Introduction

Fish Rock – Introduction

Fish Rock is a standout track by the Indian band Thaikkudam Bridge, known for blending intense death metal with local Kerala culture. Released in 2014 during a live session on Kappa TV’s Music Mojo, the song quickly caught fire online, gaining millions of views and establishing the band as a powerful force in the Indian indie rock scene. What makes Fish Rock so unique is its playful inspiration—a love for fish fry, a popular dish in coastal Kerala—which the band turns into an energetic metal anthem full of fast riffs and powerful vocals.

The song features lyrics in Malayalam, peppered with local slang and phrases that add authenticity and regional flavor, making it feel both raw and personal. Led by Govind Menon’s songwriting and Anish Krishnan’s fierce vocals, Fish Rock combines aggressive metal instrumentation with catchy melodies and rhythms. The track became a key highlight of Thaikkudam Bridge’s debut album Navarasam in 2015, showcasing their ability to mix heavy music with cultural storytelling, which helped redefine Indian rock in a fresh and exciting way.

Fish Rock – Guitar Lesson

Mike Walker’s lesson on Fish Rock dives into how to nail the song’s heavy, gritty sound using drop D tuning, where the lowest string is tuned down a whole step from E to D. This tuning gives the guitar a deeper, punchier tone that’s perfect for the chunky riffs and aggressive rhythm playing the song demands. Mike takes you through the main riff, focusing on the powerful use of open strings and palm muting to create that tight, percussive feel common in metal.

The soloing section in Fish Rock is built around the minor pentatonic scale, which is a go-to scale for rock and metal soloing. Mike breaks down the solo ideas simply by showing how the minor pentatonic scale works—basically a five-note scale that sounds dark and bluesy. He explains how to use bends, slides, and hammer-ons to add expression without overcomplicating the solo, making it approachable for players looking to get into metal lead playing.

Throughout the lesson, Mike emphasizes keeping the rhythm tight and clean, which is key in heavy music to avoid a muddy sound. He also talks about dynamics—how to build tension by mixing softer muted riffs with bursts of aggressive picking. For players wanting to get the full feel of Fish Rock, Mike’s guidance on using the drop D tuning effectively, combined with minor pentatonic lead ideas, helps capture the song’s raw energy while making it accessible for learners.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used in Fish Rock?

The song uses drop D tuning, which means the low E string is tuned down one whole step to D.

Q. What scale is used for the solo in Fish Rock?

The solo is based mainly on the minor pentatonic scale, which is a simple and common scale for rock and metal solos.

Adiyae Kolluthey – Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on Adiyae Kolluthey, a vibrant romantic track from the 2008 Tamil film Vaaranam Aayiram, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. This song stands out with its fresh and youthful vibe, beautifully capturing the excitement and innocence of young love. Composed by Harris Jayaraj, Adiyae Kolluthey features the voices of Krish, Benny Dayal, and Shruti Haasan, with lyrics by Thamarai that add a poetic touch to the melody. The song’s lively energy and emotional depth quickly made it one of the most beloved tracks of the film’s soundtrack.

Visually, the song is equally memorable, shot in stunning locations like the University of California, Berkeley, and the scenic San Francisco Bay area. The beautiful backdrops perfectly complement the playful chemistry between the lead actors, Suriya and Sameera Reddy. This combination of heartfelt music and captivating visuals made Adiyae Kolluthey a favorite among fans and helped cement Harris Jayaraj’s place as one of Tamil cinema’s top composers. The song also marked an important moment for Shruti Haasan, establishing her as a strong playback singer in the industry.

Adiyae Kolluthey – Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, Mike Walker takes you through the essentials of playing Adiyae Kolluthey on guitar, using Eb tuning which lowers the pitch a half step from standard tuning. This tuning helps capture the song’s smooth and mellow feel while making some of the chords easier to finger. The main chords you’ll use include power chords like B5, A5, D5, and E5, along with some major chords like C# and F#. Mike breaks down each chord shape slowly so you can get comfortable with the finger placement and maintain the song’s clean tone.

Mike explains that the song’s arrangement relies a lot on these power chords, which give the track a gentle rock edge without overpowering the vocals. The use of power chords instead of full major or minor chords creates a light but driving sound that fits perfectly with the song’s youthful energy. He also points out the smooth transitions between chords like B5 to A5, which require a relaxed hand and practice to sound fluid.

The rhythm of Adiyae Kolluthey is steady and laid-back, sitting comfortably in a 4/4 time signature at a moderate tempo. Mike guides you through the strumming pattern, which combines downstrokes and light upstrokes to keep the momentum moving without becoming too busy. He also offers tips on muting and palm damping to control the tone, which is important to replicate the song’s clean guitar sound. For those looking to add some flair, Mike suggests subtle embellishments using slides and hammer-ons within the chord shapes, making your playing feel more expressive without overcomplicating things.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is Adiyae Kolluthey played in?

The song is played in Eb tuning, which is standard tuning lowered by a half step on every string.

Q. Are power chords difficult to play for beginners?

Not really. Power chords are simpler shapes that focus on the root and fifth notes. With some practice, even beginners can play them smoothly.

Channa Mereya – Introduction

Channa Mereya is a soulful ballad from the 2016 Bollywood film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, composed by Pritam and sung by Arijit Singh. The song, written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, explores themes of unrequited love and heartbreak, perfectly capturing the emotional turmoil of Ranbir Kapoor’s character in the film. Its melancholic yet poetic lyrics, combined with Arijit Singh’s emotive vocals, made it an instant classic.

The song became one of the most popular tracks from the album, peaking at #1 on Radio Mirchi’s Top 20 chart and staying there for five months. It was also nominated for several awards, including Best Lyricist at the Filmfare Awards. The acoustic and Sufi-inspired arrangement, that beings together Indian classical elements with contemporary.

Channa Mereya Guitar Lesson

Steve Luciano trachea you how to play the Channa Mereya melody while breaking down the song’s delicate guitar work. The track is in the key of A minor. The verse melody begins with a gentle descent from F to D, establishing the melancholic mood. The pre-chorus builds tension by emphasizing the higher notes (C and D), while the chorus releases this tension with its wider intervallic leaps. The melody's beauty lies in its subtle variations, the singer in the song slightly alters certain phrases when they repeat.

To play this on guitar, use the middle position of the neck (5th to 8th frets). The main phrases can be played on the B and high E strings, with some notes extending to the G string. Focus on clean hammer-ons and pull-offs between adjacent notes, and use vibrato on sustained notes to match Arijit's vocal style.

For the more expressive sections, incorporate slides between notes and careful bending (especially the microtonal bends characteristic of Indian music). The bridge section features the melody's highest notes - practice shifting positions smoothly to reach these. Remember to breathe between phrases like a singer would.

The melody stands out for its beautiful simplicity and emotional power. The tune stays with listeners long after the song ends, making it one of Arijit Singh's most memorable performances. This lesson focuses specifically on playing the vocal melody on guitar.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used in this song?

Standard tuning (E A D G B E) with no capo needed.

Q. How do I play the arpeggios smoothly?

Practice slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before speeding up.

Q. Is this song suitable for beginners?

Yes, the chords are basic, but the emotional delivery requires practice.

Q. What effects are used on the guitar?

A clean tone with light reverb matches the original recording.

Darkhaast is a romantic ballad from the 2016 Bollywood film Shivaay, starring Ajay Devgn. The song features the voices of Arijit Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan, with music composed by Mithoon. The lyrics, written by Sayeed Quadri, express deep longing and emotional pain. The track became popular for its soulful melody and heartfelt vocals, resonating with listeners who appreciate slow, emotional songs.

The music video shows Ajay Devgn and Erika Kaar in beautiful locations, adding to the song’s romantic feel. The composition includes soft guitar strums with orchestral elements, creating a melancholic atmosphere. The song’s slow tempo and expressive singing make it a favourite for those who enjoy emotional Bollywood tracks.

Darkhaast Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson covers how to play Darkhaast on guitar. The song is in the key of G major, which gives it a warm and open sound. The chords follow a simple but emotional progression: G - Em - C - D. These chords repeat throughout the song, creating a gentle flow that matches the vocals. The strumming pattern is slow and relaxed, using downstrokes with occasional upstrokes to keep the rhythm natural.

The intro and verses use arpeggios, where you pluck the strings one by one instead of strumming. This technique makes the guitar sound soft and delicate, perfect for the song’s mood. The chorus switches to fuller strums, adding energy while keeping the emotional tone. The key is to play smoothly, letting each note ring clearly without rushing.

For the improvisation section, the song uses the G major scale (G-A-B-C-D-E-F#) in open position. This means you can play the scale without moving too far up the fretboard. The pedal technique is used here, which means you keep one note ringing (usually the open G string) while playing other notes over it. This creates a droning effect that adds depth to the melody.

Beginners should start by learning the basic chords and strumming slowly. The chord changes are not difficult, but playing them smoothly takes practice. Intermediate players can work on the arpeggiated sections, making sure each note is clean and even. Advanced players can focus on improvisation, experimenting with the G major scale and adding subtle bends or slides for expression.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used for this song?

Standard tuning (EADGBE). No alternate tuning or capo is needed.

Q. How do I play the arpeggios smoothly?

Pluck each string gently in order and let the notes ring together.

Q. What is the pedal technique?

It means keeping one note (like the open G string) constantly ringing while playing other notes over it.

Sadda Haq is one of the most rebellious songs in Indian music history; over time, it has become an anthem of rebellion and self-expression where people are demanding the right to speak freely, live, and love freely. It is the song in the movie that was performed by the lead character of the movie, Jordan, live in front of a massive crowd. The song is pretty raw and real. 

Fun Fact: The original song had a line that referred to Kashmir, but in the editing of the song, it was muted in order to make the song less politically sensitive. 

Strumming Pattern:

The most common strumming pattern that you are going to learn for this song, especially for the chorus and for the main rhythm, is: D - DU - DU - D - DU - DU 

• D = Down Strum 
• U = Up Strum 

Song Structure:

Introduction: In this introduction, you will be meeting your guitar instructor, Mike Walker, for this guitar lesson. Here, Mike helps you prepare for the upcoming lessons as this is a complete version of the song. 

Intro, Power Chords, Riff, and Verse: With this part, you will be learning how to tune your electric guitar to play the intro, power chords, riffs, and verses that are part of the song. 

Intro Licks: Here, Mike is going to teach you how to play the intro lick, which is present at the beginning of the song. He will first play the lick and then show you how you, too, can play it. 

Intro Verse Singing: The singing part is divided into 3 to 4 different parts in this guitar lesson, and Mike will help you remember which of the following chords you need to play when singing the phrase. 

Verse 2: This is the part of the song that comes at exactly 2:28 seconds, where the first five bars are the same; the main thing you need to learn here is the rhythm that you need to follow. 

Main Solo: From this part of the guitar lesson, you will be learning how to play the iconic main solo of Sadda Haq, which comes at 3:07 seconds. 

Overdub Licks: This particular overdub lick sounds more like a guitar riff from the famous band Santana. In order to play this lick, you have to be quick with your fingers. 

Overdub Lick at 2:19: This is another overdub lick which is part of the song. 

Outro Solo: In this part of the guitar lesson, you will learn the outro solo, which made the song so popular. 

Song with Backing: Finally in this part, Mike is going to show you how to play the entire guitar parts of the song with the backing track. 

Scales Used and Improvisation: In this section, Mike teaches you some of the scales you can use to give the song its authentic sound and the improvisation, which makes it easier for you to play this song on guitar. 

Why Learn this Song?

The electric guitar part of the song features amazing guitar riffs by Orianthi, who is an Australian guitarist well known for playing none other than the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. This song has some of the grittiest power chords, and the intro riff has become a staple in modern Indian rock music. 

FAQs this song Guitar Lesson:

Q1. Who wrote the lyrics to the song Sadda Haq? 

Ans. The lyrics of the song were written by Irshad Kamil. 

Q2. What is the genre of the song Sadda Haq? 

Ans. Sadda Haq is a rock anthem that tastefully blends the elements of alternative rock, grunge, and Indian rock. 

Q3. For this song, do you need to have an electric guitar? 

Ans. If you want to play all the parts of the song it is necessary to have an electric guitar with you. 

In this video lesson Pawan Jalan teaches how to play the song Na Tum Jaano Na Hum 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!

Pashmina – Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on one of the most delicately composed love songs in Hindi cinema — Pashmina by Amit Trivedi, from the 2016 film Fitoor. The song is a soft, poetic track that floats between romance and melancholy, wrapped in layers of orchestration and Amit Trivedi's unique singing style. The film itself was an adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, and Pashmina works as a musical expression of the complex emotions in the story.

The word Pashmina refers to an extremely fine wool from Kashmir, and in the song, it becomes a metaphor for love — soft, rich, intricate, and fragile. The lyrics, written by Swanand Kirkire, are as layered as the melody, bringing out that sense of a love that can’t be held too tightly, or it will slip away. The song has been compared by some to western tracks like California by Phantom Planet, but Pashmina stands on its own because of the way it mixes classical Indian textures with modern songwriting.

Pashmina – Guitar Lesson

This is an easy acoustic version of Pashmina, taught by Mike Walker, with the goal of helping beginner players fall in love with the guitar just as much as they love the song. The version is played with a capo on the 5th fret, which raises the pitch to match the original recording, while keeping the chord shapes extremely simple and familiar.

The chords used are Am, D, Em, F, C, and G — all open chords, which means if you know your basics, you’ll be able to play this version comfortably. Mike goes over every chord change and voicing with clear instructions, making this lesson feel very hands-on.

The progression flows in a way that lets the emotional content of the song shine through. The use of Am and Em, both minor chords, gives the song a slightly wistful tone, while G and C open up the resolution at the right moments.

The chord changes follow the original mood of the track, but are simplified to make it more accessible. Even the F chord, which can be tricky for beginners, is demonstrated with alternate fingerings and techniques so that anyone can play it with enough practice.

The strumming pattern is relaxed and meant to match the fluid movement of the melody. There’s no pressure to play it fast — in fact, slowing it down helps bring out the beauty of the song. Mike also talks about how to let your fingers move smoothly between chords and how to make the transitions sound clean without breaking the rhythm. You’ll also learn how to use dynamics — like playing softer or louder — to really bring out the emotion in different sections of the song.

FAQs

Q. Is this lesson suitable for absolute beginners?

Yes, this version is made especially for beginners. If you know your basic open chords and can change between them slowly, you’ll be able to follow along easily.

Q. What tuning is used in this version of Pashmina?

This song is played in standard tuning with a capo on the 5th fret to match the original key.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Nakkaddwaley Disco Udhaarwaley Khisko as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Intro, Chord, and Rhythm. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Welcome to the guitar lesson on Uthe Sabke Kadam, a charming, feel-good song from the 1979 romantic comedy Baton Baton Mein. Directed by Basu Chatterjee, the film follows the everyday romance between Amol Palekar and Tina Munim, with the story unfolding in the local trains and cosy apartments of suburban Mumbai. This track, composed by Rajesh Roshan with lyrics by Amit Khanna, brings joy into the narrative. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar, Amit Kumar, and Pearl Padamsee, the song is playful and carefree, much like the spirit of the film itself. It celebrates the small but happy moments of life.

The tune of Uthe Sabke Kadam is famously similar to the American folk song Polly Wolly Doodle, which first appeared in the 1935 Shirley Temple film The Littlest Rebel. While it has sparked conversations around musical inspiration and cultural borrowing, it also shows how melodies can travel and take new forms in different corners of the world. In the film, the song captures a montage of the characters just being themselves. 

Uthe Sabke Kadam – Guitar Lesson

This lesson is taught by our instructor, Steve Luciano. He breaks down the entire track in a simple, section-by-section format that lets you learn at your own pace. The song uses a capo on the 5th fret, which allows you to play easy open chords while still staying in the original key. The chords used are C major, G major, F major, and D minor. Steve starts by showing how to position the capo, and then goes straight into the chord shapes with a clear explanation of where your fingers should go and how to transition smoothly between each one.

The strumming in this song is bouncy and follows the upbeat mood of the track. Steve keeps it light, using a basic down-up rhythm with a swing feel. He also shows how to add slight accents to certain beats to match the original groove of the track. One of the great things about this song is that you don’t need to know any advanced music theory to make it sound good. As long as you get the rhythm right and strum with energy, you’ll be able to capture the song’s vibe.

What really helps in this lesson is how Steve focuses on the song’s flow. Instead of just playing the chords in isolation, he walks through how the chords and rhythm work together to carry the melody. He demonstrates how the transitions match with the lyrics and phrasing, which helps you not just play the chords, but actually feel the song. By the end of the lesson, you’ll have a full performance version ready to go.

FAQs

Q. What level is this song suited for?

This lesson is perfect for beginners. If you can play basic open chords and use a capo, you’ll find this one very approachable.

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

Yes, the capo is placed on the 5th fret. This keeps the chord shapes simple while matching the original pitch of the song.

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.