“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd is a timeless classic that many guitarists love to learn. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this song offers a great opportunity to practice various techniques. This article will guide you on how to play “Wish You Were Here” on guitar, step by step.
Understanding the Song’s Structure
Before diving into the playing techniques, it’s important to understand the structure of “Wish You Were Here” to make the learning process easier.
Song Structure Overview
- Intro: The intro is one of the most iconic parts of the song, featuring acoustic guitar.
- Verse: The verses are simple yet powerful, using basic chords and fingerpicking.
- Chorus: The chorus follows the same pattern as the verses but with a slight variation to add emotion.
- Bridge: The bridge features a guitar solo, which is an excellent opportunity to practice bends and slides.
Understanding the flow of the song will help you in mastering it. Now, let’s break down the key components you need to play.
Tuning Your Guitar for “Wish You Were Here”
The song is played in Standard Tuning (EADGBE), which means no need to adjust the tuning of your guitar. However, it’s crucial to tune your guitar accurately to ensure the sound matches the iconic tones in the song.
Tune Your Guitar
Make sure each string is tuned to its standard pitch:
- 6th string (E)
- 5th string (A)
- 4th string (D)
- 3rd string (G)
- 2nd string (B)
- 1st string (E)
Now that your guitar is properly tuned, you’re ready to start learning the song.
Intro to “Wish You Were Here” – Fingerpicking Style
The intro of “Wish You Were Here” is arguably the most recognizable part of the song. It is played using fingerpicking, which allows for a smoother and more melodious sound.
Fingerpicking the Intro
Here’s how to play the intro part:
- Start with an Em chord: The Em chord is played using the open position. It’s essential to use your thumb to fret the 6th string on the 2nd fret, while your index and middle fingers handle the strings higher up the neck.
- Next, play the D chord: After strumming the Em chord, transition into a D chord. The D chord follows a similar pattern to the Em, but you’ll need to mute the low E string while focusing on strumming strings 4, 3, and 2.
- Continue with a G chord: Once you get comfortable with the transitions from Em to D, add a G chord into the mix. Practice switching between these chords slowly and smoothly.
- Add in the fingerpicking pattern: For the intro, pick the strings in the following order:
- Thumb (6th string)
- Index (3rd string)
- Middle (2nd string)
- Ring (1st string)
Repeat this pattern for the duration of the intro.
Practice the Intro
Slow down and practice each chord and picking pattern individually. Once you’re comfortable with each step, start playing at the song’s regular tempo. Remember, the intro is all about smooth transitions between the chords, so focus on getting each change right before speeding up.
Playing the Verses of “Wish You Were Here”
The verses of the song feature basic chord progressions with a consistent strumming pattern. It’s relatively easy to play once you master the intro.
Chords for the Verse
The verse uses the following chords:
- G
- Cadd9
- D
- Em
You willneed to practice transitioning between these chords. The strumming pattern for the verses is simple but effective.
Strumming Pattern for the Verse
The basic strumming pattern for the verse is:
- Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
This is a common strumming pattern used in many acoustic songs. Practice this pattern slowly before applying it to the chord progression.
Chorus: Adding Emotion to Your Playing
The chorus brings more emotion to the song. It’s slightly more intense, with more power behind each chord change.
Chords for the Chorus
The chorus continues to use the same chords as the verses but with some added variations. Here are the chords for the chorus:
- G
- D
- Em
- Cadd9
Strumming the Chorus
During the chorus, the strumming pattern is the same as the verses, but you should add more intensity to your playing. Focus on each downstroke to give the chorus more emotional depth.
The Bridge: Mastering the Solo
The bridge of “Wish You Were Here” features a beautiful guitar solo. While it may look difficult at first, with the right practice, you can master it.
Playing the Solo
The solo is melodic and emotional, much like the rest of the song. Here are the basic steps for playing the solo:
- Start by practicing the slides and bends on the 3rd string.
- Use your index and middle fingers to create the bends, and make sure to follow through with the smooth slide to the correct note.
- Focus on accuracy rather than speed when playing the solo. You want to capture the emotional feel rather than rush through it.
Connecting the Solo to the Chorus
Once you’ve mastered the solo, it’s time to connect it to the following chorus. Practice transitioning smoothly from the solo back into the strumming of the chorus. This will make the song feel seamless as you play it.
Tips for Playing “Wish You Were Here” Smoothly
- Take your time: Don’t rush through the song. Focus on accuracy and smooth transitions.
- Use a metronome: A metronome can help you maintain a consistent tempo as you practice.
- Practice fingerpicking separately: If you’re new to fingerpicking, practice it on its own until it feels natural.
- Play along with the song: Once you feel comfortable, try playing along with the original track to match the timing and feel.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to know how to read sheet music to play “Wish You Were Here”?
A1: No, you don’t need sheet music. You can learn the song through chord charts and tabs.
Q2: Is “Wish You Were Here” difficult to learn for beginners?
A2: The intro might be challenging, but overall, the song is manageable for beginners with some practice.
Q3: How do I make my guitar sound like the one in the recording?
A3: Use a clean acoustic guitar, and try playing lightly with a pick or your fingers to capture the tone.
Q4: Can I play “Wish You Were Here” on an electric guitar?
A4: Yes, you can, but an acoustic guitar will give the song its signature sound.
Q5: How long does it take to learn “Wish You Were Here”?
A5: It depends on your skill level, but with consistent practice, it can take a few weeks to master the song.