Wicked Game - Chris Isaak - Guitar Tab

About Chris Isaak

The smouldering, reverb-soaked guitar work in "Wicked Game" is the heart of the whole track. The signature two-note picking figure that opens the song sits in B minor and immediately sets a slow, hypnotic mood that demands restraint rather than speed. At 103 BPM the tempo is moderate, but controlling dynamics and letting each note breathe is harder than it looks, especially when you're keeping that rolling, repetitive motif perfectly even. The tone leans heavily on tremolo or reverb, so dialling in the right effect on your amp or pedal board is part of nailing the feel. Fingerpicking or a very light pick attack both work, but avoid anything too bright or percussive. Use the Practice Toolbar to loop the opening riff slowed down until the pick attack and spacing feel completely natural before bringing it back up to tempo. Chris Isaak keeps the arrangement sparse throughout, which means every slight timing wobble is audible, making clean, deliberate playing the real challenge here. If you enjoy moody, Rock playing with a surf-tinged edge, this one rewards careful, patient practice.

• The signature riff is a repeating two-note picking figure in B minor, deceptively simple but very exposed, so clean fretting and even dynamics are essential.
• A heavy reverb or tremolo effect is central to the guitar tone, so setting up your effects before drilling the part will help you learn it in the right context.
• The 103 BPM tempo is moderate, but the slow, spacious feel means rushing even slightly will break the hypnotic groove the song depends on.