"Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak
“Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak is one of the most iconic and emotionally evocative ballads of the late 20th century. With its haunting melody, reverb-soaked guitar tones, and minimalist arrangement, this track provides a unique opportunity for guitarists to explore subtlety, expression, and tone control. Our Licklibrary lesson breaks down this song note-for-note, capturing the essence of its dreamy, melancholic sound. This is the perfect study for guitarists wanting to build their dynamic control, expression, and technique while learning a classic. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song & Guitarist
Originally released in 1989, Wicked Game found mainstream success in 1990, largely due to its appearance in David Lynch’s film Wild at Heart. The song features James Calvin Wilsey on lead guitar, whose melodic and atmospheric playing is the backbone of its iconic sound. Wilsey was a master of tone and feel, known for combining traditional rock and roll roots with surf-inspired textures. His influence can be heard in countless players who prioritise mood and ambiance over speed or complexity.
Wilsey’s playing is a lesson in restraint—he shows how to make a huge emotional impact with very few notes, relying instead on touch, sustain, and vibrato. Studying his work offers a masterclass in phrasing and the power of less-is-more guitar playing.
What You'll Learn in This Lesson
Our Wicked Game guitar lesson will guide you through each section of the song with crystal-clear explanations and expert insights. Whether you’re playing lead or rhythm, there’s a lot to uncover in terms of technique and tonal nuance. Here's a breakdown of the key guitar techniques taught in this lesson:
1. Slides
One of the defining elements of the lead guitar line in Wicked Game is its extensive use of slides between notes. This creates a smooth, gliding feel that perfectly mirrors the emotional weight of the track.
Benefit: Practicing slides helps develop control, timing, and the ability to move seamlessly across the fretboard while maintaining note clarity.
2. Vibrato
Wilsey’s use of vibrato is both wide and slow, adding a vocal-like quality to each sustained note. It contributes significantly to the song’s haunting atmosphere.
Benefit: Learning vibrato enhances your expressive range and helps you bring life and emotion to sustained notes.
3. Harmonics
Throughout the track, you'll find natural harmonics that ring out and shimmer above the mix. These add a ghostly texture to the otherwise sparse arrangement.
Benefit: Practicing harmonics sharpens your touch and accuracy, especially when trying to integrate them smoothly into melodic lines.
4. Finger Picking
Much of the rhythm guitar part involves gentle finger picking, supporting the melody with a warm, open sound that perfectly complements the lead lines.
Benefit: Finger picking builds finger independence and gives you more dynamic control, especially when playing quieter or moodier pieces.
5. Sustain and Tone Control
Though not always discussed as a formal "technique," learning to master sustain and tone control is crucial in replicating the sound of Wicked Game. Wilsey’s tone is rich and long-lasting, largely achieved through careful use of pickup selection, reverb, and light touch.
Benefit: Understanding how to manipulate sustain will drastically improve your ability to phrase like a professional and shape notes expressively.
6. Barre Chords and Open Position Chords
The song also features a mix of barre chords and open chords, especially in the rhythm sections. This provides a solid foundation for beginners wanting to improve their chord transitions and hand strength.
Benefit: Barre chords build left-hand strength and allow you to play chord shapes all over the neck, which is crucial for more advanced rhythm playing.
Final Thoughts
“Wicked Game” is not about flashy shredding or lightning-fast picking—it’s about atmosphere, dynamics, and emotional connection. By mastering the techniques in this lesson, guitarists can enhance their feel, touch, and overall musical sensitivity. Whether you're playing lead or rhythm, this track offers valuable insights into tone crafting, subtle technique, and expressive phrasing.
With our note-for-note video breakdown, you'll walk away with not only the ability to play this classic hit accurately but also a deeper appreciation of how minimalism and mood can make a massive impact in your guitar playing.
Techniques Used in This Lesson
Ready to capture the haunting beauty of Wicked Game? Dive into the lesson now and master this timeless classic with Licklibrary.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Rich Shaw
Richard is most well known as the guitarist and co-songwriter for UK metal band, Cradle of Filth, from 2014 until 2022. In his time with the band, he co-wrote and performed on the albums ‘Hammer of the Witches’ (2015), ‘Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness of Decay’ (2017), and ‘Existence is Futile’...