Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE G
EADGBE Em
EADGBEX A
EADGBE C
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEX Am
Other songs by Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd

 Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" is a classic acoustic-driven song, originally played with subtle dynamics and expressive phrasing. Keeping the song's gentle, reflective mood is key to an authentic performance.

Chords and Progression

The main chords throughout are G, Em, A, C, D, and Am, all open-position and beginner-friendly. Practice switching smoothly between these shapes before playing along.

Strumming Pattern

For beginners, a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern fits well. Play gently, emphasizing the second and fourth beats for a laid-back feel. Try:

D – D U U D U

Listen to the original for guidance, but it's okay to keep it simple at first.

Chord Transitions

Common tricky changes are G to Em and D to C. Practice moving between these slowly. For the intro and bridge, the G–Em–A sequence repeats often; use minimal finger movement to switch between G and Em.

Techniques and Tips

  • Let chords ring clearly, avoiding muted strings.
  • Use your thumb to lightly mute the low E string when playing D, C, and Am for a cleaner sound.
  • During the intro and outro, play softly to match the song's mood.
  • Don't rush; the song feels best when played relaxed and steady.

With practice, you'll capture the song's heartfelt vibe. Enjoy playing!

EADGBE G
EADGBE Em
EADGBEX A
EADGBE C
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEX Am
Intro
G Em G Em G Em A
G Em G Em G Em A
Em A Em G A G
Em Em A A Em Em A A G G
Verse 1
C So, so you think you canD tell, heaven fromAm hell? Blue skies fromG pain?
Can you tell a greenD field, from a cold steelC rail? A smile from aAm veil?
Do you think you canG tell?
 Verse 2
Did they get you toC trade, your heroes forD ghosts? Hot ashes forAm trees?
Hot air for aG cool breeze? Cold comfort forD change.
And did you exC change, a walk-on part in theAm war, for a lead role in aG cage?
 Bridge
G Em G Em G Em A
G Em G Em G Em A G
Chorus
C How I wish, how I wish you wereD here.
We're justAm two lost souls swimmin' in a fishbowl,G year after year.
D Runnin' over the same old ground,C what have we fou-ound?
The same oldAm fears? Wish you wereG here.
 Outro
G Em G Em G Em A
G Em G Em G Em A G
G Em G Em G Em A
G Em G Em G Em A G
Other songs by Pink Floyd