The Ultimate Wild Thing Guitar Lesson (Troggs, and Jimi Hendrix)

Today I want to share with you a song that started off as an underground garage rock anthem...

And then went on to become a Woodstock showstopper and change rock and roll history forever...

It’s a 3 chord masterpiece...

It's a perfect example of less is more.

So grab your guitar and let's dive into this "Wild Thing" guitar lesson.

Who wrote Wild Thing?

“Wild Thing” was written by Chip Taylor (real name James Voight, brother of actor Jon Voight), he wrote the song under the pseudonym "Chip Taylor" in 1962.

The lyrics are intentionally ambiguous and open to interpretation. Some view it as a celebration of youthful freedom and untamed energy, expressed through themes of dancing and having fun. Others interpret the lyrics as metaphorically alluding to sexual desire, with lines like "wild thing, you make my heart sing" and "I think you move me." The open-ended nature of the lyrics contributed to its widespread appeal.

The Troggs' version was recorded at Decca Studios in London in 1966. This version became the definitive and most widely recognized version. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1966, becoming a massive international hit. “Wild Thing” was ranked #257 on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" and included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll."

The song's catchy melody and simple, repetitive riff contributed to its popularity.

Wild Thing Guitar Chords

There are only 3 chords you need to know to play “Wild Thing” on guitar, they are A, D, and E. This in itself is a good lesson because these three chords are the most common chords in rock n roll and blues. 

The song is in the key of A major, and these chords could be labeled using the roman numeral system as the I, IV, and V. 

Roman numerals represent scale degrees: Instead of note names, each Roman numeral corresponds to a specific degree (position) within the major or minor scale.

I = tonic (first degree)

II = supertonic (second degree)

III = mediant (third degree)

IV = subdominant (fourth degree)

V = dominant (fifth degree)

VI = submediant (sixth degree)

VII = leading tone (seventh degree)

In the key of A major, the I, IV, and V chords are fundamental building blocks for creating harmonic progressions and melodies. 

So the A chord would be the I chord. The D chord would be the IV chord. And the E chord would be the V chord.

Here's a breakdown of each:

1. The I Chord (A Major)

• How it works: The I chord is built on the first degree of the scale, which in A major is A. So, the I chord in A major is simply A major.
• Notes: A major consists of the notes A, C#, and E.
• Function: The I chord in any key represents the "home base" or tonic, offering stability and resolution. 

1. The IV Chord (D Major)

• How it works: The IV chord is built on the fourth degree of the scale. In A major, the fourth degree is D, so the IV chord is D major.
• Notes: D major consists of the notes D, F#, and A.
• Function: The IV chord often creates a sense of tension and movement, pulling back towards the I chord for resolution.

III. The V Chord (E Major)

• How it works:  The V chord is built on the fifth degree of the scale. In A major, the fifth degree is E, so the V chord is E major.
• Notes: E major consists of the notes E, G#, and B.
• Function: The V chord has the strongest pull towards the I chord, creating a powerful sense of resolution and finality.

Let’s next take a look at a few ways to play these chords on guitar. The first way is using open position chords. For the A chord, I’ll use just my index finger of the fretting hand and play it like this:

For the D chord, I’ll play from the 4th string down like this:

E can be played with all 6 strings like this:

Alternatively, you could also play these chords as closed position bar chords. These are great rock rhythm chords to know. 

A is played in the 5th position using all 6 strings like this:

D shifts to playing just the middle strings, muting the 6th and 1st strings like this:

And finally, E can be played by shifting the D shape up two frets like this:

Having multiple ways of playing the I, IV, and V chords in any key, and up and down the neck, opens doors to exploring all kinds of musical possibilities. It’s worth taking the time to practice, and will help you in many ways.

Jimi Hendrix Wild Thing Guitar Lesson

Jimi Hendrix’s performance of “Wild Thing” live at the Monterey pop festival was one of the most insane moments in all of rock and roll history…

A moment that will never be repeated. It was the right talent, in the right place, at the right time.

In fact, people in the crowd at this show were so shocked that they shook their heads in disbelief as they cried out "What is happening?" 

Hendrix’s version is similar to the Trogg’s version. But with a few slight changes. The first is that he was tuned down a half step. 

This means all six strings of the guitar are tuned down a half step from their standard pitches. So, instead of E-A-D-G-B-E, the tuning for Jimi Hendrix’s “Wild Thing" is Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb,

6th string: Eb

5th string: Ab

4th string: Db

3rd string: Gb

2nd string: Bb

1st string: Eb

Tuning down creates a heavier, thicker sound that suits Hendrix’s bluesy rock style. It also allows for easier string bending.

Conclusion

There you have it! We've explored the history of "Wild Thing," learned the essential chords, and even covered Jimi Hendrix's electrifying performance. But this is just the beginning of your "Wild Thing" journey.

Here are some ways to take it further:

• Practice the chords and try strumming along to the original recordings. Remember, you can play it open-position or use bar chords - explore and find what feels comfortable.
• Experiment with different tunings. Tuning down a half step like Hendrix can open up new sonic possibilities.
• Jam with friends! Or play it for the family.

The beauty of "Wild Thing" is its simplicity. So keep practicing and for more fun rock guitar check out this “Brown Eyed Girl” guitar lesson or this “Hey Joe” guitar lesson next!