Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
Love Hurts Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris

 The original version of "Love Hurts" by Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris is a gentle, melancholic ballad with a country-folk feel. The arrangement emphasizes vocal harmonies and simple, heartfelt guitar accompaniment, making it accessible to beginners.


Chords & Transitions

The song uses mostly open chords:
G, Em, C, D, D7, F, Am7, B7, A7
All are beginner-friendly except for F and B7, which may require extra practice due to finger placement. For F, a simplified version (mini-barre on top two strings) can be used. Practice switching between G, Em, and C, as these transitions occur frequently.


Strumming Pattern

Keep the strumming relaxed and in 4/4 time:
A classic pattern is D D U U D U (D=down, U=up), but you can simplify to steady downstrokes for a softer sound. Aim for gentle dynamics, matching the song’s emotional tone.


Techniques & Tips

- Listen to the song to capture the laid-back groove.
- Let chords ring out, especially at the end of each line.
- For the bridge, play a little softer to highlight the lyrics.
- Practice B7 and F changes slowly, focusing on clean sound.
- Use a capo if needed for vocal comfort.

With patience, this song is a great choice to build chord confidence and emotional expression.

EADGBE G
EADGBE Em
EADGBE C
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEXX D7
EADGBEX B7
EADGBEX Am7
EADGBE F
EADGBEX A7
Intro
G Em C D
Verse 1
LoveG hurts. LoveEm scars. LoveC wounds, andD7 mars
AnyG heart, notEm tough, norC strong, eD7 nough
To take a lot ofG pain,B7 take a lot ofEm pain
G Love is like aC cloud.Am7 Holds a lot ofD7 rain
LoveG hurts.F Mmm,C mmm, loveG hurts.D
Verse 2
I'mG young, IEm know, butC evenD7 so
I know aG thing, orEm two, IC learned, fromD7 you
I really learned aG lot,B7 really learned aEm lot
G Love is like aC stove,Am7 burns you when it'sD7 hot
LoveG hurts.F Mmm,C mmm, loveG hurts
Bridge
Em Some fools think, ofB7 happiEm ness,B7 bliss-fulEm ness, toB7 getherEm ness
A7 Some fools fool themselves I guess, but they're notA7 foolingD me
I know itD7 isn'tG true,B7 know it isn'tEm true
G Love is just aC lieAm7 made to make youD7 blue
LoveG hurts.F Mmm,C mmm, loveG hurts.D
Outro
G Em C D LoveG hurts.F Mmm,C mmm, loveG hurts
D Oh-F ohhhh-C oh loveG hurts