How to Play Born to Be Wild on Guitar: A Symphony of Chaos and Order

Playing “Born to Be Wild” on the guitar is not just about mastering the chords and riffs; it’s about embracing the wild spirit of the song itself. The iconic track by Steppenwolf is a anthem of freedom, rebellion, and the open road. To truly capture its essence, one must delve into the chaotic yet structured world of guitar playing, where every note is a step towards liberation.

Understanding the Song’s Structure

Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s crucial to understand the song’s structure. “Born to Be Wild” is built around a simple yet powerful chord progression: E, D, A, and E. This progression repeats throughout the song, creating a driving, relentless rhythm that mirrors the song’s theme of unbridled freedom.

The Power of the E Chord

The E chord is the backbone of “Born to Be Wild.” It’s a full, resonant chord that sets the tone for the entire song. When playing the E chord, focus on hitting all six strings with equal force. This will give the chord a rich, full sound that will carry through the rest of the song.

The Transition to D and A

The transition from E to D and then to A is where the song begins to take shape. The D chord adds a sense of movement, while the A chord brings a touch of brightness. Practice these transitions slowly at first, ensuring that each chord rings out clearly before moving to the next.

Mastering the Riff

The riff in “Born to Be Wild” is what makes the song instantly recognizable. It’s a simple yet effective sequence of notes that captures the raw energy of the song.

Breaking Down the Riff

The riff is played on the E and A strings, starting with an open E string, followed by the 2nd fret on the A string, then the 3rd fret on the E string, and finally the 5th fret on the A string. This sequence is repeated throughout the song, creating a driving, hypnotic rhythm.

Adding Dynamics

To truly capture the spirit of the song, it’s important to add dynamics to the riff. Start by playing the riff softly, gradually increasing the volume as the song progresses. This will create a sense of building tension, mirroring the song’s theme of breaking free from constraints.

The Solo: A Journey into Chaos

The solo in “Born to Be Wild” is a wild, untamed beast. It’s a series of fast, aggressive notes that demand precision and control.

Learning the Solo

Start by breaking the solo down into smaller sections. Practice each section slowly, focusing on accuracy and timing. Once you’re comfortable with each section, gradually increase the speed until you can play the entire solo at full tempo.

Adding Your Own Flair

While it’s important to stay true to the original solo, don’t be afraid to add your own flair. Experiment with different techniques, such as bends, slides, and vibrato, to make the solo your own.

The Rhythm: Keeping the Beat

The rhythm guitar in “Born to Be Wild” is just as important as the lead. It provides the foundation for the entire song, driving the beat and keeping everything together.

Strumming Patterns

The strumming pattern for “Born to Be Wild” is relatively simple: down, down, up, down, up. This pattern repeats throughout the song, creating a steady, driving rhythm. Practice this pattern slowly at first, ensuring that each strum is clean and precise.

Syncopation and Accents

To add depth to the rhythm, experiment with syncopation and accents. Play around with the timing of your strums, adding slight pauses or emphasizing certain beats. This will give the rhythm a more dynamic, lively feel.

The Final Touches: Bringing It All Together

Once you’ve mastered the chords, riff, solo, and rhythm, it’s time to bring everything together. Play through the entire song, focusing on the transitions between sections and the overall flow of the music.

Playing with Feeling

“Born to Be Wild” is a song that demands emotion. As you play, let yourself get lost in the music. Feel the power of the chords, the energy of the riff, and the wildness of the solo. This is what will truly bring the song to life.

Recording Yourself

One of the best ways to improve your playing is to record yourself. Listen back to your recordings, paying attention to areas where you can improve. This will help you refine your technique and develop a deeper understanding of the song.

Q: What is the best way to practice the solo in “Born to Be Wild”? A: Start by breaking the solo down into smaller sections and practice each section slowly. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable, and don’t be afraid to add your own flair.

Q: How can I improve my strumming for “Born to Be Wild”? A: Focus on the basic strumming pattern (down, down, up, down, up) and practice it slowly at first. Experiment with syncopation and accents to add depth to your rhythm.

Q: What are some tips for playing the E chord effectively? A: Ensure that all six strings are hit with equal force to create a rich, full sound. Practice transitioning smoothly from the E chord to the D and A chords.

Q: How can I add dynamics to my playing? A: Start by playing softly and gradually increase the volume as the song progresses. This will create a sense of building tension and add emotional depth to your performance.

Q: What should I focus on when recording myself? A: Pay attention to areas where you can improve, such as transitions between sections, timing, and overall flow. Use your recordings as a tool to refine your technique and develop a deeper understanding of the song.