Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" is a hauntingly beautiful song that has captivated audiences for decades. The song's iconic guitar riff and Isaak's soaring vocals make it a standout track in the singer-songwriter's discography. As a guitar enthusiast, mastering the "Wicked Game" guitar tab can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to bring the song to life with your own instrument. In this article, we will break down the process of learning the "Wicked Game" guitar tab into 5 manageable steps.
Step 1: Choose the Right Guitar and Tuning To begin learning the "Wicked Game" guitar tab, you'll need to select the right guitar and tuning. Isaak's original recording features a vintage tremolo guitar, but you can achieve a similar sound with a standard electric guitar. The song is written in the key of C minor, so you'll need to tune your guitar to C minor tuning (C - G - Am - F). You can also use a capo on the 3rd fret of a standard-tuned guitar to achieve the same effect.
Understanding the Tablature
Before diving into the tablature, it's essential to understand the basics of guitar tablature. Tablature is a system of notation that represents the strings and frets of the guitar. The lines on the tablature represent the strings, and the numbers on the lines indicate which frets to press down on the corresponding strings. In the case of "Wicked Game," the tablature will feature a combination of single notes, chords, and slides.
Step 2: Learn the Intro Riff The intro riff of "Wicked Game" is one of the most recognizable in rock music. The riff is built around a series of descending arpeggios, played in a slow, haunting manner. To learn the intro riff, start by practicing the individual arpeggios, focusing on smooth transitions between the notes. Once you're comfortable with the arpeggios, practice playing them in sequence, paying attention to the timing and phrasing.
Intro Riff Tablature:
e|---------0-----2-----3-----0-----| B|-----3-----2-----0-----2-----3---| G|-----0-----2-----3-----2-----0---| D|-2-----3-----2-----0-----2-----3-| A|-3-----2-----0-----2-----3-----2-| E|-0-----2-----3-----2-----0-----2-|
Step 3: Master the Verse and Chorus The verse and chorus of "Wicked Game" feature a combination of single notes and chords. To learn these sections, start by practicing the individual chords, focusing on smooth transitions between the chord changes. Once you're comfortable with the chords, practice playing them in sequence, paying attention to the timing and phrasing.
Verse and Chorus Tablature:
Verse: e|---------0-----2-----3-----0-----| B|-----3-----2-----0-----2-----3---| G|-----0-----2-----3-----2-----0---| D|-2-----3-----2-----0-----2-----3-| A|-3-----2-----0-----2-----3-----2-| E|-0-----2-----3-----2-----0-----2-|
Chorus: e|---------3-----2-----0-----2-----| B|-----2-----3-----2-----0-----2---| G|-----2-----0-----2-----3-----2---| D|-0-----2-----3-----2-----0-----2-| A|-2-----3-----2-----0-----2-----3-| E|-3-----2-----0-----2-----3-----2-|
Step 4: Add the Slides and Vibrato One of the most distinctive features of Isaak's guitar playing is his use of slides and vibrato. To add these embellishments to your playing, start by practicing the individual slides, focusing on smooth transitions between the notes. Once you're comfortable with the slides, practice adding vibrato to the individual notes, using a combination of finger vibrato and string bending.
Step 5: Put it All Together Once you've mastered the individual sections of the song, it's time to put everything together. Start by practicing the intro riff, followed by the verse and chorus. Pay attention to the timing and phrasing, focusing on smooth transitions between the sections. As you become more comfortable with the song, experiment with adding your own embellishments, such as slides and vibrato.
Conclusion: Mastering the "Wicked Game" guitar tab requires patience, dedication, and practice. By following these 5 steps, you'll be well on your way to bringing this hauntingly beautiful song to life with your own instrument. Remember to focus on smooth transitions, timing, and phrasing, and don't be afraid to experiment with your own embellishments. With persistence and practice, you'll be playing like Chris Isaak in no time.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your own experiences with learning the "Wicked Game" guitar tab in the comments below. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Do you have any tips or tricks to share with fellow guitar enthusiasts?
What is the best guitar to use for "Wicked Game"?
+While Chris Isaak's original recording features a vintage tremolo guitar, you can achieve a similar sound with a standard electric guitar. Consider using a guitar with a warm, balanced tone and a comfortable playing feel.
How do I achieve the signature "Wicked Game" sound?
+To achieve the signature "Wicked Game" sound, focus on using a combination of single notes, chords, and slides. Experiment with different guitar tones and effects, such as reverb and delay, to create a haunting, atmospheric sound.
What are some common challenges when learning the "Wicked Game" guitar tab?
+Some common challenges when learning the "Wicked Game" guitar tab include mastering the intro riff, transitioning between sections smoothly, and achieving the right tone and phrasing. Be patient, and don't be afraid to practice slowly and carefully.