“Wild Thing” by The Troggs is a quintessential rock and roll anthem, famed for its raw energy and incredibly simple, yet catchy guitar riff. If you’re just starting out on guitar and looking for a song to learn that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further. This guide will break down the “Wild Thing” guitar chords, making it easy for beginners to pick up and play this classic track.
Simple Chords for a Wild Sound
The beauty of “Wild Thing” lies in its simplicity. The entire song is built around just a handful of chords, making it an excellent choice for novice guitar players. You’ll primarily be using the following chords:
- A
- D
- E
- G
These are fundamental open chords that are among the first chords most guitarists learn. If you’re already familiar with these, you’re halfway there! If not, plenty of online resources and chord diagrams can quickly get you up to speed.
“Wild Thing” Chord Progression: Verse and Chorus
The song structure is straightforward, alternating between verses and choruses. Here’s the basic chord progression you’ll need to know:
Verse:
The verse uses a G – A – G – A progression. Listen to the song, and you’ll hear this sequence repeated, creating that iconic, slightly bluesy feel. Each chord is held for a measure, giving it a deliberate, powerful rhythm.
Chorus:
The chorus is where “Wild Thing” really takes off. It uses a more driving and energetic progression: A – A – D – D – E – E – D – D – D. Each chord in the chorus is typically played with a down strum, emphasizing the beat and creating that wild, untamed sound. Pay attention to the rhythm – the final D chords are quicker, adding to the song’s dynamic.
Song Structure and Chord Chart
Here’s a simplified chord chart to help you follow along with the song:
Intro: A D E D
Chorus:
A A D D E E D D D Wild Thing, you make my
A A D D E E D D D heart sing you make
A A D D E E D D D everything…groovy
A A D D E E E E Wild Thing
Verse:
G A G A (hold each chord) Wild Thing, I think I love you
G A G A (hold each chord) But I wanna know for sure
G A G A (hold each chord) So come on, hold me tight
G A G A (hold each chord) I love you
Interlude: A A D D E E D D D (Repeat)
(Repeat Chorus and Verse)
Flute Solo (Chords are the same as Interlude): A A D D E E D D D (Repeat)
(Repeat Verse and Interlude)
Chorus:
A A D D E E D D D Wild Thing, you make my
A A D D E E D D D heart sing you make
A A D D E E D D D everything…groovy
A A D D E E E E Wild Thing
Outro: Repeat and Fade
Tips for Playing “Wild Thing”
- Strumming: For beginners, focus on down strums, especially in the chorus. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with adding up strums to create a more complex rhythm.
- Tempo: “Wild Thing” is typically played at a fast, energetic tempo. Don’t be afraid to play it with some speed and aggression!
- Sound: This song sounds great with a slightly overdriven or distorted guitar tone. If you have an electric guitar and amp, experiment with different gain settings to get that classic rock sound.
- Practice: Start slow to get the chord changes smooth, then gradually increase your speed. Practice transitioning between the verse and chorus chord progressions.
“Wild Thing” is a fantastic song for beginner guitarists to learn. It’s fun, recognizable, and uses simple chords that will help you build your skills. So grab your guitar, learn these “Wild Thing Guitar Chords”, and start rocking out!
