Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE C
EADGBE Em
EADGBEX Am
EADGBE G
Other songs by The Beatles
Eleanor Rigby The Beatles

 The Beatles’ original “Eleanor Rigby” is famous for its haunting string arrangement and lack of traditional guitar. When adapted for guitar, it’s often played with simple chords and a steady rhythm, making it accessible for beginners.

Chord Progression

The song uses mostly Em, C, and Am chords, which are beginner-friendly open shapes. Practice switching between Em and C, as this is the most common transition. The change to Am in the verses is brief but important for the melody.

Strumming Pattern

Because the original is driven by strings, a simple down-strum pattern works well. Try steady down strokes, four per bar, to mimic the pulse of the original. If comfortable, add occasional up-strokes:

Down – Down – Down – Down
or
Down – Down-Up – Down – Down-Up

Tips for Beginners

  • Focus on making smooth transitions between Em, C, and Am. Practice moving from Em to C without pausing.
  • Mute any unused strings for a cleaner sound, especially on Am and C.
  • Keep the rhythm steady; don’t rush the chord changes.
  • If singing, keep the strumming soft to let the vocals stand out, as in the original.

Outro

The outro adds a G chord after Em and Am. Practice the switch from Am to Em to G to finish the song smoothly.

EADGBE C
EADGBE Em
EADGBEX Am
EADGBE G
Intro
C Ah, look at all the lonelyEm people
C Ah, look at all the lonelyEm people
 Verse 1
Em Eleanor Rigby, picks up theEm rice in theEm church where aEm wedding hasAm been
C Lives in a dre-Em eam
Em Waits at the window, wearing theEm face that sheEm keeps in aEm jar by theAm door
C Who is it for-Em or?
 Chorus
Em All the lonelyEm people, whereC do they all comeEm from?
Em All the lonelyEm people, whereC do they all beEm long?
 Verse 2
Em Father McKenzie, writing theEm words of aEm sermon thatEm no one willAm hear
C No one comes near-Em er
Em Look at him working, darning hisEm socks in theEm night when there'sEm nobodyAm there
C What does he care-Em are?
 Chorus
Em All the lonelyEm people, whereC do they all comeEm from?
Em All the lonelyEm people, whereC do they all beEm long?
 Bridge
C Ah, look at all the lonelyEm people
C Ah, look at all the lonelyEm people
 Verse 3
Em Eleanor Rigby, died in theEm church and wasEm buried aEm long with herAm name
C Nobody ca-Em ame
Em Father McKenzie, wiping theEm dirt from hisEm hands as heEm walks from theAm grave
C No one was sa-Em aved
 Outro
Em All the lonelyEm people, whereC do they all comeEm from?
Em All the lonelyEm people, whereC do they all beEm long?
Em Am Em G
Other songs by The Beatles