The Wish You Were Here strumming pattern is one of the most iconic acoustic guitar patterns ever recorded. Once you nail this rhythm, you’ll have one of those campfire songs that makes people stop and listen.
In this lesson, Marty Schwartz breaks down the strumming pattern, chord progression, and those signature hammer-ons that make this Pink Floyd classic instantly recognizable.
The Chords You Need
Standard tuning, no capo. You’ll need E minor, G, and A7sus4 for the intro. The key to making this sound right is keeping your pinky on the 3rd fret of the high E string and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string throughout the entire intro section.
This anchored fingering is what creates that smooth, flowing sound Pink Floyd is known for.
The Wish You Were Here Strumming Pattern
Here’s where it gets good. The strumming pattern for Wish You Were Here isn’t complicated, but the feel matters more than the exact pattern.
Start with the open A string and hammer on to the 2nd fret. Then play the open D string and hammer on to the 2nd fret of the D string. After that, strum the E minor chord.
The pattern builds as the song progresses. In the intro, you’re keeping things sparse—hitting those bass notes and letting them ring. As you move into the verse, you’ll add more strumming on the higher strings.
Basic strumming pattern breakdown:
- Bass note hits with the thumb or pick
- Down strums on the higher strings
- Light upstrokes to fill the space
- Let the strings ring—don’t rush it
The rhythm is: down-down-down-down-down-up-down-down-down-down-down-up-down-down-down-up-down-up-down-up-down-up
But honestly? Don’t get too hung up on counting. Feel the groove. This is one of those songs where if you’re thinking too much, you’re doing it wrong.
The Intro Riff
The intro uses E minor, G, and A7sus4. Here’s how it works:
E minor shape: Keep those top two fingers anchored (pinky on high E, ring on B, both at the 3rd fret). Play the open A string, hammer to the 2nd fret. Then open D string, hammer to the 2nd fret of D. Strum the Em chord.
G chord: Same anchored fingers on top. Add your middle finger to the 3rd fret of the low E string. Play the same hammer-on pattern.
A7sus4: This is just barring your index finger across the 2nd fret of the D, G, and B strings while keeping that pinky anchored.
The intro repeats with slight variations. Pay attention to when you emphasize the first string versus when you keep it muted.
The Verse Chords and Strumming
For the verse, you’re working with C, D, A minor, and G.
The verse strumming opens up more. You’re not just picking through the chords anymore—you’re strumming full chords with that same rhythmic feel from the intro.
The progression: C → D → Am → G, repeat, then back to the intro riff to close it out.
Tips for Nailing the Wish You Were Here Strumming Pattern
- Keep those fingers anchored. Seriously. That pinky and ring finger stay glued to those top two strings for the entire intro.
- Let it breathe. This isn’t a fast song. Give the notes space. If you’re rushing, slow down.
- Hammer-ons need to be clean. Make sure you’re hitting that 2nd fret hard enough that the note rings clearly without picking it.
- Dynamics matter. The intro is quiet and contemplative. Build volume as you move into the verse.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake people make with Wish You Were Here is over-complicating it. This song is deceptively simple. The magic isn’t in crazy technique—it’s in the feel.
Another common issue: not letting the bass notes ring. Those open A and D string hammer-ons need to sustain while you’re strumming the chord above them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wish You Were Here strumming pattern?
The main strumming pattern combines bass note hits with down and up strums: down-down-down-down-down-up-down-down-down-down-down-up. The key is keeping a steady rhythm while letting the notes breathe.
What tuning is Wish You Were Here in?
Wish You Were Here is played in standard tuning (EADGBE) with no capo.
What chords are in Wish You Were Here?
The main chords are E minor, G, A7sus4 for the intro, and C, D, A minor, and G for the verse.
Is Wish You Were Here hard to play on guitar?
No, it’s actually a great song for intermediate players. The chords are straightforward, and once you nail the strumming pattern and hammer-ons, it comes together quickly.
Once you’ve got the intro and verse down, the rest of the song follows the same pattern. It’s one of those tunes that sounds impressive but is actually quite accessible once you break it down.
Rock on!