Master the Iconic ‘I Want It That Way’ on Guitar- Step-by-Step Guide to Rocking Your Favorite Backstreet Boys Hit

How to Play “I Want It That Way” on Guitar

Playing “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys on the guitar is a thrilling challenge for both beginners and intermediate players. This iconic song, known for its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, has captured the hearts of millions around the world. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps and techniques to master this classic tune on the guitar.

Understanding the Song Structure

Before diving into the guitar tabs, it’s crucial to understand the song structure of “I Want It That Way.” The song is primarily in the key of E minor and follows a typical verse-chorus structure. The verses consist of four lines, while the chorus is repeated several times. The song’s tempo is around 120 beats per minute, making it a great workout for your fingers.

Essential Chords

To play “I Want It That Way,” you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the following essential chords:

– E minor (Em)
– A major (Am)
– B major (Bm)
– E major (Em)

These chords form the backbone of the song and are used throughout the verses and choruses. It’s essential to practice these chords until you can play them smoothly and transition between them effortlessly.

Verse Guitar Tabs

The verses of “I Want It That Way” are relatively simple to play. Here’s a basic tablature for the first verse:

“`
e|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
B|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
G|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
D|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
A|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
E|0–0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|0–0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|0–0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|0–0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|
“`

This tablature represents the first four bars of the verse. Notice that the E minor chord is played on the first and second strings, while the A major chord is played on the third and fourth strings. Practice this pattern until you can play it consistently.

Chorus Guitar Tabs

The chorus of “I Want It That Way” is more complex than the verses, featuring a higher degree of difficulty. Here’s a basic tablature for the chorus:

“`
e|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
B|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
G|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
D|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
A|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
E|0–0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|0–0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|0–0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|0–0-0-0-0-0-0-0-|
“`

This tablature represents the first four bars of the chorus. The pattern is similar to the verse, but with a higher degree of difficulty. Practice this pattern until you can play it smoothly and transition between chords without hesitation.

Practice Tips

To master “I Want It That Way” on the guitar, follow these practice tips:

– Start by learning the chords and their transitions.
– Practice strumming patterns and timing to ensure a consistent rhythm.
– Use a metronome to improve your timing and accuracy.
– Record yourself playing the song and compare it to the original to identify areas for improvement.
– Keep practicing consistently to build muscle memory and improve your technique.

Conclusion

Playing “I Want It That Way” on the guitar is a rewarding experience that will help you improve your skills and enjoy one of the greatest pop songs of all time. By following these guidelines and practicing diligently, you’ll be able to perform this classic tune with confidence and pride. Happy strumming!