Mastering the Wicked Game chords is a great goal for any guitar enthusiast. This iconic song by Chris Isaak has been a staple of 90s alternative rock, and its hauntingly beautiful melody has captivated listeners for decades. With its simple yet effective chord progression, Wicked Game is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced guitarists alike. In this article, we'll break down the Wicked Game chords into 5 easy guitar steps, helping you to master this timeless classic.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the chord progression, let's cover some basics. Wicked Game is written in the key of A minor, which gives the song its distinctive melancholic tone. The chord progression is relatively simple, using a combination of minor and major chords to create a sense of tension and release. To play Wicked Game, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the following chords: Am, Fmaj7, G, Em, and C.
Step 1: Learn the Am Chord
The Am (A minor) chord is a fundamental component of the Wicked Game progression. To play the Am chord, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Leave the A string open, and strum all six strings.
- Am Chord:
- D string: 2nd fret
- G string: 2nd fret
- A string: open
- B string: open
- E string: open
Building the Progression
Now that you've mastered the Am chord, let's move on to the next step.
Step 2: Learn the Fmaj7 Chord
The Fmaj7 (F major 7) chord adds a touch of sophistication to the Wicked Game progression. To play the Fmaj7 chord, place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, and your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the D string. Leave the A string open, and strum all six strings.
- Fmaj7 Chord:
- B string: 1st fret
- D string: 3rd fret
- A string: open
- G string: open
- E string: open
Step 3: Combine Am and Fmaj7
Now that you've learned both the Am and Fmaj7 chords, let's combine them to create the foundation of the Wicked Game progression.
- Am - Fmaj7 Progression:
- Strum Am for 2 beats
- Strum Fmaj7 for 2 beats
- Repeat
Adding Tension and Release
The next two chords will add a sense of tension and release to the progression.
Step 4: Learn the G and Em Chords
The G and Em chords are essential to creating the song's emotional depth. To play the G chord, place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. Leave the D string open, and strum all six strings.
- G Chord:
- Low E string: 3rd fret
- A string: 3rd fret
- D string: open
- G string: open
- B string: open
To play the Em chord, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Leave the B string open, and strum all six strings.
- Em Chord:
- D string: 2nd fret
- G string: 2nd fret
- B string: open
- E string: open
Step 5: Combine the Progression
Now that you've learned all the necessary chords, let's combine them to create the complete Wicked Game progression.
- Am - Fmaj7 - G - Em Progression:
- Strum Am for 2 beats
- Strum Fmaj7 for 2 beats
- Strum G for 1 beat
- Strum Em for 1 beat
- Repeat
Conclusion and Next Steps
Congratulations on mastering the Wicked Game chords! With practice, you'll be able to play this iconic song with ease. To take your playing to the next level, try experimenting with different strumming patterns and techniques, such as fingerpicking or using a capo.
Get Involved and Share Your Progress
We'd love to hear from you! Share your progress, ask questions, or simply show off your Wicked Game chord mastery in the comments below. Don't forget to share this article with your fellow guitar enthusiasts, and let's keep the music alive!
What is the chord progression for Wicked Game?
+The chord progression for Wicked Game is Am - Fmaj7 - G - Em.
What is the key of Wicked Game?
+The key of Wicked Game is A minor.
What are some tips for playing Wicked Game on guitar?
+Practice slowly, focus on chord changes, and experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques.