“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton is a timeless classic, beloved for its romantic melody and heartfelt lyrics. For guitarists, it’s also a fantastic song to learn, especially for beginners. The beauty of “Wonderful Tonight” lies in its simplicity, making it an accessible and rewarding piece to add to your repertoire. This guide will break down the Wonderful Tonight Chords Guitar and provide you with everything you need to start playing this iconic song.
Easy Chords for a Timeless Ballad
One of the reasons “Wonderful Tonight” is so popular among guitarists is its use of simple and common chords. The entire song primarily revolves around just four chords: G, D, C, and Em (E minor). These are foundational chords that every guitarist learns early on, making this song a perfect choice for those still developing their skills. Knowing these chords opens up a vast library of songs, and “Wonderful Tonight” is an excellent and enjoyable way to practice and master them.
Wonderful Tonight Chords and Lyrics Breakdown
Here’s a verse-by-verse breakdown of the chords and lyrics to help you follow along and learn the song structure. The chord progression is repetitive and easy to memorize, making it even simpler to learn the entire song.
(Intro: G, D, C, D)
(Verse 1)
G D C D
It’s late in the evening, she’s wondering what clothes to wear.
G D C D
She puts on her makeup, and brushes her long blond hair.
C D G Em
And then she’d ask me: “do I look alright?”
C D G D C D
And I say: “Yes you look wonderful tonight!”
(Verse 2)
G D C D
We’d go to party, and everyone turns to see
G D C D
this beautiful lady, that’s walking around with me.
C D G Em
And then she’d ask me: “do you feel alright?”
C D G D C D
And I say: “Yes I feel wonderful tonight!”
(Bridge)
C D G Em
I feel wonderful because I see the lovelight in your eyes,
C D C D
and the wonder of it all is that you just don’t realize,
G D C D
how much I love you!
(Verse 3)
G D C D
It’s time to go home now, and I’ve got an aching head
G D C D
so I give her the car keys, and she helps me to bed.
C D G Em
And then I tell her, as I turn off the light:
C D G D C D
I say: “my darling you are wonderful tonight!”
(Bridge)
C D G Em
I feel wonderful because I see the lovelight in your eyes,
C D C D
and the wonder of it all is that you just don’t realize,
G D C D G (hold)
how much I love you!
Tips for Playing “Wonderful Tonight” on Guitar
- Strumming Pattern: A simple strumming pattern of down-down-up-down-up works perfectly for this song. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and feel. As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with adding variations to your strumming.
- Tempo: “Wonderful Tonight” is played at a relaxed and moderate tempo. Don’t rush it! Focus on smooth chord transitions and a gentle, flowing feel.
- Tone: For a classic “Wonderful Tonight” sound, aim for a clean guitar tone. Acoustic guitar is ideal, but you can also use an electric guitar on a clean channel.
- Beginner Friendly: If you are just starting out, practice the chord changes slowly at first. Focus on clean transitions between G, D, C, and Em. Once you can switch chords smoothly, gradually increase the tempo.
- Listen to the Original: Listen to Eric Clapton’s version of “Wonderful Tonight” repeatedly. Pay attention to his phrasing, dynamics, and the overall feel of the song. This will help you capture the essence of the song in your own playing.
Why “Wonderful Tonight” is a Great Song for Guitar Learners
“Wonderful Tonight” is more than just a beautiful song; it’s an excellent tool for learning guitar. Here’s why:
- Simple Chord Progression: The repetitive G, D, C, Em chord progression is incredibly easy to learn and memorize.
- Common Chords: Mastering these chords is fundamental for playing thousands of songs.
- Practice Chord Changes: The song provides ample opportunity to practice smooth and efficient chord transitions.
- Develop Rhythm: Playing along to the song helps develop your sense of rhythm and timing.
- Recognizable and Rewarding: It’s a well-known and loved song, making it motivating to learn and impressive to play for others.
Learning the wonderful tonight chords guitar is a fantastic step in your guitar playing journey. With its simple chords and beautiful melody, you’ll be playing this classic song in no time. Keep practicing, and enjoy the process of bringing this wonderful tune to life on your guitar!
