How to Play “I Want to Know What Love Is”
Learning how to play “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner can be a thrilling experience for both beginners and seasoned guitarists. This iconic rock anthem, released in 1984, has captured the hearts of many with its catchy melody and powerful lyrics. In this article, we will guide you through the process of playing this classic song on the guitar.
First, let’s discuss the key of the song. “I Want to Know What Love Is” is written in the key of A major. To play along with the song, you’ll need to be familiar with the A major chord shape. Here’s a simple way to form the A major chord: place your index finger on the second fret of the first string, your middle finger on the second fret of the second string, your ring finger on the second fret of the third string, and your pinky on the second fret of the fifth string. Strum all six strings to play the chord.
The song follows a straightforward chord progression, which is a sequence of chords that are played in a specific order. For “I Want to Know What Love Is,” the progression is A-G-Fm-E. To play this progression, strum the A chord, then move to the G chord, followed by the Fm chord, and finally the E chord. Repeat this sequence to keep the song flowing smoothly.
One of the most memorable parts of the song is the guitar solo. To play the solo, you’ll need to be comfortable with fingerpicking and bending notes. The solo starts with a series of fast, descending notes, followed by a slower, more melodic section. Here’s a breakdown of the solo:
– Fast descending notes: Play the A minor pentatonic scale (A-C-E-G) in a descending pattern, bending the notes slightly to add flavor.
– Slower, more melodic section: Play the E minor pentatonic scale (E-G-A-B-D) in a more fluid, legato style, bending the notes to create a smooth transition between them.
As you practice, remember to pay attention to the timing and dynamics of the song. The rhythm section is crucial for keeping the song’s energy up, so make sure to strum the chords and solo parts with conviction. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different guitar effects, such as reverb or delay, to add depth to your playing.
Once you’ve mastered the chords, progression, and solo, it’s time to put it all together. Start by playing the song through a few times, focusing on maintaining a consistent tempo and rhythm. As you become more comfortable with the song, you can add in the vocal parts, either by singing along or by playing the vocal melody on your guitar.
Playing “I Want to Know What Love Is” can be a rewarding experience, and with practice, you’ll be able to deliver a powerful performance of this timeless classic. Happy playing!
