Are you ready to embark on an enchanting musical journey? In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the secrets of playing the iconic song “Wonderwall” by Oasis on guitar. Whether you are a seasoned musician or just starting your guitar adventure, this step-by-step guide will lead you through every chord, strumming pattern, and technique required to master this timeless masterpiece. Pick up your guitar, tune it up, and let us dive into the magical world of Oasis!
The foundation of “Wonderwall” lies in its simple yet effective chord progression. We will start by learning the G, Em, C, and D chords, the building blocks of the song. Once you have these chords under your fingers, we will move on to the strumming pattern, which is a steady eighth-note pattern with an emphasis on the downstrokes. This rhythm provides the backbone of the song and will make your playing sound authentic and dynamic.
With the chords and strumming pattern mastered, we can now delve into the intricacies of the guitar solo. The solo consists of two main parts: a melodic section that weaves its way over the G chord, and a more intense section that utilizes bends and vibrato to create a soaring and emotional climax. We will break down each part of the solo step-by-step, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to help you achieve the desired sound. By the end of this guide, you will have the skills and confidence to perform “Wonderwall” in front of an audience or simply enjoy it for your own musical pleasure.
Tuning Your Guitar
Before you embark on your Wonderwall guitar journey, it’s imperative to ensure your instrument is properly tuned. An accurately tuned guitar will not only sound harmonious, but it will also make playing the song much easier.
Standard Tuning
Wonderwall is typically played in the standard tuning, which is the most common tuning for acoustic and electric guitars. Here’s how to tune each string, starting from the thickest to the thinnest:
| String | Tuning |
|---|---|
| 6th | E |
| 5th | A |
| 4th | D |
| 3rd | G |
| 2nd | B |
| 1st | E |
Using a Guitar Tuner
The most convenient and accurate way to tune your guitar is to use a guitar tuner, either a physical device or an app on your smartphone or tablet. Simply pluck a string and the tuner will display the note it’s playing and whether it’s in tune or not. Follow the instructions provided by the tuner to adjust the tuning pegs on your guitar until all strings are in tune.
Using Reference Notes
If you don’t have access to a guitar tuner, you can tune using reference notes. Here’s how:
- Play the fifth fret of the sixth string (E) on another in-tune guitar or a piano.
- Adjust the open sixth string (E) on your guitar to match the pitch of the reference note.
- Repeat the process for each subsequent string, using the previous string as your reference note.
Basic Chords
To start playing Wonderwall on the guitar, you’ll need to learn the basic chords used in the song. These include:
- G major: 320033
- D major: xx0232
- Em7: 022030
- C major: x32010
- Am7: x02010
Em7 Chord
The Em7 chord, also known as E minor 7th, is a variation of the E minor chord. It’s often used in acoustic guitar songs and adds a bit of color to the music. To play Em7, follow these steps:
Step 1: Place Your Fingers
Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string.
Step 2: Avoid the 1st and 6th Strings
Make sure your fingers are just lightly touching the strings and not muting the open 1st or 6th strings.
Step 3: Strum Gently
Strum gently across all six strings, being careful not to hit the muted strings too hard.
Tips for Playing Em7
- Practice muting the 1st and 6th strings until you can do it cleanly.
- The Em7 chord can be a bit tricky at first, so take your time and keep practicing.
- Use a light touch when strumming to avoid creating unwanted noise.
Strumming Pattern
The iconic strumming pattern for “Wonderwall” is a steady and repetitive rhythm that sets the tone for the song. It consists of four downstrokes followed by an upstroke, and then a repeat of the same pattern. A simple way to remember the pattern is to think of the downstrokes as “down, down, down-down” and the upstroke as “up.”
Downstrokes:
The downstrokes are the primary driving force behind the strumming pattern. They are played with a firm motion, moving the pick downward over the strings. The three downstrokes in the pattern are played in quick succession, creating a steady rhythm.
Upstroke:
The upstroke provides a brief moment of respite in the strumming pattern. It is played with a slightly lighter motion, moving the pick upward over the strings. The upstroke follows the three downstrokes and leads directly into the next set of downstrokes. The upstroke adds a subtle lift to the rhythm, preventing it from becoming monotonous.
Tempo and Feel:
The tempo of the strumming pattern should be relaxed and steady, matching the laid-back and introspective nature of the song. The feel should be loose and effortless, allowing the rhythm to flow naturally without feeling forced or rigid. The goal is to create a sense of ease and familiarity that draws the listener in.
Barre Chords
Barre chords are essential for playing many songs on the guitar, including Wonderwall. A barre chord is a chord that is played by placing your index finger across all six strings of the guitar, at a specific fret. This creates a solid foundation for the chord, and allows you to play it with a variety of fingerings. Practicing barre chords can be challenging at first, but with consistent effort, you can master them and expand your guitar playing abilities.
4. Practice Variations
Once you have the basic barre chord shape down, you can start practicing variations. For example, you can try playing the barre chord with different fingerings. This will help you develop dexterity and strength in your fingers. You can also try playing the barre chord in different positions on the neck of the guitar. This will help you get used to playing barre chords in different contexts.
Using a Thumb Wrap
One useful variation for barre chords is the thumb wrap. This technique involves wrapping your thumb over the top of the neck, behind the barre finger. This provides additional support for the barre finger, making it easier to hold the chord down. The thumb wrap is especially helpful when playing barre chords in higher positions on the neck.
| Barre Chord Shape | Fingerings |
|---|---|
| Root on the 6th string | Index finger barre, middle finger on the 3rd string, ring finger on the 2nd string, pinky finger on the 1st string |
| Root on the 5th string | Index finger barre, middle finger on the 2nd string, ring finger on the 1st string |
| Root on the 4th string | Index finger barre, middle finger on the 1st string |
Fingerpicking the Intro
The intro to Wonderwall is one of the most iconic guitar parts in rock history, and it’s surprisingly easy to play. Here’s how to do it:
1. **Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the **D** string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the **G** string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the **B** string.**
2. **Pluck the **D** string with your index finger, then the **G** string with your middle finger, and finally the **B** string with your ring finger.**
3. **Now, **hammer-on** your index finger to the **3rd fret of the **D** string.** This means that you will use your index finger to tap the string quickly so that it sounds like you’re plucking it.
4. **Finally, **pull-off** your index finger from the **3rd fret of the **D** string** to the **2nd fret.** This means that you will use your index finger to slide down the string so that it sounds like you’re plucking it.
5. **Repeat steps 1-4 several times.** The rhythm of the intro is: pluck, hammer-on, pull-off, pluck, hammer-on, pull-off, pluck, hammer-on, pull-off.
Here is a table summarizing the fingerpicking pattern:
| String | Fret | Finger |
|---|---|---|
| D | 2 | Index |
| G | 3 | Middle |
| B | 2 | Ring |
Once you have mastered the fingerpicking pattern, you can start to add some strumming to fill out the sound. The strumming pattern for the intro is: down, down, down, up, down, down, down, up.
Transitioning Between Verses and Chorus
Mastering the transitions between verses and chorus is crucial to performing Wonderwall smoothly and captivatingly. The key is to seamlessly connect these sections while maintaining the song’s flow and mood.
Verse to Chorus
As the verse ends, use a G chord to smoothly lead into the chorus. The transition from the Am chord should be seamless, almost as if they blend into each other.
Chorus
The chorus is built on a progression of C, G, and Dm chords. Remember to accentuate the “maybe” and “today” lyrics on the G and Dm chords, respectively.
Chorus to Verse
After the chorus, return to the verse by transitioning from the Dm chord to the Am chord. This transition requires a slight adjustment, as Dm is in the key of G while Am is in the key of C. However, by using a swift downward strum, you can effectively change the key and flow back into the verse.
Chord Progression Table
| Verse | Chorus |
|---|---|
| Am | C |
| F | G |
| G | Dm |
| C |
Playing the Bridge
The bridge of “Wonderwall” consists of the following chords: Dm, G, C, and F. Here’s a breakdown of how to play each chord:
Dm
The Dm chord is played with your index finger on the first fret of the second string, your middle finger on the second fret of the third string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string.
G
To play the G chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the sixth string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fifth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the fourth string.
C
For the C chord, put your index finger on the first fret of the fourth string, your middle finger on the first fret of the fifth string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the sixth string.
F
The F chord is played with your index finger on the first fret of the first string, your middle finger on the second fret of the second string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the third string.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for the bridge is as follows: down, down, up, up, down, up, down-and-up.
Picking Variation
As an alternative to strumming, you can also pick the chords for a more nuanced sound. Use the following picking pattern:
| Beat 1 | Beat 2 | Beat 3 | Beat 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dm (down) | G (down) | C (up) | F (up) |
Ending the Song
To end the song, you need to repeat the chorus once more, followed by a brief outro.
Chorus (Repeat)
Play the same chords and lyrics as before:
| Chords | Lyrics |
|---|---|
| Dm | And after all, you’re my wonderwall |
| G7 | And after all |
| C | You’re my wonderwall |
Outro (Arpeggiated)
After the third line of the chorus, play the following chords arpeggiated (plucking each string slowly):
Dm – G – C – G – Dm
Repeat this chord progression until the song fades out.
Tips for Arpeggiating
* Aim to pluck the strings clearly and evenly.
* Use your picking hand to create a delicate, flowing sound.
* Gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.
* Experiment with different picking patterns to create expressive variations.
Advanced Techniques
Hammer-Ons
Use your fretting hand to tap the desired fret quickly while muting the higher strings. This creates a seamless transition between notes.
Pull-Offs
Opposite of hammer-ons, pull your fretting hand finger off the string to sound a note. This technique adds fluidity and dynamics to your playing.
Sliding
Slide your fretting hand laterally along the neck to change notes. This can create a smooth and expressive effect, especially when combined with bends.
Vibrato
Subtly bend the string back and forth to create a “vibrating” effect on the note. This technique adds warmth and emotion to your playing.
Trills
Rapidly alternate between two adjacent notes on the same string. This technique creates a fluttering effect that adds interest and complexity to your melodies.
Pinch Harmonics
Place the thumb of your picking hand on the string and pluck it near the bridge while simultaneously touching the string with the side of your index finger. This creates a high-pitched harmonic sound.
Double-Stops
Play two notes simultaneously on adjacent strings. This technique adds fullness and depth to your chord voicings.
Octave Playing
Play the same note on two strings, one octave apart. This technique creates a fuller and more resonant sound.
Artificial Harmonics
Touch the string lightly at a specific harmonic node while picking it. This technique produces a clear and bell-like harmonic sound.
| Fret | String | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | G | G |
| 7 | B | D |
| 12 | E | G |
Tips for Beginners
Playing Wonderwall on guitar can be a great way to improve your skills and impress your friends. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Learn the Basic Chords
The chords you need to know for Wonderwall are G, D, Em, C, and Am. These chords are relatively easy to learn, and they will be used in many other songs as well.
2. Start with a Slow Tempo
When you’re first learning a song, it’s helpful to start with a slow tempo. This will give you time to focus on each chord change and strumming pattern.
3. Use a Metronome
A metronome is a great tool for helping you keep a steady tempo. This will help your playing sound more polished and professional.
4. Practice Regularly
The key to mastering any song is practice. Make sure to practice regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
5. Be Patient
Learning a new song takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually be able to play Wonderwall with confidence.
6. Use a Capo
A capo is a device that you can attach to your guitar neck to change the pitch of the strings. This can be helpful for making the chords easier to play.
7. Listen to the Original Song
Listening to the original song can help you get a better sense of the timing and strumming pattern. You can also try to follow along with the chords on a guitar tab website.
8. Break the Song Down
If you’re having trouble with a particular part of the song, try breaking it down into smaller sections. This will make it easier to focus on each section individually.
9. Change Up the Strumming Pattern
There are many different ways to strum a guitar. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find one that you like.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning to play guitar. The important thing is to not get discouraged and keep practicing. With time and effort, you’ll be able to play Wonderwall and many other songs with confidence.
How to Play Wonderwall on Guitar
Wonderwall is one of the most popular songs by the band Oasis. It is a relatively easy song to learn on guitar, and it is perfect for beginners. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to play Wonderwall on guitar.
Before you start, you will need to purchase a guitar. Any acoustic guitar will do, but we recommend a dreadnought guitar for beginners. Once you have your guitar, you will need to tune it. The standard tuning for a guitar is E-A-D-G-B-E. You can use a tuner or a tuning fork to help you tune your guitar.
Once your guitar is tuned, you are ready to start playing Wonderwall. The first thing you need to do is learn the chords. The chords used in Wonderwall are G, D, Em, and C. The chord diagrams for these chords are shown below.
[Image of the G, D, Em, and C chord diagrams]
Once you have learned the chords, you can start playing the song. The strumming pattern for Wonderwall is down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down. You can also add a little bit of a swing to the strumming pattern by making the downstrokes a little bit heavier than the upstrokes.
The lyrics to Wonderwall are relatively simple, so you should be able to sing them along as you play. Here are the lyrics to the first verse and chorus:
[Lyrics to the first verse and chorus of Wonderwall]
Once you have mastered the first verse and chorus, you can continue playing the rest of the song. Wonderwall is a great song to play for beginners, and it is sure to impress your friends and family.
People Also Ask
How hard is it to play Wonderwall on guitar?
Wonderwall is a relatively easy song to learn on guitar. The chords are simple, and the strumming pattern is not too complex. However, it may take some practice to get the timing and the strumming pattern down.
What guitar is best for playing Wonderwall?
Any acoustic guitar can be used to play Wonderwall, but we recommend a dreadnought guitar for beginners. Dreadnought guitars have a larger body and a louder sound, which makes them ideal for strumming songs.
What are the chords used in Wonderwall?
The chords used in Wonderwall are G, D, Em, and C.
