Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the awesome world of Eddie Money and learn how to play one of his most iconic hits, "I Wanna Go Back"? This song is a total classic, and I know many of you have been searching for the chords and tabs to play it yourselves. Well, you've come to the right place! We're going to break down everything you need to know to strum along like a pro. From the basic chords to some cool techniques, we'll cover it all. So grab your guitar, and let's get started. We're going to make sure you can play this song by the end of this article. You'll find that with a little practice, this song is super fun to play and sing. Let's start with the basics.

The Core Chords of "I Wanna Go Back"

First things first, what are the basic chords you need to know? Don't worry, it's not a super complicated song. The core chords are pretty standard, and once you get the hang of them, you'll be jamming in no time. The main chords you'll be using are: G major, C major, D major, and Em (E minor). These are some of the most common chords in music, so if you're a beginner, this is a great song to start with! Let's take a closer look at each one.

• G Major: This is often the first chord you'll encounter. Place your middle finger on the sixth string (E string) at the second fret, your index finger on the fifth string (A string) at the second fret, and your ring finger on the first string (E string) at the third fret. Strum all the strings except the sixth string (E string).
• C Major: Next up is C major. Place your index finger on the second string (B string) at the first fret, your middle finger on the fourth string (D string) at the second fret, and your ring finger on the fifth string (A string) at the third fret. Strum all strings.
• D Major: Moving on to D major, place your index finger on the third string (G string) at the second fret, your middle finger on the first string (E string) at the second fret, and your ring finger on the second string (B string) at the third fret. Strum all strings.
• Em (E Minor): Finally, we have E minor. Place your middle finger on the fifth string (A string) at the second fret, and your ring finger on the fourth string (D string) at the second fret. Strum all strings.

Once you get the hang of these chords, you'll find that many songs use them. The key is to practice switching between the chords smoothly. Start slowly, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Remember to keep your fingers close to the frets and use good strumming technique. With a little practice, you'll be playing this song like a pro! I recommend that you use a guitar tuner to tune your guitar. This can help with the proper sound.

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm

Now that you know the chords, let's talk about the strumming pattern. The strumming pattern is what gives the song its rhythm and feel. For "I Wanna Go Back," the strumming pattern is pretty straightforward, making it perfect for beginners. The basic strumming pattern is down, down, up, up, down, up. This pattern repeats throughout most of the song, so once you nail it, you're golden!

• Down: Strum down across the strings.
• Down: Strum down across the strings.
• Up: Strum up across the strings.
• Up: Strum up across the strings.
• Down: Strum down across the strings.
• Up: Strum up across the strings.

Practice this pattern slowly at first, making sure each strum is even and consistent. You can also experiment with different variations, like adding a little more emphasis on certain strums to give it your own flavor. The tempo of the song is around 125 BPM (beats per minute), so you'll want to practice along with a metronome or a recording to get the timing right. Feel the rhythm of the song. As you become more familiar with the song, you'll start to feel the natural flow of the rhythm and be able to adjust your strumming to fit it perfectly. The main thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! Don't worry if it sounds a bit off at first; everyone starts somewhere. Just keep practicing, and you'll get it. Listening to the original song while you practice is a huge help! You can match the chords to the song itself. This will help you identify the correct rhythm.

Verse, Chorus, and Song Structure

Okay, let's look at the structure of "I Wanna Go Back" and how the chords fit into the verse and chorus. The song follows a pretty standard structure, making it easy to learn and play. The typical structure is Verse 1, Verse 2, Chorus, Verse 3, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus. Here's how the chords are used in each section.

• Verse 1 and 2: The verses typically use the following chord progression: G, C, G, D, Em, C, G, D. This sequence creates a great sound for the main verses. Remember to keep the rhythm. The song is best played with the strumming pattern of down, down, up, up, down, up. The use of this strumming pattern will greatly help you with the rhythm of the song!
• Chorus: The chorus is the heart of the song. The chords for the chorus are G, C, D, G, C, D. These chords create a more upbeat feel. Sing loudly and really put your heart into it. You will want to switch up the strumming pattern in the chorus section as well. Try using more emphasis on certain strums to create a driving feeling to the music.
• Bridge: The bridge usually introduces a different feel to the song, but it will still be the same. The bridge is played with the chords C, G, D, Em. The bridge often features a different melody or lyrics. Keep it steady, and ensure you remain consistent!

Here's a breakdown of the song structure:

• Intro: G - C - G - D
• Verse 1: G - C - G - D - Em - C - G - D
• Chorus: G - C - D - G - C - D
• Verse 2: G - C - G - D - Em - C - G - D
• Chorus: G - C - D - G - C - D
• Bridge: C - G - D - Em
• Chorus: G - C - D - G - C - D

By understanding the song structure and how the chords fit together, you'll be able to play along with the song and even improvise. This can significantly improve your musical skills and understanding of the music itself. The more you play, the better you'll become! So, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

Tips and Tricks for Playing "I Wanna Go Back"

Alright, guys, let's go over some additional tips and tricks to help you nail this awesome song! These are just a few extra ideas. Here's a few tips and tricks to take your playing to the next level:

• Practice Slowly: Speed will come with practice, but at first, focus on accuracy. Play the chord changes slowly and deliberately. This builds muscle memory and helps you avoid mistakes. Gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome is your best friend when it comes to timing. It helps you stay in rhythm and ensures that you're playing the song at the correct tempo. You can find free metronome apps online.
• Listen to the Song: Listen to the original recording of "I Wanna Go Back" repeatedly. Pay attention to the strumming pattern, the chord changes, and the overall feel of the song. This will help you get a better sense of how the song should sound.
• Watch Tutorials: There are tons of guitar tutorials on YouTube and other platforms. Watching someone else play the song can be incredibly helpful, especially if you're a visual learner. Look for tutorials that break down the song into easy-to-follow steps.
• Experiment with Variations: Once you've mastered the basic chords and strumming pattern, try experimenting with different variations. Add some fills, change the strumming pattern slightly, or even try adding a solo. This is your chance to get creative and put your own spin on the song.
• Use a Capo (Optional): If you find the song is too high or low for your vocal range, you can use a capo to change the key. Place the capo on the desired fret (usually the second or third fret) and adjust the chords accordingly. This will make the song easier to sing along to.

Remember, the key to success is consistent practice and a love for music. Don't get discouraged if it takes time to learn the song. Keep practicing, have fun, and enjoy the process!

Enhancements and Further Learning

Alright, you've got the basics down, but how can you elevate your performance and learn even more? There are several things you can do to enhance your playing and continue your musical journey. Here's how to level up your skills:

• Learn the Solo: "I Wanna Go Back" features a memorable guitar solo. Learning this solo will add a cool element to your performance. You can find tabs and tutorials online to help you learn it.
• Study Eddie Money's Style: Eddie Money had a distinctive style. Listening to more of his music will give you a better understanding of his playing style and vocal delivery. Pay attention to the way he uses dynamics, phrasing, and improvisation.
• Explore Music Theory: Understanding basic music theory can greatly enhance your ability to play and understand music. Learn about chords, scales, and key signatures. This knowledge will help you understand how songs are constructed and how to create your own music.
• Join a Band or Group: Playing with others is a fantastic way to improve your skills and have fun. Look for local jam sessions or open mic nights where you can play with other musicians.
• Take Lessons: If you're serious about improving your guitar playing, consider taking lessons from a qualified instructor. A good teacher can provide personalized feedback and help you develop good habits.
• Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a great way to identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your recordings and focus on areas where you can improve your technique, timing, and overall performance.
• Attend Concerts and Shows: Seeing live music can be incredibly inspiring. Attend concerts and shows to see how other musicians perform and learn from their techniques.

Conclusion: Start Playing Today!

So, there you have it, folks! Everything you need to know to play "I Wanna Go Back" by Eddie Money. We've covered the chords, strumming patterns, song structure, and some helpful tips to get you started. Now it's time to put your knowledge into practice! Pick up your guitar, get those fingers moving, and start playing.

Remember to be patient with yourself, keep practicing, and most importantly, have fun. Music is meant to be enjoyed, so embrace the journey and let the music move you. Keep playing, and you'll be jamming like Eddie Money in no time. Thanks for reading, and happy playing! Feel free to reach out with any questions. Now go and have some fun!