“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is a timeless rock ballad, beloved for its emotional lyrics and memorable guitar melodies. If you’re a guitarist looking to learn this iconic song, you’ve come to the right place. This guide provides you with accurate guitar tabs and chords for “Iris”, making it accessible for players of various skill levels.
Understanding the Chords and Song Structure
“Iris” is built around a repeating chord progression that’s both beautiful and relatively easy to grasp. The song primarily uses the chords D, Em, G, Bm, and A. These are common chords in guitar playing, making “Iris” a great song for intermediate players to learn and master.
The song structure follows a classic verse-chorus format, with an interlude, bridge, guitar solo, and breakdown to add dynamics and interest. Here’s a breakdown of the structure and the chords used in each section:
Verse 1 & 2: Strum 1
The verses of “Iris” are characterized by a gentle strumming pattern (Strum 1) and a melancholic feel. The chord progression for the verses is:
|D Em G G|
|Bm A G G|
This sequence repeats throughout the verses, creating a comforting and familiar harmonic foundation for Johnny Rzeznik’s heartfelt vocals.
Chorus: Strum 2
The chorus is where “Iris” truly soars. It utilizes a slightly more energetic strumming pattern (Strum 2) to build intensity and emotion. The chord progression shifts slightly but remains within the same harmonic family:
|Bm A G G|
This chord progression emphasizes the minor key and the yearning emotion of the lyrics, making the chorus instantly recognizable and powerful.
Interlude
The interlude sections in “Iris” are instrumental breaks that maintain the song’s emotional momentum, often without specific chord changes indicated, allowing for transitions and build-up.
Bridge: Strum 3
The bridge offers a change of pace and dynamics. While the original tab indicates chords Bm and G, you can experiment with strumming variations (Strum 3) to create a sense of rising intensity before returning to the chorus.
Bm G Bm G Bm G
Guitar Solo
The guitar solo in “Iris” is melodic and complements the song’s emotional tone. While the provided tab outlines chord changes underneath, listening to the original song is crucial to capturing the nuances and phrasing of the solo. The chords indicated are:
Bm G D G D G D Bm Bm G D Bm Bm
Use these chords as a foundation and explore the solo by ear to truly learn it.
Breakdown
Similar to the interlude, the breakdown is a transitional section, often instrumental, that creates a dynamic shift before returning to the final choruses.
Outro
The outro of “Iris” brings the song to a gentle close, reiterating the powerful chorus chords and fading out with the repeated phrase “I just want you to know who I am.”
|Bm A G G|
Strumming Patterns and Playing Tips
The original tab mentions three strumming patterns: Strum 1, Strum 2, and Strum 3. While not explicitly defined, we can infer their character based on the song’s dynamics:
- Strum 1 (Verse): Likely a gentle, fingerpicked or soft strumming pattern to match the verse’s mellow mood. Experiment with down-down-up-down-up or similar patterns, focusing on a relaxed and flowing rhythm.
- Strum 2 (Chorus): A more energetic strumming pattern to build intensity in the chorus. Try a down-up-down-up-down-up pattern, adding more emphasis and attack to your strumming.
- Strum 3 (Bridge): Could be a more rhythmic or arpeggiated pattern to create variation in the bridge. Experiment with different rhythms to find what sounds best and fits the rising intensity of the section.
Tips for Learning “Iris” on Guitar:
- Start Slow: Begin by learning the chord changes slowly. Practice transitioning smoothly between D-Em-G-Bm-A.
- Focus on Strumming: Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what sounds best and feels comfortable for each section. Listen to the original song for guidance.
- Listen to the Song: Constantly listen to “Iris” while learning. Pay attention to the rhythm, dynamics, and feel of the song. This will help you internalize the music and play it more authentically.
- Break It Down: Learn the song in sections (verse, chorus, etc.). Once you’re comfortable with each section, piece them together.
- Use a Metronome: Practice with a metronome to improve your timing and rhythm, especially when learning the strumming patterns.
- Chord Voicings: Experiment with different voicings for the chords. For example, try using barre chords or different inversions to add your own flavor.
- Sing Along: Singing along while playing can help you understand the phrasing and timing of the song.
Conclusion
Learning to play “Iris” on guitar is a rewarding experience. Its beautiful melody, emotional depth, and relatively accessible chords make it a favorite for guitarists of all levels. By using these tabs and practicing diligently, you’ll be able to play this iconic song and impress your friends or simply enjoy playing it for yourself. Grab your guitar, start with the chords, and immerse yourself in the beauty of “Iris”!
