"Let Her Go" by Passenger - Note for Note Guitar Lesson

Let Her Go by Passenger is a contemporary acoustic masterpiece, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and intricate guitar work. This lesson will guide you through the song’s essential techniques, including hybrid picking, Travis picking, arpeggiated chord progressions, and the effective use of a capo. These elements come together to create the song’s iconic sound and provide a rewarding challenge for guitarists of all levels. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Technique Breakdown

Hybrid Picking

Hybrid picking is a crucial technique in Let Her Go, combining the use of a pick with fingerpicking to achieve a balanced and versatile sound. This method allows you to execute the song’s dynamic shifts smoothly, blending rhythm and melody seamlessly. By employing hybrid picking, you’ll develop the ability to tackle complex passages with precision and fluidity.

Incorporating hybrid picking into your playing will expand your repertoire, enabling you to explore various musical styles. This lesson will break down the hybrid picking patterns used in the song, ensuring you master this essential technique with ease and confidence.

Travis Picking

Travis picking plays a significant role in the rhythmic foundation of Let Her Go. This fingerpicking technique involves maintaining a steady bass rhythm with your thumb while your fingers handle the melody and harmony. The result is a flowing, textured sound that perfectly complements the song’s introspective lyrics.

Learning Travis picking will greatly improve your finger independence and rhythmic control. Our lesson provides a detailed step-by-step guide to mastering this technique, helping you recreate the song’s captivating fingerstyle arrangement.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song’s arpeggiated chord progressions are a defining feature, creating a rich harmonic landscape. These progressions involve playing the notes of a chord one at a time in a smooth, flowing sequence. This technique adds depth and emotion to the music, making it more expressive and engaging.

Practicing arpeggiated chord progressions will enhance your finger dexterity and precision, as well as your ability to navigate the fretboard with confidence. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute these progressions with the clarity and musicality that Let Her Go demands.

Capo

Using a capo is essential for achieving the correct tonal range and voicings in Let Her Go. Placed on the seventh fret for this song, the capo allows for open chord shapes that resonate beautifully, giving the piece its characteristic brightness and warmth. It also simplifies chord transitions, making it easier to focus on the intricate picking patterns.

By incorporating a capo into your playing, you’ll unlock new tonal possibilities and discover creative ways to approach chord voicings. This lesson covers how to use a capo effectively, ensuring your performance of Let Her Go is both accurate and inspiring.

About Passenger and His Influence

Passenger, the stage name of Michael David Rosenberg, is known for his emotionally resonant songwriting and delicate guitar work. Let Her Go is one of his most iconic songs, blending introspective lyrics with a beautifully crafted fingerpicking arrangement. The track has become a global hit, earning critical acclaim and inspiring countless musicians.

Passenger’s influence lies in his ability to connect deeply with listeners through his music. By learning Let Her Go, you’ll not only gain technical skills but also a deeper appreciation for the artistry and storytelling that make his work so impactful.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Hybrid Picking
• Travis Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Capo

This Let Her Go guitar lesson provides an in-depth exploration of the song’s techniques, allowing you to capture its intricate beauty and emotional depth. With practice and dedication, you’ll bring this timeless acoustic classic to life, enriching both your guitar skills and your musical expression.