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Key
A Major
Difficulty
Beginner
Capo
None
Chords
Em · G · D · A
The defining song of 90s Britpop and a campfire essential. The distinctive strumming pattern and sus chord voicings give it that unmistakable Oasis sound.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Keep your 3rd and 4th fingers planted on the 3rd fret of the B and high E strings throughout all chord changes. This is the secret to the Wonderwall sound.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the chord shapes
You need Em, G, D, and A. Keep your pinky and ring finger anchored on the top two strings for all chords.
2
Master the strumming pattern
The pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up. It is fast and constant. Start slow with a metronome and gradually speed up.
3
Learn the structure
Verse: Em-G-D-A repeated. Pre-chorus and chorus use C-D-Em. The chord changes come quickly, so smooth transitions are key.
4
Add the vocals
The vocal melody is almost spoken-word in the verses. Focus on rhythm guitar first, then layer in the singing once strumming is automatic.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Guitar Version
Verse 1
Em
Today is gonna be the day that they’re
G D
Gonna throw it back to you
A
By now you should’ve somehow
Em G DA
Realized what you gotta do
Verse 2
Em
I don’t believe that anybody
G D A
Feels the way I do about you now
Chorus
C D Em
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
C D Em
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
C D
There are many things that I would
G D Em
Like to say to you
A
But I don’t know how
Chorus
C DEm
Because maybe
C DEm
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
C D Em
And after all
C DEm
You’re my wonderwall
Practice tip: The strumming pattern is everything in this song. Spend 15 minutes a day just strumming Em with the pattern until your hand moves on autopilot. Only then start adding chord changes.