How to Play “Wonderwall” by Oasis – Complete Guitar Tutorial

Introduction

“Wonderwall” by Oasis is one of the most iconic songs in British rock history and a must-learn for any guitarist. Released in 1995 from their album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”, this song features relatively simple chord progressions that make it perfect for beginners while still being engaging for intermediate players.

What You’ll Learn

Essential chords used in Wonderwall
Chord diagrams and fingerings
Strumming patterns
Complete tablature
Pro tips for authentic sound
Common mistakes to avoid

Song Information

Artist: Oasis
Album: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
Year: 1995
Key: G Major
Tempo: 87 BPM
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

Chords Used in Wonderwall

Primary Chords

The song uses these main chords throughout:

Em7

e|---3---
B|---3---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---2---
E|---0---

e|---3---
B|---3---
G|---0---
D|---0---
A|---2---
E|---3---

e|---2---
B|---3---
G|---2---
D|---0---
A|---x---
E|---x---

e|---0---
B|---1---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---3---
E|---x---

Am7

e|---0---
B|---1---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---0---
E|---x---

Cadd9

e|---3---
B|---3---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---3---
E|---x---

Chord Fingerings Guide

Em7 Fingering:

2nd fret A string (middle finger)
2nd fret D string (ring finger)
3rd fret B and high E strings (pinky)

G Fingering:

2nd fret A string (middle finger)
3rd fret low E string (ring finger)
3rd fret B and high E strings (pinky)

D Fingering:

2nd fret high E string (middle finger)
2nd fret G string (index finger)
3rd fret B string (ring finger)

C Fingering:

1st fret B string (index finger)
2nd fret D string (middle finger)
3rd fret A string (ring finger)

Song Structure

Verse Progression

Em7 – G – D – C (x2)

Chorus Progression

C – D – G – Em7 – C – D – G

Bridge

Am7 – Cadd9 – D – G

Complete Tablature

Intro/Verse Riff

e|---3---3---3---3---|---3---3---3---3---|---2---2---2---2---|---0---0---0---0---|
B|---3---3---3---3---|---3---3---3---3---|---3---3---3---3---|---1---1---1---1---|
G|---0---0---0---0---|---0---0---0---0---|---2---2---2---2---|---0---0---0---0---|
D|---2---2---2---2---|---0---0---0---0---|---0---0---0---0---|---2---2---2---2---|
A|---2---2---2---2---|---2---2---2---2---|---x---x---x---x---|---3---3---3---3---|
E|---0---0---0---0---|---3---3---3---3---|---x---x---x---x---|---x---x---x---x---|
    Em7               G                 D                 C

Chorus Riff

e|---0---0---0---0---|---2---2---2---2---|---3---3---3---3---|---3---3---3---3---|
B|---1---1---1---1---|---3---3---3---3---|---3---3---3---3---|---3---3---3---3---|
G|---0---0---0---0---|---2---2---2---2---|---0---0---0---0---|---0---0---0---0---|
D|---2---2---2---2---|---0---0---0---0---|---0---0---0---0---|---2---2---2---2---|
A|---3---3---3---3---|---x---x---x---x---|---2---2---2---2---|---2---2---2---2---|
E|---x---x---x---x---|---x---x---x---x---|---3---3---3---3---|---0---0---0---0---|
    C                 D                 G                 Em7

Strumming Patterns

Basic Strumming Pattern

D - D U - U D U
1 - 2 & - & 4 &

Advanced Strumming Pattern (Noel Gallagher Style)

D - D U D U D U
1 - 2 & 3 & 4 &

Legend:

D = Down strum
U = Up strum
– = Rest/pause

Playing Techniques

Fingerpicking Pattern

For a more delicate approach, try this fingerpicking pattern:

T - I M A - I M A
1 - 2 3 4 - 2 3 4

Legend:

T = Thumb
I = Index finger
M = Middle finger
A = Ring finger (Anular)

Capo Usage

While the original is played without a capo, you can use:

Capo 2nd fret: Play in F# (easier for some singers)
Capo 4th fret: Play in A (higher pitch)

Complete Song Lyrics with Chords

Verse 1

Em7                G
Today is gonna be the day
        D                    C
That they're gonna throw it back to you
Em7                G
By now you should've somehow
  D                 C
Realized what you gotta do

Pre-Chorus

Em7           G        D              C
I don't believe that anybody feels
    Em7      G      D       C
The way I do about you now

Chorus

C         D           G      Em7
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
C         D           G      Em7
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
C         D           G           Em7
There are many things that I would like to say to you
    C       D        G
But I don't know how

Verse 2

Em7                G
Backbeat, the word is on the street
        D                    C
That fire in your heart is out
Em7                G
I'm sure you've heard it all before
    D                 C
But you never really had a doubt

Pro Tips for Authentic Sound

Guitar Tone Settings

Amp: Clean to slight breakup
EQ: Boost mids slightly, moderate treble
Effects: Light chorus, subtle reverb

Chord Voicings

Keep your pinky anchored on the 3rd fret for Em7 and G transitions
Use the same fingering pattern for smoother chord changes
Practice the Em7 to G change repeatedly – it’s crucial

Rhythm Emphasis

Emphasize beats 2 and 4 for the classic Oasis feel
Don’t rush the tempo – 87 BPM is deliberately moderate
Listen to the original recording for subtle timing nuances

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing the chord changes – Take your time with transitions
Muting strings accidentally – Keep fingers arched and precise
Wrong chord voicings – Use the specific fingerings shown above
Ignoring the rhythm – The strumming pattern is as important as the chords
Playing too fast – The song’s power comes from its steady, deliberate pace

Practice Routine

Week 1: Chord Familiarity

Practice chord changes Em7-G-D-C for 10 minutes daily
Work on clean chord transitions
Focus on proper fingering

Week 2: Strumming Integration

Combine chords with basic strumming pattern
Practice at slow tempo (60 BPM)
Gradually increase speed

Week 3: Song Structure

Learn complete verse and chorus sections
Practice transitions between sections
Work on timing with metronome

Week 4: Performance Ready

Play along with original recording
Focus on expression and dynamics
Record yourself for self-assessment

Alternative Tunings and Variations

Standard Tuning Alternatives

If you find the standard chords challenging, try these alternatives:

Easier Em7: Use Em (022000) instead Easier G: Use G (320003) instead of full barre

Acoustic vs Electric

Acoustic: Focus on clean chord work and dynamics
Electric: Add subtle distortion for fuller sound

Conclusion

“Wonderwall” remains one of the most requested songs at parties and campfires for good reason – it’s accessible, memorable, and incredibly satisfying to play. The key to mastering this song lies in consistent practice of the chord transitions and developing a feel for the rhythm.

Remember, while the chords are relatively simple, the magic of “Wonderwall” comes from the passion and emotion you put into your playing. Don’t just play the notes – feel the music and let it guide your performance.

Additional Resources

Practice with a metronome at 60-87 BPM
Record yourself playing to identify areas for improvement
Listen to live versions to hear different interpretations
Join online guitar communities for feedback and tips

Next Steps

Once you’ve mastered “Wonderwall,” try these similar Oasis songs:

“Champagne Supernova” (similar chord progressions)
“Don’t Look Back in Anger” (introduces F chord)
“Live Forever” (more complex strumming patterns)

Keep practicing, stay patient with yourself, and most importantly – enjoy the journey of learning this timeless classic!

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