Introduction
Introduction
In My City is the debut song from Indian actress Priyanka Chopra featuring Will.i.am. The song was co-written by Ester Dean, who also provides his voice for additional vocals.
Priyanka gives homage to her nomadic childhood and shows her journey from a small-town girl to a big Bollywood star. This isn’t a guitar song in the first place, but J.J. Pattishall is going to teach you how to turn it into a guitar song.
In this video lesson J.J. Pattishall teaches how to play the song In My City as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Rhythm, Song Arrangement and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!
Song Structure
Introduction: In this part, J.J. Pattishall talks about how this song is a unique dance number and the influence of singer/ DJ Will.i.am makes the song upbeat, similar to the songs from Black Eyed Peas. In this section, you will also learn the tuning of the guitar for this song.
Chords and Rhythm: Here, you will learn the outline of the chords and the rhythm that you are going to use in the song. Furthermore, you will get to know how to improvise guitar playing in this song to make it more interesting.
Song Arrangement: In this section, you will be learning how to play the chords of Will.i.am, part of the song.
Song Demo: This is the last section where your guitar instructor is going to show you how to play the guitar section alongside the song.
In My City
Introduction
Chords and Rhythm
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Introduction
In My City is the debut song from Indian actress Priyanka Chopra featuring Will.i.am. The song was co-written by Ester Dean, who also provides his voice for additional vocals.
Priyanka gives homage to her nomadic childhood and shows her journey from a small-town girl to a big Bollywood star. This isn’t a guitar song in the first place, but J.J. Pattishall is going to teach you how to turn it into a guitar song.
In this video lesson J.J. Pattishall teaches how to play the song In My City as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Rhythm, Song Arrangement and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!
Song Structure
Introduction: In this part, J.J. Pattishall talks about how this song is a unique dance number and the influence of singer/ DJ Will.i.am makes the song upbeat, similar to the songs from Black Eyed Peas. In this section, you will also learn the tuning of the guitar for this song.
Chords and Rhythm: Here, you will learn the outline of the chords and the rhythm that you are going to use in the song. Furthermore, you will get to know how to improvise guitar playing in this song to make it more interesting.
Song Arrangement: In this section, you will be learning how to play the chords of Will.i.am, part of the song.
Song Demo: This is the last section where your guitar instructor is going to show you how to play the guitar section alongside the song.
In My City
Introduction
Chords and Rhythm
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Explore More in English Songs
Introduction:
Learn to play Elmore James' version of "It Hurts Me Too" with this detailed guitar lesson on Torrins.com taught by our instructor Mike Dugan. This classic 8-bar blues song features soulful melodies, a walking bassline, and the Delta blues technique, making it a must-learn for blues enthusiasts. This lesson includes chords, rhythm techniques, solo breakdowns, and a full song demo, with tabs and lyrics provided for a complete learning experience.
Fun Fact:
"It Hurts Me Too" is one of the most interpreted blues songs ever! Originally recorded by Tampa Red in 1940, Elmore James' recorded it once in 1957 and then in 1962. His 1962 version became a hit, staying on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart for eight weeks and even making its way to Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart two years after his passing.
Chords & Rhythm in "It Hurts Me Too"
- Key: D
- Chords Used: D7, A7, and others. Tune into the lesson to learn the rest of the chords used.
- Rhythm Pattern: DUDDUDDUDDUD (He also teaches an alternative positioning for a different feel.
- For advanced players, a Chuck Berry-style rhythm is introduced to add a more dynamic groove.
- The Delta blues technique is broken down in detail, ensuring you capture the authentic blues sound.
Sing & Play Section
- The lesson covers how to match vocals with chord changes and maintain steady downbeat strumming.
- The punchline of each verse remains the same, making it easier to follow along while singing.
Solo Breakdown
- The solo begins in the D major blues scale, bringing a bright and melodic sound.
- After a few measures, it shifts into D minor pentatonic, adding emotional depth and contrast.
- Mike Dugan explains this major-to-minor blues transition, a technique that gives the song its signature feel.
Song Demo
- In this final section, Mike plays the full song with a backing track, bringing together all elements learned in the lesson. Follow along with him to learn the intricacies of this song perfectly.
Why Learn "It Hurts Me Too"?
This lesson is a great way to improve blues phrasing, rhythm control, and soloing techniques. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn essential blues progressions or an advanced player eager to refine your Delta blues technique, this song is an excellent addition to your repertoire.
FAQs – "It Hurts Me Too" Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this lesson beginner-friendly?
Yes! The song uses simple chords, and the lesson breaks everything down step by step, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Q2. Can I play the song without singing?
Absolutely! The lesson teaches the instrumental parts separately, so you can focus on mastering the guitar before adding vocals.
Q3. How do I improve my blues soloing?
This lesson introduces a major-to-minor blues shift, a great technique for creating emotional and expressive solos. Practice this transition to add more depth to your playing. Moreover, you can also check out our in-depth Blues Guitar lessons to improve your skills.
Introduction
Tune in to another detailed guitar lesson on the Torrins platform! The I Should Have Known Better guitar lesson is taught by our expert instructor Steve Luciano. He makes learning this popular Beatles song both fun and rewarding.
I Should Have Known Better, by The Beatles, was originally released on the soundtrack of A Hard Day's Night—the film of the same name.
This guitar tutorial covers chord progressions and rhythm in detail. Steve also breaks down the advanced rhythm of this song for those who wish to level up their guitar playing.
Fun Fact:
In A Hard Day’s Night, "I Should Have Known Better" is performed in a train’s brake coach—but the scene was actually filmed inside a stationary van, with crew members rocking it to simulate motion!
Chords & Key
Steve Luciano demonstrates how to play this song in the key of G major, using only seven chords. Some of the key chords in this song are G, C, Em, and D7. Tune in to the full guitar tutorial to learn the remaining chords and master the song with us.
Chords Used in I Should Have Known Better Guitar Lesson
Verse & Chorus Chords: This song primarily includes open chords.
Strumming & Rhythm
Basic Rhythm Pattern: DDDUD (4 beats)
- The strumming pattern follows a 4-beat rhythm, making it beginner-friendly
- Steve Luciano demonstrates how to navigate chord transitions, including the shift from two chords per measure in the intro and beginning of the verse to one chord per measure throughout the rest of the song.
Right-Hand & Left-Hand Technique
- Since the rhythm remains consistent throughout, the right hand moves constantly, focusing on steady strumming.
- The left-hand placement changes, and Luciano shares great tips on finger positioning and switching, ensuring smooth playing.
Song Structure
This song follows the usual verse-chorus format.
Use the provided tabs to follow the chord progressions as Luciano guides you through the song structure.
Advanced Rhythm Techniques
Once you've learned the basic chords and developed good control over your left hand, you can move on to a more complex rhythm pattern.
Anticipated Rhythm:
- Luciano introduces a technique where chords or notes are played slightly before the expected beat to create a sense of forward motion and groove.
- This anticipation technique adds energy, syncopation, and a more natural feel to the rhythm, making your playing sound more dynamic.
Why Learn I Should Have Known Better Song?
Learning this Beatles classic will help you build core guitar skills in a fun and engaging way.
Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on technique, this track offers plenty of learning opportunities.
This guitar lesson focuses on:
- Learning various chords
- Understanding rhythm variations & dynamics
- Improving strumming and finger placement
FAQs – I Should Have Known Better Guitar Lesson
Q1: Do I need a capo?
No, a capo is not required. However, you can try experimenting with different voicings to see what matches your vocal range.
Q2: Are there any barre chords in this song?
No, Steve Luciano teaches this song using open chords only.
Q3: How can I make the rhythm more dynamic?
Playing chords slightly ahead of the beat creates a more dynamic feel. This anticipation technique is covered in detail in the guitar lesson.
Introduction:
Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars, taught by expert instructor Mike Walker. This beautiful and heartfelt song is known for its simplicity and emotional depth, making it a great choice for both beginners and intermediate players. In this lesson, you'll learn two different ways to play this song with and without a capo along with essential strumming techniques and dynamics.
Fun Fact: "Just The Way You Are" was Bruno Mars' debut solo single, earning him the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. This song marked the beginning of his rise to global stardom!
Chords Used in Just The Way You Are Guitar Lesson
With Capo (3rd fret):
- Mike demonstrates how to play the song with chords like Bm, Double Stack G, and others.
- The non-capo version of the song includes just a handful of chords, with one being a barre chord (Bm). However, Mike Walker demonstrates an easy way to play it, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Without Capo:
- Bb (barre chord), F, and others.
- This version features slightly trickier chord shapes, but the lesson breaks down smooth transitions between them.
Strumming Pattern
The song follows a consistent and simple strumming pattern: DDDUDUDD.
Mike explains how to approach string roots and strumming accents to enhance your playing. Tune in to the lesson to learn these techniques in detail.
Pro Tip: Since the song is highly repetitive, dynamics play a crucial role. Dynamics keep the song engaging and expressive. The verse is played slightly louder than the chorus to create contrast and keep the song engaging.
Capo vs. Non-Capo Version
This lesson provides two approaches:
- Capo Version: A beginner-friendly arrangement with simple chord transitions.
- Non-Capo Version: A slightly more advanced version with barre chords and intricate transitions.
Mike plays both versions along with a backing track to help tie everything together. The lyrics provided with the guitar tutorial help you follow along seamlessly, making it easier to match your playing with the vocal phrasing and timing.
Why Learn Just The Way You Are?
This lesson is perfect for players who want to master song dynamics and strumming consistency. You'll also gain experience with barre chords, making it a great stepping stone toward more advanced playing.
FAQs – Just The Way You Are Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
A: Yes! The capo version makes it accessible, while the non-capo version challenges intermediate players.
Q2. Do I need a capo?
A: No, but the capo version simplifies chord shapes and makes the song easier to play.
Q4. What if I struggle with the barre chords?
A: Mike demonstrates easy ways to tackle the barre chords and some tips for smooth transitions and finger positionings.
Similar Rock Songs
Introduction
Do you want to learn a classic blues rock song—one that almost everyone has heard and can get anyone grooving? You’re exactly where you need to be. Tune into the guitar lesson for Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love on Torrins.com, led by our expert tutor Steve Luciano.
He breaks down this song into Introduction, Chords, Rhythm, and shares great tips on everything from finger positioning to chord transitions, to ensure a smooth learning journey. You can also find tabs and lyrics for this song, along with the guitar tutorial.
Chords Used in Sunshine of Your Love Song Tutorial
Verse & Chorus Chords: Power Chords
This song heavily relies on 5th root power chords (two-note chords made of the root note and its fifth), making it a must-learn for mastering chord transitions and control. Some of the chords used in this lesson are D, C, and Ab.
Mastering these chord transitions will significantly improve your power chord fluency.
Strumming & Rhythm Pattern
The rhythm alternates between a DDD pattern and a DUD pattern, giving the song its signature groove.
Song Structure
Sunshine of Your Love follows a 24-measure form, making it an excellent song for developing rhythm consistency and smooth chord shifts.
- The intro starts with a power chord on the 6th string
- A few measures later, the riff transitions to the 5th string (Make sure the 6th string is muted!)
- The position changes again as the song progresses
Steve also points out parts of the song where he uses string bending. It’s a technique that adds emotion and character to notes, often giving the song a signature bluesy rock vibe.
Why Learn Sunshine of Your Love Song on Guitar?
Learning how to play this song on guitar helps you master techniques like string bending and gain fluency over power chords. Learning these techniques helps you add expressive dynamics to your playing, and power chords are essential for classic rock and blues.
Sunshine of Your Love is a perfect song to add to your repertoire if you wish to develop better finger positioning & control and enhance your rhythm skills with a structured song.
FAQs – Sunshine of Your Love Guitar Lesson
Q1: Can I learn the song Sunshine of Your Love on guitar without tabs and lyrics?
Sure, it’s possible — but why make it harder than it needs to be? The tabs and lyrics included in our tutorial are there to guide you through the structure, chord changes, and timing. Especially if you're still building confidence, they’ll save you hours of trial and error.
Q2: What techniques will this lesson help me improve?
This lesson is a goldmine for anyone looking to tighten their rhythm and power chord game. You'll get hands-on with strumming patterns, chord transitions, and some expressive string bending — all crucial techniques if you're aiming to play blues or classic rock with the right attitude and feel.
Fun Fact: The iconic riff of Sunshine of Your Love was directly inspired by Jimi Hendrix! After witnessing Hendrix's electrifying performance at London’s Saville Theatre on January 29, 1967, Cream’s bassist Jack Bruce went home and came up with the song’s signature riff that same night, and then the song was written on top of it. Guitarist Eric Clapton later described it as a tribute to Hendrix’s incredible playing.
Songs with Similar Difficulty
Introduction
Torrins brings you a detailed guitar lesson on another late-1990s rock hit, Jumper, by the American rock band Third Eye Blind. In this tutorial, our expert instructor, Steve Luciano, breaks down this acoustic power pop song, sharing valuable insights to help you master it on guitar.
This guitar song tutorial covers Intro, Chords, Rhythm, and comes with Tabs and Lyrics for an all-rounded playing and learning experience.
Chords Used in Jumper Guitar Lesson
This song features a mix of open and extended chords, creating a rich and dynamic sound.
The song is originally written in the key of C major and has a time signature of common time and a tempo of 88 beats per minute.
Steve Luciano teaches this song using 5 chords two of which are Fmaj7/C and D4add9. Check out the complete lesson to know the rest.
Chords used: Fmaj7/C and D4 add 9
Steve shares a simple hack to play D4add9, making it easier to transition smoothly between chords. He also covers detailed finger positioning to ensure clarity in each chord change.
Strumming Pattern
Pattern: DDDUDUUD
The song follows a 4/4 time signature, but what makes it unique is the 16th note rhythm in the intro. Your right hand moves four times as fast, but you don’t have to hit the strings every time—just keeping your hand moving at that pace gives the desired groove. Steve breaks down this technique in the lesson to help you nail the feel of the song.
Song Structure
This song follows a verse-chorus format, with rhythmic variations adding energy to different sections.
- Verse: The first measure contains two chords, while the next measure is a full measure of one chord.
- Chorus: Features a groovier and faster rhythm, helping you develop better control in your right hand.
- Muting Technique: In parts of the song, Steve demonstrates how to mute the strings while playing Fmaj7/C, creating a percussive effect. If you struggle with this, he also teaches an alternative approach.
Why Learn the Jumper song on guitar?
- Improves right-hand independence and left-right hand coordination for smoother transitions.
- Teaches unique strumming techniques that add groove and freshness to your playing.
- Helps develop speed and precision, making your playing sound more natural and effortless.
Tips for Playing the Jumper Song Smoothly on Guitar
- Practice chord transitions first before focusing on strumming.
- Loosen your grip to achieve proper string muting in certain sections.
- Focus on feeling the rhythm, especially during faster, groove-heavy parts.
FAQs – Jumper Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
A: The Jumper song on guitar is best suited for intermediate players due to its faster rhythm and complex strumming patterns.
Q2. What if I struggle with the faster rhythm?
A: In that case, practice the strumming motion slowly first before speeding up. The key is keeping your right hand moving consistently.
Recording Fun Fact: For Jumper, Stephan Jenkins wanted a deep, thudding drum sound, so they recorded in a small room with the doors open for a natural "breathing" effect. He even had drummer Brad Hargreaves switch to smaller sticks for a more controlled feel, kind of like a Beatles-style recording trick!
