Chords and Rhythm

In this video lesson J.J. Pattishall teaches how to play the song Ilahi as part of our guitar series on Indian 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!

Welcome to the guitar lesson on Bang Bang, the electrifying dance anthem from the 2014 Bollywood blockbuster Bang Bang!. Sung by with music by Vishal–Shekhar and lyrics by Vishal Dadlani, is a standalone celebration of glam, speed, and style. The track dropped with the film's release and became the go-to dance number across parties and stages, mostly thanks to Hrithik Roshan’s jaw-dropping dance moves that lit up the screen.

The song’s popularity shot up even further with the #BangBangDare challenge on social media, where Hrithik challenged other celebrities to take on quirky dares, making it a viral moment in Bollywood pop culture. The video is dripping with high-end visuals and sleek outfits. Though the film itself was inspired by the Hollywood action film Knight and Day, the song carved its own identity and continues to be a staple on Bollywood dance playlists, even years after its release.

Bang Bang – Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, our instructor J.J. Patishall breaks down the musical side of Bang Bang in a way that's easy to follow, even if you’re not familiar with its high-energy vibe. The song is in the key of E minor, which gives it a slightly darker tone, but the chord choices keep things fresh and groovy. You’ll be working with Em7, Cmaj7, Am7, and Bm7 all of which are seventh chords that add the funky vibe.

The chord voicings used here are jazzy, creating a nice contrast to the high-energy visuals. For example, the Em7 chord gives a mellow, emotional base, while the Cmaj7 brings in brightness. The Am7 and Bm7 both are in place to support the groove, especially in the chorus sections. J J goes over each chord slowly, showing you finger placement and offering tips on how to make the transitions easier. This lesson focuses on how to keep the playing clean, especially since the feel of the song depends heavily on groove.

Rhythm-wise, there’s a strong focus on muted strumming and syncopation. The strumming pattern is a little tight and percussive. J J breaks this down in a way that even if you're new to syncopation, you’ll get the hang of it with a little practice. The lesson ends with a full playthrough so you can hear how everything ties together, and even try to play along once you're comfortable.

FAQs

Q. What skill level is Bang Bang ideal for?

This lesson is great for intermediate players if you know how to play basic seventh chords and are looking to improve your rhythm.

Q. Is the song in standard tuning?

Yes, the song is played in standard tuning — E A D G B E. No capo or alternate tuning is required.

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

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Chahun Main Ya Na as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Piece, Song Arrangement, Song Demo, Acoustic Overdubs, Slide Solo and Improvisation. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

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Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that carries both emotional weight and spiritual depth Bulleya by Papon from the 2016 Bollywood film Sultan. Composed by the iconic duo Vishal-Shekhar with lyrics by Irshad Kamil, the song has a deep Sufi influence that speaks about longing, surrender, and redemption. Sung soulfully by Papon, the track marks a moment of emotional transformation in the film. It plays when the main character, Sultan, is trying to make peace with his past and win back the love of his life.

The song borrows its name and spirit from the famous Sufi poet Bulleh Shah. One of the standout lines in the song, “Tu bole toh ban jau main Bulleh Shah saudayi” (If you say so, I shall become Bulleh Shah’s devotee), ties the narrative to the idea of surrendering one’s ego in the face of love and higher truth. Over the years, this track has remained close to the hearts of listeners not just for its melody, but for the way it captures what it feels like to yearn, for love, for peace, and for redemption.

Bulleya Guitar Lesson

The lesson on Bulleya is taught by our expert Steve Luciano, who walks through all parts of the song with great detail and clarity. The song is in the key of A major and moves between some very expressive chords that bring out the emotional flavor of the track. You’ll encounter chords like A/E, C# minor, B major, Emaj7, Emaj9#4, and C#m7 and while they might sound complicated, Steve breaks them down in a way that even early intermediate players can grasp. One chord that stands out is Emaj9#4, which adds a haunting character to the progression. It's a variation of the regular major chord but with extra notes that add color the #4 gives it a dreamlike sound.

The track also uses what’s called a slash chord like E/G# - which simply means you're playing an E major chord but starting the bass note from G#. This kind of movement helps the progression feel more connected and smooth, especially when moving between sections of the song. Steve explains how to position your fingers for these chords and offers alternate voicings if you find the originals too challenging. 

One of the unique aspects of this lesson is how Steve connects the emotional flow of the song to the playing technique. It’s not just about hitting the right chords it’s about how you play them. The strumming is soft and steady, with emphasis on dynamics to match the emotional rise and fall of the lyrics. The lesson ends with a complete demonstration of the song, making it easy for you to follow along, section by section, until you can play it smoothly from start to finish.   

FAQs

Q. What level of guitarist is Bulleya suited for?

1. Bulleya is best suited for early intermediate players. If you’re familiar with barre chords and can handle a few extended voicings, you’ll enjoy learning this track.

Q. What tuning is used in this version of Bulleya?

1. The song is played in standard tuning — E A D G B E. No capo is needed.

In this video lesson Pawan Jalan teaches how to play the song Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Welcome to the guitar lesson on Uthe Sabke Kadam, a charming, feel-good song from the 1979 romantic comedy Baton Baton Mein. Directed by Basu Chatterjee, the film follows the everyday romance between Amol Palekar and Tina Munim, with the story unfolding in the local trains and cosy apartments of suburban Mumbai. This track, composed by Rajesh Roshan with lyrics by Amit Khanna, brings joy into the narrative. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar, Amit Kumar, and Pearl Padamsee, the song is playful and carefree, much like the spirit of the film itself. It celebrates the small but happy moments of life.

The tune of Uthe Sabke Kadam is famously similar to the American folk song Polly Wolly Doodle, which first appeared in the 1935 Shirley Temple film The Littlest Rebel. While it has sparked conversations around musical inspiration and cultural borrowing, it also shows how melodies can travel and take new forms in different corners of the world. In the film, the song captures a montage of the characters just being themselves. 

Uthe Sabke Kadam – Guitar Lesson

This lesson is taught by our instructor, Steve Luciano. He breaks down the entire track in a simple, section-by-section format that lets you learn at your own pace. The song uses a capo on the 5th fret, which allows you to play easy open chords while still staying in the original key. The chords used are C major, G major, F major, and D minor. Steve starts by showing how to position the capo, and then goes straight into the chord shapes with a clear explanation of where your fingers should go and how to transition smoothly between each one.

The strumming in this song is bouncy and follows the upbeat mood of the track. Steve keeps it light, using a basic down-up rhythm with a swing feel. He also shows how to add slight accents to certain beats to match the original groove of the track. One of the great things about this song is that you don’t need to know any advanced music theory to make it sound good. As long as you get the rhythm right and strum with energy, you’ll be able to capture the song’s vibe.

What really helps in this lesson is how Steve focuses on the song’s flow. Instead of just playing the chords in isolation, he walks through how the chords and rhythm work together to carry the melody. He demonstrates how the transitions match with the lyrics and phrasing, which helps you not just play the chords, but actually feel the song. By the end of the lesson, you’ll have a full performance version ready to go.

FAQs

Q. What level is this song suited for?

This lesson is perfect for beginners. If you can play basic open chords and use a capo, you’ll find this one very approachable.

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

Yes, the capo is placed on the 5th fret. This keeps the chord shapes simple while matching the original pitch of the song.

Dilbar Mere Kab Tak Mujhe - Introduction

Dilbar Mere Kab Tak Mujhe is a classic romantic song from the 1982 Hindi film Satte Pe Satta. The legendary Kishore Kumar sang this track with additional humming by Annette Pinto. Music director R.D. Burman created the memorable melody while Anand Bakshi wrote the emotional lyrics. In the movie, the song plays during a wedding reception scene featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. The lyrics express deep longing, with lines asking how long the lover will keep tormenting the singer.

The song uses a 6/8 time signature which gives it a gentle waltz-like feel. This rhythm pattern makes the melody flow smoothly like a dance. The orchestration blends Western instruments with Indian melody structures. Even after 40 years, the song remains popular because of its simple yet powerful emotional expression through music.

Dilbar Mere Kab Tak Mujhe Guitar Lesson

Taught by Steve Luciano, this lesson breaks down the song's structure in F minor. The chord progression follows a repeating pattern of Fm - Bbm - Eb - Db. These chords create the sad yet romantic mood of the song. The 6/8 timing means you count six beats per measure with emphasis on beats 1 and 4.

The strumming pattern uses downstrokes on the main beats with some light upstrokes in between. For the verse, play two downstrokes per chord lasting three beats each. The pre-chorus switches to arpeggios where you pluck individual notes of each chord slowly. The chorus returns to strumming but with more energy.

The melody uses the F natural minor scale (F-G-Ab-Bb-C-Db-Eb). This scale gives the song its emotional quality. The vocal line moves step-by-step through this scale with occasional jumps. On guitar, you can play these melody lines by focusing on the first three strings (G, B, E) between frets 1-5.

For beginners, start by mastering the chord changes slowly. The Bbm to Eb transition needs special attention. Intermediate players can work on matching the vocal melody on guitar. Advanced players should focus on the subtle dynamics - where the song gets louder and softer to match the emotions.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used for this song?

Standard tuning (EADGBE) works perfectly for this song.

Q. How to count 6/8 timing?

Count it as "1-2-3-4-5-6" with slight emphasis on 1 and 4.

Q. What's the best way to play the Bbm chord?

Use the barre chord version at fret 1 or the simpler three-finger shape without barre.

Q. How to make it sound more authentic?

Add gentle vibrato on longer notes and use dynamics to follow the vocal emotion.

Q. Can I use a capo?

Yes, capo on 1st fret and play in E minor shapes if easier.

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

Sau Aasoon, as hard-hitting as it sounds, isn’t actually a sad song. It does have a melodic feel to it, but that adds up to the reasons why you should be playing it on guitar. Sau Aasoon is from the movie Katti Batti, and musical maestro Shankar Mahadevan and Rasika Shekhar have given their vocals. It’s a song that beautifully holds an emotional ballad and soothing melody. In addition to this, the lyrics are just top-notch poetry, and there is a subtle instrumental arrangement, which is like a cherry on top. 

When you learn Sau Aasoon on guitar, you get to combine guitar techniques with an emotional feel. Here in this guitar lesson by Mike Walker, you are not just hitting the right notes, but you will also learn how to make your guitar playing sound more polished and heartfelt, which makes it possible for you to connect closely with the song’s original mood. 

Why Learn Sau Aasoon Song On Guitar?

You can play Sau Aasoon entirely from open chords; this makes the song accessible for people who are still looking to build confidence in their chord transitions and don’t feel like playing bar and other intricate chords. 

It’s a song that helps you convey emotions via guitar play, all thanks to its slow tempo and gentle dynamics. Furthermore, with a steady and relaxed rhythm, you are surely going to improve your timing as you practice this song. Apart from this, you also get control and the ability to feel rather than just mechanically play the chords. 

Due to its emotional appeal, this is the one song you should definitely keep on your setlist when playing for a live audience. 

FAQs – Sau Aasoon Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Can I transpose the song Sau Aasoon to a different key for my vocal comfort? 

Ans. Yes, if you wish, you can transpose Sau Aasoon to D major or even G major using a capo or by simply shifting chord shapes depending on your vocal range. With the transposing, you can adapt for both male and female vocalists while still maintaining their emotional depth. 

Q2. What are some of the modal characteristics of the song Sau Aasoon? 

Ans. Sau Aasoon predominately follows the Ionian model, which is nothing but a major scale, the use of natural major scale structure to create a soft, uplifting, yet melancholic mood. Thus, it’s a good example for newcomers to have an experience of modal sound. 

Q3. Is it possible for me to use hybrid picking or fingerstyle techniques for the song Sau Aasoon? 

Ans. You can try hybrid picking, where you can combine a pick or a bass note and fingers for higher strings; combining these two, you can easily arpeggiate the chords. With hybrid picking, you will also be able to enhance dynamic control, especially when you are playing an acoustic version of the song, which is quite stripped down in terms of chord progression. 

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Ala Barfi is a song that depicts the sweet and childlike nature of the film’s protagonist, who is both deaf and mute, but at the same time, he is incredibly expressive. This particular song has become the theme for the entire movie as it resonates with the behavior and personality of the main character. 

Fun Fact: The song was composed in such a way that it felt like the music was telling a story without even requiring words, which is a perfect fit for a character who can’t speak. 

Strumming Pattern 

The basic strumming pattern that you should be following for this song is D D U U D U. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction of this guitar lesson is by Mike Walker, who is going to show you how to tune up a guitar for the song. 

Chords, Rhythm, and Song Arrangement: In this part, you will learn all the open chords and rhythms that you need to practice in order to play this song, starting with the intro chorus of the song. 

Song Demo: Mike will be playing the guitar parts of the song with the backing track to show you how to sync up the chords with the vocals. 

Solo Lesson: Here, you will get to know how to play the guitar solo, which is present in the song. 

Overdubs: This part shows you how to practice overdubs; Mike has divided the overdubs section into multiple licks for the viewer’s ease.  

Why Learn Ala Barfi Song?

Ala Barfi is a song that has a bouncy, whimsical feel to it, making it fun to play; it's a song that is perfect for turning your sad day into a happy one; using this song, you could learn how to be expressive with a guitar. 

FAQs – Ala Barfi Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. In which key is the song Ala Barfi present? 

Ans. Ala Barfi is present in the key of G. 

Q2. Is the song Ala Barfi a beginner-friendly song? 

Ans. Yes, the chord progression of the song is quite simple and the tempo is moderate as well. 

Q3. For the song, do I require you to learn arpeggios or fingerpicking techniques? 

Ans. Well, you don’t need to learn those because, in the original recording of the song, they are not present. You can add in light arpeggios if you wish to, but it is not mandatory. 

Q4. Can I easily play and sing the song Ala Barfi? 

Ans. Yes, the melody of the song is quite repetitive, thus making it easy to follow as you sing the lyrics. 

This particular song by Lucky Ali has a soul-stirring melody with lyrics that reach the depths of your emotions. It’s a song that is written and composed in raw honesty and with timeless musicality. 

Fun Fact: The song was not released by a major label, nor was it part of any big-budget Bollywood film, yet it was able to gain massive popularity through word of mouth and via YouTube videos. It also helped in popularising the indie music scene in India. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction of the song is given by J.J. Pattishall, who is going to be your guitar instructor for this lesson. He shows you how the song is present in the key of G and talks about the chords and rhythms that you are going to learn ahead. 

Chords and Rhythm: For this part, you will start with the chord G and different ways to play it. Then comes D with the F# in the base and so on. After completing the chords for the song, you will learn about the rhythm that you have to follow. 

Song Arrangement: In here, you will learn how to play the chords from the above section together for the intro, verse and chorus parts of the song. 

Intro Riff: J.J. shows you how to play the intro riff of the song. He will first play the riff and then break it down into different parts in order for you to learn it. 

Song Demo: This is the final part of this guitar lesson, where J.J. plays the guitar with the backing track to show you how to sync guitar chords with those of the vocals and other instruments. 

Why Learn Nahin Lagta Dil Song?

To learn Nahin Lagta Dil by Lucky Ali on guitar is a means to connect with melancholic warmth and introspective vibes. As you play this song, you will learn about various guitar dynamics and moods, which help you to become deeply expressive with the instrument. 

FAQS – Nahin Lagta Dil Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. In which genre does this song fall in? 

Ans. The song can be best described as acoustic indie/pop, which has some strong emotional undertones to it. 

Q2. Is the song suitable for guitar beginners? 

Ans. Yes, the song uses simple chord progressions and a slow tempo, which beginners can easily learn from this guitar lesson. 

Q3. Do I need a capo for this song? 

Ans. No, capo is not required to play this song, but if you want, you can use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the vocal range.

Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai By Lucky Ali 

Lucky Ali’s “Kabi Aisa Lagta Hai” is one of those rare gems in the Indie music scene that made the artist’s name familiar in every Indian household. This particular song feels like it is made for calm evenings, thus making it less of a song and more of a feeling that you experience. 

The guitar chords are free-flowing, and they are soaked in nostalgia. As you practice this song, you will find that the song requires a lot of patience; you don’t have to rush it on guitar, it will smoothly drift. The use of open chords “Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai” creates a warm and earthy feeling, which is something a lot of songs desperately try to mimic but fail miserably. 

In addition to this, learning “Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai” by Lucky Ali on guitar will teach you how sometimes you don’t need to fill in spaces when playing a song, even silence can be a voice when it is done with perfection, and this song is a prime example of it. 

Why Learn Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai By Lucky Ali Song On Guitar?

The chord progression of the song “Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai” is quite repetitive, but that’s where its true strength lies; the progression makes listeners sink into a melody of calmness. Apart from this, as a learner, you can pick up this song in no time due to the ease of chords. Once all the chords are in their place, you can spend just a few weeks mastering their original feel and playing style. 

For beginners, the song “Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai” holds an easy strumming pattern that allows them to explore important concepts of control and flow. On the other hand, advanced players have the freedom to experiment with fingerstyle picking to get a richer and more intimate 

sound out of their guitar. 

FAQs – Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai By Lucky Ali Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Where do I have to place the capo to play the song “Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai” by Lucky Ali on guitar? 

Ans. Depending on your vocal range, you can put a capo anywhere on the neck of the guitar. But for most people, it is not required because the song uses a G major chord progression. 

Q2. Which tuning should I be using to play the song “Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai” on guitar?

Ans. The song uses standard tuning ( E A D G B E); there is no requirement to add alternate tuning. All you have to do is grab your acoustic guitar, tune it in, and start practicing the 

song. 

Q3. Which strumming pattern do I have to follow when playing “Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai” on guitar?

Ans. DD UU DU is the most common strumming pattern for this song. Try to maintain the tempo of the song around 80 - 85 BPM, and follow a 4/4 time signature. 

In this video lesson J.J. Pattishall teaches how to play the song Oh Sanam as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, Rhythm, and Arrangement, Chord Embellishment, Song Demo and Song Lesson without Capo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!