Final Solo Part 1
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.
Fade to Black-Final Solo
Final Solo Part 1
Final Solo Part 2
Final Solo Part 3
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.
Fade to Black-Final Solo
Final Solo Part 1
Final Solo Part 2
Final Solo Part 3
Explore More in English Songs
Introduction
Want to learn some popular tunes from the mid-'90s? Torrins has got you covered! Tune into our guitar song lesson on James Taylor’s version of the 1959 hit Handy Man. This song tutorial is led by our expert teacher, Steve Luciano, who has decades of experience teaching and playing guitar. He breaks down the Handy Man lesson into chords, rhythm, and strumming patterns to make learning this song a smooth process for you.
Fun fact: Did you know this song has been a hit twice? Handy Man was originally recorded by Jimmy Jones in 1959 and became a huge success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Nearly two decades later, James Taylor recorded his own mellow, acoustic version in 1977, which also became a hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Taylor a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. How cool is that?
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.
Introduction:
Torrins brings you another heartfelt guitar song lesson I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman, taught by J.J. Pattishall. This lesson focuses on fingerpicking, chord transitions, and rhythm techniques, making it a great song to develop both your picking accuracy and emotional expression.
Interesting Fact: This song carries deep personal meaning. Chapman wrote it as a promise to his wife during a difficult time when his parents were going through a divorce. It became one of his most beloved songs, offering reassurance and commitment through its lyrics and melody.
Chords & Song Structure
This lesson breaks the song into easy-to-follow sections: Intro & Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Song Demo, Rhythm, and Sing & Play.
Capo is on the 1st fret
Key used is D (relative to capo), actual tuning is Eb
Chords Used:
- Intro & Verse: Dsus2, A7sus4, Bm (a barre chord), Em7, and others
- Chorus: Bm/A, A/G, D/F#, and more
- Bridge: Includes a diminished chord and a piano/instrumental section
J.J. shares some alternatives for the difficult chords such as barre chords.
The chords are arpeggiated, giving the song its signature flow. J.J. carefully explains finger placement and picking techniques to help you achieve the song’s delicate feel.
Fingerpicking & Rhythm Patterns
This song features a beautiful fingerpicking pattern. J.J. breaks it down in detail, ensuring that even beginners can grasp the technique.
For those who find fingerpicking challenging, he also introduces two basic rhythm patterns as an alternative:
- DDUDDUDDUD – A straightforward strumming pattern
- DDUUDDDUUD – Adds syncopation for a more dynamic feel
Verse, Chorus & Bridge Breakdown
- Intro & Verse: J.J. carefully walks through the arpeggiated chords and explains how to maintain a steady rhythm. He also shares a technique to create a flowing fingerpicking style.
- Chorus: The transitions between chords like Bm/A, F#, A/G, and D/F# are broken down step by step. He highlights turnarounds, ensuring smooth movement between sections.
- Bridge: Features a diminished chord, adding tension and resolution to the song. J.J. also explains the piano and instrumental section.
Sing & Play – Coordinating Vocals & Guitar
This lesson doesn’t just teach you how to play the guitar part—it also helps you combine playing with singing. J.J. explains:
- How to sync your strumming or fingerpicking with the lyrics
- Phrasing techniques to match the melody with chord changes
- How to make the song your own while staying true to its essence
Final Song Demo & Play-Along
To bring everything together, J.J. performs the song with a backing track, reinforcing all the techniques covered in the lesson. This play-along section lets you practice along and refine your timing and transitions.
Why Learn I Will Be Here?
- Develops fingerpicking skills – great for improving coordination and technique
- Enhances chord transitions – teaches smooth movement between complex shapes
FAQs – I Will Be Here Guitar Lesson
Q1: Is this lesson beginner-friendly?
Yes! While the fingerpicking and chord shapes may seem tricky at first, J.J. provides simplified alternatives and a step-by-step breakdown.
Q2: Can I strum instead of fingerpick?
Absolutely. J.J. introduces two strumming patterns for those who prefer a rhythmic approach.
Q3: Do I need a capo?
Yes, place the capo on the 1st fret to match the song’s key.
Similar Metal Songs
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.































