How To Play King Of Wishful Thinking On Guitar

The concept of “Wishful Thinking” often evokes images of fantasy and imagination, but it can also intersect with practical skills and hobbies. For music enthusiasts, the classic song “King of Wishful Thinking” offers a delightful challenge. If you’re a guitarist eager to master this tune, you might wonder “how to play King of Wishful Thinking on guitar.” This song, famously performed by the band Go West, combines catchy melodies with intricate guitar riffs, making it a popular choice for those looking to showcase their skills. Learning to play this song involves understanding the chord progressions, mastering the rhythm, and practicing the solo sections. By breaking down the song into manageable parts, you can gradually build up your proficiency. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a jam session or simply enjoy playing a favorite tune, knowing “how to play King of Wishful Thinking on guitar” can be a rewarding pursuit for any guitarist.

Basic Chords and Progressions

The song uses a combination of major and minor chords. The primary chords you will need to play “King of Wishful Thinking” are:

• G Major
• D Major
• C Major
• A Minor
• E Minor

These chords form the basis of the song’s progression. Here’s how you can play them:

• G Major: 320003
• D Major: xx0232
• C Major: x32010
• A Minor: x02210
• E Minor: 022000

Chord Progression for Verse and Chorus

The song follows a relatively straightforward chord progression. Here’s the basic progression for the verses and the chorus:

Verse:

G D C G  
G D C G  
A minor E minor D  

Chorus:

G D C G  
G D C G  
A minor E minor D  

Strumming Pattern

A simple and effective strumming pattern for this song is:

• Down, down, up, up, down, up

This pattern fits well with the tempo and feel of the song. You can adjust the dynamics to emphasize different parts of the song, such as strumming more softly during the verses and more forcefully during the chorus.

Practical Example: Playing the Verse

Playing the Verse on Guitar

To play the verse, you will use the following chord sequence and strumming pattern:

G D C G  
G D C G  
A minor E minor D  

Song Lyrics and Chords

Here’s an excerpt from the song with the chords placed above the corresponding lyrics:

[G] I'll get over [D] you, I [C] know I [G] will  
[G] I'll pretend my [D] ship's not [C] sinking [G]  
[G] And I'll tell my [D]self I'm [C] over [G] you  
[G] 'Cause I'm the [D] king of wishful [C] thinking [G]  

Visualization of Chords

To help visualize the chord changes, you can create a simple diagram showing the finger positions for each chord. This will assist in quickly transitioning between chords.

Key Elements in Learning the Song

Elements of “King of Wishful Thinking”

Insight from Musicians

“Mastering the strumming pattern and smooth chord transitions are key to playing ‘King of Wishful Thinking’ effectively. Practice each section slowly before increasing the tempo to match the original song.”

“King of Wishful Thinking” by Go West can be played using basic guitar chords and a straightforward strumming pattern. By following the chord progressions and practicing regularly, you can capture the essence of this classic song and enjoy playing it on the guitar.

Introduction to “King of Wishful Thinking” on Guitar

Overview of the Song

Song Background

“King of Wishful Thinking” is a pop-rock classic released by the British band Go West. The song first appeared in 1990 as part of the soundtrack for the romantic comedy film Pretty Woman. Known for its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, the song quickly became one of the band’s most successful hits, capturing the hearts of listeners worldwide.

The song belongs to the pop-rock genre with elements of synth-pop, characteristic of the late ’80s and early ’90s music scene. Its vibrant energy and positive message resonated with audiences, propelling it to significant commercial success. Upon its release, “King of Wishful Thinking” received substantial airplay on radio stations and became a staple of the era’s music charts.

Artist and Album

Go West, formed by Peter Cox and Richard Drummie, was one of the prominent pop duos of the 1980s. The band’s self-titled debut album brought them initial success, but “King of Wishful Thinking” from their third studio album, Indian Summer, solidified their place in pop music history.

In addition to “King of Wishful Thinking,” Indian Summer featured other notable tracks such as “Faithful” and “What You Won’t Do for Love.” These songs, along with the band’s charismatic performances, helped Go West maintain a lasting presence in the music industry.

Song Significance

“King of Wishful Thinking” has left a lasting impact on pop culture. Its inclusion in Pretty Woman, one of the most iconic films of the 1990s, ensured the song’s place in cinematic history. Over the years, the song has been covered by various artists, showcasing its enduring appeal.

The song’s infectious energy and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite in various media, from commercials to TV shows, further cementing its legacy. Its upbeat message of moving forward despite challenges resonates with listeners even decades after its release.

Guitar Chords and Tabs for “King of Wishful Thinking”

Essential Chords

Basic Chords

To play “King of Wishful Thinking” on guitar, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with a few essential chords. The song predominantly uses the following chords:

• G Major
• D Major
• C Major
• A Minor
• E Minor

These chords form the foundation of the song’s chord progression. Each chord shape is relatively simple, making this song accessible for beginner guitarists.

Chord Progressions

The song follows a consistent chord progression, making it easier to learn:

• Verse Progression: G - D - C - D
• Chorus Progression: G - C - Am - D
• Bridge Progression: Em - C - G - D

These progressions repeat throughout the song, so mastering them will allow you to play along with the entire track.

Chord Diagrams

Here are visual representations of the chords used in “King of Wishful Thinking”:

• G Major: 320003
• D Major: xx0232
• C Major: x32010
• A Minor: x02210
• E Minor: 022000

Practice transitioning between these chords to ensure smooth changes when playing the song.

Guitar Tabs and Notation

Tabs for Intro

The intro of “King of Wishful Thinking” is iconic and sets the tone for the entire song. Below are the guitar tabs for the intro:

e|--------------------------------|  
B|----3--3-1----------------------|  
G|--0--------0-2-0----------------|  
D|-------------------2------------|  
A|--------------------------------|  
E|--------------------------------|  

This riff is relatively straightforward but requires precise timing to match the song’s rhythm.

Tabs for Verse

The verse maintains a steady rhythm, focusing on the chord progression with minimal embellishments:

G D C D  
e|--3--------2--------0---------2---------|  
B|--3--------3--------1---------3---------|  
G|--0--------2--------0---------2---------|  
D|--0--------0--------2---------0---------|  
A|--2-----------------3-------------------|  
E|--3-------------------------------------|  

Strumming patterns can vary, but a simple down-up pattern works well.

Tabs for Chorus

The chorus is the song’s emotional peak, featuring a fuller sound with all strings strummed:

G C Am D  
e|--3--------0---------0---------2---------|  
B|--3--------1---------1---------3---------|  
G|--0--------0---------2---------2---------|  
D|--0--------2---------2---------0---------|  
A|--2--------3---------0-------------------|  
E|--3--------------------------------------|  

Emphasize the downbeats to give the chorus a strong, driving feel.

Playing Techniques and Style

Guitar Techniques

Strumming Patterns

“King of Wishful Thinking” utilizes a straightforward strumming pattern. A typical pattern for the verse and chorus might look like this:

• Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up

Experiment with different variations to match the song’s rhythm and feel.

Picking Techniques

The intro and certain sections of the verse might benefit from fingerpicking or a light pick for added texture. Practice alternating between strumming and picking to add dynamics to your performance.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs can add a subtle complexity to the guitar parts, especially in the intro riff and during chord changes in the verses.

Musical Expression

Dynamics

Varying the volume and intensity of your strumming can bring out the song’s emotional highs and lows. For instance, strum more gently during the verses and increase intensity in the chorus to match the song’s narrative.

Tempo and Rhythm

“King of Wishful Thinking” has a moderate tempo, and maintaining consistent rhythm is crucial. Use a metronome during practice to ensure you stay in time.

Emotional Expression

Understanding the song’s lyrics can enhance your emotional expression while playing. The song’s theme of resilience and moving forward should be reflected in the energy and confidence of your performance.

Practice Strategies for “King of Wishful Thinking”

Practice Routine

Daily Practice Plan

Start with a 10-minute warm-up, followed by 15 minutes of chord practice, focusing on transitions. Spend another 15 minutes on specific song sections, such as the intro or chorus.

Focused Practice Sessions

Identify challenging sections, like the intro riff or the chorus, and spend extra time on these areas. Use repetition to build muscle memory.

Tracking Progress

Recording your practice sessions can be a valuable tool. Listen back to identify areas of improvement and track your progress over time.

Overcoming Challenges

Common Difficulties

Beginners might struggle with the speed of chord changes or the timing of the intro riff. Focus on slow, deliberate practice to build confidence.

Solution Strategies

Break down complex sections into smaller parts and practice them slowly before gradually increasing speed.

Seeking Help

If you’re struggling, consider seeking guidance from a guitar instructor or use online tutorials for additional support.

Mastering “King of Wishful Thinking” on Guitar: Tips for Success

Successfully learning how to play King of Wishful Thinking on guitar involves understanding both the technical aspects and the musical nuances of the song. As you master the essential chords and guitar tabs, remember that the goal is not just to replicate the song but to bring your own flair to the performance.

Focus on developing a solid practice routine that emphasizes both technical skills and musical expression. Incorporate strumming patterns, picking techniques, and dynamic variations to enhance your rendition. Don’t overlook the importance of consistent practice and recording your sessions to track your progress.

Ultimately, making the song your own will not only improve your playing but also make your performance more engaging. By combining accuracy with personal expression, you’ll be able to deliver a rendition of “King of Wishful Thinking” that resonates with the original’s energy while showcasing your unique style.

Rehearsal Tips

Rehearse the entire song from start to finish, simulating live performance conditions. This will help build endurance and ensure you’re ready for the real thing.

Stage Presence

Engage with your audience by maintaining eye contact and moving to the rhythm. Confidence on stage comes from thorough preparation.

Dealing with Nerves

Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to calm nerves before performing. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Enhancing Your Performance

Adding Personal Touches

Feel free to infuse your style into the song. Whether it’s a slight variation in strumming or a unique intro, making the song your own can enhance your performance.

Improvisation

Once you’re comfortable with the song, experiment with improvisation during live performances. This can add an element of surprise and keep the audience engaged.

Recording and Reviewing

Recording your performance allows you to critique and improve. Use this tool to fine-tune your playing and ensure you’re delivering the best possible rendition.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering “King of Wishful Thinking” on guitar, offering a performance that captures the spirit and energy of this timeless hit.