For No One Chords: How to Play The Beatles’ Classic Song on Guitar

The Beatles are one of the most influential and popular bands in the history of music. Their songs have been covered by countless artists and have inspired generations of musicians. One of their lesser-known but equally beautiful songs is For No One, from their 1966 album Revolver.

For No One is a melancholic ballad written by Paul McCartney, who also sang and played piano, clavichord, and bass on the recording. The song features a French horn solo by Alan Civil, which was arranged by George Martin. The lyrics describe the end of a relationship, as the narrator realizes that his lover no longer cares for him.

In this article, we will show you how to play For No One chords on guitar, using different versions and transpositions. We will also explain some of the musical features and techniques that make this song so unique and expressive.

Chord

CHORDS
 
          E-A-D-G-B-e
C         x-3-2-0-1-0
C/B       x-2-2-0-1-0
Am        x-0-2-2-1-0
C/G       3-x-2-0-1-0
 
Dm        x-x-0-2-3-1
A7        x-0-2-0-2-0
Gsus4     3-x-0-0-1-3
G         3-x-0-0-0-3
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
[Verse 1]
C                C/B
 Your day breaks, your mind aches
Am             C/G              F               Bb
 You find that all the words of kindness linger on
            C
When she no longer needs you
 
[Verse 2]
C             C/B
 She wakes up, she makes up
Am             C/G              F               Bb
 She takes her time and doesn't feel she has to hurry
       C
She no longer needs you
 
[Chorus]
           Dm           A7
And in her eyes you see nothing
Dm               [ A7 ]     Dm
 No sign of love behind the tears
          A7
Cried for no one
Dm                      [ A7 ]  Dm       Gsus4 G
 A love that should have lasted years
 
[Verse 3]
C             C/B
 You want her, you need her
Am           C/G               F                 Bb
 And yet you don't believe her when she says her love is dead
    C
You think she needs you
 
[Solo]
| C C/B | Am C/G | F Bb | C | % |
 
[Chorus]
           Dm           A7
And in her eyes you see nothing
Dm               [ A7 ]     Dm
 No sign of love behind the tears
          A7
Cried for no one
Dm                      [ A7 ]  Dm       Gsus4 G
 A love that should have lasted years
 
[Verse 4]
C              C/B
 You stay home, she goes out
Am             C/G          F                Bb
 She says that long ago she knew someone but now he's gone
    C
She doesn't need him
 
[Verse 4]
C                C/B
 Your day breaks, your mind aches
Am             C/G                F                    Bb
 There will be times when all the things she said will fill your head
C
You won't forget her
 
[Chorus]
           Dm           A7
And in her eyes you see nothing
Dm               [ A7 ]     Dm
 No sign of love behind the tears
          A7
Cried for no one
Dm                      [ A7 ]  Dm       Gsus4 G
 A love that should have lasted years 

Alternative Chords and Voicings

If you want to spice up your playing and sound more like the original recording, you can use some alternative chords and voicings that add more color and tension to the harmony. Here are some examples:

Verse: B x24442 F#/A# x14322 G#m 466444 B/F# 224442 E 022100 A x02220 B x24442 Chorus: C#m x46654 G#7 464544 C#m x46654 G#7 464544 C#m x46654 F#sus4 244422 F# 244322

These chords use more barre shapes and higher positions on the fretboard, which can be challenging for beginners. However, they also create richer sounds and smoother transitions between chords. You can experiment with different fingerings and inversions to find what works best for you.

Musical Features and Techniques

One of the most distinctive aspects of For No One is the French horn solo that plays in the second and third choruses. The horn adds a classical touch to the song and contrasts with the pop style of the rest of the instruments. The solo was written by George Martin, who was inspired by Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4.

If you want to play the horn solo on guitar, you can use this tab:

e|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–| B|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–| G|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–| D|-6-8-9-11-9-8-6–|-4-6-8-9-8-6-4—|-6-8-9-11-9-8—-|-6—————| A|—————–|————-6—|————-6—|-4—————| E|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|

Another musical feature that adds interest to the song is the use of syncopation and cross-rhythms. Syncopation is when a note or accent falls on a weak or unexpected beat, creating a sense of surprise or tension. Cross-rhythms are when two or more different rhythms are played at the same time, creating a complex or polyrhythmic effect.

For example, in the verse, the melody starts on the second beat of each bar, while the chords change on the first beat. This creates a syncopated feel that emphasizes the lyrics and makes them stand out from the accompaniment.

In the chorus, the melody uses a dotted rhythm that alternates between long and short notes, while the chords use a straight rhythm that divides each beat into two equal parts. This creates a cross-rhythm that adds contrast and movement to the harmony.

To play these rhythms accurately, you need to have a good sense of timing and feel for the groove. You can practice with a metronome or a backing track to help you keep the beat and stay in sync with the other instruments.

Conclusion

For No One is a beautiful and sad song that showcases the musical genius and versatility of The Beatles. It is a great song to learn and play on guitar, as it offers many opportunities to explore different chords, keys, and rhythms. It is also a song that can touch your emotions and express your feelings, whether you are going through a breakup or not.

We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about For No One chords. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy playing!