C
Em
Am
Fmaj7
Gsus4
Dm
A7
G
For No One
The Beatles
About the Song
For No One is a classic Beatles ballad from their 1966 album Revolver. The original is led by Paul McCartney’s piano, but it translates beautifully to guitar, relying on gentle chords and emotional phrasing.
How to Play
Chords:
The song uses basic open chords: C, Em, Am, Fmaj7, Gsus4, Dm, A7, G. All are friendly for beginners, though Fmaj7 and Gsus4 may need extra practice. For Fmaj7, play XX3210, letting the high E ring for a softer feel. Gsus4 is played 320013.
Strumming Pattern:
Keep the strumming gentle and even, to match the original’s contemplative mood. A simple pattern like down, down-up, up-down-up (D DU UDU) works well. Focus on dynamics; play softly during verses, slightly stronger in the bridge.
Transitions:
Practice moving between C and Em by keeping your first finger anchored. When switching from Fmaj7 to Gsus4, slide your index and middle fingers up and add your pinky to the first string. Moving from Dm to A7 in the bridge is easier if you “roll” your fingers rather than lifting them entirely.
Tips:
- Let chords ring and avoid heavy strumming.
- Listen to the original to match the song’s phrasing.
- Practice chord changes slowly, then increase speed.
- For the instrumental section, repeat the verse pattern with a focus on smooth transitions.
Enjoy playing this beautiful Beatles song!
Verse 1
C Your day breaks,Em your mind aches
Am You find thatC all her words ofFmaj7 kindness lingerGsus4 on when she noC longer needs you
Verse 2She wakes up,Em she makes up
Am She takes herC time and doesn'tFmaj7 feel she has toGsus4 hurry, she noC longer needs you
Bridge 1And in herDm eyes you seeA7 nothing
Dm No sign ofA7 love behind theDm tears, cried forA7 no one
Dm A love thatA7 should have lastedDm yearsGsus4 G
Verse 3C You want her,Em you need her
Am And yet youC don't believe herFmaj7 when she says herGsus4 love is dead. YouC think she needs you
InstrumentalC Em Am C Fmaj7 Gsus4 C
Bridge 2And in herDm eyes you seeA7 nothing
Dm No sign ofA7 love behind theDm tears, cried forA7 no one
Dm A love thatA7 should have lastedDm yearsGsus4 G
Verse 4C You stay home,Em she goes out
Am She says thatC long ago sheFmaj7 knew someone, butGsus4 now he's gone sheC doesn't need him
Verse 5Your day breaks,Em your mind aches
Am There will beC times when all theFmaj7 things she said willGsus4 fill your head, youC won't forget her
Bridge 3And in herDm eyes you seeA7 nothing
Dm No sign ofA7 love behind theDm tears, cried forA7 no one
Dm A love thatA7 should have lastedDm yearsGsus4 G