The Beatles were a legendary British rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.
Their music revolutionized pop and rock by blending various styles, including folk, classical, and psychedelic rock. The band is often regarded as the most influential music group in history.
Their early music, including hits like “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You,” brought them fame—albums like Rubber SoulRevolver, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band showcased their innovation.
About the Song
“Let It Be” is one of The Beatles’ songs by Paul McCartney, released in 1970. The song’s soothing message of acceptance and peace offers comfort during uncertainty.
It became the title track of their final studio album, symbolizing the band’s emotional conclusion.
The song was inspired by a dream McCartney had about his late mother, who reassured him with the words “let it be.”
Its gentle melody and hopeful lyrics resonated with listeners, making it one of The Beatles’ most iconic and enduring songs.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | May 8, 1970 |
| Album | Let It Be |
| Writers | John Lennon, Paul McCartney |
| Producers | Phil Spector |
Lyrics, Tabs, and Chords
“Here are the lyrics, tabs, and chords for ‘Let It Be’ by The Beatles.”
Lyrics
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be
(Ooh) Let it be, let it be
A-let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
And when the broken-hearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer
Let it be
For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer
Let it be
Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Yeah, there will be an answer
Let it be
Tabs
Tuning: E A D G B E
Key: C
Capo: No capo
Key: C major
Tuning: Standard
-
(n): Ghost note (a very quiet or muted note)
-
h: Hammer-on (a technique where you press down on a fret without picking the string)
-
p: Pull-off (a technique where you pull your finger off a fret to produce a note)
-
r: Release (releasing a bend or note)
-
b: Bend (bending the string to raise the pitch of the note)
-
/: Slide up (sliding your finger up to a higher note)
-
\: Slide down (sliding your finger down to a lower note)
Chords
-
C: Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and index finger on the 1st fret of the B string.
-
G: Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
-
Am: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
-
F: Use your index finger to barre all strings at the 1st fret, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, and pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the D string.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not paying attention to timing resulting in a rushed or slow solo.
-
Skipping hammer-ons and pull-offs, making the solo sound choppy.
-
Incorrect finger placement, especially on bends, leading to off-pitch notes.
-
Ignoring ghost notes, which are key for adding rhythmic texture.
-
Focusing too much on technique and neglecting emotional expression in the solo.
Tips for Mastering “Let It Be” Solo
-
Practice at Slower Speeds: Start by playing the solo slowly to ensure accuracy and comfort with finger movements. Gradually increase the tempo as confidence grows, ensuring each note is clean and precise.
-
Focus on Timing and Phrasing: Pay close attention to the timing and phrasing of the solo. The emotional impact of the solo comes from its rhythm and flow, so practice with a metronome to maintain a steady beat.
-
Feel the Music: The “Let It Be” solo conveys emotion, not just technical skill. Listen to the original recording and replicate the feel of the solo, emphasizing dynamics and subtle expression in your playing.
-
Work on Bends and Vibrato: Practice bending notes and vibrato in isolation to develop skills. Make bends smooth and precise, and ensure your vibrato adds warmth and expression.
-
Utilize Online Resources: Explore YouTube tutorials or visit sites like JustinGuitar and GuitarLessons365 for guitar lessons. They offer step-by-step guides and visual demonstrations to help you master the solo.
Conclusion
Guitar solos don’t need to be complicated to be powerful. The “Let It Be” solo shows how simple notes played with feeling can touch hearts across generations.
What makes this solo special isn’t fancy techniques—it’s how it speaks directly to you, like an old friend sharing wisdom. The melody flows naturally, perfect for beginners yet satisfying for players at any level.
Next time you pick up your guitar, try playing this iconic piece. Feel the emotion in each note as your fingers bring McCartney’s vision to life.
Ready to share your take on this classic? Drop a comment below about your experience playing the “Let It Be” solo.
Timothy Nash is a professional musician and educator with over 12 years of experience teaching music theory. With a degree in music composition, Timothy has helped countless students understand the complexities of music theory, from basic scales to advanced harmonic concepts. His clear and approachable teaching style makes music theory accessible to beginners and advanced learners alike, allowing them to improve their musical skills and deepen their understanding of the art form.
