Beat It
Introduction
Intro Riff
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Solo Part 1
Solo Part 2
Improvisation Demo
Improvisation Explanation
Guitar Tone
No Description Available
Beat It
Introduction
Intro Riff
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Solo Part 1
Solo Part 2
Improvisation Demo
Improvisation Explanation
Guitar Tone
Explore More in English Songs
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:
- Intro
- Verse 1 & 2
- Bridge – Separate versions for beginners and advanced players
- Solo Verse – Melody-driven section
- 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.
Introduction:
Torrins brings you an in-depth guitar lesson on Zero Tolerance by Death, taught by none other than Bobby Koelble—one of the original guitarists on the track. This lesson dissects the song’s intricate riffs, multiple solos, and unique techniques to help you master this classic death metal piece.
Fun Fact: The title Zero Tolerance was later used for two compilation albums released under Chuck Schuldiner’s name, featuring rare demo material from both Death and Control Denied.
Tuning and Song Structure
- Standard tuning, down a whole step.
- Multiple solos from both Chuck Schuldiner and Bobby Koelble.
- This Lesson is structured into key sections: Introduction, Intro Riff, Solo-1 (Chuck), Chorus, Bridge, Main Solos (Chuck & Bobby), Solo 2 (Bobby), Song Demo, and Final Note on Chorus.
- Make sure to use the provided chords and tabs to follow along!
Breaking Down the Song
Intro Riff
- Mostly in the key of E minor.
- Straightforward riff featuring power chords, including low E power chords.
- Incorporates muted string techniques for a tight and punchy sound.
First Solo (Chuck Schuldiner)
- Simple power chord progression in the background, one of which is C.
- Features an E minor major 7 arpeggio.
- Chuck was known for focusing on feel rather than strict technical terms—tune into the lesson for an in-depth breakdown!
Chorus
- Includes a riff and a melody.
- Has a slow tempo (for a Death song), making it one of the easier riffs to play.
- Features low E power chords, single notes, and palm-muted sections, along with other chords.
Bridge
- A relatively easy section featuring some power chords and palm-muted notes.
- Watch the lesson to master the additional chords!
Main Solo (Chuck Schuldiner)
- Opens with a harmonized melodic lick up the 3rd.
- Uses the A harmonic minor scale.
- Bobby shares valuable insights on writing melodic solos—a must-watch for aspiring songwriters.
Main Solo (Bobby Koelble)
- Played in F# minor.
- Starts with an introductory lick harmonized up a 5th, then shifts to a minor 3rd harmony.
- Solo is broken down into multiple digestible sections for easy learning.
Solo 2 (Bobby Koelble)
- A short but technical solo occurring between the verse and chorus.
- Starts with a C note and a tapped harmonic.
- This section covers artificial harmonics.
Final Note on Chorus
- Discusses the background chords heard in the final chorus.
- Bobby teaches unique finger positioning techniques to recreate the exact sound.
Song Demo & Summary
To wrap it all up, Bobby plays the full song with a backing track, demonstrating how all the sections come together.
Why Learn Zero Tolerance?
- Learn palm muting, power chord progressions, and harmonized melodies.
- Master multiple solo styles, from Chuck’s emotive phrasing to Bobby’s technical intricacies.
- Get valuable songwriting and soloing insights from an original artist of the song.
FAQs – Zero Tolerance Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this lesson beginner-friendly?
- This lesson leans more towards intermediate to advanced players.
Q2. How can I improve my palm muting technique?
- Focus on muting with the side of your palm near the bridge while maintaining a tight, controlled attack.
Q3. Are tabs provided for the lesson?
- Yes! The chords and tabs included will help you nail every section.
Similar Rock Songs
Introduction:
Looking to learn one of the most heartfelt love ballads ever written? Then this song tutorial of Eric Clapton’s hit song is a must-watch for you. This "Wonderful Tonight" guitar lesson, taught by Mike Dugan, breaks down the song into an easy-to-follow tutorial that’s perfect for both beginners and advanced players. Mike teaches you how to sing as well as play the song.
Fun Fact: Eric Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" while waiting for his then-girlfriend, Pattie Boyd, to get ready for an event. Despite its simplicity, the song became his most downloaded track on Spotify, with over 480 million streams!
Chords Used in "Wonderful Tonight"
This lesson is taught in the key of G major, and it primarily uses open chords, making it accessible to beginners. Some of the main chords include:
- G
- Em
- D/F#
The lesson also covers additional chords and variations—tune in to discover them all!
Strumming Pattern & Rhythm Techniques
- Beginner-Friendly Strumming: Basic downstrums to ensure smooth transitions between chords.
- Advanced Strumming: The tutorial also covers a more complex strumming pattern used in the original recording. This involves subdivisions, where each beat is split into four 16th notes, creating a rhythmic groove with an alternate strumming pattern (DUDUDU) with accents.
- Special Techniques: The instructor introduces a unique method for adding accents, perfect for players looking to elevate their rhythm skills. Tune in to the lesson to learn how to do it.
Song Structure Breakdown
This tutorial follows the song’s original structure, making it easier to follow:
- Intro (played twice)
- Verse 1
- Intro section again
- Verse 2
- Bridge
- Intro played twice
- Verse 3 with a tag ending
- Intro played twice to fade out
Tip: The intro shares a similar progression to the first part of the verse, making it easier to grasp.
Walk-Down Technique & Chord Transitions
One of the standout features of this lesson is the walk-down technique, where the bass notes descend smoothly between chords. Mike provides a step-by-step breakdown of positioning complex chord shapes and making smooth transitions.
Sing & Play Lesson
Want to sing while playing? This lesson dedicates a section to teaching how to play and sing simultaneously, helping learners match their strumming with the song’s vocal phrasing.
Final Play-Along & Bonus Lesson
- The lesson ends with a play-along section featuring a backing track, allowing learners to practice the entire song with professional accompaniment.
- For a more in-depth approach to playing "Wonderful Tonight" in an authentic style, check out Steve Luciano’s version, which focuses on the intricacies of the guitar work of the song.
FAQs – "Wonderful Tonight" Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Yes! With just a few open chords and a straightforward rhythm, it’s perfect for beginners.
Q2. How can I improve my strumming for this song?
Start with basic downstrums, then work on the subdivided 16th-note pattern with accents for a more authentic feel.
Introduction:
Learn the groove metal song, Walk, by American heavy metal band Pantera from their sixth album, Vulgar Display of Power, on Torrins. Our expert instructor, Bobby Koeble, known for his metal guitar skills, will walk you through this detailed lesson. This lesson caters to both beginner and intermediate guitarists, with clear instructions and helpful tips.
Fun Fact: "Walk" by Pantera was inspired by the band's experience with changing relationships after they became famous. Guitarist Dimebag Darrell said the main riff was influenced by a simple rhythm they would play during soundchecks, which eventually turned into the song's iconic groove. The song's aggressive "walk on home, boy" line reflects the band's frustration with people who treated them differently after their success.
Bobby breaks this song lesson into various segments for detailed understanding and a smooth learning curve-
- Introduction & Tuning
- Intro Riff
- Intro Power Chords
- Verse
- Prechorus
- Chorus, Arrangement, & Outro
- Solo parts 1, 2, and 3
- Song with Backing Track
Each part is taught step by step, making it easier to follow along and learn the whole song at your own pace.
Chords Used in the Walk Guitar Lesson
The song is played in standard tuning down a whole step and a quarter lower.
Some of the key chords featured throughout include the Eb/Bb power chord, the D over A chord, the Db power chord, and the G chord.
Strumming Pattern
The rhythm follows a triplet-based feel, creating a steady groove. Downstroke picking is essential for maintaining the song's aggressive tone, especially during the pre-chorus and chorus. Fast-paced song with power chords making up most of the rhythm section.
Song Structure
Intro: The intro riff is simple yet powerful, all played on the 6th string. Bobby breaks down the intro by slowing it down and providing alternatives for ease of playing. The intro involves bending, slides, and a 3-note figure.
Verse: Verse follows the same 3-note figure from the intro, creating a repetitive yet driving rhythm.
Pre-Chorus: Involves power chords, including D over A, Db, and G, along with others. This section combines whole note values and half note values for a dynamic feel.
Chorus: Same as the power chord-heavy part from the intro. Note that the second chorus is played twice as long for added intensity.
Solo: The solo is divided into three distinct parts. There’s a dedicated video lesson for each part.
Outro: The song features a fading riff based on the intro section. Bobby shares a special technique for nailing this section—don't miss it!
Why Learn the Song Walk?
- This lesson teaches key metal techniques like downstrokes, bending, sliding, and vibrato.
- The song's triplet rhythm and fast pace will challenge and strengthen your playing skills.
- Learning this iconic song will add power and groove to your playing style.
Tips for Smooth Playing:
- Focus on clean transitions between chords.
- Pay attention to silencing other strings during the intro.
- Take your time with the bending and vibrato, t’s all about control!
FAQs – Walk Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Yes! The rhythm is easy to follow, the chords and solos might be trickier though.
Q2. How can I improve my triplet rhythm?
Practice slow and steady while focusing on even timing and downstrokes.
Q3. How do I maintain a clean tone while playing power chords?
Make sure to mute any unwanted strings and use proper finger positioning.
