The song “Don’t Look Back In Anger” by Oasis is a classic example of how simplicity in guitar playing can create a powerful and emotive piece. The song is built around a few basic chord progressions that any beginner or intermediate guitar player can replicate with a little practice.
The intro kicks off with a distinct hammer-on and pull-off on the C chord and resonates deeply, forming the tone of the song. What’s intriguing about this Oasis hit is that it stays approachable for new players but also allows more advanced guitarists to delve deeper into the melody and phrasing. It’s a wonderful example of a song with a guitar part that is both accessible and deeply satisfying to play. Additionally, the song lends itself perfectly to both acoustic and electric guitar renditions, making it versatile for any player’s style.
Backing Track (bass + drums + vocal)
Chords & Lyrics
Verse 1
Slip inside the eye of your mind
Don’t you know you might find
A better place to play
You said that you’d never been
But all the things that you’ve seen
Will slowly fade away
Pre-Chorus
So I’ll start a revolution from my bed
‘Cos you said the brains I had went to my head
Step outside, summertime’s in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace
Take that look from off your face
You ain’t ever gonna burn my heart out
Chorus
And so Sally can wait, she knows it’s too late
as we’re walking on by
Her soul slides away,
“But don’t look back in anger,”
I heard you say
Verse 2
Take me to the place where you go
Where nobody knows if it’s night or day
Please don’t put your life in the hands
Of a Rock ‘n’ Roll band
Who’ll throw it all away
Pre-chorus
I’m gonna start a revolution from my bed
‘Cos you said the brains I had went to my head
Step outside ’cause summertime’s in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace, take that look from off your face
‘Cos you ain’t ever gonna burn my heart out
Chorus
And so Sally can wait, she knows it’s too late
as she’s walking on by
My soul slides away,
“But don’t look back in anger,”
I heard you say
Solo (Pre-chorus)
x3
Chorus
So Sally can wait, she knows it’s too late
as we’re walking on by
Her soul slides away,
“But don’t look back in anger,”
I heard you say
And so Sally can wait, she knows it’s too late
as she’s walking on by
My soul slides away,
“But don’t look back in anger, don’t look back in anger”
I heard you say
At least not today
Strumming pattern
For the rhythmic part and to integrate the song correctly, I highly recommend this video of Noel Gallagher himself 🙂