Introduction
Introduction:
In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Home as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning. Home is the coronation song and a debut single from the winner of American Idol season 11, Phill Phillips. The song was co-written by Drew Pearson and Greg Holden. Phill performed this song for the first time on May 12th, 2012, when he was giving the season's final performance.
Song Structure:
Introduction: The introduction consists of tuning requirements for the guitar and the basics of what you need to play this song.
Song Arrangement: This part helps you learn about the intro section. Also, Mike shows you two different picking patterns that you can use for this song and how to move back and forth between the two patterns.
Song Demo: In this section Mike your guitar instructor is going to teach you how to play the guitar parts of the song alongside backing tracks.
Vocal Melody: This is the final section of this guitar lesson, and it's the added bonus where Mike teaches you how to play the vocal melody which is present in the song.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson: The entire song is written in the key of C major with a bright tempo.
Home
Introduction
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Vocal Melody
Introduction:
In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Home as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning. Home is the coronation song and a debut single from the winner of American Idol season 11, Phill Phillips. The song was co-written by Drew Pearson and Greg Holden. Phill performed this song for the first time on May 12th, 2012, when he was giving the season's final performance.
Song Structure:
Introduction: The introduction consists of tuning requirements for the guitar and the basics of what you need to play this song.
Song Arrangement: This part helps you learn about the intro section. Also, Mike shows you two different picking patterns that you can use for this song and how to move back and forth between the two patterns.
Song Demo: In this section Mike your guitar instructor is going to teach you how to play the guitar parts of the song alongside backing tracks.
Vocal Melody: This is the final section of this guitar lesson, and it's the added bonus where Mike teaches you how to play the vocal melody which is present in the song.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson: The entire song is written in the key of C major with a bright tempo.
Home
Introduction
Song Arrangement
Song Demo
Vocal Melody
Explore More in English Songs
Introduction
Learn the famous “I Shot the Sheriff” on Torrins, led by our expert instructor Steve Luciano, who has decades of experience playing and teaching guitar. “I Shot the Sheriff” is originally a reggae song written by Bob Marley and released in 1973 with his band, The Wailers. However, you'll be playing Eric Clapton’s version of this song with Steve on Torrins.com. Eric recorded his cover in 1974 for his album 461 Ocean Boulevard. His performance of the song adds soft rock to the reggae sound, giving it a unique feel.
The difficulty level of this guitar lesson ranges from beginner to intermediate and breaks down the chords, rhythm, structure, and strumming pattern in a simple yet engaging way! So, tune in and unfold the magic of this hit cover!
Steve Luciano teaches the I Shot The Sheriff Song guitar lesson using 4 movable chords: Gm, Cm, Eb, and Dm. No capo is needed!
Chords Used in I Shot the Sheriff Guitar Lesson
This song is played using movable chords, which are common in reggae music.
Chords used: Gm, Cm, Eb, Dm
Steve teaches essential finger positioning and movement techniques to help make chord transitions smoother. He also demonstrates how to lighten finger pressure to achieve the signature reggae "deadening" effect on the strings.
Strumming Pattern
Pattern: D-U-D-U
- Like other reggae songs, this one emphasizes playing on the downbeat but feeling the upbeat to capture its groove.
- It’s good if you practice the chords first before adding rhythm, as some transitions can be tricky.
Song Structure
This song follows a verse-chorus format:
- Verse: The beginning of the song primarily uses Gm and Cm chords.
- Chorus: Introduces the Eb chord, which can be challenging for some players. Steve demonstrates easier ways to play Eb, particularly for those with larger fingers.
- The chorus chord progression repeats five times.
- At the end of the chorus, there's a signature single-note tag based on the Gm pentatonic scale. This lick is played each time the chorus ends.
Improvisation Techniques
- The song features a signature lick at the end of the chorus, based on the Gm pentatonic scale. Steve breaks down how to play the notes smoothly to maintain the song’s groove.
Why Learn I Shot the Sheriff on Guitar?
- Learning this song can help you master movable chord shapes commonly used in reggae.
- It will also help you improve reggae-style strumming and chord muting techniques.
- Additionally, it provides insight into lead guitar phrasing with the signature pentatonic lick.
Tips for Playing the Song Smoothly
- Practice chord transitions first before adding strumming.
- Loosen your grip to achieve the proper reggae deadening effect.
- Feel the upbeat while strumming for an authentic reggae sound.
FAQs – I Shot the Sheriff Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
A: It’s suitable for intermediate players, as it uses movable chords, which may be challenging for beginners.
Q2. What if I struggle with the Eb chord?
A: Steve demonstrates easier alternatives for players who find it difficult, especially those with larger fingers.
Fun Fact: “I Shot the Sheriff” was originally a spiritual metaphor for birth control, though Bob Marley never revealed which lyrics were true. Eric Clapton’s 1974 cover became a massive hit, introducing Marley’s music to rock audiences worldwide. While Marley was happy with the cover, he was frustrated that the song was widely misinterpreted as an anthem against injustice and corruption rather than its original meaning.
Introduction
Torrins brings you a detailed guitar lesson on another late-1990s rock hit, Jumper, by the American rock band Third Eye Blind. In this tutorial, our expert instructor, Steve Luciano, breaks down this acoustic power pop song, sharing valuable insights to help you master it on guitar.
This guitar song tutorial covers Intro, Chords, Rhythm, and comes with Tabs and Lyrics for an all-rounded playing and learning experience.
Chords Used in Jumper Guitar Lesson
This song features a mix of open and extended chords, creating a rich and dynamic sound.
The song is originally written in the key of C major and has a time signature of common time and a tempo of 88 beats per minute.
Steve Luciano teaches this song using 5 chords two of which are Fmaj7/C and D4add9. Check out the complete lesson to know the rest.
Chords used: Fmaj7/C and D4 add 9
Steve shares a simple hack to play D4add9, making it easier to transition smoothly between chords. He also covers detailed finger positioning to ensure clarity in each chord change.
Strumming Pattern
Pattern: DDDUDUUD
The song follows a 4/4 time signature, but what makes it unique is the 16th note rhythm in the intro. Your right hand moves four times as fast, but you don’t have to hit the strings every time—just keeping your hand moving at that pace gives the desired groove. Steve breaks down this technique in the lesson to help you nail the feel of the song.
Song Structure
This song follows a verse-chorus format, with rhythmic variations adding energy to different sections.
- Verse: The first measure contains two chords, while the next measure is a full measure of one chord.
- Chorus: Features a groovier and faster rhythm, helping you develop better control in your right hand.
- Muting Technique: In parts of the song, Steve demonstrates how to mute the strings while playing Fmaj7/C, creating a percussive effect. If you struggle with this, he also teaches an alternative approach.
Why Learn the Jumper song on guitar?
- Improves right-hand independence and left-right hand coordination for smoother transitions.
- Teaches unique strumming techniques that add groove and freshness to your playing.
- Helps develop speed and precision, making your playing sound more natural and effortless.
Tips for Playing the Jumper Song Smoothly on Guitar
- Practice chord transitions first before focusing on strumming.
- Loosen your grip to achieve proper string muting in certain sections.
- Focus on feeling the rhythm, especially during faster, groove-heavy parts.
FAQs – Jumper Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
A: The Jumper song on guitar is best suited for intermediate players due to its faster rhythm and complex strumming patterns.
Q2. What if I struggle with the faster rhythm?
A: In that case, practice the strumming motion slowly first before speeding up. The key is keeping your right hand moving consistently.
Recording Fun Fact: For Jumper, Stephan Jenkins wanted a deep, thudding drum sound, so they recorded in a small room with the doors open for a natural "breathing" effect. He even had drummer Brad Hargreaves switch to smaller sticks for a more controlled feel, kind of like a Beatles-style recording trick!
Similar Rock Songs
Introduction:
Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson "Wonderwall" by Oasis, taught by Mike McQuinn. This timeless classic is a must-learn for any guitarist, helping you master chord variations, strumming patterns, and how to play and sing simultaneously. Mike breaks down this song lesson into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Strumming, Sing and Play and Song Demo.
Fun Fact: In October 2020, "Wonderwall" became the first song from the 1990s to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. Today, it ranks as the second most-streamed song from that decade, following Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit”.
Chords Used in Wonderwall Guitar Lesson: The song is built around five essential chord patterns, which you’ll learn in detail in the song lesson. Some of the chords that make up this song are: G, Em7, Dsus4, A7Sus4, Cadd9. Tune in to the lesson to learn the rest.
One chord pattern includes a walk-down pattern for smooth transitions.
All chords are played with a capo on the 2nd fret
Strumming Pattern The primary strumming pattern is:
- DDUDUDDUDUDD (Repeats UDUDD three times and ends with UD)
- An alternate strumming pattern is used in the walk-down chord section—learn the difference in the lesson!
Song Structure & Breakdown This lesson is divided into multiple sections for easy learning:
- Introduction: This section has an overview of the lesson structure and key techniques.
- Chords & Strumming: This section includes all the chords used in this song, and Mike shares the five essential chord patterns that make up this song. He demonstrates how to transition smoothly. The song finishes with a repetitive lead part—Mike explains how to master it effortlessly. He shares tips to master the rhythm of the song.
- Sing & Play: Mike teaches how to coordinate vocals with guitar playing, gearing you up for jamming sessions!
- Song Demo: The song lesson ends with a full demonstration of the song to tie everything together.
Tip: Follow along with the Tabs provided with the song lesson for quick and effective learning.
Why Learn Wonderwall?
- Learning this song will help you improve chord transition and variation skills.
- It will also help you master rhythm consistency with its distinct strumming pattern.
- It will enhance your ability to play and sing simultaneously.
FAQs – Wonderwall Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Ans- Yes! The chords are slight variations to basic chords and are used repetitively, making it a great song for all skill levels.
Q2. Do I need a capo?
Ans- Yes, the song is played with a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original key.
Q3. How do I improve my strumming for this song?
Ans- Focus on maintaining a relaxed wrist and practice the primary strumming pattern slowly before speeding up.
Songs with Similar Difficulty
Introduction:
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.




































