Wicked Game Guitar Chords Tutorial

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The iconic song "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak has been a staple of 90s alternative rock and a favorite among guitar enthusiasts. The song's hauntingly beautiful guitar riffs and chord progression have made it a challenging yet rewarding piece to learn. In this comprehensive tutorial, we'll break down the Wicked Game guitar chords and provide a step-by-step guide on how to play this classic song.

Understanding the Song's Structure

Before we dive into the chord progression, it's essential to understand the song's structure. "Wicked Game" is written in a slow, melancholic tempo, with a focus on atmospheric instrumentation. The song features a simple yet effective chord progression, with a mix of major and minor chords that create a sense of tension and release.

Chord Progression

The chord progression for "Wicked Game" is as follows:

Verse: Cmaj7 - G7 - Am7 - Em7 Cmaj7 - G7 - Fmaj7 - Cmaj7

Chorus: G7 - Am7 - Fmaj7 - Cmaj7 G7 - Fmaj7 - Cmaj7 - Am7

Bridge: Am7 - Fmaj7 - G7 - Cmaj7

This progression may look intimidating, but don't worry, we'll break it down into manageable sections.

Learning the Chords

Before we start playing the song, let's learn the individual chords. Here's a brief guide on how to play each chord:

• Cmaj7: x32000
• G7: 320001
• Am7: x02010
• Em7: 022030
• Fmaj7: 133210

Make sure to practice each chord until you feel comfortable switching between them.

Playing the Verse

Now that we've learned the chords, let's play the verse. Start with the Cmaj7 chord, strumming all six strings. Focus on playing clean, smooth chords, and avoid any buzzing or muting.

• Cmaj7: Strum all six strings, focusing on the bass notes (C and E)
• G7: Strum the top five strings, emphasizing the G and B notes
• Am7: Strum the top five strings, focusing on the A and C notes
• Em7: Strum all six strings, emphasizing the E and G notes

Repeat this progression until you feel comfortable playing the verse.

Playing the Chorus

The chorus is where the song really comes alive. Focus on playing with a sense of dynamics, emphasizing the G7 and Fmaj7 chords.

• G7: Strum the top five strings, emphasizing the G and B notes
• Am7: Strum the top five strings, focusing on the A and C notes
• Fmaj7: Strum all six strings, emphasizing the F and C notes
• Cmaj7: Strum all six strings, focusing on the bass notes (C and E)

Repeat this progression until you feel comfortable playing the chorus.

Adding Fills and Embellishments

Now that we've learned the chord progression, it's time to add some fills and embellishments. Focus on using suspended chords, hammer-ons, and pull-offs to add texture and interest to the song.

• Suspended chords: Try replacing the major chords with suspended chords (e.g., Csus2 instead of Cmaj7)
• Hammer-ons: Use hammer-ons to add a sense of tension and release (e.g., hammering on the high E string from the Cmaj7 chord)
• Pull-offs: Use pull-offs to create a sense of dynamics and contrast (e.g., pulling off from the G7 chord to the Am7 chord)

Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Learning "Wicked Game" on guitar takes time and practice, but with persistence and dedication, you can master this iconic song. Remember to focus on playing clean, smooth chords, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and embellishments.

We hope you enjoyed this Wicked Game guitar chords tutorial! Share your progress with us in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more guitar tutorials and lessons.