“Let It Be” is a classic song by the legendary British rock band, The Beatles. It was released on March 6, 1970, as the title track for their twelfth and final studio album, “Let It Be.”
The song was written by Paul McCartney but credited to Lennon-McCartney, as was customary for most of The Beatles’ compositions.
Ukulele Tutorial Video
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern is relatively straightforward and follows a basic rhythm. It can be played with a downstroke strumming pattern throughout the song. Here’s a simple strumming pattern you can use:
D – D – D – D – (repeated)
In this pattern, “D” represents a downstroke strum. You’ll repeat this pattern evenly throughout the song, keeping a steady tempo to match the song’s feel.
However, it’s essential to note that many guitarists prefer to add some variations and dynamics to their strumming to make it sound more interesting and musical. Feel free to experiment with different strumming patterns or include occasional upstrokes or accents to match your playing style and add your personal touch to the song.
Official Music Video
Song Facts
Here are some song facts about “Let It Be”:
- Last Single Release: “Let It Be” was the final single released by The Beatles before their official breakup in April 1970. The song was released on March 6, 1970, in the UK, and on March 11, 1970, in the US.
- Rooftop Performance: The Beatles famously performed “Let It Be” on the rooftop of Apple Corps headquarters in London on January 30, 1969. This rooftop concert marked their last public performance as a band.
- Album Title: The song gave its name to The Beatles’ twelfth and final studio album, “Let It Be,” which was released on May 8, 1970.
- Phil Spector’s Production: The recording sessions for “Let It Be” were initially fraught with tensions, and the project was temporarily shelved. However, after the band’s breakup, producer Phil Spector was brought in to oversee post-production and completed the album. His production added orchestral overdubs to several songs, including “Let It Be.”
- Mother Mary Reference: As mentioned earlier, Paul McCartney wrote the song after having a dream about his mother, Mary McCartney, who had passed away when he was 14 years old. The “Mother Mary” mentioned in the song is believed to be a reference to her, serving as a source of comfort and inspiration for McCartney.
- Fastest No. 1 Single: “Let It Be” topped the charts in multiple countries and became The Beatles’ 20th and final number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It reached No. 1 just two weeks after its release, making it one of the fastest-rising songs to top the chart at that time.
- Grammy Award: The “Let It Be” album won the Grammy Award for “Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special” in 1971 for the accompanying film of the same name.
- Cover Versions: Over the years, “Let It Be” has been covered by various artists, cementing its status as one of The Beatles’ most iconic and enduring songs. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and many others have recorded their versions of the song.
Text Version of Chords
[Intro]
C G Am F
C G
[Verse 1]
F Em Dm C C G
When I find myself in times of trouble
Am F
Mother Mary comes to me
C G
Speaking words of wisdom
F Em Dm C
Let it be
C G
And in my hour of darkness
Am F
She is standing right in front of me
C G
Speaking words of wisdom
F C
Let it be
[Chorus]
Am G F C
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
C G
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be
[Verse 2]
F Em Dm C C G
And when the broken hearted people
Am F
Living in the world agree
C G
There will be an answer
F Em Dm C
Let it be
C G
For though they may be parted there is
Am F
Still a chance that they will see
C G F Em Dm C
There will be an answer Let it be
[Chorus]
Am G
Let it be, Let it be,
F C
let it beeee, let it be
C G
Yeah, there will be an answer
F Em Dm C Am G F
Let it be Let it be, let it be, let it beee , let it be
C
C G F Em Dm C
Whisper words of wisdom Let it be
[Bridge]
F C G C Bb Am G F C F C G C Bb Am G F C
[Solo]
C G Am F C G F Em Dm C
C G Am F C G
[Chorus]
F Em Dm C Am G F C
Let it be, let it be, let it beeee, let it be,
C G
Whisper words of wisdom
F Em Dm C
Let it be
[Verse 3]
C G
And when the night is cloudy
Am F
There is still a light that shines on me
C G
Shine until tomorrow
F Em Dm C
Let it be
C G
I wake up to the sound of music
Am F
Mother Mary comes to me
C G
Speaking words of wisdom
F Em Dm C Am G F
Let it be Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah,
[Chorus]
C
let it be
C G
There will be an answer
F Em Dm C
Let it be
Am G
Let it be, Let it be,
F C
let it be, yeah, let it be
C G F Em Dm C
There will be an answer Let it be
[Outro]
Am G F C
Let it be, let it be, let it be, yeah, let it be
C G
Whisper words of wisdom Let it be
F Em Dm C F C G C Bb Am G F C
Ukulele Chords for “Let It Be” by The Beatles: Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the ukulele chords for “Let It Be” by The Beatles?
- The primary ukulele chords for “Let It Be” are C, G, Am, F, and E7.
- Is “Let It Be” a popular song for ukulele players to learn?
- Yes, “Let It Be” is a beloved song among ukulele enthusiasts due to its timeless melody and accessible chords.
- Where can I find ukulele chords and tabs for “Let It Be” by The Beatles?
- You can find ukulele chords and tabs for “Let It Be” on various websites, ukulele forums, and in songbooks dedicated to The Beatles.
- What strumming pattern works well for playing “Let It Be” on the ukulele?
- A common strumming pattern for “Let It Be” is down, down, up, up, down, up, which complements the song’s rhythm.
- Who composed “Let It Be,” and when was it first released?
- “Let It Be” was written by Paul McCartney and was first released by The Beatles in 1970 as the title track of their album.
- Can “Let It Be” be played in different keys on the ukulele?
- The song is typically played in the key of C on the ukulele, but you can experiment with transposing it to suit your vocal range.
- What is the tempo and style of “Let It Be” by The Beatles?
- “Let It Be” is a slow-tempo ballad with a gospel-influenced style, making it well-suited for ukulele accompaniment.
- Are there alternative chord progressions or variations for “Let It Be” on the ukulele?
- While the basic chords are commonly used, some players add embellishments or fingerpicking patterns to enhance their performance.
- Can “Let It Be” by The Beatles be played with a capo on the ukulele?
- Using a capo on the first fret allows you to play “Let It Be” with the standard chords (C, G, Am, F, and E7).
- What emotions and sentiments does “Let It Be” convey when played on the ukulele?
- “Let It Be” carries a message of hope, acceptance, and letting go, which can be beautifully expressed on the ukulele.
- Is “Let It Be” suitable for ukulele players of all skill levels, including beginners?
- Yes, the song’s chord progression and melody are relatively simple, making it accessible for players of all levels.
- Are there any resources or tutorials for learning to play “Let It Be” on the ukulele?
- Many online tutorials and chord charts are available to help you learn to play “Let It Be” on the ukulele.
- What is the role of the ukulele in capturing the essence of “Let It Be”?
- The ukulele’s gentle and soothing tones complement the song’s message of serenity and acceptance.
- Can “Let It Be” be adapted to different musical genres or styles on the ukulele while retaining its core melody?
- While it’s typically played in its original style, creative ukulele players can experiment with different genres and arrangements.
- What is the connection between the lyrics and the universal experiences they reflect in “Let It Be” by The Beatles?
- The lyrics offer solace and comfort in times of trouble, resonating with listeners who have faced adversity.
- How does “Let It Be” resonate with audiences when played on the ukulele in an intimate, unplugged setting?
- The song’s message of finding peace and accepting life’s challenges can be deeply moving in an intimate ukulele performance.
- Are there any notable ukulele cover versions of “Let It Be” by The Beatles that stand out?
- Numerous ukulele players have covered “Let It Be” on platforms like YouTube, showcasing their unique interpretations.
- What role has “Let It Be” played in The Beatles’ musical legacy, and how has it endured as a beloved song through the years?
- “Let It Be” is considered one of The Beatles’ iconic classics, appreciated for its timeless message and enduring appeal.
- Can you share a personal experience or story of playing “Let It Be” on the ukulele and its impact on your musical journey?
- Playing “Let It Be” on the ukulele often resonates with people on a personal level, providing solace and inspiration. Please share your own story if you’d like.
- What techniques or embellishments can ukulele players use to add their unique style to “Let It Be”?
- Ukulele players can experiment with fingerpicking patterns, harmonies, and subtle variations in strumming to make the song their own.
- Can “Let It Be” be adapted for ukulele duets or ensemble performances, and if so, how can players harmonize effectively?
- Yes, it can be adapted for duets or ensembles, and players can harmonize by singing in harmony or using complementary chord voicings.
- How can ukulele players use dynamics and tempo changes to convey the emotions in “Let It Be” effectively?
- Varying strumming intensity, volume, and tempo can help convey the song’s emotions, adding depth to the performance.
- What is the historical context or significance of “Let It Be” in The Beatles’ career?
- “Let It Be” marked a poignant moment in The Beatles’ career as one of their final singles, released shortly before their breakup.
- Can “Let It Be” on the ukulele be used in therapeutic or emotional healing music settings?
- Yes, the song’s comforting message and soothing melody make it suitable for therapeutic or healing music sessions on the ukulele.
- Are there any notable live performances or renditions of “Let It Be” by The Beatles that have left a lasting impact?
- The Beatles’ rooftop performance of “Let It Be” is iconic, but there are also many heartfelt cover performances that resonate with audiences.
- Is “Let It Be” often played at events or gatherings as a song of hope and comfort?
- Yes, “Let It Be” is commonly chosen for events and gatherings due to its uplifting message and sing-along quality.
- What is the role of the ukulele in capturing the essence of “Let It Be,” given the song’s original arrangement?
- The ukulele simplifies the song’s arrangement, focusing on the core melody and message of finding peace and acceptance.
- Can “Let It Be” be adapted to different languages on the ukulele while preserving its emotional impact?
- Yes, creative ukulele players can adapt the song to different languages, maintaining its emotional impact by conveying the lyrics’ essence.
- Can you provide recommendations for ukulele players looking to perform “Let It Be” in a group setting or with vocal harmonies?
- Practice vocal harmonies with your group to add depth and emotion to your performance, enhancing the song’s impact.
- How can ukulele players use the song “Let It Be” to inspire and uplift audiences during their performances?
- Emphasize the song’s message of hope and resilience through your ukulele performance, connecting with your audience on a personal level.
