Are you a fan of classic rock and want to impress your friends with your guitar skills? Look no further than the legendary song “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon. In this tutorial, we will guide you step by step on how to play this iconic tune on an acoustic guitar.
Tuning
Before diving into the chords and strumming patterns, it’s essential to make sure your guitar is in tune. The standard tuning for this song is E-A-D-G-B-E.
Chords
The chords used in “Werewolves of London” are beginner-friendly and consist of three main chords: G, D, and C. Let’s break them down:
G Chord:
To play the G chord, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string (A), your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string (E), and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string (high E).
D Chord:
The D chord is formed by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G), your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string (high E), and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string (B).
C Chord:
To play the C chord, position your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B), your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D), and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string (A).
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Werewolves of London” is relatively simple and follows a down-up-down-up pattern. Start by strumming downwards on the first beat, then strum upwards on the second beat, and continue this pattern throughout the song.
Verse
The verse of the song follows a basic chord progression with G, D, and C chords. Here’s how it looks:
- G – I saw a werewolf with a C walking through the D
- G – You better stay away from him
(He’ll rip your lungs out, Jim) - G – I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic’s
(His hair was perfect) - C – Ahhoo! Werewolves of London!
Chorus
The chorus of the song features the same chords as the verse but follows a slightly different order:
- C – Ahhoo! Werewolves of London!
- G – Ahhoo!
- D
- C
- G
- (Repeat chorus as desired)
Solo Section
The solo section of “Werewolves of London” is an instrumental part that showcases some fantastic guitar work. While it may be challenging for beginners, feel free to experiment and have fun with it once you’re comfortable with the chords and strumming.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Take your time to get familiar with the chords, strumming pattern, and song structure. With dedication and patience, you’ll soon be rocking out “Werewolves of London” on your acoustic guitar like a pro!