Unleash Your Inner Werewolf: How to Play "Werewolves of London" on Guitar (Without Actually Turning Hairy)
So, you've been bitten by the Warren Zevon bug, eh? You crave the thrill of the hunt... for the perfect rendition of "Werewolves of London." Fear not, my friend, for this guide will transform you from a meek acoustic strum-bunny into a full-fledged riff-raffian.
Step 1: Gather Your Howling Equipment
- Your trusty six-string steed: Acoustic or electric, it doesn't matter. Just make sure it hasn't been moonlighting at a heavy metal concert (we're going for a smoother vibe here).
- A pick (or your fingers, if you're feeling fancy): Claws are not recommended, although they might add a certain... je ne sais quoi.
- A pinch of patience: Learning an instrument takes time, grasshopper. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound like Zevon himself right away.
Step 2: Learn the Lingo (Because Werewolves Have Slang Too)
- Chords: These are the building blocks of any song. In "Werewolves," we'll be using just three: D major (D), C major (C), and G major (G).
- Strumming: This is how you make those lovely picking noises. We'll be using a simple down-down-up-down pattern for most of the song.
Important Note: There's a cool little piano riff in the original song, but we're going to adapt it for the guitar. Think of it as your inner werewolf howling its own unique melody.
Step 3: Unleash the Howl (But Keep it Playable)
Here's where things get hairy... well, figuratively speaking. We'll break down the main riff:
- D major (D) chord: Play it with all your might (but not so hard you break a string). Here's the tricky part: lift your pinky finger off the B string after a strum or two. This creates a slightly different sound, like a wolf's mournful cry.
- C major (C) chord: Similar to the D chord, but this time your pinky stays put. Strum twice.
- G major (G) chord: Strum twice.
- The Howling Riff: Here's where it gets fun! Use your fingers to pick individual notes on the D and G strings (think of it as tracing claw marks on the fretboard). Start on the third fret of the D string, then move down to the second fret, and back up again. Repeat this pattern while strumming lightly.
Pro Tip: There are a few ways to play this riff. Check out YouTube for some tutorials to find the one that suits your style.
Step 4: Practice Makes Perfect (Unless You're Actually a Werewolf)
Now that you know the basics, get practicing! The more comfortable you get with the chords and the riff, the smoother your performance will be.
Word to the Wise: Don't unleash your inner werewolf on your neighbors at 3 AM. They might not appreciate the late-night howling (even if it's musically inclined).
How to Play Werewolves of London on Guitar: FAQ
Q: How do I make the song sound more interesting?
- A: Try experimenting with different strumming patterns or adding some embellishments to the chords.
Q: I can't seem to get the pinky finger trick down!
- A: Don't worry, it takes practice. Try using a capo (a little clamp that shortens the strings) to make things easier on your fingers.
Q: Can I sing along while I play?
- A: Absolutely! Just remember, howling optional (but encouraged).
Q: What if I mess up during a performance?
- A: Hey, even werewolves get nervous! Just keep playing, the audience will probably think it adds to the wildness of the song.
Q: Most importantly, how do I avoid turning into a real werewolf?
- A: Unfortunately, this guide doesn't cover lycanthropy. But hey, at least you'll sound good if it happens!
