How Do You Play Werewolves of London?

By Robert Palmer

How Do You Play Werewolves of London?

If you’re a fan of classic rock music, you’ve probably heard the iconic song “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon. With its catchy piano riff and memorable lyrics, it’s no wonder that many aspiring musicians want to learn how to play this timeless tune.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps of playing “Werewolves of London” on the piano or guitar.

Piano Tutorial

Step 1: Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic chords used in the song. The main chords are G, Am, and C. Practice transitioning between these chords until you feel comfortable with them.

Step 2: Begin playing the intro riff, which is played on the piano. The notes in this riff are G – A – C – D – E. Start with your right hand on middle C and use your thumb for G, your index finger for A, your middle finger for C, your ring finger for D, and your pinky finger for E.

Step 3: Once you have mastered the intro riff, move on to the verse section. The chords used in the verse are G and Am.

Play each chord for four beats while singing along to the lyrics.

Step 4: Progress to the chorus section, where you will play the chords G and C. Similar to the verse section, play each chord for four beats while singing along to the lyrics.

Guitar Tutorial

Step 1: Begin by tuning your guitar to standard tuning (EADGBE). If needed, use a tuner or a tuning app to ensure accurate tuning.

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the main chords used in the song. The chords for “Werewolves of London” are G, D, and C. Practice transitioning between these chords until you can switch smoothly.

Step 3: Start playing the intro riff, which is played on the guitar. The riff consists of power chords and goes like this: G5 – A5 – C5 – D5 – E5.

To play these power chords, place your index finger on the third fret of the low E string (G), your ring finger on the fifth fret of the A string (A), your pinky finger on the fifth fret of the D string (C), your index finger on the fifth fret of the G string (D), and your middle finger on the seventh fret of the A string (E).

Step 4: Move on to playing the verse section. Strum each chord for four beats while singing along to the lyrics. Start with G, then transition to D.

Step 5: Progress to playing the chorus section, where you will strum G and C.

In Conclusion

By following these tutorials, you can learn how to play “Werewolves of London” on either piano or guitar. Remember to practice regularly and take it step by step.

With time and dedication, you’ll be able to master this classic rock song and impress your friends with your musical skills!

  • Note: This tutorial assumes that you have basic knowledge of playing the piano or guitar. If you are a beginner, it may be helpful to seek guidance from a music teacher or refer to beginner tutorials before attempting to play this song.