Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm

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

Welcome to the guitar lesson for Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon, a touching Hindi song that became hugely popular soon after its release in 2015. Sung by Armaan Malik and composed by Amaal Mallik, the song beautifully captures the feeling of love that stays alive even when two people are apart. The lyrics express this emotional idea in a simple but powerful way, with lines like “Main rahoon ya na rahoon, tum mujh mein kahin baaki rehna,” meaning “Whether I am here or not, stay somewhere inside me.” 

The song’s music video adds another layer to the story, featuring Bollywood actors Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta, shot in the picturesque setting of Goa. The visuals tell a gentle, heartfelt tale of two people connected by love despite their struggles. The song has been praised for its emotional depth and was recognized with awards for both its music and video, which speaks to how much it resonated with fans. It’s a song that feels personal and timeless, making it perfect for anyone who wants to learn a romantic, meaningful tune on guitar.

Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon – Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, instructor Steve Luciano breaks down a simple version of Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon that’s perfect for beginner and intermediate players. The chords used in the song include G, D7, Em7, Am7, Dsus4, B7, A, F, and Fmaj7. Steve carefully explains each chord, focusing on making them easy to switch between, so the song flows smoothly. 

He also shows how to handle the more complex chords like F and Fmaj7 by using simplified finger positions that still sound full but aren’t overwhelming for new players.

Steve’s approach to teaching the strumming pattern is relaxed and easy to follow. He demonstrates a gentle rhythm that fits the soft mood of the song, helping learners capture the emotional tone without rushing or overcomplicating things. 

The pattern combines downward and upward strums in a way that supports the vocal melody, making it easier for those who want to sing along while playing. Steve also encourages players to listen closely to the original track to get a feel for the pacing and dynamics.

Beyond chords and strumming, Steve touches on small musical details like where to let notes ring longer and how to add little pauses for effect. These subtle tips help bring out the song’s tender vibe and make your playing sound more expressive. He also offers advice on timing changes, especially around the chorus, so you can keep the song’s natural flow. 

The lesson is designed to make the learning process feel smooth and enjoyable, even if you’re new to guitar.

FAQs

Q. Is this version good for beginners?

Yes, Steve’s simplified chord shapes and strumming pattern are beginner-friendly and easy to follow.

Q. Can I play this song without barre chords?

Absolutely. Steve shows easier alternatives for the harder chords so you don’t have to use barre chords if you’re not comfortable with them yet.

Tu Chahiye - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on one of the most loved romantic songs of modern indian pop music, Tu Chahiye by Atif Aslam. Performed for the Bollywood movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan, the song has received almost 75 million views on YouTube.

The movie is about a man who helps a little girl lost in a foreign land reach her home across the borders of nation and religion.

The song, though, is a subplot. The lyrics express deep emotion and longing for the love interest, fitting the film's emotional themes. Musically, the track goes from slow romantic mush to upbeat disco feel, which can be thought of as a parallel to the storyline shown in the song as well as in the movie overall. The hero and the heroine grow into a romance towards each other as the song progresses.

Tu Chahiye Guitar Lesson

Tu Chahiye guitar lesson is taught by our expert, Steve Luciano, who teaches parts of the song in a section-by-section manner, starting from the intro that talks about the chords and the percussive rhythm pattern, later demonstrating the full song in its entirety.

The song’s intro is built on palm-muted, straightforward power chords –G, C, and D that give it a rhythmic pulse. As the track progresses, it introduces major 7th arpeggios, slash chords like D/F, suspended chords such as Csus2, and augmented chords. These chord variations add an uplifting quality that suits the song’s upbeat, emotional energy.

There are a number of complex chords that require knowledge of theory and some intermediate level of practice to master. So, the tutor, along with the full demo, explains the simpler, more beginner-friendly ways of playing the chords.

The strumming in the song is also a little special; it lasts for two measures, or the whole duration of the chorus, meaning the pattern doesn’t repeat until after the second bar, particularly in the chorus sections. The tutor has explained this in great detail.

Tu Chahiye lyrics and tabs are also available for this lesson, along the right side of the page. The tab sheet can also be downloaded for future reference and practice.

FAQs

Q. Is this song suitable for beginners?

Yes. Although it has some complex chords, like the major 7th, slash chords, suspended and augmented chords, they are not substantially harder than standard chord shapes, and with consistent practice, they can be easily mastered.

Q. Can I play this on an acoustic guitar?

Absolutely! The song does not have many lead lines, so you don’t need an electric guitar, although you can easily play the song on one, and the song is very vocals-forward, as is the case with most Bollywood music; hence, an acoustic guitar is also ideal for it.

Q. Do I need a capo to play Tu Chahiye?

The original key is G major, but if you’re singing along and find it too low, you can use a capo on the 2nd or 3rd fret to raise the pitch. 

Welcome to the guitar lesson on the song, which is one of the most played modern romantic songs of India –Dil Diyan Gallan by Atif Aslam from the blockbuster Tiger Zinda Hai. No romance playlist is complete without this song. It has received close to a billion views on YouTube (986 million). 

Written by the illustrious Irshad Kamil and sung by Atif Aslam, this song is about the conversations of the heart, referred to as sweet nothings in English. The song is written in Punjabi, which is a language spoken in the regions near the borders of India and Pakistan. The general plot of the movie also hinges on the relationship between India and Pakistan, hence the choice.

Dil Diyan Gallan Guitar Lesson

The lesson on Dil Diyan Gallan is done by one of our beloved experts, Mike Walker. It is a descriptive lesson that covers all parts of the song and offers a section on improvisation. The tutor meticulously delivers the lesson in a section-by-section manner, where he talks about the underlying theoretical concepts of the song as well as the various musical motifs and short instrumentals played in the song.

The song is in the key of D major and features all the chords in the key apart from the F minor chord, which is substituted by an F major instead, which gives it a harmonic minor vibe. The harmonic minor sound resembles the music of the Middle East or oriental music, which is again the setting of the movie. The song also features an inverted chord, which is an A major chord with C# in the bass.

The improv section is a must-watch. In it, the instructor explains how to solo over the track using the B minor pentatonic scale in different positions and the D major scale with accenting on the B note on the 12th fret, as well as the B harmonic minor, which has a signature Arabian Nights vibe.

Dil Diyaan Gallan lyrics and chords are also available on the tab next to the lesson tab, so that intermediate and advanced players can easily refer to them, sould they need to.

FAQs

Q. Do I need a capo for Dil Diyaan Gallan?

1. No. You do not need a capo for this song, since it is in the key of D major, all the chords are standard open shape chords, which are easier to play in the first position.

Q. What are the chords in Dil Diyaan Gallan? 

1. The song is in the key of D major, so the chords are D, Em, F major instead of F minor, G major. A major and B minor. It also features an A inverted chord, and a D/F# at two points in the song.

Sanam Teri Kasam – Introduction

Sanam Teri Kasam is one of those songs that just sits with you long after it ends. From the 2016 film of the same name, the song became an instant favorite for people who love intense, emotional love stories. Composed by Himesh Reshammiya and sung by Ankit Tiwari and Palak Muchhal, the track brings out themes of longing, heartbreak, and unshaken devotion. It fits perfectly into the narrative of the film, which is a modern tragic romance.

What really makes Sanam Teri Kasam stand out is its sincerity. There’s nothing flashy or over-produced about it—it’s just pure emotion, pouring through both the music and the lyrics. Sameer Anjaan’s writing feels personal and poetic, and the vocals carry it all with a kind of soft heartbreak. The song was released at a time when Bollywood was leaning heavily into dance beats and remixes, so a raw, classic-style ballad like this one really struck a chord with audiences.

Sanam Teri Kasam – Guitar Lesson

Instructor Steve Luciano teaches this easy version of Sanam Teri Kasam with a focus on making it playable and soulful at the same time. You’ll need to place a capo on the 3rd fret for this lesson, which helps match the key of the original while keeping the chords nice and simple. The main chords you’ll use here are Am, C, G, E7, Em, and F. These are all standard open chords, and Steve breaks them down one at a time, pointing out smooth finger transitions and how to let the emotions of the song come through even if you’re just strumming.

The strumming pattern Steve recommends is soft and flowing, following the melody more than a strict beat. It’s the kind of pattern that lets you slow down when the lyrics are heavy and pick up just a bit when the song starts to lift. He also gives guidance on dynamics—when to let the chords ring out and when to dampen them for a more intimate feel. The trick to this song isn’t in speed or flash, but in holding back just enough to let the emotion carry the performance.

Steve also touches on how to approach the E7 and F chords, which might trip up beginners. For E7, he shows how it adds a slight emotional tension before resolving back to Am, and for F, he offers a few fingering options—barre and simplified—so you can pick what works for your current level.

One of the best parts of this lesson is how Steve keeps the focus on expression. This is a great song to work on if you want to build emotional connection through your playing, without needing advanced theory.

FAQs

Q. Is this version suitable for beginners?

Yes! The chords are standard open chords, and Steve’s pacing is slow and clear enough for new players to follow along easily.

Q. Do I need to use a capo for this song?

Using a capo on the 3rd fret helps match the pitch of the original and makes the chord shapes easier.

In this video lesson J.J. Pattishall teaches how to play the song Tujhko Jo Paaya as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Rhythm, Intro Piece, Song Arrangement and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

July Matham - Introduction

July Matham is a beloved Tamil song from the 1993 film Pudhiya Mugam, composed by A.R. Rahman in his early career. The song features the legendary voices of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and Annupamaa, with lyrics by Vairamuthu. It is set in Pilu raga, which gives it a sweet yet melancholic feel. The film tells the story of an assassin who transforms into a hero, and this song plays during a key emotional moment.

The melody flows gently, with soft orchestration and expressive vocals. Rahman’s use of harmonies and subtle rhythm changes makes the song stand out. Even today, it remains a favorite among fans of 90s Tamil music because of its simple yet deep emotional appeal. The way the vocals glide through the notes makes it perfect for guitar adaptation.

July Matham Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson covers the song’s structure in D minor, shifting to D major in some sections. The harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#) is used for the sorrowful parts, while the major scale brightens the mood. The chords follow a cycle of Dm - Bb - F - C, with occasional passing chords like Gm and A7 for tension.

The strumming pattern is relaxed, matching the 6/8 rhythm. Use downstrokes on beats 1 and 4, with light upstrokes in between. The pre-chorus has arpeggiated chords, where you pluck individual notes instead of strumming. The chorus returns to fuller strums, emphasizing the emotional highs.

For the melody, focus on the D minor pentatonic scale (D-F-G-A-C). The vocal line moves smoothly, often sliding between notes. On guitar, try bending into some notes for expression, like bending the F (1st fret, high E string) slightly upwards. The bridge shifts to D major, changing the mood completely before returning to the minor key.

Beginners should practice the chord transitions first, especially Dm to Bb. Intermediate players can work on the arpeggiated sections, ensuring each note rings clearly. Advanced players can experiment with subtle vibrato and slides to mimic the vocal phrasing.

FAQs

Q. How to play the arpeggios smoothly?

Pluck the strings one by one in order and keep your fingers close to the frets. Avoid moving your arm and try maintaining a rhythm with moving only your wrists.

Q. Why does the song switch between minor and major?

The minor scale brings sadness, while the major parts add hope, matching the song’s emotional journey.

Q. Can I use a pick for this song?

Yes, you can use a pick for the picking patterns but the songs’ authentic feel comes only when fingerpicking is involved.

Q. What effects should I use?

A little reverb and delay help recreate the original’s dreamy sound. 

Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a super duper hit evergreen song of the 80s, Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le from the movie Sadma. Composed by the legendary composer Illaiyaraaja, who was given the title of Maestro by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra London, and written by Gulzar, this song has become a defining tune of 80s Bollywood music.

The song is about finding and celebrating joy in the small things of day-to-day life. The innocence of Somu and Reshmi's relationship, a main plot in the film, walks the tender line between affection and love, and comes out beautifully as they enjoy the pleasures of everyday chores together.

The story follows the plot of a woman who regresses to her childhood self after a head injury which is the ‘sadma’ and is then rescued from a brothel by a school teacher who then falls in love with her. This song celebrates the little moments of joy and playful romance between the two.

There have been many renditions and remakes of the song, but the original version has a classic orchestrall arrangement with multiple instruments.

Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le Guitar Lesson

The guitar lesson on Ae zindagi gale laga le is taught by our beloved expert Steve Luciano, who explains all parts of the song in a section-by-section manner. Starting with the basic key and chords information about the song, to the section on improvisation and soloing ideas, the tutor explains it all in great detail.

The song is in the key of D minor, sometimes going into the parallel minor sound of D major as well. It also features some melodic lines that use the D harmonic minor scale.

The song features 6th chords, slash chords and diminished chords along with some standard chord shapes.

The lesson also includes the tutor explaining the overdub parts of the song that can be played on either an acoustic or a clean tone electric guitar. There are parts that change time signatures, they go from a 4/4 to a 5/4 rhythm. The rhythm changes can be played with a busy strumming hand with fast up and down strums.

Illayaraj has also sprinkled in some major 7th arpeggios in some overdubs, which sound buttery smooth in synergy with the rest of the track. The thing about major 7th sound is that they are ‘annoying’ to the ear and need to be resolved; once resolved, they sound beautiful.

FAQs

Q. Is this song suitable for beginners?

While the chords are easy to master, mastering the rhythm section requires practice. Beginners can start by mastering the chord shapes before focusing on the rhythm.

Q. What are the main chords used in ‘Ae Zindagi Gale Laga Le’?

The primary chords are Dm, A, F, E, Bb, but the composer of the song has chosen to put all of the chords of D minor as well as of the D major scale, creating a dynamic and soothing progression.

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

Iktara is the soul-touching song composed by none other than Amit Trivedi, and the lyrics of the song were penned down by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The song plays a crucial role in the movie, reflecting the personal growth of the main character and his introspection. 

Fun Fact: The song was not meant to be the emotional centrepiece of the movie; in fact, it was added pretty late in the film because the production team felt that there was a need for a soulful and reflective track in the movie. 

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The given progression C – G – Am – F has to be repeated throughout the verse, and it forms the base of the arpeggiated picking. 

Apart from this, the basic arpeggio pattern which you should follow is this: P – I – M – A – M – I. 

Apply this to:

• C chord (P = 5th string)
• G chord (P = 6th string)
• Am chord (P = 5th string)
• F chord (P = 6th string)

Strumming Pattern 

The strumming pattern that you need to follow for this song is D – D U – U D U.

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: In the introduction of this song lesson, Steve gives an overview of the song and the things you are going to learn in this lesson. He also gives you a sneak peek of how the song uses open chords and easy strumming patterns that are beginner-friendly. 

Song Arrangement: Here you are going to learn the chords and rhythm of the main guitar, which sets the tone of the song. Steve will show you all the base notes that you require to play this one. 

Solo 1: This solo is present in the key of G, and Steve will play the solo for you to show you where you need to put your fingers in order to mimic the exact sound that you hear in the song. 

Solo 2: The second solo is a bit longer than the first one, and it is present in the G tonality. You can copy the finger placement that is used by Steve in this lesson, or you can change it according to your comfort and knowledge. 

Song Demo: In the final section of this guitar lesson, Steve is going to play the guitar parts of the song while the song is being played in the background. 

FAQS – Iktara (Original) Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who composed the song Iktara for the movie Wake Up Sid? 

Ans. The song was composed by Amit Trivedi and sung by Kavita Seth and Amitabh Bhattacharya. 

Q2. Is the song beginner-friendly for people who are new to guitar? 

Ans. Yes, it is considered to be a great song for beginners to learn as it features open chords and has a gentle strumming pattern. 

Q3. Are there any arpeggios present in the song Iktara? 

Ans. Yes, you can use arpeggios in the intro and verse section of the song; it works pretty well with the soft acoustic version. 

In this video lesson Pawan Jalan teaches how to play the song Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

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