt lyrics and gentle, flowing melody. Patty Loveless’ version highlights soulful vocals and traditional country guitar, which translates well to solo acoustic playing.
Chords
The song uses three basic open chords:
A major, D major, and E major.
These are beginner-friendly chords and are commonly used in country music.
Strumming Pattern
A simple country strumming pattern works well:
Down-down-up-up-down-up
Try to emphasize the bass note on the first downstroke for a more authentic sound.
Chord Transitions
- Practice moving smoothly between A, D, and E.
- Most transitions are between A and E, or A and D. Work on switching from A to E and back, as this happens frequently.
- Keep your fingers close to the fretboard to make changes quicker and cleaner.
Techniques & Tips
- Begin with a slow tempo, focusing on clean chord changes and steady rhythm.
- If you struggle with the E to A transition, try practicing it repeatedly outside the song.
- For the instrumental section, play one measure of each chord: D, A, E, A.
- Count in fours for each chord in the intro and outro.
With practice, this song is a great way to build confidence in basic chords and strumming.
Keep your rhythm steady and enjoy the emotional feel of the music!
IntroA A A A
Verse 1Oh the pain ofE lovingA you. Oh theE misery I goA through.
Never knowingD what toA do,D oh theA pain ofE lovingA you.
Verse 2You just can't stand toE see meA happy. Seems youE hurt me all youA can.
Still I go onD lovingA you,D but I'llA neverE underA stand.
ChorusOh the pain ofE lovingA you. Oh theE misery I goA through.
Never knowingD what toA do,D oh theA pain ofE lovingA you.
InstrumentalD A E A
Verse 3To love and hate atE the sameA time. The lines beE tween the two isA fine.
But too has bound myD heart andA soul, so strong that IE can't let youA go.
ChorusOh the pain ofE lovingA you. Oh theE misery I goA through.
Never knowingD what toA do,D oh theA pain ofE lovingA you.
OutroD Oh theA pain ofE lovingA you.A