there is a light that never goes out chords

2 min read 24-01-2025

there is a light that never goes out chords

The Smiths' "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" is an iconic anthem of youthful rebellion and romanticism. Its instantly recognizable melody and Morrissey's evocative lyrics have made it a timeless classic. Learning to play this song on guitar is a rewarding experience, and this guide will walk you through the chords and strumming patterns to get you started. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, you'll find helpful tips and variations here.

Understanding the Basic Chords

The core chords for "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" are relatively simple, making it accessible to guitarists of all skill levels. The main chords used are:

Am (A minor): x02210
C (C major): x32010
G (G major): 320003
F (F major): 133211

These four chords form the backbone of the song's structure. Mastering these will allow you to play along with the recording quite effectively. Practice transitioning smoothly between them – that's key to sounding good!

Tips for Beginners:

Start slow: Focus on cleanly playing each chord before increasing speed. Use a metronome to help maintain rhythm and consistency.
Finger placement: Ensure your fingers are placed correctly on the fretboard to produce a clear sound.
Chord transitions: Practice transitioning smoothly between chords. This takes time and practice, but it will dramatically improve your playing.

The Chords and Strumming Pattern

The song primarily uses a simple downstroke strumming pattern. However, subtle variations add to the song's dynamic feel.

Basic Strumming: Down, down, down, down. This works for most verses and choruses.

Variation 1 (Chorus Emphasis): Down, down, up, down. This adds a bit more rhythmic interest.

Variation 2 (Bridge): A softer strumming pattern, possibly just downstrokes on beats 1 and 3, can create a more delicate feel during the bridge. Experiment to find what suits your style best.

Here's a basic representation of the chord progression:

(Verse 1 & 2): Am - C - G - F (repeat)

(Chorus): Am - C - G - F (repeat)

(Bridge): Often features a simplified or slightly altered chord progression; listen closely to the song to get the exact feel.

(Outro): Typically repeats the main verse/chorus progression, fading out.

Beyond the Basics: Adding Nuance and Style

While the basic chords and strumming provide a solid foundation, there are ways to enhance your performance.

Listen attentively: The best way to learn the nuances is to listen carefully to The Smiths' recording. Pay attention to the dynamics, strumming variations, and pauses.
Experiment with fingerpicking: For a different texture, try fingerpicking instead of strumming.
Dynamic variation: Don't play every chord with the same intensity. Vary your strumming strength and the pressure you apply to the chords to create a more expressive performance.

Resources and Further Learning

Many online resources can help you further develop your skills. Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com provide comprehensive chord charts and tabs for "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," often including multiple versions and variations. YouTube also offers countless tutorials, many of which demonstrate various strumming patterns and techniques.

Conclusion

Learning to play "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" is a fantastic way to expand your guitar repertoire. While mastering the basic chords and strumming patterns is crucial, remember that the key to a great performance lies in understanding the song's emotional core and expressing it through your playing. So grab your guitar, practice these chords, and get ready to unleash your inner Morrissey! Remember to listen to the original recording to truly grasp the nuances and dynamics of the song. Happy playing!