Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight Guitar Lesson

We look at "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton as a study in basic open chords while picking out the melody - a chord melody concept often not explored until fingerstyle lessons. This approach keeps the song going while adding melodic embellishments.

The key is G using G-D-C chords - the best example of the key of G, including the little run down to E minor. The crucial technique is the two-fret slide from second to fourth fret. Without slides, picking notes in strict scale order sounds very oriental or pentatonic-based (common in Eastern music) but lacks lyrical quality. The slide creates that expressive, vocal-like quality essential for songs like "Wish You Were Here" and countless others.

Practice that two-fret slide with every finger because chord melody arrangements require flexibility - sometimes you need your first finger, sometimes your third, sometimes even your pinky. Being able to execute slides with any finger is crucial.

The melody uses major pentatonic and full major scale - reminiscent of "Sally Cinnamon" by The Stone Roses. The original recording alternates between arpeggios with the picking hand (like Green Day did playing "American Idiot" at the Super Bowl) and strumming. For open mic performances, pick sometimes and strum sometimes to make it easier on yourself.

The "Do I look all right?" section uses slash chords: G down to G/F# (G over F sharp), then D minor. Understanding slash chords is essential for this song's characteristic descending bassline. You can harmonize the melody using Ryman thirds harmonization for added richness.

The Hendrix trick: Instead of playing each chord as a standard power chord, use a different shape. Where you'd normally play a D power chord, substitute with the Hendrix-style voicing that creates that characteristic open, ringing sound.

This is a wonderful song for developing chord melody technique on acoustic or electric guitar.