Intro, Chords, and Basic Rhythm

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Its Time

by Mike Walker

Introduction

It’s Time is the debut single by the American rock band Imagine Dragons. The song was released as the leading single from the band’s first major label EP which was Continued Silence. In the same year the band included this song in their first feature album.

It’s Time is the staple of Imagine Dragons’s live concert; they usually play this song in the beginning of their performance as it is the first song which gave the band its much needed recognition in the American music scene.

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song It's Time as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Song Arrangement and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song It’s Time is present in the key of D

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern that you have to follow for this song is D-DU-UD-DU, which means:

D = Down strum
U = Up strum
- = Pause or slight break

Song Structure

Introduction: In this part of the guitar lesson Mike Walker your music instructor is going to show you the tuning requirements for the song.

Song Arrangement: Here, you are going to learn how to play specific chords in the open chord style. In addition to this, you will also learn the lick, which you will be playing over and over again in the verses.

Song Demo: This is the last part of this guitar song lesson where Mike is going to teach you how to play the guitar section alongside the backing track.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Stuck Like Glue as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm and Non Capo Version. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

I Shot the Sheriff

by Steve Luciano

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.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Stuck Like Glue

by Steve Luciano

If needed add some text content with lesson to show on viewer's screen.

Country

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Comfortably Numb

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Take a Look Around (MI Theme)

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Limp Bizkit recorded the song “Take a Look Around” in the year 2000. It was their first single and tenth track of the album called Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water.

This particular song ranked as number six and number four by Louder Sound and Kerrang, respectively, as Limp Bizkit's greatest songs of all time.

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Take a Look Around (MI Theme) as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Song Arrangement and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song is in the key of A, and the tempo of the song is 100 bpm.

Song Structure

Introduction: In this introduction, Mike Walker, your guitar instructor, is going to show you the tuning settings for the song. You will also get to know how to play this song in one and a half steps down.

Song Arrangement: Here you will learn about the four bar space that comes in the intro and the second verse, which is something you get to hear a lot in Mission Impossible movies in the background.

Song Demo: This is the final section of the guitar lesson, here you will get to see how to play the guitar chords alongside the song.

In this video lesson J.J. Pattishall teaches how to play the song Every Teardrop is a Waterfall as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Rhythm, Song Arrangement, Lick and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Metal

Taught by

Mike Walker

Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Eruption

by Mario Ticlea

Taught by

Mario Ticlea

In My City

by J.J. Pattishall

Introduction

In My City is the debut song from Indian actress Priyanka Chopra featuring Will.i.am. The song was co-written by Ester Dean, who also provides his voice for additional vocals.

Priyanka gives homage to her nomadic childhood and shows her journey from a small-town girl to a big Bollywood star. This isn’t a guitar song in the first place, but J.J. Pattishall is going to teach you how to turn it into a guitar song.

In this video lesson J.J. Pattishall teaches how to play the song In My City as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Rhythm, Song Arrangement and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Song Structure

Introduction: In this part, J.J. Pattishall talks about how this song is a unique dance number and the influence of singer/ DJ Will.i.am makes the song upbeat, similar to the songs from Black Eyed Peas. In this section, you will also learn the tuning of the guitar for this song.

Chords and Rhythm: Here, you will learn the outline of the chords and the rhythm that you are going to use in the song. Furthermore, you will get to know how to improvise guitar playing in this song to make it more interesting.

Song Arrangement: In this section, you will be learning how to play the chords of Will.i.am, part of the song.

Song Demo: This is the last section where your guitar instructor is going to show you how to play the guitar section alongside the song.

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Similar Country Songs

I Will Be Here

by J.J. Pattishall

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.

moderate

Country

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Wagon Wheel

by J.J. Pattishall

Country

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Need You Now

by Mike Walker

Country

Taught by

Mike Walker

Your Cheating Heart

by Mike Dugan

Introduction:

Torrins brings you a classic country guitar lesson—Your Cheatin’ Heart, written and recorded by Hank Williams in 1952. Taught by Mike Dugan, this sing and play lesson breaks down the song into easy-to-follow sections, making it perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. He breaks down the chords, rhythm, and song arrangement of the song.

Fun Fact: Did you know Williams wrote this song while driving from Nashville to Shreveport with his fiancée? After calling his first wife a "cheatin’ heart," the lyrics poured and the entire song was ready within minutes.

Chords & Song Structure

This song follows a standard verse-chorus structure with a bridge in between.

Key: The song is in the key of C major
Verse Chords: The verse has three basic open chords. Tune into the lesson to learn them.
Bridge Chords: Bridge includes chords like F, D7, and others.

Mike carefully breaks down finger positioning, chord transitions, and how the chords are divided across measures. He also provides alternative fingerings to make it easier for beginners.

Do you wish to learn the intricacies of Country Guitar Playing? Check out our detailed lessons to master this style!

Strumming Patterns

This song has a simple and steady strumming style, ideal for both beginners and advanced players.

Beginner-Friendly Strumming:
A basic downstrum-only pattern in straight 4s to help new players get comfortable.
Advanced Strumming Pattern:
A more dynamic down-up pattern (DDUDDDDUDD) that adds depth and groove. Mike explains the transitions and accents in detail to help you get the authentic country feel.

Sing & Play

If you want to sing while playing, Mike provides a step-by-step breakdown of how the vocals align with the chord changes. He explains:

How to keep your strumming steady while singing
Where to place emphasis in both lyrics and chords
How to build confidence in singing and playing simultaneously

He suggests beginners to start with the basic strumming pattern, and once comfortable, then they can switch to the more advanced rhythm for a fuller sound.

Moreover, you can take advantage of the accompanied lyrics in the song lesson for a comprehensive learning experience.

Why Learn Your Cheatin’ Heart?

Classic country song that strengthens rhythm guitar skills
Great for beginners, thanks to simple chords and a steady beat
Teaches strumming variations, helping you develop better control
Perfect for sing-alongs, making it a fun addition to your repertoire

FAQs Your Cheatin’ Heart Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes! The song uses simple open chords and a steady strumming pattern, making it perfect for beginners.

Q2: What if I struggle with singing and playing at the same time?

Start with basic downstrums to get comfortable. Once you have the rhythm down, gradually add vocals.

Q3: Do I need a capo for this song?

No capo is needed. The song is played in the key of C with open chords.

easy

Country

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Songs with Similar Difficulty

Kangna

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Sanam Teri Kasam Easy Version

by Steve Luciano

Sanam Teri Kasam – Introduction

Sanam Teri Kasam is one of those songs that just sits with you long after it ends. From the 2016 film of the same name, the song became an instant favorite for people who love intense, emotional love stories. Composed by Himesh Reshammiya and sung by Ankit Tiwari and Palak Muchhal, the track brings out themes of longing, heartbreak, and unshaken devotion. It fits perfectly into the narrative of the film, which is a modern tragic romance.

What really makes Sanam Teri Kasam stand out is its sincerity. There’s nothing flashy or over-produced about it—it’s just pure emotion, pouring through both the music and the lyrics. Sameer Anjaan’s writing feels personal and poetic, and the vocals carry it all with a kind of soft heartbreak. The song was released at a time when Bollywood was leaning heavily into dance beats and remixes, so a raw, classic-style ballad like this one really struck a chord with audiences.

Sanam Teri Kasam – Guitar Lesson

Instructor Steve Luciano teaches this easy version of Sanam Teri Kasam with a focus on making it playable and soulful at the same time. You’ll need to place a capo on the 3rd fret for this lesson, which helps match the key of the original while keeping the chords nice and simple. The main chords you’ll use here are Am, C, G, E7, Em, and F. These are all standard open chords, and Steve breaks them down one at a time, pointing out smooth finger transitions and how to let the emotions of the song come through even if you’re just strumming.

The strumming pattern Steve recommends is soft and flowing, following the melody more than a strict beat. It’s the kind of pattern that lets you slow down when the lyrics are heavy and pick up just a bit when the song starts to lift. He also gives guidance on dynamics—when to let the chords ring out and when to dampen them for a more intimate feel. The trick to this song isn’t in speed or flash, but in holding back just enough to let the emotion carry the performance.

Steve also touches on how to approach the E7 and F chords, which might trip up beginners. For E7, he shows how it adds a slight emotional tension before resolving back to Am, and for F, he offers a few fingering options—barre and simplified—so you can pick what works for your current level.

One of the best parts of this lesson is how Steve keeps the focus on expression. This is a great song to work on if you want to build emotional connection through your playing, without needing advanced theory.

FAQs

Q. Is this version suitable for beginners?

Yes! The chords are standard open chords, and Steve’s pacing is slow and clear enough for new players to follow along easily.

Q. Do I need to use a capo for this song?

Using a capo on the 3rd fret helps match the pitch of the original and makes the chord shapes easier.

In this video lesson Amy May teaches how to play the song Real as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Intro, Chords, and Rhythm. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Real

by Amy May

In this video lesson Mike Dugan teaches how to play the song Layla as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm and Verse and Singing. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Amy May

Layla

by Mike Dugan

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Flake as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Intro and Chords, Rhythm and Backing Track and Easy Rhythm. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Flake

by Steve Luciano

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song All Songs as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Aasai Oru Pulveli, Nenjukkul Peidhidum, New York Nagaram, Elay Keechan, Nenjukulle (Kadal), Mustafa Mustafa, Moongil Thottam , Vaaya Moodi Summa Iru Da, Bhoomi Engum, Crazy Minnal, Yedhi Yedhi, Mogathirai and Ilaya Nila Pozhigirathe. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Bhoomi Engum

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Sunshine of Your Love

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Do you want to learn a classic blues rock song—one that almost everyone has heard and can get anyone grooving? You’re exactly where you need to be. Tune into the guitar lesson for Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love on Torrins.com, led by our expert tutor Steve Luciano.

He breaks down this song into Introduction, Chords, Rhythm, and shares great tips on everything from finger positioning to chord transitions, to ensure a smooth learning journey. You can also find tabs and lyrics for this song, along with the guitar tutorial.

Chords Used in Sunshine of Your Love Song Tutorial

Verse & Chorus Chords: Power Chords

This song heavily relies on 5th root power chords (two-note chords made of the root note and its fifth), making it a must-learn for mastering chord transitions and control. Some of the chords used in this lesson are D, C, and Ab.

Mastering these chord transitions will significantly improve your power chord fluency.

Strumming & Rhythm Pattern

The rhythm alternates between a DDD pattern and a DUD pattern, giving the song its signature groove.

Song Structure

Sunshine of Your Love follows a 24-measure form, making it an excellent song for developing rhythm consistency and smooth chord shifts.

The intro starts with a power chord on the 6th string
A few measures later, the riff transitions to the 5th string (Make sure the 6th string is muted!)
The position changes again as the song progresses

Steve also points out parts of the song where he uses string bending. It’s a technique that adds emotion and character to notes, often giving the song a signature bluesy rock vibe.

Why Learn Sunshine of Your Love Song on Guitar?

Learning how to play this song on guitar helps you master techniques like string bending and gain fluency over power chords. Learning these techniques helps you add expressive dynamics to your playing, and power chords are essential for classic rock and blues.

Sunshine of Your Love is a perfect song to add to your repertoire if you wish to develop better finger positioning & control and enhance your rhythm skills with a structured song.

FAQs – Sunshine of Your Love Guitar Lesson

Q1: Can I learn the song Sunshine of Your Love on guitar without tabs and lyrics?

Sure, it’s possible — but why make it harder than it needs to be? The tabs and lyrics included in our tutorial are there to guide you through the structure, chord changes, and timing. Especially if you're still building confidence, they’ll save you hours of trial and error.

Q2: What techniques will this lesson help me improve?

This lesson is a goldmine for anyone looking to tighten their rhythm and power chord game. You'll get hands-on with strumming patterns, chord transitions, and some expressive string bending — all crucial techniques if you're aiming to play blues or classic rock with the right attitude and feel.

Fun Fact: The iconic riff of Sunshine of Your Love was directly inspired by Jimi Hendrix! After witnessing Hendrix's electrifying performance at London’s Saville Theatre on January 29, 1967, Cream’s bassist Jack Bruce went home and came up with the song’s signature riff that same night, and then the song was written on top of it. Guitarist Eric Clapton later described it as a tribute to Hendrix’s incredible playing.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Tum Ho

by Will MacMorran

Tum Ho is a song that A.R. Rahman was made specifically for Mohit Chauhan’s voice. He asked Mohit to sing this song like a whisper that came from the heart, and the result of his instruction led to one of the most mesmerizing songs of the new Bollywood era.

Fun Fact: According to many insiders, A.R. Rahman composed the song Tum Ho in complete silence, late at night, in his studio in order to make sure he is able to feel the spiritual and emotional loneliness of the character Jordan.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The arpeggio pattern you need to follow for this song is (P - I - M - A - M - I). In addition to this, the standard fingerpicking pattern is:

Thumb (P) for the bass note (6th, 5th, or 4th string depending on the chord)
Index (I) for the 3rd (G) string
Middle (M) for the 2nd (B) string
Ring (A) for the 1st (high E) string

Strumming Pattern

The main strumming pattern that you need to follow is D - DU - UDU

U = Down Strum
U = Up Strum

Song Structure

Tum Ho Lesson with Capo: In this part of the guitar lesson, the guitar instructor, Will MacMorran, shows you how to play the guitar parts of the song Tum Ho by using capo on the 2nd fret.

Song with Backing Track: After he teaches you how to play the chords, Will is going to show you how to play the entire song with the backing track.

Lesson without Capo: In case you don’t have a cap, you can watch this part of the guitar lesson to learn how to play the song without using a capo.

Why Learn Tum Ho From Rockstar?

Tum Ho is a song filled with emotions, longing, and finding spiritual love. If you are someone who wants to express emotion through melody, this is the right song to begin with. It uses basic guitar chords that are easy to play but they do sound rich when you strum or pick them.

FAQs – Tum Ho From Rockstar Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who was the vocalist for the song Tum Ho from the movie Rockstar?

Ans. Mohit Chauhan was the man behind the soulful vocals of the song Tum Ho. Along with him the female portion of the song was sung by Suzanne D’Mello.

Q2. What particular theme does the song Tum Ho touch?

Ans. Tum Ho is a song about deep love, longing for someone, and trying to find a spiritual connection between the two souls.

Q3. In which genre does Tum Ho fit in?

Ans. Tum Ho is a soft rock. Along with this, it is also a romantic ballad with the addition of ambient textures that come to life with the help of acoustic guitar, piano, and even orchestral backing.

Taught by

Will MacMorran

Ab Na Jaa

by J.J. Pattishall

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Marry You as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Intro, Chords, and Rhythm and Song Demo (with Open and Barre Chords). Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Indian Rock

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Marry You

by Steve Luciano