Introduction

Torrins brings you another heartfelt country classic—Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson, taught by Mike Dugan. This in-depth lesson covers everything from basic chords to advanced rhythm techniques, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced players.

Fun Fact: Always on My Mind was the Billboard number one country album of the year in 1982. It remained on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for an astonishing 253 weeks, holding the number one spot for 22 weeks. It even spent 99 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at number two for three weeks! 

Chords Used in Always on My Mind

Beginner Chords:

• D, A, Bm, etc (alternative chords provided for those struggling with barre chords)
• Bm/G# and other slash chords (simplified option available)
• Basic downstrumming technique 

Advanced Chords:

• Walk-down from Bm barre chord to G, creating a smooth transition
• Em, A, D, and motion chord movement from Em to F#, along with other chord voicings
• Includes A/C# to add depth to the song

Rhythm & Strumming Pattern

Beginner Rhythm:

• Simple downstrumming throughout the song for easy playability

Advanced Rhythm:

• More dynamic strumming pattern: DUDDUD with variations in the upstrokes
• Incorporates subdivisions and expressive chord transitions to match the song’s emotional tone

Song Structure

This song follows a classic country ballad structure:

1. Intro
2. Verse 1 & 2
3. Bridge – Separate versions for beginners and advanced players
4. Solo Verse – Melody-driven section
5. Bridge Repeat

Solo Section

• Uses the D major scale for advanced players
• Simple yet effective solo incorporating D and Bm/A chords, to name a few
• Captures the melody of the song to create an emotional instrumental moment

Improvisation Techniques

For those wanting to add their own flavour, Mike shares techniques to elevate their playing:

• Walk-down motions to create smoother transitions
• Letting open strings ring for a fuller sound
• Subtle rhythmic variations to match Willie Nelson’s expressive phrasing

Why Learn Always on My Mind?

This lesson is a great way to enhance your expressiveness as a guitarist. Whether you’re learning the basic chords or mastering the advanced transitions, Mike ensures that every player walks away with valuable skills.

FAQs – Always on My Mind Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Ans: It’s better suited for intermediate and advanced players, but Mike breaks it down for beginners as well.

Q2. What if I struggle with barre chords?

Ans: Alternative chord shapes are provided for Bm and Bm/G# to make it easier.

Q3. How can I improve my strumming on this song?

Ans: Beginners should start with downstrumming, while advanced players can incorporate upstroke variations and subdivisions for a more dynamic feel.

Q4. Does this lesson include a solo?

Ans: Yes! The solo is based on the D major scale and includes a simple yet effective melody.

Torrins brings you one of the most legendary rock riffs ever recorded-Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple, taught by Mike Walker. This guitar lesson is designed to break down the song step by step, covering everything from the iconic riff to solo improvisation. Whether you’re picking up the electric guitar for the first time or looking to level up your playing, this one’s a must-learn.

Fun Fact: Although the song appeared on Machine Head in 1972, it wasn’t released as a single until 1973. Surprisingly, the band didn’t expect it to be a hit. But it climbed to number 4 on the Billboard pop charts and became one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history.

Chords and Song Key

This lesson is taught in the key of B♭, but the song carries a G minor feel throughout. You’ll be using a few essential power chords like G5, A♭5, and others as you move through the sections.

The song’s time signature is 4/4, with a tempo of 112 BPM. Two main scales are used across the lesson: the G minor scale and the G blues pentatonic, both of which are central to the solo and improvisation parts.

Iconic Intro Riff

It’s the riff that every guitarist wants to play and for good reason. Mike breaks it down clearly, explaining which strings to let ring and how to get that gritty rock tone. He demonstrates both fingerpicking and pick-style playing, so you can choose the approach that suits you best.

Verse and Chorus Sections

In the verse, you’ll be working with a group of three chords, using arpeggios and palm muting to add texture. The phrasing follows a clean 4-bar structure, making it easy to follow.

The chorus section also relies on arpeggios. Mike walks through each measure in detail, grouping chords and explaining the rhythm so you can play with ease and confidence.

Rhythm Underneath the Solo

For the rhythm guitar players, Mike breaks down the part that supports the solo section. This part mostly uses just two chords, but involves some precise fingerpicking techniques to maintain the groove and drive.

Solo Lesson

Mike takes you through the solo lick by lick, staying in the G minor scale. He explores techniques like vibrato to add feel and energy. It’s a great way to learn how to play expressively.

Solo Demo and Improvisation

Once the solo is broken down, Mike ties everything together with a full solo demo played along with a backing track. Then comes the fun part, improvisation. He shares how to use:

• G minor and G pentatonic scales
• G pentatonic with a flat 5
• Phrasing on the 15th fret

You’ll also pick up a few stylistic ideas inspired by Jon Lord’s playing style, which adds a cool, classic-rock flavor to your soloing.

Why Learn - Smoke on the Water?

• One of the most famous riffs in rock history
• Teaches you both rhythm and lead techniques
• A solid introduction to rock improvisation
• Perfect for building confidence on the electric guitar

FAQs – Smoke on the Water Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes, and Mike simplifies each section so it’s approachable even if you’re just getting started.

Q2. Do I need an electric guitar?

It’s recommended, as this song is designed with electric tone and expression in mind.

Q3. Can I play the riff with a pick?

Absolutely. Mike shows both finger and pick methods—you can choose what feels right.

This version of Handy Man is a great example of James Taylor’s signature acoustic fingerpicking style, incorporating unique harmonies and intricate transitions. If you’re looking for a simpler version, we’ve got that too—check it out on the Torrins website!

Chords Used in Handy Man Guitar Lesson

This song is played in the key of D and features some interesting chord transitions. Here are some of the key chords used:

• Main chords: D, A, and some others. 
• When reharmonizing the second verse: Em, F#m7
• Slash chords to add depth and movement: A/C#, G/B, and a few others.

Tune into the complete Handy Man song lesson to know the rest of the chords. 

Steve breaks down unique chord transitions specific to this song to help you capture its distinct, smooth sound.

Fingerpicking & Strumming Techniques

Unlike traditional fingerpicking, Handy Man features more of a plucking style—playing bass notes while plucking the strings together for a fuller sound.

• The song starts with pickup notes and incorporates hammer-ons to add subtle dynamics.
• If you’re not comfortable with fingerpicking, you can strum the entire song instead. It still sounds great!

Song Structure & Rhythm

This song follows a classic verse-chorus format. 

• Keep an eye on chord transitions, especially when moving between slash chords, as they add a unique colour to the song.
• The multi-angle camera views (focused on fretting, strumming, and a complete overview) help you get a clear, close-up look at all movements –making learning much faster and more effective.
• Make use of tabs and lyrics for a smoother and more structured learning experience.

Why Learn the song Handy Man on guitar?

James Taylor’s Handy Man is a fantastic piece for learning fingerpicking while maintaining a steady rhythm. Plus, it’s an excellent exercise for improving chord transitions and adding finesse to your playing.

FAQs – Handy Man Guitar Lesson

Q1. Do I have to use fingerpicking?

You can strum the entire song if you prefer. However, fingerpicking brings out its full depth.

Q2. How can I make my transitions smoother?

Steve shares specific techniques for transitioning between chords effortlessly. Practising slowly and focusing on finger positioning will help.

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

1. Start slow – Play the melody in your head before playing along with the track, as the song has a fast strumming tempo.
2. 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.

Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson on Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits, taught by Mike Dugan. This song blends fingerstyle finesse with classic rock grooves, and Mike breaks it all down into bite-sized lessons so you can follow along at your own pace.

Interesting Fact

Mark Knopfler originally wrote the song on a National Steel guitar in open tuning. He thought it sounded dull—until he tried it on his 1961 Fender Stratocaster. The moment he plugged it in, the song “came alive,” and the now-famous chord changes practically wrote themselves.

Chords & Progression

This song is in the key of D minor and uses both barre and open chords.

Chords include: Dm (barre), Bb, A7, F, and others.

The progression is smartly structured across the different sections, and Mike breaks down which chords go where and how they’re distributed across measures.

Song Structure

Each section is covered in detail, including how the chords and rhythms evolve throughout the song.

Intro Rhythm and Bounce Feel

One of the most iconic parts of Sultans of Swing is its bounce. Mike explains how this bounce is created by returning to the D minor chord in the intro, and how to use finger lifts and muting to shape the rhythm. He simplifies the feel for beginners while encouraging a relaxed hand to avoid letting the guitar ring too much. The subtle muting helps create those signature accents that make this riff so catchy.

Riff Rhythm

The riff acts as the instrumental bridge between verses and chorus, and it’s rhythmically complex. Mike shares a unique method to help you internalize the up and down strumming pattern and nail the timing. 

Verse and Chorus – Singing & Playing Together

Mike walks you through how to match your vocals with the guitar parts, offering tips on timing and phrasing. The chorus uses a repetitive chord progression, so once you lock it in, you can focus more on dynamics and vocal delivery.

Intro Lead and Riffs

The lead parts are based around the D minor pentatonic scale, with one note borrowed from F major, and also include arpeggios. Mike breaks this down note by note, making the intro riff approachable even for those who are new to lead playing.

Solo Improvisation

The end solo of the song is a masterclass in feel and phrasing. Mike starts at the 10th fret and teaches the solo string by string. He introduces a cool technique called calming, along with triplet patterns, giving your solo a more expressive touch.

Main Riff Breakdown

To wrap up, Mike teaches the main riff of the song, played using a pick and two fingers for a hybrid picking effect. The riff includes the D minor triad and showcases how intricate fingerpicking can add character to a song.

FAQs – Sultans of Swing Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?

It’s more suited for intermediate players, but Mike breaks it down clearly, and beginners can still follow along section by section.

Q2: Do I need a capo?

No capo is needed for this version.

Q3: How do I get the “Knopfler feel”?

Focus on muting, dynamic accents, and hybrid picking. Let the rhythm breathe, and play with feel over flash.

Learn to play Island In The Sun by an American rock band called Weezers with this beginner-friendly guitar tutorial, taught by our expert tutor, Steve Luciano. Master chords, rhythms, and backing tracks with ease. 

Steve breaks this song down using just four simple chords—yes, only four—played in a repetitive pattern. Two of them? E minor and A minor. Want to learn the rest and master the rhythm that brings this song to life? Tune in to the full tutorial! 

Chords Used in Island In The Sun Guitar Lesson

Verse & Chorus Chords: The verse and chorus use open string chords 

The original version of the song is played using movable chords, however, Steve teaches this guitar song tutorial using open chords to ensure ease of playing for beginners. 

Steve breaks down this song to play it using 4 easy chords used repetitively. However, the rhythm is slightly complex. 

Strumming Pattern: This song follows a common 4/4 time signature with a two-measure pattern. Steve uses an anticipating rhythm to add syncopation on the upbeat, giving the song a more dynamic feel

For the intro part, the rhythm is slightly tricky– DDUDDUUDUDD. 

However, as the vocal comes in, the rhythm becomes simpler and repeats in this pattern– DDUDDDDUDD

Since the rhythm of this is slightly more complex, Steve teaches this song using simple open string chords, instead of movable chords like the original version, so that it’s easier on the left hand. This gives an overall great groove to the song. 

Why Learn Island in the Sun on the Guitar? 

• This guitar lesson focuses on rhythm mastery, particularly syncopation and anticipating beats.
• Great for improving timing, strumming control, and chord switching.
• Provides a relaxed, island-like groove, making it fun to play.

Tips for Mastering the Rhythm 

Start slow: Play the intro rhythm at a slower tempo and then gradually increase the speed.

• Use a metronome: It helps develop consistency, especially with anticipation and syncopation.
• Strum lightly: Overstrumming can kill the groove—aim for a relaxed wrist motion.

FAQs – Island In The Sun Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?

• Yes! Although the rhythm is slightly tricky, Steve simplifies it by using open chords instead of movable ones.

Q2: How can I improve my rhythm for this song?

• Focus on anticipation, follow Steve’s guidance, and practice with a metronome.