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There are some songs that just instantly transport you. Go West's "King of Wishful Thinking" is one of them. With its bouncy bassline, defiant lyrics, and unforgettable horn riff, it's the ultimate '90s feel-good anthem for the recently brokenhearted. Famously featured in the movie *Pretty Woman*, this track has remained a karaoke and radio staple for a reason: it's pure, unadulterated pop genius.
If you've ever wanted to channel that cool, resilient energy with your own guitar, you've come to the right place. Learning to play "King of Wishful Thinking" is a fantastic way to practice your chord changes and rhythm, all while having an absolute blast. So, grab your guitar, tune up, and get ready to crown yourself the king (or queen!) of your own musical domain. This guide will break down everything you need, from the essential chords to the signature strumming pattern.
The Royal Decree: Your Essential Chords
Before you can rule your fretboard, you need to know your loyal subjects. This song uses a handful of standard open chords, making it quite accessible. Practice transitioning smoothly between these shapes, and you'll have the foundation for the entire kingdom.
1. G: The foundational chord of the kingdom.
2. C: A bright and essential part of the court.
3. D: The driving, powerful knight of the song.
4. Em: The emotional, minor-key confidant.
5. Am: Another minor chord adding a touch of melancholy.
6. Bm: The only barre chord in the main progression, but a crucial one. (You can substitute with a Bm7 for an easier version if needed).
7. F: This barre chord appears in the bridge to shake things up.
Setting the Scene: The Storytelling Verse & Pre-Chorus
The verse tells the story of our confident protagonist putting on a brave face. The chord progression is steady and sets a cool, conversational tone before building anticipation with the pre-chorus. The chords here follow the vocal melody closely.
1. (G) I don't need you, I don't need you... (The song kicks off with the iconic bassline before the guitar comes in on the G chord).
2. (G) I know what you're thinkin', (C) you're thinkin' I'm crawlin' back to (G) you.
3. (G) No way, no way, I'm (C) through with you, I'm (G) finally facing the truth.
4. (G) I'll get over you, I know I will, I'll (C) pretend my ship's not sinking.
5. (C) And I'll tell myself I'm (D) over you, 'cause (G) I'm the king of wishful thinking.
6. Pre-Chorus Build-Up:
(Am) I will (Bm) never, (C) ever let you (D) see me cry.
7. Pre-Chorus Tension:
(Am) I will (Bm) never, (C) ever let you (D) look in my eyes.
The Unforgettable Anthem: The "King of Wishful Thinking" Chorus
This is it—the moment everyone's waiting for! The chorus is big, bold, and incredibly catchy. The chord changes here are straightforward and powerful. Put some energy into your strumming here to really sell the triumphant feeling.
1. The Crown Jewel:
(G) I'll be the king of wishful (C) thinking, (D) I'll be the king of wishful (G) thinking.
2. A Royal Declaration:
(G) I will get over (Em) you, I know I (C) will, I'll be alright. (D)
3. Ruling Your Emotions:
(G) I'll be the king of wishful (C) thinking, (D) I've got a new philosophy. (G)
4. The New Motto:
(G) I'm gonna fool my-(Em)-self, I'll fool every-(C)-body, but I'll never fool you. (D)
5. Closing the Chorus:
(C) No, you'll never see the (D) tears I cry, no (G) way.
The Royal Plot Twist: The Bridge and Solo Chords
Every good story needs a plot twist, and the bridge provides a musical shift that keeps things interesting. It introduces a new chord (F) and a slightly different emotional feel before launching into the fantastic horn solo (which you can easily strum over).
1. A Moment of Reflection:
(Am) Is there a (D) prince's ransom (G) on my head?
2. Questioning the Past:
(Am) Or is it the (D) price of all the (G) things I said?
3. The Chordal Twist:
(Em) I know that I'm (C) much better on my (G) own...
4. A Hint of Vulnerability:
(Em) ...than to be a (C) king on a lonely (F) throne. (D)
5. Strumming the Solo: The chords behind the horn solo are the same as the chorus. It's your time to shine as the rhythm section!
(G) - (C) - (D) - (G)
(G) - (Em) - (C) - (D)
Ruling with Rhythm: Strumming Patterns for That '90s Vibe
The chords are only half the battle. To truly capture the song's energy, you need that driving, upbeat strumming pattern. The main rhythm is a steady, syncopated pulse. Use D for a downstroke and U for an upstroke.
1. The Go-To Pattern: This works for almost the entire song (verses and chorus).
D - D U - U D U
2. Practice Slowly: Try it on a single G chord first: Down - Down Up - Up Down Up.
3. Muting for Percussion: To get that percussive "chick" sound, lightly lift your fretting hand fingers off the strings for some of the upstrokes. This creates a really tight, professional sound.
4. A Simpler Start: If the main pattern is tricky, start with a basic foundation.
D - DU - D - DU
5. Verse Variation: During the verses, you can play a bit softer and more simply, focusing on a steady down-up pattern to let the vocals shine.
D U D U D U D U
6. Chorus Energy: For the chorus, strum with more attack and make sure every beat is crisp and clear. This is where you can really dig in.
7. Bridge Dynamics: During the bridge, you can use single, sustained downstrokes on each chord to create a sense of space and drama before launching back into the full pattern for the solo.
(Am)↓ (D)↓ (G)↓
### A Final Word
Now you have all the pieces to assemble your own reign as the King of Wishful Thinking. Remember that these chords and patterns are a guide. The best part of playing music is adding your own spin to it. Don't be afraid to experiment with the rhythm or even try different chord voicings. Play it with confidence, sing it with swagger, and most importantly, have fun with this timeless pop classic.