Introduction

In this video lesson Ashish Noel John teaches how to play the song Stay as part of our Guitar series on English song lessons. The song lesson is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Rhythms, Improvisation, Song Arrangement, and Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Arms Wide Open - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that has the best rock song Grammy to its name –With Arms Wide Open by Creed. Scott Stapp’s wife was pregnant with his first child, he wrote the lyrics when he found out, with great surprise, that he was going to be a father. According to Stapp, the song was written in just fifteen minutes during a soundcheck. The song has received almost 200 million views on YouTube.

Stapp says, “It continues to have relevant meaning in my life because as I sing it now, I think of my daughter who's now on this planet and alive. And then I think of my newest son, my three-year-old, Daniel”. The song is about a man expressing his feelings about thinking about becoming a father.

Arms Wide Open Guitar Lesson

This is a guitar lesson that is an acoustic cover version of the song performed by James Boyce, taught by our expert Steve Luciano, in a section-by-section manner. They start with the introduction

The song is in the key of C major and features a number of suspended chords. There is a C major 9 chord with a B note in the bass, which sounds like a suspended chord because of the 9th scale degree. There is also a very unique A minor 11th chord, which also sounds like a suspended chord because of the 11th scale degree, which is actually the 4th scale degree on the octave higher. The instructor explains all the chord shapes in great detail. You can also refer to the Arms Wide Open tabs along with the lesson on the sidebar.

The strumming of the chords is very simple, compared to the chord voicings, that is – D - U U D - U U D - D U for the most part (D is a downward strum and U is an upward strum).

There is also an easy verison of the song that the instructor demonstrates, which is a beginner-friendly version of the song focused more on the singing part of the track.

FAQs

Q. What skill level is Arms Wide Open for?

This lesson is ideal for beginner to intermediate players. If you know basic open chords, you can easily learn the song.

Q. Is this version different from the original Creed version?

Yes. This is a soft acoustic cover by James Boyce. It keeps the emotional depth of the original but focuses more on the singing part.

Q. What is the tuning of Arms Wide Open by Creed?

Nope! This version is played in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), making it very accessible. Drop D is not required here.

Q. What chords are used in this version?

The song uses common suspended and power chords, with some being 9 and 11th chords. The tutor goes over each one slowly and clearly.

Hotel California - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on the acoustic version of one of the greatest songs of all time, Hotel California by The Eagles. This specific arrangement replaces the original electric instruments with nylon-string guitars, creating a different interpretation of the song. The track keeps the same chord progression and structure as the studio version but uses fingerpicking patterns and multiple guitar harmonies.

Hotel California, as writer Henley put it, is more of a symbolic piece about America in general, and added, “Lyrically, the song deals with traditional or classical themes of conflict: darkness and light, good and evil, youth and age, the spiritual versus the secular. I guess you could say it's a song about the loss of innocence”.

The song follows a narrative about a traveller staying at a mysterious hotel, with lyrics that some interpret as commentary on American culture, for instance, the most iconic line of the song being “you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave”.

Hotel California Guitar Lesson

Hotel California guitar lesson is taught by our beloved expert, Mike Walker, who explains all the different sections of the song in a section-by-section manner, starting from the intro that talks about the chords and different voicings of those chords, through the acoustic overdubs and the guitar solo section.

The song features a number of minor 7ths, dominants, suspended and augmented chords. The intro alone covers all these variations of these chords. The tutor, nevertheless, goes into detail explaining how to play them using a fingerpicking pattern.

The song is written in B minor; the live acoustic version uses a capo on the 7th fret, making it an E minor. The intro follows a repeating progression of Em-B7-Dsus-A7-C-G-Am7-B7, which establishes the harmonic foundation.

Since this is an acoustic version of the song, played by multiple guitarists. There are a number of artistic motifs and embellishments using techniques like double stops, arpeggios, and most importantly, the individual guitarists harmonising with each other throughout the song.

The tutor explains all the solos of the song in great detail, the last of which features some of the notes from the harmonic minor scale, which carry a signature sound of the desert, or the Middle East. This lends itself literally to the theme of the narrative of the song.

FAQs

Q. Do I need a nylon-string guitar to play this version?

While the original recording uses nylon strings, you can play it on a steel-string acoustic. The tone will sound brighter, but the chords and techniques remain the same.

Q. Why is the capo on the 7th fret? Can I play it without one?

The capo transposes the chords to match the original key (B minor) and allows easier open-position shapes. Without a capo, you’ll need to play full barre chords in B minor.

Fear of the Dark - Introduction

Fear of the Dark is one of Iron Maiden’s most famous songs, released in 1992 on the album of the same name. Written by bassist Steve Harris, it explores the fear of darkness and the unknown. The song starts slow and eerie, then explodes into fast, heavy riffs. It became a fan favorite, especially in live shows where the crowd sings along.

The lyrics describe the creeping fear of being alone in the dark, where every shadow feels threatening. Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals and the twin-guitar harmonies make it unforgettable. The song’s structure is dynamic; starting quiet, building tension, then bursting into full energy. It remains one of their most-streamed tracks today.

Fear of the Dark Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down the song’s F major to D minor shifts. The intro uses clean arpeggios (F - C - Dm - Bb) before the heavy riff kicks in. The main riff is in D minor, played with palm muting for a tight sound. The tempo starts at 80 BPM but speeds up later.

The verse has a chugging rhythm (D5 - C5 - Bb5), while the chorus opens up with power chords (F5 - C5 - D5 - Bb5). The solos use the D harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#), giving them a dark, dramatic feel. The twin-guitar harmonies are a key feature—two guitars play different but matching melodies.

For the solos, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith use the D harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#). This scale gives the leads their dramatic, almost classical sound. The twin-guitar harmonies are a key feature—one guitar plays a melody while the other plays a matching part at a different pitch. These harmonies use intervals of thirds and sixths to create that classic Iron Maiden sound.

The bridge section before the final chorus has a rhythm part with quick chord changes. Here, you switch between D5 - F5 - C5 - Bb5 in rapid succession. The key is to keep your palm muting consistent while moving between chords. The song ends with a repeat of the intro arpeggios.

Beginners should start by learning the power chord shapes and the galloping rhythm pattern. Practice the palm muting to get that tight, punchy sound. Intermediate players can work on the twin-guitar harmonies—try recording one part and playing the other over it. Advanced players should focus on the vibrato and bends in the solos, which need to be precise to match the original recording.

FAQs

Q. What tuning does Iron Maiden use for this song?

Standard tuning (EADGBE), though they sometimes play it half-step down live.

Q. How do I play the rhythm correctly?

Use downstrokes on the main beats and upstrokes in between (down-down-up). Start slow with a metronome.

Q. Why does the solo sound so dramatic?

It uses the D harmonic minor scale, which has a raised 7th note (C# instead of C natural).

Q. Can I play this song on a single guitar?

Yes, but you’ll miss the harmonies. Try recording one guitar part and playing the other over.

Aces High - Introduction

Aces High" is the eleventh single by legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, written by bassist Steve Harris for their 1984 album Powerslave. The song's lyrics vividly depict a British RAF pilot's experience during the Battle of Britain (1940), with the band's mascot Eddie appearing as a Spitfire pilot on the single artwork. The track has become one of Iron Maiden's most iconic songs, featured in numerous video games and extreme sports films.

The song's B-side contains a cover medley of Nektar's "Crying in the Dark" and "King of Twilight" from their 1972 album. The music video, filmed during the World Slavery Tour in Poland, incorporates authentic Battle of Britain newsreel footage. This powerful imagery became a staple of Iron Maiden's live shows, often paired with Winston Churchill's famous wartime speeches as an introduction.

Aces High Guitar Lesson

This lesson with Mike Walker teaches you how to play "Aces High" properly. The song keeps changing keys - it starts in C, then goes to A, then G, then back to C. This makes the song exciting but tricky to play. When the key changes, the mood of the song changes too, just like how a dogfight has calm moments and crazy moments.

The main riff uses something called harmonised guitars - that means two guitars play the same tune but at different pitches, making a cool twin sound. The rhythm is called "galloping" because it goes fast like a horse (down-down-up, down-down-up). You need to palm mute the strings near the bridge to get that tight, machine-gun sound Iron Maiden is famous for.

The solos use a special scale that sounds Middle Eastern. It's basically the minor scale but with the second note lowered (so in E minor, you play F natural instead of F#). This makes the solo sound tense and dramatic, which goes well for a war song. The fast parts need alternate picking - down-up-down-up - to play cleanly at high speed.

For beginners, start by learning just the power chords (C5, A5, G5) and the galloping rhythm slowly. The chords are simple, but switching between them fast is hard. Advanced players should work on the twin guitar harmonies and the quick key changes. The song is tough, but satisfying to play once you get it right, like most metal songs.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used in Aces High?

The original recording uses Eb tuning (all strings tuned half-step down) but can be played in standard tuning.

Q. How to play the galloping rhythm?

Use alternate picking with emphasis on the downstrokes: Down-Down-Up pattern repeated.

Q. Is this song suitable for beginners?

The simplified power chord version is accessible, but the full arrangement requires intermediate skills.

If you wish to light up the vibe of your jamming session or want to make people start dancing at a party, you need to learn Sadi Gali on your guitar. This is your typical upbeat desi song, which can perfectly be placed to break the monotony of mellow Bollywood covers. In truth, it makes the people go singing, clapping, and maybe breaking into bhangra. 

This song is a mix of Punjabi folk, pop, and funk, which is why when you are learning how to play it on guitar, you will get to know how to implement fusion style in your guitar play and increase your genre versatility. 

Before the song was chosen for the Bollywood movie, it was released by an independent Punjabi artist, Lehmber Hussainpuri, and the song witnessed a pretty massive fan following in Northern India, from where the song originally came from. 

Strumming Pattern 

The strumming pattern you need to follow is: D – D U – U D U.  

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

If you wish to play a more percussive version which adds more groove to the song, then you should go with the following pattern: D – X U – U D U. 

• X = Mute 

You can use palm muting after the first downstroke, which will mimic a dhol-like rhythm. 

Technical Aspects Of the Guitar That You Are Going To Learn In the Sadi Gali Song Lesson 

Learning Sadi Gali on guitar is more than just a fun activity; it’s a song that teaches you different technical skills that make you a better guitarist. Here’s a list of a few things you are going to learn from this guitar lesson: 

Mike Walker, our guitar instructor, has dissected this lesson into 5 different parts, each of which has its own skillset that you will practice and learn. Apart from this, you will be introduced to power chords and barre chord shapes. Mike will show you how to play them precisely. 

Furthermore, this song takes a lot of inspiration from Punjabi-Bhangra music, and here you 

will learn the strumming pattern with syncopation and upstrokes required to make your guitar sound similar.

Why Learn This Song Sadi Gali On Guitar?

This song has a lively tempo and syncopated beat, which is a great workout for your strumming hand; it will improve your timing, groove, and also help in building your endurance. The song follows a basic 3-4 chord structure; as a result, even beginners can master it quickly and make their guitar sound impressive. The guitar play for this song is quite simple, but it's the tempo that fills it up with power and makes the song seem like it is technically challenging. 

Saajna’s unplugged version features minimal instrumentation and comes with soulful vocals that touch your heart. It has become a go-to-track for contestants of reality shows, unplugged concerts and for many upcoming musicians who are singing in clubs, cafes and restaurants. 

Fun Fact: 

The original song for the film was composed by Salim-Sulaiman, and the responsibility of composition was given to none other than Shafqat Amanat Ali, which became so popular that it overshadowed the original recording. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this introduction part of the song lesson, Steve, your guitar instructor, talks about what makes Saajna such a great Hindi song to learn on guitar. 

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn how to tune up your guitar and learn how to play 

the song in the key of D minor. 

Song Demo: In this section, Steve is going to play the guitar part of the song with the backing track to show you how to sync guitar chords with the vocals that are part of the song. 

Solo 1: This part of the lesson helps you understand how to play the first solo that comes at the very beginning of the song. 

Solo 2: This part of the guitar lesson will provide you with information on the next little piece 

of the guitar solo that you hear in the middle of the song. 

Solo 3: Here, you will learn the very last solo, which comes as the song is about to end. 

Overdub Section: This part of the lesson teaches you how to play a specific section of the second guitar, which only comes when the verse section comes in. 

Improvisation: In the last part of this lesson, Steve tells you some of the improvisation techniques that you can use in order to make your guitar chords sound as accurate as possible. 

Why is Saajna (Unplugged) from the movie I, Me aur Main Song?

The song Saajna is rich and filled with emotions; the lyrics are heartfelt, making it a perfect 

choice for people who are looking for emotive playing and connecting with their audience. 

FAQs – Saajna (Unplugged) Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who composed the song Saajna, and who sang it for the movie? 

Ans. The unplugged version of the song was composed by Shafqat Amanat Ali, and the vocals for the song were given by Falak Shabir. 

Q2. Is this a good song for beginners? 

Ans. Yes, the song takes full advantage of basic chords and has a slow tempo as well making it suitable for slow beginners. 

Q3. Do I really need to play this song on acoustic guitar only? 

Ans. The unplugged versions of the means it is best to play it on an acoustic guitar with the help of fingerstyle playing. 

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Sau Aasoon, as hard-hitting as it sounds, isn’t actually a sad song. It does have a melodic feel to it, but that adds up to the reasons why you should be playing it on guitar. Sau Aasoon is from the movie Katti Batti, and musical maestro Shankar Mahadevan and Rasika Shekhar have given their vocals. It’s a song that beautifully holds an emotional ballad and soothing melody. In addition to this, the lyrics are just top-notch poetry, and there is a subtle instrumental arrangement, which is like a cherry on top. 

When you learn Sau Aasoon on guitar, you get to combine guitar techniques with an emotional feel. Here in this guitar lesson by Mike Walker, you are not just hitting the right notes, but you will also learn how to make your guitar playing sound more polished and heartfelt, which makes it possible for you to connect closely with the song’s original mood. 

Why Learn Sau Aasoon Song On Guitar?

You can play Sau Aasoon entirely from open chords; this makes the song accessible for people who are still looking to build confidence in their chord transitions and don’t feel like playing bar and other intricate chords. 

It’s a song that helps you convey emotions via guitar play, all thanks to its slow tempo and gentle dynamics. Furthermore, with a steady and relaxed rhythm, you are surely going to improve your timing as you practice this song. Apart from this, you also get control and the ability to feel rather than just mechanically play the chords. 

Due to its emotional appeal, this is the one song you should definitely keep on your setlist when playing for a live audience. 

FAQs – Sau Aasoon Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Can I transpose the song Sau Aasoon to a different key for my vocal comfort? 

Ans. Yes, if you wish, you can transpose Sau Aasoon to D major or even G major using a capo or by simply shifting chord shapes depending on your vocal range. With the transposing, you can adapt for both male and female vocalists while still maintaining their emotional depth. 

Q2. What are some of the modal characteristics of the song Sau Aasoon? 

Ans. Sau Aasoon predominately follows the Ionian model, which is nothing but a major scale, the use of natural major scale structure to create a soft, uplifting, yet melancholic mood. Thus, it’s a good example for newcomers to have an experience of modal sound. 

Q3. Is it possible for me to use hybrid picking or fingerstyle techniques for the song Sau Aasoon? 

Ans. You can try hybrid picking, where you can combine a pick or a bass note and fingers for higher strings; combining these two, you can easily arpeggiate the chords. With hybrid picking, you will also be able to enhance dynamic control, especially when you are playing an acoustic version of the song, which is quite stripped down in terms of chord progression. 

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The 90s classic Deewana Tera is one of the most well-known and easily recognizable love ballads from Sonu Nigam. With this song you get to express your deep emotions as you play this song on guitar to set the mellow vibe for the evening.  

Fun Fact: Deewana Tera played an important role in making Sonu Nigam’s private album, Deewana, a huge success. It also helped him launch his career outside of Bollywood as an independent music artist. 

Strumming Pattern 

The strumming pattern you should be using for this song is: D D U U D U. 

• D = Down Strum.
• U = Up Strum. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The guitar instructor for this lesson is Mike Walker, and in this part of the lesson, he shows you how to tune up your guitar for this song. 

Intro Section: This particular section of the song is 10 bars, and it goes for up to 23 seconds of the song. After the first 4 bars comes a strumming pattern. Mike first shows you the chords you need to play and then the strumming pattern. 

Verse and Chorus: In this part of the lesson, you will learn how to play the chords for the first verse and the chorus of the song. 

Bridge: The bridge comes after the first verse, and it is of 4 bars; you will find this bridge to be a bit different because it uses a passing chord that’s not in the key. 

Song Demo: Here Mike is going to show you how to play the entire guitar sections with the backing track to show you how to sync your guitar play with the vocals. 

Solo Lesson: The solo present in the song is broken into several licks by Mike Walker to make it easier for you to learn how to play it. 

Overdub Section: Right here you are going to find out how to play the guitar overdubs that are part of the song. 

Improvisation: In this last section Mike shares some of the tips and tricks that are helpful in improvising. 

Why Learn Deewana Tera By Sonu Nigam Song?

If you are learning to play and sing together, this is the perfect song to keep in your arsenal. It comes with its own set of challenges that are pretty fun to learn. When you are able to play this song in front of an audience, you will be hitting all the right nostalgic sweet spots, making it an amazing crowd-pleaser. 

FAQs – Deewana Tera By Sonu Nigam Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. What is the key to the song Deewana Tera?

Ans. The song is present in the key of G major, thus making it perfect for beginners. 

Q2. Can I use fingerpicking techniques or arpeggios for Deewana Tera?

Ans. Yes, you can follow the simple fingerpicking pattern, which is (like 6–4–3–2 or 5–4–3–2 depending on the chord).