Wild World by Cat Stevens

Learn how to play "Wild World" by Cat Stevens with our comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson. This timeless classic, released in 1970 on his album Tea for the Tillerman, is an acoustic-driven masterpiece that features some essential guitar techniques. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate guitarist, this lesson focuses on teaching you the key techniques and musical elements of the song, allowing you to master the style and feel of this iconic track. Michael Casswell breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Overview of "Wild World"

"Wild World" is known for its emotional lyrics and gentle, catchy melody. The song features acoustic guitar as its backbone, making it a perfect study piece for players looking to enhance their acoustic guitar skills. The song is structured around relatively simple chord progressions and features a rhythm that drives the emotion of the song forward. However, the real magic lies in the subtleties of the guitar techniques, which make the song come to life.

Key Guitar Techniques in "Wild World"

In this guitar lesson, we’ll focus on several important techniques that will elevate your playing and provide a solid foundation for other acoustic songs.

Finger-Picking

One of the main techniques used in "Wild World" is finger-picking. Finger-picking gives the song its smooth, flowing rhythm and dynamic range. By alternating between thumb and fingers to pluck individual strings, you can achieve a more nuanced and intimate sound compared to strumming.

Benefit: Finger-picking develops your finger independence and coordination. It allows for a more expressive playing style and opens up opportunities for playing more complex patterns in future songs.

Chord Progressions

The song uses traditional chord progressions, which provide the harmonic foundation of the track. These progressions are straightforward but critical in building the emotional weight of the song. They move smoothly between major and minor chords, capturing the bittersweet tone of the lyrics.

Benefit: Mastering chord progressions will enhance your understanding of harmony and song structure, improving your ability to play a wide range of songs.

Barre Chords

The use of barre chords is prominent throughout the song, especially in transitioning between sections. Barre chords allow for greater control over voicing and tone, and in "Wild World," they are essential for maintaining the harmonic structure while providing flexibility in chord transitions.

Benefit: Learning barre chords is vital for expanding your chord vocabulary and for gaining the ability to play chords all over the neck. This technique builds finger strength and dexterity.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Subtle hammer-ons and pull-offs are employed in various spots throughout the song to add texture and articulation to the melody. These techniques involve quickly adding or removing a finger to a fretted note without picking it, creating a smooth, legato sound.

Benefit: Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs will help you create more fluid lines in your playing, improve your finger strength, and add expressiveness to your solos and riffs.

Slides

There are a few well-placed slides in "Wild World" that connect chords and phrases, contributing to the overall smooth and melodic quality of the song. Sliding between notes or chords enhances the fluidity of the playing, making the transitions seamless and graceful.

Benefit: Slides are a great way to improve finger accuracy and give your playing a more professional, polished sound. They also enhance legato phrasing in your playing.

Travis Picking

Cat Stevens employs Travis picking, which is a variation of finger-picking, characterised by alternating the thumb between bass notes while the fingers pick the melody. This technique is ideal for giving the song its rhythmic pulse while maintaining a melodic structure.

Benefit: Travis picking helps you build a strong sense of timing and coordination, and it’s a valuable skill for playing many finger-style songs.

Syncopated Rhythms

"Wild World" also features syncopated rhythms in its strumming patterns, giving the song its distinct, bouncy feel. Syncopation involves emphasising beats that are off the main beat, adding complexity and groove to the rhythm.

Benefit: Mastering syncopation will significantly improve your rhythm skills, allowing you to add more character and swing to your playing.

Cat Stevens and His Influence

Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf, is a highly influential singer-songwriter whose work in the late 1960s and early 1970s shaped the folk-rock genre. His guitar playing, while subtle and understated, is marked by emotive and melodic phrasing that perfectly complements his introspective lyrics. Stevens often employed finger-picking techniques and carefully constructed chord progressions in his acoustic work, much like in "Wild World." His approach to guitar is one of restraint and musicality, focusing on supporting the song rather than showcasing technical prowess.

Learning to play Stevens’ songs gives guitarists insight into how simplicity can be powerful. His work emphasises dynamics, timing, and feel over complex techniques, making his music approachable yet deeply rewarding to play.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

1. Finger-Picking
2. Chord Progressions
3. Barre Chords
4. Hammer-Ons
5. Pull-Offs
6. Slides
7. Travis Picking
8. Syncopated Rhythms

By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to not only play "Wild World" with authenticity but also apply these skills to a variety of other songs and musical styles. Dive into the lesson and start improving your acoustic guitar skills today!