Introduction

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.

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. 

Introduction

Voices of the Soul is the song from the seventh and final studio album of the Florida-based death metal band called “Death.” This particular song has an eerie spectre, and it is one of the most experimental and expansive songs from Death, with impressive songwriting. 

Chords Used in Wake Me Up When September Ends

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: Open chords. The song is played in the key of G, and there is no need for a capo. 

Chorus Variation: The chorus of the song is pretty short, and the guitar chords used in it are similar to those of the verse. 

Strumming Pattern 

The entirety of the song follows the same strumming pattern: Down-Up, Down-Up, Down-Up. (DUDUDU)

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this section, J.J. Pattishall will show you the key in which the song is to be played. 

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn how and why the guitar instructor has broken down this song into several different parts. This particular section will show you how to play the guitar parts of the intro, verse, chorus, and bridge. 

Rhythm: Here, you will learn the open chords used to provide backing rhythm to the verse and chorus of the song. 

Song Demo: Right here, after showing you how to play all the different chords for this song, J.J. Pattishall will show you how to play the guitar alongside the song. 

Solo Lesson: This is the last part, where you learn how to play the epic solo from the song.

B.Y.O.B. – Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on one of the greatest anti-establishment rebellion songs that brings together metal, punk, and Middle Eastern melodies into a politically charged anthem. – B.Y.O.B. by System of a Down. The song has been received with love across the world and has won a Grammy for the best hard rock performance in 2006. The song has amassed more than 500 million views on YouTube since its release in 2005.

The song name is an acronym for Bring Your Own Bombs, and was made as a form of protest against the american coalition led Iraq War (2003–2011), with lyrics calling out, “Why don't presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor?”. It is a song written in strong political commentary on the situation of wars and oppression around the world. The band has a reputation for speaking out for social justice and matters like drug abuse, politics, and suicide in the heavy metal genre.

B.Y.O.B. Guitar Lesson

The lesson on B.Y.O.B. is brought to you by our beloved instructor, Mike Walker, who demonstrates the song in its entirety and explains all parts of the song in great detail. Since this is a heavy metal song, there are a number of unconventional rhythmic patterns and fast melodic lines for the electric guitar, which is a signature sound for this genre of music.

The song is in the key of F major, but the tuning is half a step down; all the strings are tuned down a semitone. This, firstly, widens or brightens the tone, which makes it feel ‘heavy’ and secondly, loosens the strings, which makes it easier to play at a high tempo.

The lesson is easier to master as it only requires rhythmic proficiency to play in its entirety. The song is very drums and lyrics forward, as is with most heavy metal songs. The song is fun to play because of the distorted tone of the guitar. It’s a saturated machine-like sound that has low-frequency notes, which give it a slightly percussive vibe, usually called ‘djent’.

This is also a short lesson, taught easily by Mike, comfortably suited for beginners and advanced players alike.

FAQs

Q. Can I play BYOB in standard tuning?

Yes, you can play BYOB in standard tuning, but then you’ll have to play the song in E major instead of F major, and you’ll also lose the ‘crunch’ in the strumming.

Q. How to sound like Daron Malakian?

If you want to sound like Malakian, you need an Ibanez Iceman DMM1 guitar, going into a Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal distortion pedal, into a Marshall MF350 amp.

Q. Can I play this on an acoustic guitar?

Yes, you can, but it will not have the rage that is needed to lead a rebellion against the war profiteering world leaders.

Introduction

AC/DC is a hard rock band from Australia. The band recorded the song "You Shook Me All Night Long," which appeared in their album Back In Black. Ozzest 100 considers it one of the most Australian songs of all time. 

According to rock critic Robert Christgau, this song was the only great work of art from the band. If you ever get to witness AC/DC live, you will surely hear this song, which has become a staple of the band's live performances. 

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song You Shook Me All Night Long as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Song Arrangement, Song Demo and Solo Lesson. 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 G major and uses lots of open chords. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: In the introduction, Mike Walker teaches you how to tune up your guitar for this song. He also discusses the open chords you will use in this song and the G pentatonic bass chords in the solo section.  

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn how to play the iconic guitar introduction of the song. Mike also shares tips on where to play specific chords so you can quickly transition to open chords. 

Song Demo: Here, Mike plays the guitar chords with the backing track to explain how to keep up with the song and maintain the rhythm.

Solo Lesson: This is the most interesting part of the song and of this guitar lesson. In this part, you learn how to play Angus Young's electric guitar solo and tips to make it sound exactly like him. 

Phir Suna is a song that has a soulful and melancholic feel to it, and this song is the continuation of Gajendra Verma's tradition of crafting soft and heart-touching melodies that could resonate with everyone. 

Fun Fact: Gajendra Verma's song Phir Suna was able to make it big even without any form of marketing because of the fan following he was able to build with his first hit song, Emptiness (Tune Mere Jaana). This song made Gajendra Verma build his presence in the early stages of the Indie music scene in India. 

Strumming Pattern 

The basic strumming pattern for Phir Suna's song on guitar is: D D U D U. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

The first two downstrokes that you will be playing in the song will give you a steady base and the following up and down strokes are there to create a gentle flow for the song. 

Song Structure 

Intro, Chords, and Rhythm: In the introduction section of this guitar lesson, Steve Luciano is going to show you the tuning, chords, and rhythm you need to learn for the song. Also, the song is present in the key of E. 

Song Demo: After you learn about the chords and the rhythm of the song, Steve shows you how to play the guitar parts of the song with the backing track. 

Simple Version: In this part, you will learn how to play a simpler version of the song and the easier strumming pattern you are going to use for it. 

Solo Lesson: Here, you will learn how to play the solo present in the song. 

Why Learn Phir Suna By Gajendra Verma Song?

Phir Suna has an emotional depth that makes people fall in love with the song as you play it for them. In addition to this, the song is beginner-friendly as it uses easy chord progressions. With this song, you can practice expressing feelings through the music. 

FAQs – Phir Suna By Gajendra Verma Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who is the composer of the song Phir Suna?

Ans. The singer and composer of the song Phir Suna is Gajendra Verma, who is known for providing soulful and emotional tracks. 

Q2. What are some of the main chords from the song Phir Suna? 

Ans. The common chords that you are going to play in this song are Am – G – F – E. 

Q3. Is Capo required to play the song Phir Suna on guitar? 

Ans. No capo is not required to play this song unless you are looking to match up with the exact pitch that Gajendra used in the song. 

Introduction: The introduction is from Pawan Jalan who is going to be your guitar instructor for this song lesson. J.J. Here talks about how this is a simple guitar that anyone can learn, but it does include some special melody that every guitarist must learn and practice. Here, you will learn that the song is in the key of C, and based on that, J.J. will give you the tuning requirements for this song. 

Chords and Rhythm: Here, you will get an outline of chords starting with C, F, G, C/G in the base, F/C in the base, and a few other chords. After learning these, you will be shown the rhythm that you need to follow. 

Song Arrangement: In this part of the song lesson, J.J. will provide you with a structure and layout of how the song should be played on the guitar. You can use this song arrangement to practice it solo, or you can even use it for a group performance. 

Song Demo: Right here, J.J. will play the guitar parts of the song with the backing track. 

Solo: The solo present in this song is best suited to be played on electric guitar, and be sure to add a distortion tone to your guitar as well.

Improvisation: The last part of this song lesson is the improvisation techniques, which you can use in this song to make it sound better or exactly like how it is played in the original recording; you can choose the improvisation technique based on your liking. 

FAQs – Give Me Some Sunshine (Complete) Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is the song Give Me Some Sunshine from 3 Idiots suitable for beginners to learn on guitar? 

Ans. The song can be easily played by using open chords; in addition to this, it follows a pretty simple structure, which anyone can get used to; the rhythm is slow to mid-tempo, which is again easy to follow. 

Q2. What is the strumming pattern for the song Give Me Some Sunshine?

Ans. A commonly used strumming pattern for this song is D – D U – U D U, and for the chorus, you are required to shift to a more open pattern like this one: D D U U D U. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

Q3. Do I require Capo to play the song Give Me Some Sunshine on guitar? 

Ans. Capo is optional; you can play this song in standard tuning without using capo, but if you do that, you need to learn the barre chords present in this song. 

Q4. Is there any specific solo or riff that guitarists need to learn in this song?

Ans. The song does have an iconic intro riff, which isn’t hard to learn, and it sounds amazing when you play it on acoustic guitar. The riff needs to be played on B and high E strings using simple melodic picking. 

Introduction:

Even from the name, you can see that the song is going to be uplifting, and it’s a perfect song to feel good about. It is the only single from the soundtrack album of the animated movie Despicable Me 2, which was released in 2013. 

Happy is the song written and performed by Pharell Williams, and the music video of the song was nominated for Best Male Video and Video of the Year by the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. 

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song follows a simple four-chord progression throughout; the arpeggios picking pattern is going to be like this: 

e|-----------1------------|  

B|------1------1---------|  

G|----2---2------2------|  

D|----------------------|  

A|----------------------|  

E|--1------------------| 

Strumming Pattern 

The strumming has to be tight, quick and rhythmic for this song, it follows 4/4 time and there is a funk-style muted strumming feel: D x D U x U D U.

• D = Down strum
• U = Up strum
• X = percussive muted strum 

Song Structure 

Introduction: In the introduction section, Mike shows you how to tune up your guitar to play this song. 

Song Arrangement: Here your guitar instructor Mike has divided the song arrangement in different sections and he starts showing you how to play different chords for different sections starting with the intro. 

Song Demo: Finally comes the time when Mike plays the guitar chords with the backing track playing alongside. 

Why Learn Happy By Pharrell Williams Song?

It uses simple major chords that are easy to learn for beginners and even for intermediate players as it will help them be more consistent in their rhythmic strumming. In addition to this, the guitar sound is much funk-inspired, making it a perfect choice for improving your timing and groove. 

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Was the song Happy made specifically for the movie Despicable Me? 

Ans. Yes, the song was written only for the animated movie Despicable Me 2, which was released in 2013. The song received an Academy Award nomination for best original song, and the singer also performed it live at the Oscars ceremony.  

Q2. Who originally sang the Happy? 

Ans. Pharrell Williams has revealed that it was Cee Lo Green who recorded the song for the first time. But the producer didn’t feel like that the song belonged to Green so he gave Pharrell Williams a try and rest is history. 

Q3. What was the reason Pharrell wrote Happy? 

Ans. According to Pharrell the lyrics of the song came out of sarcasm, he wrote the song when he was 40 years old.

Fun Fact: The song got nominated by Academy Awards but it failed to win Best Original Song because it lost to Let It Go from Frozen. 

Introduction

Wake Me Up When September Ends is one of the most iconic songs from the American punk rock band Green Day. It is the fourth single from their seventh studio album, American Idiot, which was released in 2004. The lead vocalist Armstrong, wrote the lyrics of this song after his father's death in September 1982.

Chords Used in Wake Me Up When September Ends

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: Open chords. The song is played in the key of G, and there is no need for a capo. 

Chorus Variation: The chorus of the song is pretty short, and the guitar chords used in it are similar to those of the verse. 

Strumming Pattern 

The entirety of the song follows the same strumming pattern: Down-Up, Down-Up, Down-Up. (DUDUDU)

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this section, J.J. Pattishall will explain the key you need to play the song in.

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn how and why the guitar instructor has broken down this song into several different parts. This particular section will show you how to play the guitar parts of the intro, verse, chorus, and bridge. 

Rhythm: Here, you will learn the open chords used to provide backing rhythm to the verse and chorus of the song. 

Song Demo: Right here, after showing you how to play all the different chords for this song, J.J. Pattishall will show you how to play the guitar alongside the song. 

Solo Lesson: This is the last part, where you learn how to play the epic solo from the song. 

Introduction

Ironic is the song by Canadian singer and songwriter Alanis Morissette. It was the third single from her 1995 studio album, Jagged Little Pill. 

In this video lesson Amy May teaches how to play the song Ironic as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Chords, Rhythm, 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: You will use open chords for this song. 

Chorus Variation: D G D E-minor are the chords you will use when playing chorus variation. 

Strumming Pattern 

This song has lots of repetition, making it easier for new guitar players to learn and play. The strumming pattern varies throughout the song, but for the most part, you will be playing:

Down-Down Up-Down Up-Down

Song Structure 

Chords, Rhythm, and Song Demo: This guitar lesson has only one section. Your instructor is Amy May, who will show you how to play specific chords for this song using a capo on the 4th fret. The tuning note for this song is Low-E. 

Why Learn This Song?

For six straight weeks, this song remained on top of the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, making it the second most successful song of the year in Canada. In addition to this, Ironic reached the top five spots in Australia, New Zealand, and Norway. This is a pretty catchy song, and once you start listening to it, you will be humming it day in and day out. 

Tips To Improve Guitar Playing: 

• When playing any chord, use one finger for one chord. 
• Always keep your thumb behind the middle finger and halfway down the neck. 
• You must understand that to become a better guitarist, you first need to be a better musician.