Introduction

Rock

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Walk

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction:

Learn the groove metal song, Walk, by American heavy metal band Pantera from their sixth album, Vulgar Display of Power, on Torrins. Our expert instructor, Bobby Koeble, known for his metal guitar skills, will walk you through this detailed lesson. This lesson caters to both beginner and intermediate guitarists, with clear instructions and helpful tips.

Fun Fact: "Walk" by Pantera was inspired by the band's experience with changing relationships after they became famous. Guitarist Dimebag Darrell said the main riff was influenced by a simple rhythm they would play during soundchecks, which eventually turned into the song's iconic groove. The song's aggressive "walk on home, boy" line reflects the band's frustration with people who treated them differently after their success.

Bobby breaks this song lesson into various segments for detailed understanding and a smooth learning curve-

Introduction & Tuning
Intro Riff
Intro Power Chords
Verse
Prechorus
Chorus, Arrangement, & Outro
Solo parts 1, 2, and 3
Song with Backing Track

Each part is taught step by step, making it easier to follow along and learn the whole song at your own pace.

Chords Used in the Walk Guitar Lesson

The song is played in standard tuning down a whole step and a quarter lower.

Some of the key chords featured throughout include the Eb/Bb power chord, the D over A chord, the Db power chord, and the G chord.

Strumming Pattern

The rhythm follows a triplet-based feel, creating a steady groove. Downstroke picking is essential for maintaining the song's aggressive tone, especially during the pre-chorus and chorus. Fast-paced song with power chords making up most of the rhythm section.

Song Structure

Intro: The intro riff is simple yet powerful, all played on the 6th string. Bobby breaks down the intro by slowing it down and providing alternatives for ease of playing. The intro involves bending, slides, and a 3-note figure.

Verse: Verse follows the same 3-note figure from the intro, creating a repetitive yet driving rhythm.

Pre-Chorus: Involves power chords, including D over A, Db, and G, along with others. This section combines whole note values and half note values for a dynamic feel.

Chorus: Same as the power chord-heavy part from the intro. Note that the second chorus is played twice as long for added intensity.

Solo: The solo is divided into three distinct parts. There’s a dedicated video lesson for each part.

Outro: The song features a fading riff based on the intro section. Bobby shares a special technique for nailing this section—don't miss it!

Why Learn the Song Walk?

This lesson teaches key metal techniques like downstrokes, bending, sliding, and vibrato.
The song's triplet rhythm and fast pace will challenge and strengthen your playing skills.
Learning this iconic song will add power and groove to your playing style.

Tips for Smooth Playing:

Focus on clean transitions between chords.
Pay attention to silencing other strings during the intro.
Take your time with the bending and vibrato, t’s all about control!

FAQs – Walk Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes! The rhythm is easy to follow, the chords and solos might be trickier though.

Q2. How can I improve my triplet rhythm?

Practice slow and steady while focusing on even timing and downstrokes.

Q3. How do I maintain a clean tone while playing power chords?

Make sure to mute any unwanted strings and use proper finger positioning.

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Rock

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Tune in to the detailed guitar lesson for Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) on Torrins. This ballad, performed by the American rock band Green Day, is broken down step by step by our expert instructor, Steve Luciano. He explains the song’s various elements for better understanding, including chords, rhythm, and the backing track. The difficulty level of this tutorial ranges from beginner to intermediate.

**Chords Used in Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) Guitar Lesson**

Verse & Chorus Chords: The verse and chorus section uses open chords

Make use of the tabs provided with the lesson to follow along smoothly, understand finger placement, and improve your accuracy. The G chord in this song has a slightly more complex finger positioning than what beginners might be used to, but Steve breaks it down clearly to make it easier to play. He also offers alternative ways to approach the D/F# chord in case you find it challenging.

Strumming Pattern

Pattern: D-D-U-U-D

This pattern is played twice to complete one measure (four beats).

Steve shares great strumming tips to make the sound more defined.

Chord Transitions: Steve teaches smooth chord changes, such as G to Cadd9. Play along with Steve to get a good control over transitions.

Final Playthrough: Steve plays along with the song, showing how the full arrangement comes together.

Improvisation & Playing Techniques

Learn how to make the full-sounding open-string G chord properly.
Gain control over the Cadd9 chord, a popular chord in pop music.
Tips for transitioning smoothly between chords.

Pro Tips from Steve

Start slow – Play the melody in your head before playing along with the track, as the song has a fast strumming tempo.
Focus on chord clarity and bass notes to make your playing sound cleaner.

**FAQs – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) Guitar Lesson**

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

A: Yes! While the song has a slightly complex G chord and a D/F# transition, it is still manageable for beginners with practice.

Q2. What strumming pattern is used in this song?

A: The strumming pattern is D-D-U-U-D, played twice per measure. Steve also shares tips on how to make the rhythm sound more natural and which strings to emphasize to achieve a sound closest to the original version.

Q3. Do I need a capo for this song?

A: No capo is required. The song is played in the key of G, using open chords.

Q4. Is this song played on an acoustic guitar?

A: Yes! The song is originally played on an acoustic guitar. However, you can use a clean electric guitar tone for a similar feel.

Fun Fact: The album version of this song begins with Billie Joe Armstrong messing up the opening chords twice before starting over and getting it right. These mistakes were deliberately kept to add a lighthearted introduction to the song.

The Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) song lesson is played in the key of G, and some of the chords used in this popular song include G, Cadd9, D, and D/F# (D with F# in the bass). Check out the complete lesson to learn the other chords that make up this song.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Bombtrack

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Bombtrack is one of the explosive songs from Rage Against the Machine’s debut album. In addition to this, it comes with powerful riffs, and groove-driven rhythms and it also includes aggressive energy.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: There are no traditional arpeggios in the verse, instead you have to follow heavy power chords with a combination of muted rhythms.

e|---------------------------------|

B|---------------------------------|

G|---------------------------------|

D|---------4-4-2-2-4--------------|

A|---2-2--------------------------|

E|---------------------------------|

Strumming Pattern

This song follows a more tight-riff playing than your traditional strumming. As a result, you have to follow the rhythm guitar approach to be more precise and smooth. Here is how you should be strumming with a palm-muted downstroke approach for punchy rhythm: D D D D D U D U.

D = Down strum
U = Up strum

Song Structure

Introduction: In this introduction section Mike Walker your guitar instructor teaches you how to tune up the guitar for this song.

Song Arrangement: Here Mike shows you how to play the intro, midsection and the outro of the song. He shares his knowledge of guitar playing and how the intro is a 4 bar phase.

Overdub: Here, you will learn how to play the overdubs which come at the start of the song.

Song Demo: This is where you will learn how to play the entire song with the backing track to keep up guitar chords with the original time signature of the song.

Solo 1: Over here you will be learning how to play the first solo which is present right after the first bridge.

Outro Solo: This is the final part of this guitar lesson, here Mike is going to show you how to play outro solo.

Why Learn Bombtrack By Rage Against The Machine Song?

This is a pretty intricate song to learn that starts with simple yet heavy riffs, as a result, it is perfect for learning palm muting, power chord slides and even for practicing tight picking. This is one of the few songs from Rage Against the Machine which is beginner friendly, the guitar lesson that we have here is perfect for individuals who want to improve their riff-based playing.

FAQs – Bombtrack Guitar Lesson

Q1. Why is Range Against the Machine Controversial?

Ans. One of the biggest reasons why Rage Against the Machine is controversial is because of their fiercely political music that comes with sloganeering left-wing rants against the corporate culture of America.

Q2. How many BPM is Bombtrack?

Ans. This song is at 152 BPM; the song runs for 4 minutes and 3 seconds in the key of E and with a major mode.

Q3. Is Rage Against the Machine anti-capitalist?

Ans. Yes, that can be said for Rage Against the Machine because they have voiced their disagreement on various political, domestic and foreign policies that were introduced by the US government.

Q4. What is the heaviest Rage Against the Machine song?

Ans. Bullet in the Head is the heaviest song from Rage Against the Machine according to their fans. The song is a reference to how the government is trying to use the media to influence their control over the population.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Come As You Are as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Chords, Rhythm and Backing Track. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Catch the Rainbow

by Mike Walker

hard

Hard Rock

Taught by

Mike Walker

Wildflowers

by Pranay Verma

hard

Pop-Rock

Taught by

Pranay Verma

Come As You Are (Complete)

by J.J. Pattishall

Rock

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Fade to Black-Final Solo

by Mike Walker

Introduction:

Fade to Black was the first power ballad recorded by the metal band Metallica in 1984. This was the first promotional single from the band’s second album which was Ride the Lightning (1984). The final solo of the song uses melody as a means to provide transition to heavy chords.

Fun Fact: The song and its lyrics address the suicidal feelings because, during the time of its recording, some members of the band were having a really hard time in their personal lives.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios: The solo has heavy chord progression and for the final solo section there are no arpeggios for you to learn.

Strumming Pattern

This particular solo is for the lead guitarist, so it doesn’t really follow a strumming pattern like a rhythm part.

Solo Structure

Final Solo Part 1: In this part of the guitar solo lesson your instructor is going to be Mike Walker. Mike has divided the final solo from the song Fade to Black in 3 parts, this is the first section from the three parts.

Final Solo Part 2: This is the second part of the solo, here Mike shows you how to perform overlapping and using the licks that were present in the first part.

Final Solo Part 3: The third and final section starts with a little pull

Why Learn to Fade to Black-Final Solo By Metallica?

Learning the guitar solo of Fade to Black isn't an easy task, it is one of the things only lead guitarist in the band wants to try as it requires lots of technical knowledge of the guitar. Speaking of the solo it is the most emotional solo to be ever written and performed in metal history, for this solo you will have to learn how to use bends and vibrato efficiently.

FAQs-This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Which one is the saddest song recorded by Metallica?

Ans. Fade to Black is considered to be the saddest song from the metal group Metallica.

Q2. What is the meaning of the song Fade to Black?

Ans. The story behind the creation of Fade to Black is that Hetfield, one of the band members, was kicked out of the band's manager's home after he drank all his booze and broke things. He then went to his friend’s house, and there, on the couch, he wrote the lyrics of Fade to Black.

Q3. Has Metallica ever performed in India?

Ans. Yes, Metallica did come to India, they performed in Bangalore on October 18 in 2011. There was one more date in Gurugram but the band was not able to perform at that venue.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Texas Flood

by Mike Dugan

In this video lesson Bobby Koelble teaches how to play the song Pull the Plug as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Song Arrangement and Solo Lesson. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Rock

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Pull the Plug

by Bobby Koelble

In this video lesson Bobby Koelble teaches how to play the song Cowboys from Hell as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Cowboys from Hell (Introduction), Cowboys from Hell (Riffs), Cowboys from Hell (Verse), Cowboys from Hell (Chorus), Cowboys from Hell (Bridge), Cowboys from Hell (Solo) and Cowboys from Hell (Demo with Backing Track). Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Similar Metal Songs

Cowboys from Hell

by Bobby Koelble

If needed add some text content with lesson to show on viewer's screen.

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Lack Of Comprehension

by Bobby Koelble

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Breaking the Habit

by Mike Walker

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Last Resort as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, Rhythm, and Song Arrangement and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Last Resort

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Summer Song

by Mike Walker

In this video lesson, Mike Walker teaches how to play the song 18 and Life as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Piece, Song Arrangement, Song Demo, Overdubs, Solo Lesson and Outro. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Crystal Mountain

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction:

Torrins brings you another electrifying guitar lesson "Crystal Mountain by Death", taught by none other than Bobby Koelble, one of the original guitarists on the track. This lesson breaks down the intricate riffs, solos, and powerful progressions that make this song a metal masterpiece.

Fun Fact: Crystal Mountain was inspired by Chuck Schuldiner’s real-life experiences with his not-so-friendly next-door neighbour. Their unpleasant interactions fueled the aggression and emotion behind this legendary track!

Tuning & Gear

Tuning: Standard tuning down a whole step.
Use the provided tabs for a more comprehensive learning experience.

Song Breakdown

This lesson is structured into multiple sections to make learning seamless:

Introduction
Intro Riff
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Solo-Tapping Section
Main Solo
Acoustic Solo
Song Demo (Chuck’s Part)
Song Demo (Bobby’s Part)
Full Song Demo (Combining All Parts)

Chords & Riffs in Crystal Mountain

Intro Riff

The first 8 bars feature power chords like E, Bb, and F, with vibrato. Tune in to the lesson to learn the rest of the chords.
The second half of the intro is harmonised down a perfect 5th.
Scale: E Harmonic Minor.

Verse

The Am chord is played with a variation in arpeggio.
Includes F power chords and some single notes, along with other chords.
Heavy distortion is used to achieve that signature Death sound.

Chorus

Chorus features single notes and an active midsection involving the open 5th string.
Chuck Schuldiner added an intricate melody over the chorus section. Bobby walks you through this in detail.

Bridge

It begins with power chords in the rhythm track.
It is layered with harmonised single-note phrases on top

Solo Sections

Tapping Solo

This solo features harmonised tapping licks at the 12th fret.

Main Solo

Chuck’s solo—short but iconic.
It is in the key of G# minor.
Uses triplets and expressive vibrato.

Acoustic Solo

An acoustic solo is a rare touch in a Death song! Bobby demonstrates 4 simple acoustic licks to round off the song.

Final Song Demo

After breaking down every section, Bobby dedicates three lessons to the song demo:

Chuck’s part
His own part
The full song, combining all elements

Why Learn Crystal Mountain?

Learning this song will help you master intricate picking techniques.
It will also help you understand harmonised riffs and solos.
It will expand your knowledge of scales and metal phrasing.

FAQs – Crystal Mountain Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this lesson suitable for beginners?

A: This lesson is best suited for intermediate to advanced players because of its complex chords and solos.

Q2. What is the most challenging part of the song?

A: The solo-tapping section and harmonised melodies require precise technique and practice.

Q3. Can I play this without tuning down?

A: Yes, you can, but tuning down a whole step helps achieve the authentic Death sound.

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Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

18 and Life

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Fear of the Dark

by Mike Walker

Fear of the Dark - Introduction

Fear of the Dark is one of Iron Maiden’s most famous songs, released in 1992 on the album of the same name. Written by bassist Steve Harris, it explores the fear of darkness and the unknown. The song starts slow and eerie, then explodes into fast, heavy riffs. It became a fan favorite, especially in live shows where the crowd sings along.

The lyrics describe the creeping fear of being alone in the dark, where every shadow feels threatening. Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals and the twin-guitar harmonies make it unforgettable. The song’s structure is dynamic; starting quiet, building tension, then bursting into full energy. It remains one of their most-streamed tracks today.

Fear of the Dark Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down the song’s F major to D minor shifts. The intro uses clean arpeggios (F - C - Dm - Bb) before the heavy riff kicks in. The main riff is in D minor, played with palm muting for a tight sound. The tempo starts at 80 BPM but speeds up later.

The verse has a chugging rhythm (D5 - C5 - Bb5), while the chorus opens up with power chords (F5 - C5 - D5 - Bb5). The solos use the D harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#), giving them a dark, dramatic feel. The twin-guitar harmonies are a key feature—two guitars play different but matching melodies.

For the solos, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith use the D harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#). This scale gives the leads their dramatic, almost classical sound. The twin-guitar harmonies are a key feature—one guitar plays a melody while the other plays a matching part at a different pitch. These harmonies use intervals of thirds and sixths to create that classic Iron Maiden sound.

The bridge section before the final chorus has a rhythm part with quick chord changes. Here, you switch between D5 - F5 - C5 - Bb5 in rapid succession. The key is to keep your palm muting consistent while moving between chords. The song ends with a repeat of the intro arpeggios.

Beginners should start by learning the power chord shapes and the galloping rhythm pattern. Practice the palm muting to get that tight, punchy sound. Intermediate players can work on the twin-guitar harmonies—try recording one part and playing the other over it. Advanced players should focus on the vibrato and bends in the solos, which need to be precise to match the original recording.

FAQs

Q. What tuning does Iron Maiden use for this song?

Standard tuning (EADGBE), though they sometimes play it half-step down live.

Q. How do I play the rhythm correctly?

Use downstrokes on the main beats and upstrokes in between (down-down-up). Start slow with a metronome.

Q. Why does the solo sound so dramatic?

It uses the D harmonic minor scale, which has a raised 7th note (C# instead of C natural).

Q. Can I play this song on a single guitar?

Yes, but you’ll miss the harmonies. Try recording one guitar part and playing the other over.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Crazy Train

by Mike Walker

Introduction:

Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne is the most legendary rock and metal song of all time. This song also has some of the best guitar play by Randy Rhoads.

Song Structure

Introduction: In this part Mike Walker shows how much he loves playing this song and shares why it is important for every rock and metal fan to learn this song.

Intro Riff: Here, you will be learning the very first lick of the song for which the song became famous in the first place.

Pre-Verse: this is a 4 bar phrase, and it comes before the verse,

Verse: In this section Mike shows you the guitar chords which you need to play in the verse parts of the song. He also showed how you should be focused on playing the last 2 bars because if you learn that you will be playing the entire part of the verse section on guitar.

Pre Chorus: This is a four bar pre-chorus along with a couple of single notes present in it that Mike first shows how it is done then explains to you how you can play the same tune.

Chorus: In this part of the guitar lesson you will learn about the main chorus of the song. Mike has broken the chorus in multiple parts to make it easier for you to understand how it needs to be played.

Bridge: This is the part which works as a contrast between the chorus and the verse, you will be playing this part after the second chorus of the song, it has been used to give a fresh

element to the song.

Solo: This is one of the most intricate solos in metal music it goes up to 16 bars and it does have tons of guitar techniques which comes handy as a guitarist.

Song Demo: This is the final part, where Mike will play the guitar alongside the backing track.

Why Learn Crazy Train By Ozzy Osbourne Song?

The main riff of the song is instantly recognizable and if you learn it on guitar you will get to know about alternative picking precision. It includes a combination of power chords, single-note runs, and syncopation which is something essential for both rock and metal music.

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who originally recorded Crazy Train?

Ans. Crazy Train is the debut single by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, he released the song in the 1980s for his debut album which was his solo venture as an artist.

Q2. What is the hidden meaning of the song Crazy Train?

Ans. Crazy train is about the cold war which happened during that time and consumed the entire world in the 1980s. Osbourne was talking about dictators when he said “One person is conditioned to rule and control.”

Q3. Is Ozzy Osbourne going through mental health problems?

Ans. No, Ozzy Osbourne doesn’t have mental health problems; he does have progressing Parkinson’s disease, which causes new mobility challenges as he grows old.

Fun Fact: It was the first ever solo which Ozzy sang after leaving Black Sabbath, after the release it became an instant hit and even to this day it is one of the most recognizable songs of Ozzy Osbourne.

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Enter Sandman as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Song Arrangement, Song Demo, Song Demo with Wah Wah and Solo Lesson. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Enter Sandman

by Mike Walker

In this video lesson Bobby Koelble teaches how to play the song Perennial Quest as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Riff, Verse, Riff in 5-4 and Slow Section, Thrash Section, Chorus and Bridge, Solo Rhythm, Harmony Lead in Intro Riff, Solo 1 - by Bobby, Solo 2 - by Chuck, Outro Lead, Acoustic Section and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

If You Like Death, You'll Love These

Perennial Quest

by Bobby Koelble

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

1000 Eyes

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction: 1000 Eyes by Death is the song from their sixth studio album called Symbolic which was released on March 21st, 1995 under the label of Roadrunner records.

Fun Fact: The song talks about the unstoppable surveillance of the government on society.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: You will be using single-note arpeggios instead of full chords, and the arpeggios in the verse are as follows:

e|---------------------|

B|---------------------|

G|----7----5----4-----|

D|---5----4----3------|

A|--3----2----1-------|

E|---------------------|

Strumming Pattern:

The strumming pattern you have to follow for this song is a bit more of a fast alternate picking, tremolo picking, and palm-muted chugging. As a result, here’s how you will be strumming:

For palm muted chugging: D - D - DUD - D - D - DUD

Palm muted galloping: D - DUD - D - D - D - DUD

D = Down strum
U = Up strum

Song Structure:

Introduction: In the introduction your guitar instructor Bobby Koelble shares his insights about the song, what it means and the tuning required for it.
Intro Riff: Here you will learn about the intro of the song which is 8 bars in length. Also, you will learn how to play all the measures that are present in the intro.
Intro Solo: This section shows you how to play Chuck's solo part in the intro of the song.
Song Arrangement Part 1: From this section the main part of the song begins as Chuck

starts to sing from here. The guitar instructor breaks the arrangement down in several parts to make things easier here.

Song Arrangement Part 2: This part of the guitar lesson deals with the guitar playing you will be doing alongside the main chorus of the song. It is pretty faced paced strumming and chord progression so you need to have your full focus.
Song Demo: This is the part where Bobby is going to play the entirety of the song while the backing track is played. It is to show you how to strum and play chords in different parts.
Solo Lesson: Finally you will be learning Chuck's solo in this section, it is present in the Key of A minor. The riff which plays under the solo has already been taught in the above section of the song lesson.

Why should you learn 1000 Eyes By Death Song?

1000 Eyes has some of the most excruciating fast-paced riffs, which makes it challenging to play both for alternate picking and fret-hand coordination. As a result, it is a perfect song to build your speed and precision. It also gives you a challenge, so if you feel like all the songs that you have been playing on the guitar are too easy for you, this song will surely turn things around.

FAQs for 1000 Eyes by death Guitar Lesson

Q1. What happened to the Death band?

Ans. The band before breaking up in 2001 went through a lot of changes, all of this happened after the death of Schuldiner. The final line up of the band before the break up was Schuldiner on guitars and vocals, Shannon Hamm on guitars, Richard Christy on drums.

Q2. Was Chuck Schuldiner a good person in real life?

Ans. The death metal legend was friendly and loved his family members. Throughout his life, he had a bunch of his friends, and they all stuck together. His parents were still in contact with other band members and told them how Chuck helped them when they needed it the most.

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Voice of the Soul

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction

Voices of the Soul is the song from the seventh and final studio album of the Florida-based death metal band called “Death.” This particular song has an eerie spectre, and it is one of the most experimental and expansive songs from Death, with impressive songwriting.

Chords Used in Wake Me Up When September Ends

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: Open chords. The song is played in the key of G, and there is no need for a capo.

Chorus Variation: The chorus of the song is pretty short, and the guitar chords used in it are similar to those of the verse.

Strumming Pattern

The entirety of the song follows the same strumming pattern: Down-Up, Down-Up, Down-Up. (DUDUDU)

Song Structure

Introduction: In this section, J.J. Pattishall will show you the key in which the song is to be played.

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn how and why the guitar instructor has broken down this song into several different parts. This particular section will show you how to play the guitar parts of the intro, verse, chorus, and bridge.

Rhythm: Here, you will learn the open chords used to provide backing rhythm to the verse and chorus of the song.

Song Demo: Right here, after showing you how to play all the different chords for this song, J.J. Pattishall will show you how to play the guitar alongside the song.

Solo Lesson: This is the last part, where you learn how to play the epic solo from the song.

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Symbolic

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction

Get ready to master another death metal classic on Torrins—Symbolic by the band Death. This lesson is taught by Bobby Koelble himself, one of the guitarists on the original track. Bobby breaks down the song into several parts, covering essential chords, rhythms, and guitar tones, ensuring a detailed and engaging learning experience.

Fun Fact

Bobby Koelble joined Death after being recommended to Chuck Schuldiner, the band's co-founder, by a friend working at a local music store. Koelble and Schuldiner had known each other since high school in Orlando. After joining the band, Koelble toured with Death across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan before the band eventually disbanded.

Chords and Techniques Used in Symbolic

Tuning: Standard tuning down a whole step
Key: E minor
Some of the chords used in this song are G#, F#, Bm, and A7. Tune in to the lesson to know the rest of the chords used in this song.

Song Structure

Main Riff: The main riff repeats seven times and features vibrato, alternative picking, and palm muting. It includes a few power chords, one being G#.
Chorus: The chorus riff follows the same pattern as the main riff but repeats 14 times. Tune in to the lesson for a detailed breakdown of the rest of the chorus.
Solo Section: The solo section features four power chords. In this section, there’s a transition riff as well, which consists of four single notes and a power chord.
Solo section played by Bobby in the original song: It is played in the key of F# and features chords like B minor, F# power chord, and A7—all diatonic to F#. He breaks down the solo into three sections: beginning, middle, and end and shares valuable tips on mastering the solo, including his creative process behind crafting the iconic riff.

Bobby plays all elements slowly, first to make it easier to follow, then repeats them at normal speed. He also explains the guitar tone in detail.

Why Learn Symbolic?

This lesson provides a detailed breakdown of one of death metal’s most iconic tracks. Bobby Koelble’s insight into the composition and technique will help you refine your alternative picking, palm muting, and power chord transitions. It's a challenging yet rewarding song to master for any metal guitarist. If you’re an advanced player or an intermediate player looking for songs to improve your techniques, this song has to be in your repertoire.

Tips to Improve Your Playing

Start by playing the riffs at a slower pace, then gradually increase your speed.
Pay close attention to the vibrato and palm muting techniques to capture the song’s unique tone.
Focus on smooth chord transitions during the solo to maintain the song’s flow.

FAQs – Symbolic Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song suitable for beginners?

Ans: This lesson is recommended for intermediate to advanced players due to its fast-paced riffs and complex solos.

Q2. What tuning is used for this song?

Ans: The song is played in standard tuning down a whole step.

moderate

Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Zero Tolerance

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction:

Torrins brings you an in-depth guitar lesson on Zero Tolerance by Death, taught by none other than Bobby Koelble—one of the original guitarists on the track. This lesson dissects the song’s intricate riffs, multiple solos, and unique techniques to help you master this classic death metal piece.

Fun Fact: The title Zero Tolerance was later used for two compilation albums released under Chuck Schuldiner’s name, featuring rare demo material from both Death and Control Denied.

Tuning and Song Structure

Standard tuning, down a whole step.
Multiple solos from both Chuck Schuldiner and Bobby Koelble.
This Lesson is structured into key sections: Introduction, Intro Riff, Solo-1 (Chuck), Chorus, Bridge, Main Solos (Chuck & Bobby), Solo 2 (Bobby), Song Demo, and Final Note on Chorus.
Make sure to use the provided chords and tabs to follow along!

Breaking Down the Song

Intro Riff

Mostly in the key of E minor.
Straightforward riff featuring power chords, including low E power chords.
Incorporates muted string techniques for a tight and punchy sound.

First Solo (Chuck Schuldiner)

Simple power chord progression in the background, one of which is C.
Features an E minor major 7 arpeggio.
Chuck was known for focusing on feel rather than strict technical terms—tune into the lesson for an in-depth breakdown!

Chorus

Includes a riff and a melody.
Has a slow tempo (for a Death song), making it one of the easier riffs to play.
Features low E power chords, single notes, and palm-muted sections, along with other chords.

Bridge

A relatively easy section featuring some power chords and palm-muted notes.
Watch the lesson to master the additional chords!

Main Solo (Chuck Schuldiner)

Opens with a harmonized melodic lick up the 3rd.
Uses the A harmonic minor scale.
Bobby shares valuable insights on writing melodic solos—a must-watch for aspiring songwriters.

Main Solo (Bobby Koelble)

Played in F# minor.
Starts with an introductory lick harmonized up a 5th, then shifts to a minor 3rd harmony.
Solo is broken down into multiple digestible sections for easy learning.

Solo 2 (Bobby Koelble)

A short but technical solo occurring between the verse and chorus.
Starts with a C note and a tapped harmonic.
This section covers artificial harmonics.

Final Note on Chorus

Discusses the background chords heard in the final chorus.
Bobby teaches unique finger positioning techniques to recreate the exact sound.

Song Demo & Summary

To wrap it all up, Bobby plays the full song with a backing track, demonstrating how all the sections come together.

Why Learn Zero Tolerance?

Learn palm muting, power chord progressions, and harmonized melodies.
Master multiple solo styles, from Chuck’s emotive phrasing to Bobby’s technical intricacies.
Get valuable songwriting and soloing insights from an original artist of the song.

FAQs – Zero Tolerance Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this lesson beginner-friendly?

This lesson leans more towards intermediate to advanced players.

Q2. How can I improve my palm muting technique?

Focus on muting with the side of your palm near the bridge while maintaining a tight, controlled attack.

Q3. Are tabs provided for the lesson?

Yes! The chords and tabs included will help you nail every section.

moderate

Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Overactive Imagination

by Bobby Koelble

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

The Philosopher

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction:

The Philosopher song was originally written by Monty Python and composed by Eric Idle. The Florida-based death metal band Death covered the song in their fifth studio album, Individual Thought Patterns, which was released in 1993.

The Philosopher has been described as one of the more accessible cuts from Death’s later music catalog, and for some fans, it is their biggest hit to this day.

In this video lesson Bobby Koelble teaches how to play the song The Philosopher as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Tapping Piece, Verse, Prechorus, and Chorus, Solo Rhythm and Post Solo Rhythm Sections, Main Solo, Ending Solo Improv and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Song Structure:

Introduction: This is going to be the introduction to the song, the band, and the tune that you will be learning in this guitar lesson. Bobby describes this guitar song as pretty straightforward and not that technical to begin with.

Intro Tapping Piece: The intro of the song starts with a two-hand tapping part, along with other undertone notes, all of which you will learn in this part.

Verse, Pre-chorus, and Chorus: Here, you will learn how to play the famous guitar riff that makes the song memorable.

Solo Rhythm and Post Solo Rhythm Sections: This section explains how to play the riffs below Chuck’s solo.

Main Solo: Here is the main solo of the song, which is in the key of A minor. Bobby will also help you get accustomed to that one lick, which moves pretty fast.

Ending Solo Improv: This part of the guitar lesson builds your confidence in how you should improvise at the end of Chuck's solo and adds bits of your tunes as well.

Song Demo: This is the final part. Here, your guitar instructor will play the entire guitar section of the song alongside the backing track.