Wicked Game - Chris Isaak (James Wilsey) | Guitar Lesson

[@TheBoomtown4]

No person on earth was unaffected by that guitar part

[@keithmarum5008]

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

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Between the guitar work and the sizzling girl in the video, this song was going to be a hit.

[@barrybartos7687]

@@livingadreamlife1428 I gotta look for the video now. Thanks!

[@Frankie5Angels150]

@@livingadreamlife1428 And Chris Isaak said the girl hated him and there was literally no chemistry between them!

[@kyucklebeans]

@@Frankie5Angels150well she didn’t age so well…

[@90041hood]

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.

[@malthus101]

He died?

[@soldiersam7424]

​@@malthus101several years ago.

[@zachjarrett8730]

James Wilsey is the epitome of what I love about the electric guitar.

[@macgp44]

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.

[@seanhammer6296]

Check out a little known song by Lynyrd Skynyrd called "One More Time." Same kind of idea but much more gritty.

[@wonderXweapon]

Quintessential song for your armoire repertoire …..amazing tone and feel.

[@stratcat9432]

​@@seanhammer6296Great tune!

[@MDonovan]

@@macgp44 good video too

[@DimitriosKyriazis-f7o]

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!!!

[@12footchain]

Thank you!

[@TonyDeRosa]

I agree. The discussion is direct and you talk like we're hanging out and showing us a song. Love the approach.

[@jimle22]

Don't worry about it. Haters gonna hate. You did an awesome job teaching us those licks. Really appreciate it. Thanks.

[@adamflint7433]

Great lesson. Finally someone is teaching it right. So many are close, but not right, this great, thanks so much

[@12footchain]

Glad you enjoyed it, appreciate the feedback!

[@Weshopwizard]

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!!!

[@josecubanosantiago4724]

Can confirm

[@MichaelMidgett]

I’ve seen him at least 6 times…every show was a treat!

[@jammielettMX326]

100%!!! Chris is still incredible singer ! The band is so good

[@mikes9759]

He does have an amazing voice!! An can control it amazingly too!!

[@gregkemp1389]

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.

[@DogSlobberGardens-i7f]

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!

[@thesanfordmethod1905]

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.

[@ca7384]

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!

[@Stumptonian1]

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.

[@jbrethel]

I remember hearing this for the first time. It, literally, took my breath away. Still does..... EVERY TIME. Absolutely beautiful.❤

[@christopherhudson3551]

Nice job. All the shredding in the world can’t top beautiful fill work like that.

[@jimle22]

You are absolutely correct about that. I am an old rockabilly fan anyway. Kinda like Roy Orbison's voice.

[@jaredcowie5314]

Thank you so much. I have only been playing a couple of months and this is one of the first songs I've tried to learn from scratch. Your explanations made it feel effortless - it was as though I was lifted way beyond my ability - I'll definitely be coming back for more.

[@ianmckenzie5303]

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.

[@xcx8646]

Amen, this song is a surefire hit with everyone. I play it often. Blue Hotel is fun too.

[@albertarguelles3262]

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...

[@wonderXweapon]

Well said 😊

[@johnkim1043]

Been waiting for decades to learn this. thank you!

[@GuyNAustin]

Awesome breakdown on one of the best songs of all time. Just proves that you don’t need to make everything complex or fast. Simple, slow, and ethereal is how I’d describe this song, and it really does touch one’s soul doesn’t it?

[@teleclasster]

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

[@MrDblStop]

Wicked GTR. RIP Cal.

[@therealandrecorbin4050]

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.

[@kgobrien1]

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.

[@brianwood7237]

I used to own - and foolishly sold - JCW's 57 RI strat...he engraved 'jcw' on the top side of the jack plate... I found out from somebody who worked at then Black Market music in San Francisco that he had unloaded a bunch of gear...I ended up playing that guitar through a beautiful black face Princeton reverb that I should have bought..the bar was set up to be floating... when I attempted to play Wicked Game everybody got quiet and said that's got to be the guitar I found out later it was mostly his stage guitar looks like he took a belt sander to it RIP JAMES CALVIN WISLEY, and his guitar (wherever you are)✌️❤

[@12footchain]

Aww man great story. Too bad you don't still have

[@brianwood7237]

​@12footchain yep...the one that got away, the back of the neck was so worn it was polished like an old banister in some old mansion

[@EnoKoshi]

That’s a fantastic explanation man, thanks a lot. You got all the nuances everyone misses.

[@simonbernal3934]

The influence of a perfect guitar part like this one can elevate a good song to a great song . Thanks for the tutorial .

[@RZ-sg8gp]

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.

[@daveaskew2105]

And who else is aware that Chris was originally a model and appears in Elton John's famous 'Sacrifice ' video....

[@georgeharrison816]

wow is the onl teacher that plays EXACTLY like james welsey....wel done !!!.....greetings from miramar argentina...

[@richardcruzjr]

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.

[@enchantederic3792]

Thanks for the album title. Bet I have many friends playing on that! Great day Richard Cruz jr!

[@Cobra-ky9bt]

Man, THANK YOU! You cleared up a phrasing in the riff I've had for more years than I care to admit.

[@roaringlion1977]

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.

[@iyona14granturismogt6gtspo7]

But he died😢...

[@roaringlion1977]

@iyona14granturismogt6gtspo7 yeah I saw that. Very unfortunate. TOTAL LEGEND

[@hodomin]

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 !🎉

[@derekstocker6661]

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!

[@wsurfn]

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.

[@kendodfc]

Such an articulate description and demonstration of all the techniques involved

[@Moderación-el-Llanto-del-Ánima]

Perfect❤ tune

[@acircharo]

I like this guy! Excellent lesson, well done! Clear, concise, everything you want a lesson to be! I'm a subscriber!!

[@12footchain]

Welcome aboard!

[@jeffscott7266]

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!!!!

[@simonsmith2642]

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.

[@Dreyno]

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.

[@andyg1245]

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!

[@genekruse8688]

Nice Kzoo story!

[@1rwjwith]

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.

[@12footchain]

Nice. I didn't see Chris Isaak live until 96-7, his then and current guitar player is also awesome. Hershel Yatovitz

[@1rwjwith]

@ 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.

[@Wichitan]

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.

[@malcolmdann3581]

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.

[@mruncletheredge]

Thank you for teaching me how to play this song properly.... Been playing it wrong for 20 years...

[@alanjanda696]

Dude you can hear how sweet that amp is! No fooling around. Awesome lesson!

[@12footchain]

In many ways my favorite sounding amp of all time

[@josephstewart5201]

I had the pleasure of speaking by phone with James once. It was back around 2005 or so, and I don't believe he was living anywhere near L.A. As I recall, the area code was like Fresno or Bakersfield, not sure. Anyway, you'd be hard-pressed to find a kinder, gentler, nicer guy, or for that matter, anyone with more inherent talent on guitar. In the years preceding his passing, he was REALLY getting into modeling, spending less time with actual tube amps, his characteristic deep, cavernous reverb was ever-present. It was a pleasure and a blessing just to speak with him.

[@thoughtprovoking001]

I love this tutorial and your clear style! Very easy to follow along with. Many others tutorials leave me with more questions than answers. Thankyou

[@12footchain]

great to hear, glad you like! thanks for sharing

[@michaelworse6034]

❤Fantastic lesson with lots of hidden gems 💎 ! Thanks so much , Sir . Absolutely stunning playing and sound .

[@Ravenseven7]

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 👍

[@thescarletandgrey2505]

Very good lesson! Better than any of the in-person teachers I’ve had over the years

[@WysteriaGuitar]

It's a haunting tone on electric and of course you nailed it!

[@dukeravenshadow5532]

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.🤘

[@Zsolto66]

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

[@kertbert1]

I fell in love with this song first time I heard it. It's a masterpiece with broken love written all over it.

[@Peetie_Wheatstraw]

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.

[@Cre8tvMG]

Great video. There was something magical about that simple but gorgeous and unique electric guitar line, and you really captured it perfectly. Thanks.

[@debiegordon3787]

THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A FAV of mine,sends chills thru me. YOU teach it so damn well🎸 Chris Isaac is MESMERIZING...

[@andrewwilkins4113]

Best instructional video for this great song I've found!! Outstanding!!🎼

[@bigdavedave9865]

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 🙏

[@maxjensen5835]

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!

[@fensterputzernuernberg]

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 !

[@jennylynne524]

As someone newer and mostly housebound due to health, I am trying to learn on my own just for fun - which can be a bit frustrating at times. For me, it feels you are talking to us from the same room rather than through a screen. Explaining things thorough enough for all levels to understand if there is something they didn't know while still keeping a good pace. Including the little extras/variants that some others may not is nice, too. Thank you for sharing.

[@12footchain]

Thank you! Glad you are enjoying

[@Robert-Peterson]

Oh man...thanks for the breakdown of a gorgeous song. Your tones and playing were perfect.

[@markroylance1584]

Love your lessons ! You get the sound , tone and vibe right every time.

[@mahkyb]

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.

[@mcampbell5158]

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.

[@12footchain]

Thank you!

[@scottthompson5855]

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.

[@bjorndunderbeck-z3d]

love songs that hypnotise you when you play them, you just wanna keep playing, I really appreciate your feel, thanks!

[@shaundomingue6509]

Beautiful lesson. Your tone and touch are killin'.👍👍

[@Oilyhands749]

Thanks so much for this , no idea how I’d missed it What a song It’s now on permanent repeat 👌 Love your presentation style

[@brendacorona5683]

Good lord! Hands down one of my favorite guitar lessons!! Amazing💙

[@tylerjacobs5109]

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.

[@12footchain]

Welcome!

[@TonySmith-cz5df]

Doing my head in just play the fucking tune

[@howardcoleman4748]

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

[@spookybaba]

Such a simple but really effective guitar part.

[@johnperry9082]

Absolute perfect lesson of this iconic riff and song. I've been trying to get this right for sometime now, and your Lengthy walk through really helped. Thank you, have subscribed.

[@merorbb]

That’s some otherworldly stuff right there… Kinda spooky really. Many thanks from Brazil here 👏👏👍

[@BrianCato-bn4by]

Excellent! Love the description and the appreciation of such great guitar work.

[@markmiller4357]

Awesome lesson! Very clear, spot on, the additional tips and insights into the "feel" of the song. Oh! And the use of the tremelo! Thank you so much. I've always loved this song, but never could quite "get it". 💖💖💖

[@patrickdarling9553]

Thanks man...fir the tutorial I'm personal friends with Chris Issac Drummer Kenny Dale Johnson. Lived 28 miles apart. Played with him in '69ish. One version of the Buster Brown Band. Pampa, Texas, Borger, Texas ✌️

[@12footchain]

Wow, that's amazing! I hope I did it justice. All those guys seem like great guys to hang out with. Maybe one day paths will cross.

[@bobgutierrez5690]

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.

[@12footchain]

You are right

[@daveaskew2105]

Awesome!!!! One of the greatest guitar sounds ever......

[@robskatesurf9125]

Excellent lesson and I've always loved that guitar part. I've been playing it the hack way. Thank you so much. I subscribed.

[@12footchain]

Welcome aboard!

[@Jef-sj6zc]

What a great guitar work ; it seems simple to play and it is kind of but inventing it with that sound ; man , that is something real different : it is brilliant. Thank you for sharing this : for me it is proof that beautiful , well timed notes win it from shredding on your guitar or play as fast as you can because it is give you that special feeling when you listen to it . 👍

[@chriscox3709]

I didn't like this song back when it came out. Then I grew up and had my heart shredded a couple of times. Now I absolutely love it. It is some brilliant guitar. Not necessarily in the skill but in the note and rythm choice which I guess is very skillful. Thanks for the tab/lesson and settings. I will have some fun with it. 👍 Those last four words are absolutely haunting.

[@dwise3651]

Great lesson and presentation of this most excellent song.

[@mickvictor]

Thanks for leaving the link for the Letterman show. Man, Chris Isaak has the smoothest vocal transition to falsetto, doesn't he? I'd love to be able to sing like that. Smooth!

[@RobBob555]

Where ? I don't see it

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

Really appreciate the pitch of your delivery, really concise and relaxed. Subscribed

[@12footchain]

Welcome!

[@bluegroove536]

This is the kind of teaching that I wish I had when I started out... very well done!!! Thank You

[@resituber197]

Appreciate your appreciation. What a stunning song and a great tutorial for which many thanks.

[@mikes9759]

Amazing song and playing. And of course his singing!!

[@audibletapehiss3764]

Came for the lesson, got a new appreciation for a master and his gift to the world.

[@louisndupuis]

Great tone! And great lesson, thanks a lot for clarifying some parts that I wasn't too sure about

[@hexpistol1773]

So simple yet Beautiful

[@TheBassSlayer62]

Strats sound so good. This song showcases this. Sweet.🎸🎸🎸👍👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦😎😎😎

[@k9er233]

This song has always brought one word to mind for me. Languid. Thank you for the superb lesson. Subbed.

[@12footchain]

Welcome!

[@trevormurphy4126]

I really enjoyed that lesson. Thank you 👏👍

[@pzuliomaccavellion9711]

Comprehensive and brilliant lesson. Thank you

[@TheHesseJames]

I love that you show you are really touched by this song

[@wesmccue7091]

Beautifully simple... but not. Three chords but with so much pain inside it. Thanks. 👍

[@mickjimi]

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.

[@thestories3617]

Very Good lesson, got it first time round! Thanks!

[@KBorham]

Fantastically, frustratingly simple. It’s all simple, if you know how to do it. Thank you for showing us how to do it, respect. Just subscribed……

[@12footchain]

Welcome!

[@chriss1492]

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!

[@Doug-nr3gh]

David Lynch passed away this week

[@chriss1492]

Yes, sad news. What a creative, outside-the-box mind. RIP DL

[@stephenprunetti624]

You nailed this. Great tone, great playing 🎸👍🏻