“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton is a timeless classic, beloved for its romantic melody and heartfelt lyrics. It’s also a fantastic song for beginner guitarists to learn. The simple chord progression makes it accessible, while the beautiful tune is instantly rewarding to play. If you’re looking to expand your guitar repertoire with a song that’s both impressive and easy to grasp, learning the guitar chords for “Wonderful Tonight” is a perfect choice.
Easy Guitar Chords for Wonderful Tonight
The beauty of “Wonderful Tonight” lies in its simplicity. The entire song primarily uses just four basic chords: G, D, C, and Em (E minor). These are fundamental chords that every aspiring guitarist should learn early on. Let’s break down how these chords are used throughout the song.
Verse 1 Chords
(G)It’s late in the (D)evening, she’s wondering what (C)clothes to (D)wear.
(G)She puts on her (D)makeup, and brushes her long blond (C)hair.
(C)And then she’d (D)ask me: “do I look al(G)right?”(Em)
(C)And I (D)say: “Yes you look (G)wonderful to(D)night!”(C)(D)
Verse 2 Chords
(G)We’d go to (D)party, and everyone turns to (C)see
(G)this beautiful (D)lady, that’s walking around with (C)me.
(C)And then she’d (D)ask me: “do you feel al(G)right?”(Em)
(C)And I (D)say: “Yes I feel (G)wonderful to(D)night!”(C)(D)
Bridge Chords
(C)I feel (D)wonderful be(G)cause I see the love(Em)light in your eyes,
(C)and the (D)wonder of it (C)all is that you just don’t re(D)alize,
(G)how much I (D)love (C)you! (D)
Verse 3 Chords
(G)It’s time to go (D)home now, and I’ve got an aching (C)head
(G)so I give her the (D)car keys, and she helps me to (C)bed.
(C)And then I (D)tell her, as I turn off the (G)light:(Em)
(C)I (D)say: “my darling you are (G)wonderful to(D)night!”(C)(D)
Bridge Chords (Repeat)
(C)I feel (D)wonderful be(G)cause I see the love(Em)light in your eyes,
(C)and the (D)wonder of it (C)all is that you just don’t re(D)alize,
(G)how much I (D)love (C)you! (D) (G)
Simple Strumming Pattern
For “Wonderful Tonight,” a simple and effective strumming pattern to start with is Down, Down, Up, Down, Up. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm as you change between chords. As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with adding variations and nuances to your strumming.
Tips for Beginners Learning Wonderful Tonight Chords
- Start Slow: Don’t rush! Begin by practicing the chord changes slowly and smoothly. Accuracy is more important than speed at first.
- Chord Transitions: Pay attention to the transitions between chords. Practice moving smoothly from G to D, D to C, C to G, and incorporating Em.
- Listen to the Song: Listen to Eric Clapton’s recording of “Wonderful Tonight” frequently. This will help you internalize the rhythm and feel of the song.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome is a great tool for developing your timing and rhythm. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you improve.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering any guitar song. Even short, daily practice sessions will make a big difference.
Learning “Wonderful Tonight” on guitar is a rewarding experience. With its easy-to-learn chords and beautiful melody, you’ll be playing this classic song in no time. Grab your guitar, practice these chords, and enjoy the process of learning this wonderful tune!
