Learn How to Play 'Wish You Were Here' on Guitar: Step-by-Step Guide + Tips & Tricks

Learn how to play the iconic song Wish You Were Here on guitar with these easy-to-follow steps and impress your friends and family!

Greetings fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, we will be delving into the world of Pink Floyd and learning how to play their iconic song, Wish You Were Here, on guitar. As one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in rock history, Wish You Were Here is a must-learn for any guitarist looking to expand their repertoire. But fear not, my friends, for with a little bit of practice and guidance, you too can master this timeless classic. So grab your guitar, tune up those strings, and let's get started!

Introduction

Hey there, guitar enthusiasts! Today we are going to learn how to play the iconic song Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. This song has been loved by generations and is one of the most memorable songs played on acoustic guitars. The song's melody is simple yet soulful, and it can be played by anyone who has a basic understanding of guitar chords. So, let's dive into the details of this song and learn how to play it.

The Chords

The chords used in this song are G, D, Am7, C, and Em. These chords are some of the most commonly used chords in guitar playing. If you're new to playing the guitar, these chords might seem a bit difficult at first, but with practice, you'll be able to switch between them smoothly. The strumming pattern for this song is also quite simple. It goes like this: DD UUDD UUDU. Let's break down each chord and understand how to play them.

G Chord

The G chord is one of the most basic chords in guitar playing. To play this chord, place your middle finger on the third fret of the sixth string, your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the first string. Strum all the strings except the sixth string.

D Chord

The D chord is also a basic chord in guitar playing. To play this chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the third string, your middle finger on the second fret of the first string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the second string. Strum all the strings except the sixth and fifth strings.

Am7 Chord

The Am7 chord is a bit more complex than the previous chords. To play this chord, place your index finger on the first fret of the second string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the third string. Strum all the strings except the sixth string.

C Chord

The C chord is another basic chord in guitar playing. To play this chord, place your index finger on the first fret of the second string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Strum all the strings except the sixth string.

Em Chord

The Em chord is one of the most commonly used chords in guitar playing. To play this chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string, and your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string. Strum all the strings except the sixth string.

The Song Structure

The song structure for Wish You Were Here is quite simple. It consists of an intro, verse, chorus, and outro. The intro is played twice, followed by the verse, which is played twice as well. The chorus is then played once, followed by another verse, chorus, and finally, the outro.

The Intro

The intro to Wish You Were Here is one of the most recognizable guitar intros in history. To play this intro, start with a G chord, followed by a D chord. Then, play an Am7 chord with your pinky finger placed on the third fret of the first string. Finally, play a C chord with your pinky finger placed on the third fret of the sixth string. Repeat this pattern twice.

The Verse

The verse of Wish You Were Here is played twice, and it follows the same chord pattern as the intro. Start with a G chord, followed by a D chord, an Am7 chord, and a C chord.

The Chorus

The chorus of Wish You Were Here is played once, and it consists of just two chords - G and D. The strumming pattern for the chorus is slightly different from the verse. It goes like this: DD UUDD UUDD UUDU.

The Outro

The outro to Wish You Were Here is played twice, and it follows the same chord pattern as the intro and the verse. Start with a G chord, followed by a D chord, an Am7 chord, and a C chord.

Conclusion

And that's it! You now know how to play Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd on the guitar. Remember to take it slow and practice each chord transition until you feel comfortable playing them. Once you've mastered the song, feel free to experiment with the strumming pattern and add your own personal touch to the song. Happy playing!

Introduction

Hey there guitar enthusiasts, today I'll take you through the classic tune 'Wish You Were Here.' This Pink Floyd masterpiece is one of the most beloved songs of all time and certainly one to add to your repertoire.

Chords

To play this song, you'll need to know a few basic chords. The main ones are G, D, Am, and C. Ensure that you have them down before you begin. Start by playing each chord steadily and cleanly before progressing to the strumming pattern.

Strumming pattern

Once you've got the chords down, you'll need to get the strumming pattern right. The strumming pattern for this song is gentle and smooth, so don't be too aggressive with it. Try a simple down-up-down-up pattern to keep it light and airy.

Arpeggios

The song also features some arpeggios, which add a beautiful dimension to the tune. If you're new to them, be patient and take time to get used to playing them smoothly. Start by practicing each note individually before putting them together in a fluid motion.

Fingerpicking

If you want to take your guitar playing to the next level, try out some fingerpicking. 'Wish You Were Here' is perfect for fingerpicking, and it'll be worth it once you get it right. Focus on picking each string cleanly and evenly to create a delicate, intricate sound.

Solo

The song also has a mesmerizing solo, and nailing it will be a highlight of your guitar-playing journey. Be sure to practice it extensively until you get it right. Take it slow at first and build up speed as you become more comfortable.

Timing

Timing is critical when playing this tune, and you'll need to be precise to stay in rhythm. Keep at it, and it'll come naturally. Use a metronome to keep yourself on track and practice with a steady beat.

Dynamics

As with most songs, dynamics play a significant role in bringing it to life. The soft and gentle tones of this song require careful attention to your dynamics to keep the feeling just right. Play softly during the verses and build up to a crescendo during the choruses.

Emotion

To fully capture the essence of the song, you need to play it with feeling. Let yourself be carried away by the emotions of the tune and play it with all your heart. Connect with the lyrics and let the music take you on a journey.

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends – a guide on how to play 'Wish You Were Here.' Remember, practice makes perfect, and with time, you'll be able to add your own personal touches to this timeless classic. Keep playing, stay inspired, and don't forget to have fun. Rock on!

Greetings, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, I'll be sharing with you how to play the classic Pink Floyd tune Wish You Were Here on guitar. This song is a masterpiece that showcases the beauty of acoustic guitar playing and heartfelt lyrics. So grab your guitar and let's get started!

Step 1: Tuning

Before we dive into the actual playing, let's make sure our guitars are in tune. Wish You Were Here is played in standard tuning (EADGBE). Use a tuner or reference pitch to ensure that each string is perfectly in tune.

Step 2: Chords

The song only uses four chords: G, D, Am, and C. These chords are played in a specific sequence throughout the entire song.
Begin by playing the G chord: place your third finger on the third fret of the sixth string, your second finger on the second fret of the fifth string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the first string. Strum all six strings.
Next, switch to the D chord: place your first finger on the second fret of the third string, your third finger on the third fret of the second string, and your second finger on the second fret of the first string. Strum all six strings.
Move on to the Am chord: place your second finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your third finger on the second fret of the third string. Strum the bottom five strings.
Finally, play the C chord: place your first finger on the first fret of the second string, your second finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your third finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Strum the bottom five strings.

Step 3: Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern for Wish You Were Here is simple and repetitive.
Begin by strumming down on the G chord twice.
Next, strum down on the D chord once.
Strum down on the Am chord once.
Strum down on the C chord once.
Repeat this pattern throughout the entire song.

Step 4: Solo

The song also features a beautiful guitar solo that's played over the chords. The solo is full of emotion and expression, and it's a great opportunity to showcase your guitar skills.

The solo begins with a series of bends and slides on the 15th fret of the first string.
From there, it moves into a series of descending notes on the 13th fret of the second string.
The solo then moves into a fast-paced section that involves hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. This section is played on the 12th and 10th frets of the first and second strings.
Finally, the solo ends with a series of bends and slides on the 15th fret of the first string.

And there you have it, folks! With these steps, you'll be able to play Wish You Were Here on guitar. Remember to practice slowly and focus on accuracy before trying to play at full speed. And most importantly, don't forget to pour your heart and soul into the music. Happy playing!

- Guthrie Govan

Well folks, it's been a pleasure sharing with you my tips and tricks on how to play Wish You Were Here on guitar. As always, I hope that you have found this blog post to be informative and helpful in your musical journey.

Remember, playing guitar is all about practice and dedication. Don't get discouraged if you're struggling with a certain riff or chord progression. Keep at it, and eventually, you'll get there.

Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of making this song your own. While it's great to learn from others and follow their lead, don't be afraid to put your own spin on things. Experiment with different fingerings, rhythms, and strumming patterns until you find what feels right for you. That's how you'll truly make this song yours.

So keep on strumming, keep on practicing, and most importantly, keep on enjoying the journey. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be teaching someone else how to play Wish You Were Here.