Linger is an excellent song from 1993 to learn on guitar.  The Cranberries picking intro really sets up and identifies the song.

Today we’re looking at an acoustic guitar version that includes the 3-note Intro & Outro Riffs and the rhythm (as in the song & an easy version).

All we need is 4 chords….. D A  C  G

 

THE INTRO:

Follow the tab below. Start by placing your fretting hand in the shape of an open D chord and pick the numbers as tabbed.  For the second 2 bars take off your index finger to play the open G string.

The Pattern below is repeated 4 times for the intro.

THE MAIN RHYTHM:

We set this up as a foundation by practising the rhythm on just the strumming hand.  Mute the strings with your fretting hand so you hear the percussive click sound.

Now lets learn the rhythm…

Below is the 2 bar rhythm that plays throughout the song. Count the numbers as you get used to the directions to strum in.  The red arrows tell us that those beats are accented. This means add a little more pressure here to the strum so these beats stand out a little louder.

Each chord in the song plays the above 2 bar rhythm twice in the sequence.

If you’d like an easier strum to get started learn the following…

1. Easiest

2. A little bit harder

THE CHORDS:

THE CHORD SEQUENCE:

This sequence plays throughout the entire song.  Remember, play 2x the above 2 bar rhythm for each single bar below.

THE OUTRO:

Again, similar to the intro riff, this uses the same chord shapes but with a slightly different rhythm.

 

THE STRUCTURE:

INTRO (4x pattern)

VERSE 1 (2x chord sequence)

CHORUS (1x chord sequence)

VERSE 2 (2x chord sequence)

CHORUS (1x chord sequence)

INST. (1x chord sequence)

CHORUS X 2

INST. (1x chord sequence)

OUTRO (4x pattern)

 

Enjoy learning this excellent sing along song!