[Intro]
C C
E ----------------|----------------|
B -------0h1--0-1-|-------0h1--0-1-|
G -----0----------|-----0----------|
D ---2------------|---2------------|
A -3--------------|-3--------------|
E ----------------|----------------|
[Verse]
C
Well I’ll tell it like it is
I never thought that this
F
Would last this long
G
'Cause a girl, a guy like me
Keeps a good back up his sleeve
C
From moving on
[Verse]
C
And there ain’t no way around it
No doubt about it
F
I couldn’t have been more wrong
G
But I’ll tell it like it is
I never thought that this
C
Would last this long
[Chorus]
C
I’m gettin' the hang of hangin' on
F
To what I’m holding
G C
Getting used to you being who I wrap my arms around
E ---------
B -1-0-----
G -----2-0-
D ---------
A ---------
E ---------
C
As far as forever goes
F
You never know what it holds, but I know this
G
I’m gettting the hang of hangin' on
C
To what I’m holding
[Verse]
C
I think I’ve finally got a feel
For the way it’s supposed to feel
F
When it feels right
G
Ain’t nothing that I’ve felt
With anybody else
C C Am
Ever felt quite like
[Verse]
C
All this peace I’ve come to know
This easy in my soul to know
F
This gentle on my mind
G
I think I’ve finally got a feel
For the way it’s supposed to feel
C
When it feels right
G C
E -3-1-0-----
B -------3-1-
G -----------
D -----------
A -----------
E-----------
[Chorus]
C
Gettin' the hang of hangin' on
F
To what I’m holding
G C
Getting used to you being who I wrap my arms around
E ---------
B -1-0-----
G -----2-0-
D ---------
A ---------
E ---------
C
As far as forever goes
F
You never know what it holds, but I know this
G
I’m gettting the hang of hangin' on
C
To what I’m holding
[Outro]
G
I’m gettting the hang of hangin' on
C
To what I’m holding
Song Structure and Chords
The Intro features a distinctive riff that sets the emotional tone of the song.
This riff, played on the C chord, involves hammer-ons and a melody line that
weaves through the chord, creating a reflective mood.
Verse segments maintain the use of the C chord as the foundation, shifting
to F and G to underline the narrative's progression. These chords support the
storytelling, illustrating the singer's introspection and realization about the
depth of his feelings.
In the Chorus, the narrative reaches its emotional peak, with the lyrics "I’m gettin'
the hang of hangin' on to what I’m holding." The chord progression C-F-G-C
accompanies this revelation, symbolizing the embrace of enduring love.
The melody played after the lyrics enhances the sentiment, providing a musical
reflection of the lyrical themes.
Playing Tips
Fingerpicking and Strumming: This song blends fingerpicking and strumming.
The intro and melody lines within the chorus benefit from fingerpicking to articulate
the notes clearly, while strumming can be used in the verses and choruses
to maintain the rhythm and energy.
Hammer-ons: Pay special attention to the hammer-ons in the intro and melody
lines. These nuances add depth to the performance, conveying the song's
emotional layers.
Chord Changes: Practice smooth transitions between C, F, and G. The beauty
of this song lies in its simplicity and the emotional weight carried by these chords.
Embodying the Song
To truly embody "Hang Of Hangin' On," focus on the emotional journey it
represents— the realization and acceptance of a deep, lasting connection.
Your playing should reflect the nuances of discovering comfort and peace in
holding onto someone special.
Consider the dynamics of your playing to match the song's emotional landscape.
The verses should feel introspective, with a softer touch, building to a more full-bodied
sound in the choruses to reflect the strength and certainty found in love.
The guitar riffs and melodies are not just musical embellishments but integral to expressing
the song's essence. They mirror the lyrical themes of growth, realization, and the
comfort found in enduring companionship.