I particularly enjoy teaching this Rolling Stones' song in guitar lessons here in Vancouver because of the varied strum patterns that are played on it. They are fairly challenging strums, so there's lots to learn from. And there are parts where the chords change on unexpected beats. It's one of the things that makes the song sound so great, and of course it's a great tool for us to become better at strumming guitar.
The chords and lyrics to the whole song are available at the bottom of this article.
Intro Strum Pattern
Here's the strum pattern for the Intro to the song:
Use this strum on the following chords, one pattern each, except the last G gets two patterns:
G Am G Am G x2
Verse Strum Pattern
While you could continue using the same strum pattern for the first part of the verse, in the recording he actually changes his strum. It's simpler at the end, you'll notice you get four down strums in a row.
Use this strum for the first five chords of the verse:
Bm G Bm G Am
That's when things change. Now we get the same strum pattern but it will be split up between the C and the D chords, like this:
Then you get a full pattern of G, then you split the chords backwards, D split with C. Repeat whole thing but without the D at the end and you have the entire Verse.
Chorus Strum
The chorus uses the same strum pattern, and the same way of splitting up the chords, but they are a different set of chords. That will take you from the Am to the C split with D.
Then you get four easy down strums that will cover you for the G and the F. Use this but two strums for G, two for F:
Then you are back to the regular pattern, split C with Bm. Repeat all that again but without the Bm, and you have the whole chorus.
"Wild Horses" Guitar Chords
You can download a PDF of the chords using the link below, or just read through the chord structure that is printed here.
WILD HORSES - ROLLING STONES
INTRO:
G Am G Am G
VERSE:
Bm G Bm G
Childhood living, is easy to do
Am C D G D C
The things you wanted, I bought them for you
Bm G Bm G
Graceless lady, you know who I am
Am C D G D
You know I can't let you, slide through my hands
CHORUS:
Am C D G F C Bm
Wild Horses, couldn't drag me away
Am C D G F C
Wild horses, couldn't drag me away
VERSE 2:
Bm G Bm G
I watched you suffer, a dull aching pain
Am C D G D C
Now you decided, to show me the same
Bm G Bm G
No sweeping exit, or off stage lines
Am C D G D
Could make me feel bitter, or treat you unkind
>> CHORUS <<
SOLO:
F C F C D Gx2
VERSE 3:
Bm G Bm G
I know I've dreamed you, a sin and a lie
Am C D G D C
I have my freedom, but I don't have much time
Bm G Bm G
Faith has been broken, tears must be cried
Am C D G D
Lets do some living, after we die
CHORUS 3:
Am C D G F C Bm
Wild Horses, couldn't drag me away
Am C D G F C
Wild, wild horses, we'll ride them some day
SOLO 2:
Bm G Bm G Am C D G D
CHORUS:
Am C D G F C Bm
Wild Horses, couldn't drag me away
Am C D G F C D G HOLD
Wild, wild horses, We’ll ride them some way
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