Pete Doherty and Carl Barat performing at HMV Forum

Music When the Lights Go Out

The Libertines

Key: C majorNo capo4/4

Standard tuning

C: low to high muted, 3, 2, 0, 1, 0IC×Em: low to high 0, 2, 2, 0, 0, 0iiiEmAm: low to high muted, 0, 2, 2, 1, 0viAm×Am7: low to high muted, 0, 2, 0, 1, 0vi7Am7×Dm7: low to high muted, muted, 0, 2, 1, 1ii7Dm7××G: low to high 3, 2, 0, 0, 0, 3VGF: low to high 1, 3, 3, 2, 1, 1IVFD: low to high muted, muted, 0, 2, 3, 2V/VD××F#: low to high 2, 4, 4, 3, 2, 2#IVF#G7: low to high 3, 2, 0, 0, 0, 1V7G7

Three chromatic ascents + complete descending answer · adapted rhythm

Three chromatic ascents + complete descending answer · adapted rhythmeBGDAE234551&2&3&4&234551&2&3&4&234551&2&3&4&531421&2&3&4&

Intro / verseRepeating cycle

Open shapes; let the upper strings ring. Repeat this complete cycle as needed.Suggested gentle brush

4 bars
Progression bars 1–4ICiiiEmviAmvi7Am7ii7Dm7VG1&2&3&4&1&2&3&4&1&2&3&4&1&2&3&4&Suggested gentle brushSTRUMone full bar · repeat as needed1&2&3&4&

Chromatic linkOne-time passage

A descending G–F#–F approach; move to the F barre at the chorus.

1 bars
Progression bars 1–1VG#IVF#1234

Chorus A / solo bedRepeating cycle

Use a firmer attack. Solo bed ends on G; sustain it instead of the final F# when looping.

8 bars
Progression bars 1–8IVFICIVFICIVFV/VDVGVG#IVF#12341234123412341234123412341234

Chorus B / returnOne-time passage

The second half resolves through G7 to the verse; finish the song on C.

8 bars
Progression bars 1–8IVFICIVFICIVFV/VDVGV7G712341234123412341234123412341234

Additional tips

Touch Keep the verse light; lift the G-string finger from Am to Am7. The four-bar tab preserves the sourced phrase, but its even attacks are a practice arrangement.

Explore Start with C major: C D E F G A B. Land on E over C, C over Am and F over Dm7. Leave space between short answers; the tab is not mapped to a verified backing position.

Outside notes Over D, aim for F# then G on the following chord. F# major contains F# A# C#: treat it as a passing colour. The riff’s F# connects F to G; avoid parking on it over C.

Loops Loop the full verse cycle. For a solo bed, sustain G through the last bar of Chorus A. Keep accompaniment and a short answer to two simultaneous layers; use G7 to return to C.