Guitar Chords for Iris by Goo Goo Dolls

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls is a song that resonates with many, and learning to play it on guitar is a rewarding experience. This guide provides you with easy-to-follow Guitar Chords For Iris, allowing you to play this iconic song. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, understanding the chords and strumming patterns will help you master “Iris” on your guitar.

Verse Chords

The verses of “Iris” are built around a simple yet effective chord progression. These chords create the melancholic and introspective mood of the verse.

Chords: D, Em, G, Bm, A

Progression:

|D Em G G|
|Bm A G G|
|D Em G G|
|Bm A G G|

These four lines repeat for each verse. Focus on smooth transitions between these chords to capture the flowing feel of the song.

Chorus Chords

The chorus of “Iris” lifts the emotional intensity, and the chords reflect this change. While still using some of the verse chords, the chorus progression creates a more powerful and anthemic sound.

Chords: Bm, A, G

Progression:

|Bm A G G|
|Bm A G G|
|Bm A G G|
|Bm A G G|

This progression is repeated throughout the chorus, providing a strong and memorable hook. Pay attention to the strumming pattern to emphasize the chorus’s energy.

Bridge Chords

The bridge offers a slight variation, maintaining the emotional depth while creating a build-up towards the guitar solo and final chorus.

Chords: Bm, G

Progression:

Bm G Bm G Bm G

This simpler progression creates a moment of introspection before the song builds again.

Guitar Solo Chords

Even during the guitar solo, the underlying chords provide the harmonic foundation. Knowing these chords will help you understand the solo’s structure and even improvise along.

Chords: Bm, G, D

Progression (simplified):

Bm G D G D G D Bm Bm G D Bm Bm

This sequence combines the familiar Bm, G, and D chords, creating a dynamic backdrop for the guitar solo.

Outro Chords

The outro brings the song to a gentle close, echoing the chorus’s emotional core.

Chords: Bm, A, G

Progression:

|Bm A G G|
|Bm A G G|
|Bm A G G|

Repeating the chorus chords in the outro provides a sense of resolution and fading emotion as the song concludes.

Strumming Pattern

While the original song uses arpeggiated guitar parts, a strumming pattern is perfect for playing “Iris” on acoustic guitar or for a simplified electric version.

Verse Strumming (Strum 1): Down, Down-Up, Up, Down-Up

This pattern provides a gentle and rhythmic foundation for the verses.

Chorus Strumming (Strum 2): Down, Down, Up, Down, Up, Down-Up

This strumming pattern is more energetic and driving, fitting the chorus’s heightened emotion.

Bridge Strumming (Strum 3): Slower, more deliberate strums – Down, Down (pause), Up, Down

This pattern creates a sense of weight and drama in the bridge.

Tips for Playing Iris

• Tuning: Standard tuning (E A D G B e) is used for “Iris.”
• Capo: While not strictly necessary, some guitarists prefer to use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original key more closely and potentially find the song easier to sing. Playing without a capo is also perfectly fine and these chords are written for no capo.
• Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between chords, especially in the verses, to maintain the song’s flow.
• Dynamics: Pay attention to dynamics. Verses are softer, choruses are louder. Use your strumming intensity to reflect these changes.
• Listen to the original: Listen to “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls frequently to internalize the rhythm, feel, and nuances of the song. This will greatly improve your playing.
• Practice slowly: Start practicing slowly to get the chord changes and strumming patterns down before speeding up.

Learning guitar chords for “Iris” is a fantastic way to expand your guitar repertoire and play a truly beautiful song. With these chords and strumming patterns, you’ll be well on your way to playing “Iris” on your guitar. Keep practicing and enjoy the process!