Learning to play the guitar can be a rewarding experience, and one of the most popular songs to learn is "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak. The song's hauntingly beautiful melody and simple chord progression make it a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike. In this tutorial, we'll break down the chords and strumming pattern to help you master this iconic song.
Key Points
- The song "Wicked Game" is written in the key of E minor and uses a simple chord progression.
- The chord progression is Em - G - D - A, repeated throughout the song.
- The strumming pattern is a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes, with an emphasis on the downbeat.
- Using a capo on the 7th fret can help to create a brighter, more pop-like sound.
- Experimenting with different strumming patterns and techniques can help to add your own unique touch to the song.
Chord Progression
The chord progression for “Wicked Game” is surprisingly simple, consisting of just four chords: Em, G, D, and A. This progression is repeated throughout the song, with some slight variations in the verse and chorus. To play the chords, start by placing your fingers on the corresponding frets:
| Chord | Fretting |
|---|---|
| Em | 0-2-2-0 (E-B-E-G) |
| G | 3-2-0-0 (G-B-G-D) |
| D | 2-3-2-0 (D-A-D-F#) |
| A | 0-2-2-2 (A-E-A-C#) |
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Wicked Game” is a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes, with an emphasis on the downbeat. Start by strumming the chords with a downstroke, followed by an upstroke on the “and” of beat 2. Repeat this pattern throughout the song, using a mixture of downstrokes and upstrokes to create a sense of movement and flow.
Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic chord progression and strumming pattern, you can start to experiment with some more advanced techniques to add your own unique touch to the song. One idea is to use a capo on the 7th fret to create a brighter, more pop-like sound. This will also help to simplify the chord shapes, making it easier to play the song.
Another idea is to experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques, such as fingerpicking or using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes. You can also try adding in some extra chords or embellishments, such as suspended chords or major seventh chords, to add some extra color and interest to the song.
Using a Capo
Using a capo can be a great way to add some extra variety to your playing, and can help to simplify the chord shapes for “Wicked Game”. To use a capo, simply place it on the 7th fret of your guitar, and retune to the correct pitch. This will raise the pitch of the song, and create a brighter, more pop-like sound.
| Capo Position | Chord Shape |
|---|---|
| 7th fret | C shape (C-E-G-C) |
| 5th fret | G shape (G-B-D-G) |
| 3rd fret | D shape (D-A-D-F#) |
What is the best way to learn the chord progression for "Wicked Game"?
+The best way to learn the chord progression for "Wicked Game" is to start by practicing each chord shape individually, and then gradually build up to playing the full progression. Start with the Em chord, and then move on to the G, D, and A chords, practicing each one until you feel comfortable with the shape and fingering.
How can I add my own unique touch to the song?
+To add your own unique touch to the song, try experimenting with different strumming patterns and techniques, such as fingerpicking or using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes. You can also try adding in some extra chords or embellishments, such as suspended chords or major seventh chords, to add some extra color and interest to the song.
What is the best way to practice the strumming pattern for "Wicked Game"?
+The best way to practice the strumming pattern for "Wicked Game" is to start by practicing the basic downstroke and upstroke pattern, and then gradually build up to playing the full song. Start with a slow tempo, and then gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the pattern.
Meta Description: Learn to play “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak with our comprehensive chord tutorial and strumming pattern guide. Master the iconic song’s simple yet hauntingly beautiful melody and add your own unique touch with advanced techniques and variations.
