Intro, Chords, and Rhythm

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 favourite, 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 quietly, 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.

Game of Throne Rock Version Cover by Kfir Ochaion - Introduction

The "Game of Thrones" theme is one of the most recognizable TV scores ever written, and Kfir Ochaion’s rock cover gives it a powerful new energy. Kfir is an Israeli guitarist known for turning vocal melodies into expressive guitar lines. His version takes the original orchestral arrangement and transforms it into a full rock instrumental, complete with soaring leads and heavy rhythms. The cover stays true to the epic feel of the original while adding guitar-driven intensity.

Kfir Ochaion started playing guitar at age 10, inspired by classic rock legends. His YouTube channel, launched in 2014, has grown to over 2.2 million subscribers thanks to his unique style. He doesn’t just play the notes—he makes the guitar "sing" like a human voice. This "Game of Thrones" cover is a great example of his approach, where every bend and vibrato mimics the drama of the original melody. His version keeps the song’s grand scale but makes it fit perfectly for electric guitar.

Game of Throne Rock Version Cover by Kfir Ochaion Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down Kfir Ochaion’s rock arrangement of the "Game of Thrones" theme. The song is in E minor, and the main melody follows the original tune closely but with added rock techniques. The opening riff uses sustained notes with wide vibrato to copy the horn section from the TV version. The left hand must control each note’s pitch carefully to keep the melody sounding smooth and powerful.

The rhythm parts use palm-muted power chords to build tension in the verses. The pre-chorus switches to open chords with ringing arpeggios, creating contrast before the heavy riff returns. Kfir’s version includes a guitar solo section that wasn’t in the original. This solo uses the E harmonic minor scale for a dramatic, cinematic sound. Fast alternate picking runs and controlled bends make this part challenging but rewarding to learn.

For the main theme, Kfir uses slides and legato to connect notes fluidly. The phrasing is key, with pauses in the right places. The chorus brings big power chords and double stops to thicken the sound. Dynamic control is crucial here, as the part shifts between loud, aggressive strums and softer, cleaner passages.

Beginners should start by learning the melody slowly, focusing on note accuracy before adding vibrato. Intermediate players can work on the solo’s faster licks and the precise muting needed for the rhythm parts. Advanced guitarists should study how Kfir blends techniques—hybrid picking, bends, and harmonics—to make the guitar sound almost orchestral.

FAQs

Q. What effects does Kfir use in this cover?

A medium-gain overdrive, delay for atmosphere, and reverb to create space.

Q. Is this song good for beginners?

The melody is playable at slower speeds, but the solo and dynamic control require intermediate skills.

Q. How do I practice the fast alternate picking parts?

Use a metronome starting at half speed. Increase tempo only when you can play cleanly.

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!

Introduction

Tighten is a song by American rock band the Black Keys. It is the third track of their 2010 album called Brothers, which was released as the first single from the album. In 2011, Rolling Stones magazine put Tighten Up on its list of 15 Best Whistling Songs of All Time.  

Also, Tighten Up became the most successful single from The Black Keys. It was the band's first song to hit the Billboard Hot 100 in America and reached number one on the list of alternative songs.

Chords Used in Tighten Up Song

The most common chords you will be using in this song are F#m, AM7, Bm, and C#.  

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this part, your guitar instructor, Mike Walker, teaches you the basic music knowledge to play this song on guitar. 

Verse Chords and Rhythm: Here, Mike will show you where to take the necessary pause and hit the guitar chords when counting to 4. 

Solos: Here, you will learn the first solo, which breaks up the verse section into two parts of the song. 

Bridge and Outro Solo: Mike will teach you how to play the barre chords required to play the bridge and outro solo for this song. 

Song Demo: In this section, Mike will play the entirety of the song on guitar to demonstrate it. 

Easy Version: If you are a beginner in terms of guitar playing, Mike has got you covered with the easy version of the song, which you can play with ease. 

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:

Smooth By Santana is a mix of rock, blues, and it combines some melodies of Latin rhythms as well. So if you are someone who is interested in learning the ways of Santana this should be a great starting point for your musical journey. 

Fun Fact: In the beginning the song was called Room 17 and the idea of the song came to the mind of Itaal Shur, but then lyrics were all take out from the song and it was given to Rob Thomas, who completely re-wrote the song and changed its original melody, that’s how Smooth came into existence by Santana. 

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The arpeggios for this song are as follows: 

e|------1-------------|

B|----3---3----------|

G|--2-------2--------| 

D|--------------------| 

A|--------------------| 

E|--------------------|

Strumming Pattern 

There are two strumming patterns for this song, the first one is pretty basic and you can play it like this: DD UU DU. 

• D = Down Strum 
• U = Up Strum

Or you can play this version which adds more groove to the song: DD X UDU. 

• D = Down Strum 
• U = Up Strum
• X = Muted Strum 

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this introduction, Mike is going to show you how to tune up your guitar for this song. 

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn about the different guitar rhythms that you will be following as you play the song. Mike starts explaining every rhythm starting with the intro section. 

Song Demo: Over here, Mike is going to show you how to play the guitar parts of the song with the backing track. 

Solo 1: From this part, you will start learning how to play different solos which come in the song. This is the first solo performed by Santana in the first part of the song. 

Overdub Licks: This particular section shows how to play a particular lick which is being played at the 32 second of the track. 

Solo 2: This is the second solo from the song. 

Solo 3: Solo which comes after the verses. 

Outro Solo: This one is the last solo which Santana played and it was used as an outro for the song. 

Why Learn Smooth By Santana?

Carlos Santana is known throughout the world for his amazing phrasing and his ability to sustain heavy tones on the guitar. As you learn this song, you will get to know about techniques like Vibrato, sustain, melodic soloing and smooth transition between the lead and the rhythm of the song. 

FAQs-This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who originally sang “Smooth?”

Ans. Smooth was performed by Santana & Rob Thomas who were part of a band called Matchbox Twenty. This song was released as a lead single from the 1999s studio album, Supernatural. 

Q2. What made Santana so famous in the music industry? 

Ans. Santana became much more popular after their incredible set which they performed live at Woodstock in 1969. In that same year, the band also released their self-entitled LP as well. 

Q3. Is Santana considered to be a good guitarist of his time? 

Ans. Santana is known to be the man who invented the Latin rock guitar genre, making it stand as one of the best of his generation. 

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 Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Oh My Love as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Piano Section, Chords, Rhythm, and Song Arrangement, Song Demo, Intro and Final Solos and Easy Version. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

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.

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a heart-melting indie song called Alag Aasmaan. Written and performed by Anuv Jain, a master storyteller of the romantic variety who has a reputation for being celebrated all over the country by everyone who has or wants a broken heart. 

Alag Aasman is about the suffering of lovers in a long-distance relationship. The artist says, “It is a rarity to meet each other in a long-distance relationship, and when you finally do, the goodbyes can get pretty difficult. There's so much uncertainty, and you do not know when you'll meet again”. Alag Aasmaan translates to ‘different sky’, signalling to the narrative that the lovers in different cities live under different skies.

The original version of the song was performed on a ukulele, recorded and uploaded on YouTube during the pandemic, the looming emotions of which complemented the sentiment of the song, that is about missing a loved one. 

Alag Aasmaan Guitar Lesson

The instructor delivers the lesson in a section-by-section manner; the first section gives the introduction to the song, the second talks about chords and rhythm patterns, the third is about the arrangement, which is finally followed by a solo section.

Alag Aasmaan guitar chords are in the key of F# Major, but the open position sounds too bright for the subtle lightness of the song; hence, a capo at fret 6 is advised by the instructor to emphasise the soft twinkly quality of the sound on the higher frets. The capo here also transposes the chord shapes to the standard and more familiar ones – C, F, G, Am, and Em. 

The rhythm of the song resembles that of a jazz classic, as made clear by the strumming pattern that goes like D - U - D D - U in a loop. (D is a downward strum, and U is an upward strum.)

The tutor explains how the song has four verses, a pre-bridge, a bridge, and an outro solo that constitute the arrangement of the track. At two moments in the song, the second and fourth verse, this arrangement offers a chord change to the major 6th interval of the scale –from G to Em (C# to A#m without capo) that lends itself to the tender and affectionate feel of the story that the song is telling. The outro solo is picked slowly in the style of bluegrass music and is played in the context of this major 6th tone on top of the same chords as verses two and four. The instructor shows the solo note by note, and since the original solo is only 30 seconds long, in the final section of the lesson, there is a demonstration on how to improvise over it for when you are jamming by yourself. 

FAQs

Q. How do I learn the Alag Aasman chords on a guitar?

1. To learn the Alag Aasmaan chords on the guitar, start by placing a capo on the 6th fret and then consistently practising the chord transitions shown in the lessons.

Q. What is the Alag Aasmaan strumming pattern?

1. The strumming pattern goes like D - U - D D - U in a loop for almost the entirety of the song. However, there are some pauses and chord changes instructed in the lesson by the tutor as well.

In this video lesson Pawan Jalan teaches how to play the song Tu Jaane Na (Kailash Kher) as part of our guitar series on Indian 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!