How to Play “Wanted Dead or Alive” on Acoustic Guitar
Playing “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi on an acoustic guitar can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to capture the essence of the song with a more intimate and authentic sound. This classic rock anthem has been a staple in many guitarists’ repertoire, and with the right techniques and practice, you can master it too. In this article, we will guide you through the process of playing “Wanted Dead or Alive” on an acoustic guitar, from understanding the song structure to mastering the riffs and solos.
Understanding the Song Structure
“Wanted Dead or Alive” is a three-chord song, making it relatively simple to play on an acoustic guitar. The song is structured around the chords E, G, and A, which form the basic progression. Familiarize yourself with these chords by practicing them individually and then combining them to create the progression. The song follows a straightforward verse-chorus pattern, with the chorus being the most memorable part.
Learning the Chords
To play “Wanted Dead or Alive,” you’ll need to learn the E, G, and A chords. Here’s a brief guide on how to form each chord:
– E chord: Place your first finger on the fifth fret of the first string, your second finger on the fifth fret of the second string, your third finger on the fifth fret of the third string, and your fourth finger on the fifth fret of the fourth string. The first string is open.
– G chord: Place your first finger on the third fret of the second string, your second finger on the third fret of the third string, your third finger on the third fret of the fourth string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the fifth string. The first and sixth strings are open.
– A chord: Place your first finger on the second fret of the second string, your second finger on the second fret of the third string, your third finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your fourth finger on the second fret of the fifth string. The first and sixth strings are open.
Practice these chords until you can play them smoothly and transition between them effortlessly.
Playing the Riffs
“Wanted Dead or Alive” features several riffs that are characteristic of the song. The most iconic riff is the one played during the intro and chorus. To play this riff, use a picking pattern that alternates between the E and G chords. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Start by playing the E chord.
2. Move to the G chord by lifting your first finger off the second string and placing it on the third string.
3. Return to the E chord by lifting your second finger off the third string and placing it on the second string.
4. Repeat this pattern for the duration of the riff.
This riff is played throughout the song, so it’s essential to practice it until you can play it cleanly and consistently.
Mastering the Solos
“Wanted Dead or Alive” also features a memorable guitar solo that adds a sense of excitement to the song. To play the solo, you’ll need to use a combination of fingerpicking and bending techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the solo:
1. Start by playing the E minor pentatonic scale (E, G, A, B, D) in a fingerpicking pattern.
2. Move to the G major scale (G, A, B, C, D, E, F) by bending the second fret of the third string to the third fret.
3. Continue playing the G major scale while bending the second fret of the third string to the third fret.
4. Return to the E minor pentatonic scale by bending the second fret of the third string back to the second fret.
Practice the solo until you can play it cleanly and with confidence.
Conclusion
Playing “Wanted Dead or Alive” on an acoustic guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience. By understanding the song structure, learning the chords, mastering the riffs, and practicing the solos, you’ll be well on your way to performing this classic rock anthem. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own variations to make the song your own. Happy playing!
