Yeah, you're definitely right.I'm a guitar player myself.I remember when the song came out and it was fantastic.I loved the Guitar Center.Yeah , it affected everybody , you're right , bud anyways , thanks
I read in a comment that you talk too much but i think you are giving the right details of the songs you analyze. Keep on doing what you do man. Your transmission is great. Thanks again. Wonderfull job!!!
This song was a real breath of fresh air on the radio when it came out. That clean, haunting guitar tone grabbed me right away. Great job teaching the feel and taste of the licks and melodies!
One of the all-time greatest songs about love found and lost. The guitar expressed this to perfection. It's a classic people will listen to a hundred years from now.
I lived across the street from James in Los Angeles for a period of time before he died. My kid played with his a kid once or twice. I never put it together that he was who he was until after his death. I also lived in SF in the 80s and saw James play with Chris Isaak a couple times.
Wow! That's just like the recording. I've heard many people try to play this song but there's always something missing. In my opinion, you're the only one that has been able to dial this in just right. You definitely have an ear for all the details. Awesome song, great job!
Nicely done. One part that I heard when I was learning it was an occasional alternating 3rd and 4th on the E. Where you show him normally playing the G#, A, B figure, James would alternate E, A, G#, A, E, G#, A, B, or something like that. It's been years. Still, it's a beautiful piece of music that shows that it doesn't take a bazillion notes to create something magical.
That haunting guitar turned me on to Chris Isaak back in 1990. Had to have it. Bought most (if not all) of his albums and even got a James Wilsey solo album (El Dorado) back in 2007. Great job replicating/teaching it.
Great lesson. Love how you picked out all the little idiosyncratic sounds that make up this ethereal melody. A mysteriously beautiful song. A masterpiece in 3 chords, Mr. Isaak This one's for you Peanut RIP...
If you’ve never seen him live I cannot recommend Chris Isaac enough. That dude puts on a freaking show. Wasn’t expecting too much but was astounded how hard they work and how good they sound live. A must!!!
James Wilsey was a great guitarist with awesome feel and a really cool guy, basically said here, but that I do remember about him. He helped put Chris Isaak on the map.
James was a member of the old Fender Discussion Page back in the 90s, and was always willing to elaborate on Wicked Games guitar questions, and there were many. RIP
Great Tutorial. I had taught myself this by ear when the song was a radio hit. I became friends with Chris' current guitarist Hershel. He told me they had to re-record Wicked Game for a foreign TV commercial. So they referenced the original mult-track and Hershel said that James' riffs were spread between 2 tracks so the reverb tails could sustain. It's sad that James had some issues and past away. But that did lead to Chris working with a number of different guitarists on San Francisco Days which is a very guitar lush album.
The song was so hauntingly beautiful and then you had legendary fashion photographer, Herb Ritts direct the video with the stunning Helena Christensen, and that video was just so beautiful as well with that timeless black-and-white feel to it. The song Will always be a timeless favorite.
Back in circa '99, I was having brunch and bloody marys at Harvey's in Kalamazoo. I looked out the window, and there's a big tour bus parked outside, as The State Theater is next door. Then I see Chris Isaak pop out from the cargo area, carrying equipment. I always appreciated that about him, big rock star, but not too big to do some of the dirty work. Respect!
Im glad that you mentioned Wild at Heart. I had the soundtrack to the film and listened to this cut from that cassette. Weird but enjoyable movie…great song!
I saw Chris Isaak , with James Wilsey and his full band (same bass player and drummer) play in a small club called Nightbreak in SF, Haight street real early around 1985 . I saw them a couple times…Chris had the whole look and sound happening already. Wilsey was amazing..I don’t think they had this tune yet , maybe but the sound was all there , retro and unique at the same time. Great job.
@ yeah Hershel is a great player, I remember watching them on that showtime series he had …it was great! But back in 1985 I guess Chris was right out of Stockton, Ca. But he had it all organized, image sound everything. . Jimmy Wilsey kind of had that sound going which gave it all that great new/Retro template , Isaak though had the voice and songs. RIP Jimmy Wilsey….love your channel.
Hands down one of my top 5 songs songs to play… I love it.… the ladies seem to like it too 😉 All technique and tone. Thank you for presenting this beautiful song. James Calvin Wilsey, the King of Slow, RIP.
You never forget those guitar parts. I still remember hearing it for the first time on MTV in the late 80's and just being capivated by that song. The melody, sparse but swanky guitar with trem and the vibe. Great, great song.
Thanks for the deep-dive into this haunting piece of music. I got to see James develop his talent over the years while he was in S.F. Really miss his playing.
Thanks for featuring this song. I love how the guitar’s tone haunts you as each of the notes drip off the fretboard like honey and completely dials you in. Then the vocals hit you like a Mack Truck and you’re all in to the very last note! What a great song that sounds like it’s from late 50’s / early 60’s. Roy Orbison Eat Your Heart Out!!! I used to place this one and nailed the vocals as well. You did a fantastic job teaching how to play Wicked Game. It sounds exactly like it to the T! Well played Sir, well played, Bravo!!!!
Totally agree, one of the most beautiful pieces of guitar playing I’ve ever heard. Wonderful lesson and nicely done, thank you kindly and have a good rest of the weekend. 🤠
I love this lesson. You have a great calm/relaxed teaching style that makes it inspiring to play guitar. I love when technically gifted players appreciate well placed notes and chords. I had no desire to learn this song until now. If it sounds great, it is great. Thank you.
You dont need synths , racks and studios to make earth shattering songs .... " Among the most beautiful piece´s of guitar out there as far as i´me concerned " ....That was a profound statement and i totally agree with you and millions of others also.... It is a masterpiece..... You sounded GREAT !
Yes, you’re the first one Ive seen show new players what I call “slop” that we all do, between chord changes sometimes, but a new player may not realize that we do it. We all do it, but nobody remembers things like that may need to be shown to a new player. Thank you for being real and honest.
We do so much without thinking. When a beginner asks what a strumming pattern is I really struggle to explain it because I play it automatically. And things like hitting open strings or muted strings between chords are like magic dust that make it come alive and you don’t even realise you’re doing it.
I remember this song most from driving home to Houston fromLos Angeles, multiple radio stations were playing this through the night as we drove through the desert areas under the beautiful stars. Just a moment in time.
I HAD NO IDEA THE DUDE THAT PLAYED THIS GUITAR WAS IN THE AVENGERS!!!! FUUUUCK I LOVE THAT ORIGINAL '77 ERA PUNK BAND. This song really hit me as a kid watching MTV. Then today I learned that the guy was in the AVENGERS PLAYED ON THE WE ARE THE ONE EP!!! 🤯 SO HAPPY TO LEARN THIS POWERFUL CONNECTION.
ts another great lesson. You are such a passionate and patience guitar coach ! You taught with your heart and not showing off techniques that no student can follow. Always learn something new from watching your channel. Keep it up !🎉
Fascinating, well done on this, recall it when it first came out and was blown away by it's beautiful guitar work AND the vocals. Such an iconic piece and thank you for showing it at its very best!
A great tutorial and I loved how the sound you were making touched your soul every time and you were not ashamed to show it. Very emotional and instructive, thank you :) Zs
I usually get aggravated with guitar tutorial videos where the instructor talks about what he’s fretting and plucking (announcing every string and fret number) but you’re able to make it interesting and informative. Subscribed.
Great video, glad you covered this classic song with such detail. On the Letterman video Wilsey appears to also be using a volume pedal when strumming the chords described at 16 min in your video, very subtle.
Beautifully done, sir! I have been working on this for a couple of weeks and your video was a great interpretation of the piece. For those of us who are learners, it would be nice if you'd keep the fretboard display up and show every note all through the tutorial. I also like that you are so reverential with respect to the song which is a great demonstration of how a great piece of guitar can be relatively straightforward. Many thanks.
Awesome, thanks! I'm covering this one with my band and had worked a lot of that, but your insights on the chords voicing for the chorus will be a great addition! Also helped me understand why I couldn't get that "prebend" thing he does to work, since I was just doing it with a normal Bm and it didn't sound quite right. Kudos!
Fantastic lesson! So clear and able to follow. Loved the tone you got from the super reverb 😎 agree this song has some of the most beautiful guitar work 🙏
A drummer friend of mine's band opened for Chris Isaaks right around the time this was a big hit. He told me that after their crew loaded in all their gear, they loaded in two huge wardrobe cases and several full length mirrors into their dressing room. My friend and his bandmates were looking down sheepishly at their own ripped jeans and t shirts, like "Aw, shit...." He said they were all really cool to them, though, and they looked as great as they sounded.
Can't play a lick, but love the strat in that song. A masterpiece that was captured so well by your tutorial. Multiple smiles and goosebumps. Thank you.
I saw him with the original band in clubs in SF right before he got signed. He was amazing and still plays out. He did a show in Nashville and had JD Simo on guitar. JD borrowed a 50's Strat from a friend, walked in and nailed the entire show like he had been with him for years.
@@12footchain Indeed it was.. Zac is a very nice fellow. TrueTone always does me right. i have the CS12 and they did a repair and were very nice about it.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
No person on earth was unaffected by that guitar part
Yeah, you're definitely right.I'm a guitar player myself.I remember when the song came out and it was fantastic.I loved the Guitar Center.Yeah , it affected everybody , you're right , bud anyways , thanks
Between the guitar work and the sizzling girl in the video, this song was going to be a hit.
@@livingadreamlife1428 I gotta look for the video now. Thanks!
@@livingadreamlife1428
And Chris Isaak said the girl hated him and there was literally no chemistry between them!
@@Frankie5Angels150well she didn’t age so well…
I read in a comment that you talk too much but i think you are giving the right details of the songs you analyze. Keep on doing what you do man. Your transmission is great. Thanks again. Wonderfull job!!!
Thank you!
I agree. The discussion is direct and you talk like we're hanging out and showing us a song.
Love the approach.
This song was a real breath of fresh air on the radio when it came out. That clean, haunting guitar tone grabbed me right away. Great job teaching the feel and taste of the licks and melodies!
One of the all-time greatest songs about love found and lost. The guitar expressed this to perfection. It's a classic people will listen to a hundred years from now.
Check out a little known song by Lynyrd Skynyrd called "One More Time." Same kind of idea but much more gritty.
Quintessential song for your armoire repertoire …..amazing tone and feel.
@@seanhammer6296Great tune!
I lived across the street from James in Los Angeles for a period of time before he died. My kid played with his a kid once or twice. I never put it together that he was who he was until after his death. I also lived in SF in the 80s and saw James play with Chris Isaak a couple times.
James Wilsey is the epitome of what I love about the electric guitar.
Wow! That's just like the recording. I've heard many people try to play this song but there's always something missing. In my opinion, you're the only one that has been able to dial this in just right. You definitely have an ear for all the details. Awesome song, great job!
Nicely done. One part that I heard when I was learning it was an occasional alternating 3rd and 4th on the E. Where you show him normally playing the G#, A, B figure, James would alternate E, A, G#, A, E, G#, A, B, or something like that. It's been years. Still, it's a beautiful piece of music that shows that it doesn't take a bazillion notes to create something magical.
That haunting guitar turned me on to Chris Isaak back in 1990. Had to have it. Bought most (if not all) of his albums and even got a James Wilsey solo album (El Dorado) back in 2007. Great job replicating/teaching it.
Great lesson. Love how you picked out all the little idiosyncratic sounds that make up this ethereal melody. A mysteriously beautiful song. A masterpiece in 3 chords, Mr. Isaak
This one's for you Peanut RIP...
Well said 😊
If you’ve never seen him live I cannot recommend Chris Isaac enough. That dude puts on a freaking show. Wasn’t expecting too much but was astounded how hard they work and how good they sound live. A must!!!
Can confirm
I’ve seen him at least 6 times…every show was a treat!
100%!!! Chris is still incredible singer ! The band is so good
He does have an amazing voice!! An can control it amazingly too!!
Saw him years ago in South Africa. Best live act I ever saw. His voice is out of this world and that guitar bit is an absolute gift to music.
I remember hearing this for the first time. It, literally, took my breath away. Still does..... EVERY TIME. Absolutely beautiful.❤
James Wilsey was a great guitarist with awesome feel and a really cool guy, basically said here, but that I do remember about him. He helped put Chris Isaak on the map.
Been waiting for decades to learn this. thank you!
Nice job. All the shredding in the world can’t top beautiful fill work like that.
James was a member of the old Fender Discussion Page back in the 90s, and was always willing to elaborate on Wicked Games guitar questions, and there were many. RIP
Wicked GTR. RIP Cal.
This would be the greatest 3 chord song ever written.
Man, THANK YOU! You cleared up a phrasing in the riff I've had for more years than I care to admit.
Great Tutorial. I had taught myself this by ear when the song was a radio hit. I became friends with Chris' current guitarist Hershel. He told me they had to re-record Wicked Game for a foreign TV commercial. So they referenced the original mult-track and Hershel said that James' riffs were spread between 2 tracks so the reverb tails could sustain. It's sad that James had some issues and past away. But that did lead to Chris working with a number of different guitarists on San Francisco Days which is a very guitar lush album.
Thanks for the album title. Bet I have many friends playing on that! Great day Richard Cruz jr!
The song was so hauntingly beautiful and then you had legendary fashion photographer, Herb Ritts direct the video with the stunning Helena Christensen, and that video was just so beautiful as well with that timeless black-and-white feel to it. The song Will always be a timeless favorite.
And who else is aware that Chris was originally a model and appears in Elton John's famous 'Sacrifice ' video....
Back in circa '99, I was having brunch and bloody marys at Harvey's in Kalamazoo. I looked out the window, and there's a big tour bus parked outside, as The State Theater is next door. Then I see Chris Isaak pop out from the cargo area, carrying equipment. I always appreciated that about him, big rock star, but not too big to do some of the dirty work. Respect!
Nice Kzoo story!
Im glad that you mentioned Wild at Heart. I had the soundtrack to the film and listened to this cut from that cassette. Weird but enjoyable movie…great song!
I saw Chris Isaak , with James Wilsey and his full band (same bass player and drummer) play in a small club called Nightbreak in SF, Haight street real early around 1985 . I saw them a couple times…Chris had the whole look and sound happening already. Wilsey was amazing..I don’t think they had this tune yet , maybe but the sound was all there , retro and unique at the same time. Great job.
Nice. I didn't see Chris Isaak live until 96-7, his then and current guitar player is also awesome. Hershel Yatovitz
@ yeah Hershel is a great player, I remember watching them on that showtime series he had …it was great! But back in 1985 I guess Chris was right out of Stockton, Ca. But he had it all organized, image sound everything. . Jimmy Wilsey kind of had that sound going which gave it all that great new/Retro template , Isaak though had the voice and songs. RIP Jimmy Wilsey….love your channel.
Hands down one of my top 5 songs songs to play… I love it.… the ladies seem to like it too 😉 All technique and tone. Thank you for presenting this beautiful song.
James Calvin Wilsey, the King of Slow, RIP.
Amen, this song is a surefire hit with everyone. I play it often. Blue Hotel is fun too.
You never forget those guitar parts. I still remember hearing it for the first time on MTV in the late 80's and just being capivated by that song. The melody, sparse but swanky guitar with trem and the vibe. Great, great song.
Thanks for the deep-dive into this haunting piece of music. I got to see James develop his talent over the years while he was in S.F. Really miss his playing.
That’s a fantastic explanation man, thanks a lot. You got all the nuances everyone misses.
Thank you very much to teach us how to play it
Thanks for featuring this song. I love how the guitar’s tone haunts you as each of the notes drip off the fretboard like honey and completely dials you in. Then the vocals hit you like a Mack Truck and you’re all in to the very last note! What a great song that sounds like it’s from late 50’s / early 60’s. Roy Orbison Eat Your Heart Out!!! I used to place this one and nailed the vocals as well. You did a fantastic job teaching how to play Wicked Game. It sounds exactly like it to the T! Well played Sir, well played, Bravo!!!!
Such an articulate description and demonstration of all the techniques involved
Perfect❤ tune
Totally agree, one of the most beautiful pieces of guitar playing I’ve ever heard.
Wonderful lesson and nicely done, thank you kindly and have a good rest of the weekend. 🤠
Also now subscribed!
The influence of a perfect guitar part like this one can elevate a good song to a great song . Thanks for the tutorial .
Comprehensive and brilliant lesson. Thank you
I love this lesson. You have a great calm/relaxed teaching style that makes it inspiring to play guitar. I love when technically gifted players appreciate well placed notes and chords. I had no desire to learn this song until now. If it sounds great, it is great. Thank you.
Top tutorial James 👍
Such a simple but really effective guitar part.
I live in the UK , but every time I hear this song it just makes me stop dead, so powerful and brings back a lot 👍
Thank you for teaching me how to play this song properly.... Been playing it wrong for 20 years...
You dont need synths , racks and studios to make earth shattering songs .... " Among the most beautiful piece´s of guitar out there as far as i´me concerned " ....That was a profound statement and i totally agree with you and millions of others also.... It is a masterpiece..... You sounded GREAT !
Very good lesson! Better than any of the in-person teachers I’ve had over the years
Thank you 🎼🎈
Excellent! Love the description and the appreciation of such great guitar work.
Yes, you’re the first one Ive seen show new players what I call “slop” that we all do, between chord changes sometimes, but a new player may not realize that we do it. We all do it, but nobody remembers things like that may need to be shown to a new player. Thank you for being real and honest.
We do so much without thinking. When a beginner asks what a strumming pattern is I really struggle to explain it because I play it automatically. And things like hitting open strings or muted strings between chords are like magic dust that make it come alive and you don’t even realise you’re doing it.
I remember this song most from driving home to Houston fromLos Angeles, multiple radio stations were playing this through the night as we drove through the desert areas under the beautiful stars. Just a moment in time.
It's a haunting tone on electric and of course you nailed it!
Best Guitar Tutorial for this song. Been in love with this song since I heard it in the movie. The original video is awesome as well.🤘
Thank you. Worked on this back in the day and had to laugh at myself for missing some of the now obvious verse bits. Cheers.
I didn't realize this song came out in '89. I thought it was a 90s tune. Now I know. Great lesson! I love this song.
Amazing song and playing. And of course his singing!!
I HAD NO IDEA THE DUDE THAT PLAYED THIS GUITAR WAS IN THE AVENGERS!!!! FUUUUCK I LOVE THAT ORIGINAL '77 ERA PUNK BAND. This song really hit me as a kid watching MTV. Then today I learned that the guy was in the AVENGERS PLAYED ON THE WE ARE THE ONE EP!!! 🤯 SO HAPPY TO LEARN THIS POWERFUL CONNECTION.
But he died😢...
@iyona14granturismogt6gtspo7 yeah I saw that. Very unfortunate. TOTAL LEGEND
Beautifully done. Thank you!
Awesome!!!! One of the greatest guitar sounds ever......
Dude you can hear how sweet that amp is! No fooling around.
Awesome lesson!
In many ways my favorite sounding amp of all time
Good lord! Hands down one of my favorite guitar lessons!! Amazing💙
"How amazing was that, right?" is the best comment after playing that intro section.
This is the kind of teaching that I wish I had when I started out... very well done!!! Thank You
Best instructional video for this great song I've found!! Outstanding!!🎼
ts another great lesson. You are such a passionate and patience guitar coach ! You taught with your heart and not showing off techniques that no student can follow. Always learn something new from watching your channel. Keep it up !🎉
Fascinating, well done on this, recall it when it first came out and was blown away by it's beautiful guitar work AND the vocals.
Such an iconic piece and thank you for showing it at its very best!
❤Fantastic lesson with lots of hidden gems 💎 ! Thanks so much , Sir . Absolutely stunning playing and sound .
Amazing, you made something that sounds so complex; easy!
Thanks
I like it and I always loved that song
Stunningly beautiful. Thank you, sir.
So simple yet Beautiful
A great tutorial and I loved how the sound you were making touched your soul every time and you were not ashamed to show it. Very emotional and instructive, thank you :)
Zs
Great lesson, thanks for that. 👍😎
Thanks!
Thank you!
Love your lessons ! You get the sound , tone and vibe right every time.
I usually get aggravated with guitar tutorial videos where the instructor talks about what he’s fretting and plucking (announcing every string and fret number) but you’re able to make it interesting and informative. Subscribed.
Welcome!
Doing my head in just play the fucking tune
Thanks for being patient with the guitar tracks on this incredible song such a light touch is the best of of call response playing thanks
Great video, glad you covered this classic song with such detail. On the Letterman video Wilsey appears to also be using a volume pedal when strumming the chords described at 16 min in your video, very subtle.
You are right
Beautifully done, sir! I have been working on this for a couple of weeks and your video was a great interpretation of the piece. For those of us who are learners, it would be nice if you'd keep the fretboard display up and show every note all through the tutorial. I also like that you are so reverential with respect to the song which is a great demonstration of how a great piece of guitar can be relatively straightforward. Many thanks.
Awesome, thanks! I'm covering this one with my band and had worked a lot of that, but your insights on the chords voicing for the chorus will be a great addition! Also helped me understand why I couldn't get that "prebend" thing he does to work, since I was just doing it with a normal Bm and it didn't sound quite right. Kudos!
Great piece, Great fun! Great vocals!
Beautiful lesson. Your tone and touch are killin'.👍👍
brilliant song and electric guitar riffs, when the simplicity taljs liud. thanks you
THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A FAV of mine,sends chills thru me. YOU teach it so damn well🎸 Chris Isaac is MESMERIZING...
Fantastic lesson! So clear and able to follow. Loved the tone you got from the super reverb 😎 agree this song has some of the most beautiful guitar work 🙏
Wonderful and insightful video. Thank you.
love songs that hypnotise you when you play them, you just wanna keep playing, I really appreciate your feel, thanks!
Thanks for the video. Thanks for the chords. Awesome!
Came for the lesson, got a new appreciation for a master and his gift to the world.
Excellent lesson and I've always loved that guitar part. I've been playing it the hack way. Thank you so much. I subscribed.
Welcome aboard!
Appreciate your appreciation. What a stunning song and a great tutorial for which many thanks.
Fantastic lesson , thank you so much 😊
Awesome tone
How time goes bye.Great song. Thank you.
This is a great lesson on a very awesome guitar sound. Thx. Moving
Great tone! And great lesson, thanks a lot for clarifying some parts that I wasn't too sure about
I watch ton of people do song lessons on You Tube. You are the best! Keep up the great work. Great song choices as well.
Thank you!
Oh man...thanks for the breakdown of a gorgeous song. Your tones and playing were perfect.
Great lesson and presentation of this most excellent song.
A drummer friend of mine's band opened for Chris Isaaks right around the time this was a big hit. He told me that after their crew loaded in all their gear, they loaded in two huge wardrobe cases and several full length mirrors into their dressing room. My friend and his bandmates were looking down sheepishly at their own ripped jeans and t shirts, like "Aw, shit...." He said they were all really cool to them, though, and they looked as great as they sounded.
Awesome!
Achingly beautiful guitar. Good lesson, thanks!
Can't play a lick, but love the strat in that song. A masterpiece that was captured so well by your tutorial. Multiple smiles and goosebumps. Thank you.
Beautifully simple... but not. Three chords but with so much pain inside it. Thanks. 👍
I saw him with the original band in clubs in SF right before he got signed. He was amazing and still plays out. He did a show in Nashville and had JD Simo on guitar. JD borrowed a 50's Strat from a friend, walked in and nailed the entire show like he had been with him for years.
Yep, it was "ask Zac" Childs' strat!
@@12footchain Indeed it was.. Zac is a very nice fellow. TrueTone always does me right. i have the CS12 and they did a repair and were very nice about it.
Very good and thanks! What a killer song.
I love that you show you are really touched by this song
Best WG tutorial I have seen. Well done sir.
This song has always brought one word to mind for me. Languid. Thank you for the superb lesson. Subbed.
Welcome!