Have you ever wondered why so many learn how to play Wonderwall by Oasis on guitar? This song is a decade-defining anthem that has transcended generations.
It would be hard to find a 90’s playlist that does not feature Wonderwall. Oasis released Wondewall in 1995 as a single on their album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? This album made Oasis a worldwide phenomenon and cemented the band’s new found rockstar status.
Wonderwall has become somewhat of a standard song for acoustic players to learn. It is relatively easy and features just a few chords and a repetitive strumming pattern. So tune up and let’s learn how to play Wonderwall by Oasis on guitar.
Verse
The first thing we need to do to sound exactly like the recording is place a capo on the second fret. This is very important as all the chords we’re going to address are really one step below the actual root note. The song progression for the verse is Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, two beats each. If that sounds too intimidating, don’t worry. It’s not! The thing to keep in mind is that your pinky will always be placed on the first string first fret and your ring finger will be placed right above (second string fifth fret).
This creates a very effective musical technique called a pedal point. Basically, you hold these two fingers through the entire song. This gives Wonderwall a unique identity and also makes it easier to play. In other words, you don’t have to move your fingers around as much.
Pre chorus and chorus
For the pre chorus we have C(add9), D, Em7. Each chord plays for two beats, except the Em7 that plays for four. Remember that your pinky and ring finger are still in the same position throughout the whole verse and chorus. Repeat that pre chorus progression and then we go to a bass walkdown to end the chorus. That walkdown is G, F# (one beat each), Em7 (two beats), A7sus4 (eight beats). And finally for the chorus the chords are C(add9), Em7, G, Em7 for two beats each. In other words, no new chords for the chorus. Let me reiterate that the pinky and ring finger have stayed put in the same place since the beginning of the song.
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Strumming pattern
Wonderwall features a relatively simple and quite common strumming pattern. Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Down. This basic pattern is varied throughout the song. You can also vary it if you choose to. However, if you are a beginner, feel free to keep the pattern the same. This simple pattern will work in a variety of other famous songs. Once you get a few more playing hours under your belt, you can think about varying it.
It is not hard to learn how to play Wonderwall by Oasis on guitar. It uses basic chords with the clever addition of a pedal. No, not a guitar pedal, just a pedal point. This resource gives Wonderwall a unique appeal and also makes it a lot easier to play. You’re basically only moving two fingers to change chords, as your pinky and ring stay put for the entire song.
Wonderwall is perhaps one of the most popular guitar songs ever. It is a nice addition to anybody’s repertoire and a fan favorite. Feel free to remove the capo if you feel that the tonality of the song is too high for you. You can play the same exact chords, but on their actual positions. If you practice daily, you can learn this song in less than a week. Good luck!
