To play “Wicked Games” on guitar, begin with the main riff using fingerpicked notes on the B and high E strings, incorporating slides, and then progress to the chords for the verse and chorus, paying close attention to the song’s dynamics.
Want to learn how to play wicked games on guitar? The iconic, haunting melody and smooth chords are easier to get the hang of than you might think. This article breaks down the key parts and techniques needed for a faithful rendition.
We’ll guide you through the fingerpicking pattern, chord progressions, and dynamics, so you can capture the emotion of this classic song. You will be playing “Wicked Games” with confidence in no time!
How to Play Wicked Games on Guitar
Wicked Games by Chris Isaak is a song that many guitar players want to learn. It has a cool, moody vibe that makes it fun to play. It’s not super hard, but it does have some tricks. Let’s break down how you can get this song under your fingers.
Understanding the Basics: Key, Chords, and Tuning
Before you jump into the song, let’s understand some fundamentals. “Wicked Games” is primarily played in the key of B minor. This means many of the chords you’ll use will feel at home in that key. Most importantly, you need to make sure your guitar is in standard tuning (low to high) E-A-D-G-B-e. This is the regular way most guitars are tuned, but it’s always a good idea to double check.
Essential Chords for Wicked Games
You will be using a few essential chords to play “Wicked Games.” Here they are:
- Bm (B minor): This is a fundamental chord. To play it, place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the fourth fret of the G string. You can use your pinky to fret the fourth fret of the B string if needed.
- G (G major): Place your middle finger on the sixth string (low E string), third fret, your index finger on the fifth string (A string), second fret and your ring finger on the first string (high E string), third fret.
- A (A major): Place your index finger on the second fret of the D string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the B string.
- Em (E minor): Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string. Leave the other strings open.
Practice making smooth transitions between these chords. This will be key to playing the song smoothly.
The Iconic Riff: Step-by-Step
The intro riff of “Wicked Games” is what makes the song so recognizable. It’s built around simple notes, but it’s how they’re played that makes it special.
Breaking Down the Riff
Here’s how you will play the main riff. It mainly revolves around the B string, but the open G string gives it a unique flavour. We will not focus on the rhythm at this point, as that will be discussed later.
- Start with your finger on the 7th fret of the B string. Play that note once.
- Next play the 5th fret of the B string.
- Now play the 7th fret of the B string again.
- Next play the 10th fret of the B string.
- Then play the 7th fret of the B string once again.
- After this, play the open G string.
- And then play the 5th fret of the B string once again
- Finally, end on the open G string.
Practice this sequence slowly, focusing on accuracy and clean notes. It may be helpful to use alternate picking, which involves alternating down and up strokes on each note. This will help with speed and fluidity. You can start by practicing it slowly and then speed up as you become more comfortable with the sequence.
Adding the Vibrato
One of the key elements of the riff is the use of vibrato. Vibrato is a technique where you wiggle your finger to slightly change the pitch of a note. It adds emotion and warmth to the sound. Try adding a slight vibrato to the notes you hold in the riff, especially the ones on the 7th fret of the B string. The best vibrato can be created by slightly bending the string as you play it, but don’t bend too much otherwise you will miss the note. Experiment to find a comfortable and effective vibrato that sounds good to you. It will add a more polished feel to the song.
Understanding the Song Structure
“Wicked Games” is not a particularly complex song, so understanding its structure is very important. By having a grasp on the structure, you will make the learning process easier. Here’s a basic breakdown of how the song is generally structured:
- Intro: Starts with the iconic guitar riff we just talked about.
- Verse 1: The verse section is supported by simple strumming of the chords we mentioned earlier.
- Chorus: The chorus section is a bit more powerful and also uses the chords we previously mentioned.
- Verse 2: The second verse follows the same pattern as verse 1.
- Chorus: Again, the chorus comes with more power.
- Bridge: The bridge section is a musical interlude and has it’s own chords.
- Chorus: The chorus comes again.
- Outro: Ends with a slight variation on the intro riff.
By understanding the structure of the song, it makes learning the song in smaller parts easier. This allows you to piece the song together, rather than trying to learn it all at once.
Putting It All Together: Rhythm and Strumming
While hitting the right notes is important, the rhythm is just as vital. “Wicked Games” doesn’t use complicated strumming patterns. The song uses a basic down and up strum. The key to playing it well is to maintain a consistent rhythm and really listen to the original song. It’s useful to try to mimic the feel of the original recording. Here is a possible strumming pattern that you can use to support the main riff and the verses.
Strumming Pattern
For the verses and chorus you can practice the following strumming pattern:
Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up
This is a standard strumming pattern that works well with the song. When playing the riff, use your pick with down strokes on each note. You will need to experiment with these different techniques. Make sure to listen carefully to the original song, and emulate Chris Isaak’s playing as closely as possible.
Playing the Verse and Chorus Sections
The verse and chorus sections are mainly supported by the chord progressions, which include Bm, G, A, and Em. Once you can switch between these chords, you should be able to play the different sections with ease.
Verse Progression
The verse usually goes like this:
- Bm – G – A – Em
You can play the same strumming pattern through each chord change. You can play two bars per chord for the verse. You can listen to the original song to see how much each chord is played for.
Chorus Progression
The chorus uses these chords:
- Bm – G – A
- Bm – G – Em
Here, the chord progression is slightly different than that of the verse. Experiment with the strumming pattern in these different sections. Try to use the right rhythm to really make the song sound like the original version.
The Bridge Section
The bridge section of “Wicked Games” introduces a slight change in the chords, which adds a bit of variety to the song. The chords in the bridge are slightly different to the other sections in the song, but still very much related. Here are the main chords you will need to play.
Bridge Chords
- F#m (F# minor): Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, your ring finger on the fourth fret of the G string, and your pinky finger on the second fret of the B string.
- A (A major): This chord was used in the other sections as well. Place your index finger on the second fret of the D string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the B string.
- E (E major): Place your index finger on the first fret of the G string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string.
- G (G major): Place your middle finger on the sixth string (low E string), third fret, your index finger on the fifth string (A string), second fret and your ring finger on the first string (high E string), third fret.
The bridge section’s progression is:
- F#m – A – E – G
This part feels more dreamy and adds to the emotional feeling of the song.
Adding Your Own Style and Feel
Once you are comfortable with the main chords, riff, and structure, try to add your own style and touch to the song. You can try slightly changing the strumming pattern or adding a few fills that can support the original sound. This will make the song sound like a version that is unique to you.
Experiment with Dynamics
Try playing the softer parts of the song quieter and the louder parts louder. This can add to the overall emotion and dynamics of the song. Dynamics are a very important part of any song, and they are often overlooked by a beginner. By experimenting with dynamics, your version of the song will sound a lot more interesting.
Adding Fills
Fills are small notes that go in between chords, which are very common in a lot of songs. You can add in a few fills here and there, as long as it supports the song. Don’t overdo the fills though, as it may sound too distracting.
Practice Tips for Success
Learning “Wicked Games” will need time and effort, so be patient with yourself. Here are some tips to help you on your journey.
- Start Slow: Begin by playing the riff and chords very slowly. Accuracy is more important than speed, and the speed will come over time.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome helps you to keep a steady rhythm. Practice the song with a metronome so that your timing is accurate.
- Practice Regularly: Aim to practice every day, even if it’s just for 15-20 minutes. Regular practice will build muscle memory.
- Listen Carefully: Always listen to the original song to really understand the subtle nuances. This helps to learn the feeling and flow of the song.
- Break It Down: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Break the song into small sections like the intro, verse and chorus.
- Record Yourself: Try recording yourself playing the song. This will help you to identify areas where you can improve.
- Be Patient: Learning a song takes time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing and eventually you’ll get it.
Learning “Wicked Games” can be a really rewarding process. By breaking it down, working slowly, and practicing often you’ll be able to play this classic song. The key is patience and perseverance. As you become more confident you will find more joy in playing it. Keep practicing and try to have fun with it!
Chris Isaak Wicked Game Guitar Lesson + Tutorial
Final Thoughts
To play wicked games on guitar, start with learning the main riff. Practice the arpeggiated chords slowly and focus on clean transitions. Then, incorporate the melodic fills into your playing.
Experiment with different guitar tones to match the song’s vibe. Pay attention to the dynamics of the original recording, varying your attack and volume. Learning how to play wicked games on guitar effectively takes time.
