The iconic song "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak has been a favorite among music enthusiasts for decades. Its hauntingly beautiful melody and poignant lyrics have captivated audiences, making it a staple of 90s alternative rock. If you're an aspiring guitarist looking to learn this classic tune, you're in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the Wicked Game guitar tab and chord progression, providing you with a detailed walkthrough to help you master this song.
Understanding the Song Structure
Before diving into the guitar tab and chord progression, it's essential to understand the song's structure. "Wicked Game" follows a simple, yet effective, verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format. The song's intro and verse sections feature a repetitive, atmospheric pattern, building tension before the chorus kicks in. The bridge provides a brief respite before the final chorus.
Wicked Game Guitar Tab
To learn the Wicked Game guitar tab, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the song's chord progression and individual note patterns. We'll break down the tab into sections, focusing on the intro, verse, chorus, and bridge.
Intro
The intro features a hypnotic, arpeggiated pattern played on the D major chord. Use the following tab to learn this section:
e|---2---0---2---0---| B|---3---2---3---2---| G|---2---2---2---2---| D|---0---0---0---0---| A|---0---2---0---2---| E|---2---3---2---3---|
Verse
The verse section follows a simple, repetitive pattern using the D major and A minor chords. Focus on playing clean, crisp chords, and use the following tab as a guide:
Verse: Dmaj7 Amin7 Dmaj7 Amin7 e|---2---0---2---0---| e|---0---2---0---2---| B|---3---2---3---2---| B|---2---2---2---2---| G|---2---2---2---2---| G|---2---2---2---2---| D|---0---0---0---0---| D|---2---2---2---2---| A|---0---2---0---2---| A|---0---0---0---0---| E|---2---3---2---3---| E|---0---2---0---2---|
Chorus
The chorus section features a more driving rhythm, using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes. Focus on playing with a strong, consistent rhythm, and use the following tab as a guide:
Chorus: G D Em C e|---3---2---0---0---| B|---0---3---0---1---| G|---0---2---0---0---| D|---0---0---2---2---| A|---2---2---2---3---| E|---3---2---0---0---|
Bridge
The bridge section features a brief, atmospheric passage using the Am7 and Dmaj7 chords. Focus on playing with a more subdued, introspective tone, and use the following tab as a guide:
Bridge: Am7 Dmaj7 Am7 Dmaj7 e|---0---2---0---2---| e|---2---0---2---0---| B|---2---3---2---3---| B|---3---2---3---2---| G|---2---2---2---2---| G|---2---2---2---2---| D|---2---0---2---0---| D|---0---0---0---0---| A|---0---0---0---2---| A|---0---2---0---2---| E|---0---2---0---3---| E|---2---3---2---3---|
Wicked Game Chord Progression
Now that you've learned the individual sections, let's break down the Wicked Game chord progression:
Verse: Dmaj7 - Amin7 - Dmaj7 - Amin7 Chorus: G - D - Em - C Bridge: Am7 - Dmaj7 - Am7 - Dmaj7
Tips and Variations
To add your own flair to the song, try experimenting with the following variations:
- Use a mixture of downstrokes and upstrokes to create a more dynamic rhythm.
- Experiment with adding suspended chords (e.g., Dsus2 instead of Dmaj7) to add tension and release.
- Try using a capo to change the song's key and create a different atmosphere.
- Focus on playing with a strong, consistent tone, using a mixture of palm muting and fingerpicking to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering the Wicked Game guitar tab and chord progression. Remember to practice patiently, focusing on building a strong foundation and experimenting with your own unique variations. Happy playing!
Wicked Game Guitar Tab and Chord Guide FAQ
What is the song structure of "Wicked Game"?
+"Wicked Game" follows a simple, yet effective, verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format.
What is the chord progression of the verse section?
+The verse section follows a repetitive pattern using the D major and A minor chords: Dmaj7 - Amin7 - Dmaj7 - Amin7.
How can I add my own flair to the song?
+Try experimenting with adding suspended chords, using a capo to change the song's key, or focusing on playing with a strong, consistent tone.