Introduction

In this video lesson Mike Dugan teaches how to play the song Sultans of Swing as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Progression, Intro Rhythm/Bounce Feel, Verse and Chorus (Singing), Intro Lead and Riffs, Solo Improvisation and Main Riff. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Sweet Child O' Mine

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Tune into Torrins’ guitar song lesson on the iconic single by American rock band Guns N' Roses, Sweet Child O’ Mine. This chart-topping hard rock song is taught by our instructor, Mike Walker. He has broken down the lesson into 10 parts for a detailed understanding of each section and to make learning easier. Find dedicated lessons on the intro, verses, choruses, interlude solos, main solo, and outro.

Fun Fact: "Sweet Child O' Mine" was born out of a playful jam session at the band’s house. Slash was fooling around with a "circus" melody to make drummer Steven Adler laugh when Izzy Stradlin suggested turning it into a song. Within an hour, the band had crafted the core structure, and Axl Rose, inspired by his girlfriend Erin Everly, wrote the heartfelt lyrics by the following afternoon.

Chords Used in Sweet Child O' Mine Guitar Lesson

This song is played in half-step down tuning and features a mix of open chords and power chords. Some of the key chords used in the song include:

C, D, Cadd9
A power chord, Dsus4

Tune into the full lesson to learn all the chords and how to transition between them seamlessly.

Strumming Pattern

Intermediate/advanced rhythm: Alternating strumming pattern with pull-off techniques for added depth
A lick is layered over the chorus, and Mike walks you through how to blend it into the song smoothly

Song Structure

This song follows a well-defined verse-chorus format:

Intro Riff – The iconic opening lick is based on a repetitive motion with just the first note changing. It’s repeated twice.
Verse 1 & 2 – Follows an 8-bar phrase played twice using three chords. Incorporates a pull-off pattern. Mike breaks down the intricacies of the verses in great detail.
Chorus – Mix of power chords and open chords like A power chord, C5, and Dsus4. A lick is played over the chorus for added texture.
Solo 1 – The rhythm underneath the solo is half the length of the verse.
Verse 2 – Similar to Verse 1.
Chorus 2 – Same as Chorus 1.
Solo 2 – A longer solo covering an entire verse.
Chorus 3 – Double the length of the previous choruses.
Outro Solo – Includes wah-wah pedal, hammer-ons, pull-offs, sliding, and some resting measures for dynamic effect.

Why Learn Sweet Child O' Mine?

This lesson covers not just the guitar parts but also the feel and dynamics that make the song iconic.

Learn the nuances of Slash’s soloing style
Improve your pull-offs and hammer-ons
Master playing with a wah-wah pedal for expressive control

FAQs – Sweet Child O' Mine Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Ans: This lesson is ideal for intermediate and advanced players.

Q2. What’s the trick to mastering the intro riff?

Ans: Focus on the repetitive pattern and ensure the other strings are muted for a clean sound.

moderate

Rock

Taught by

Mike Walker

Sultans of Swing

by Mike Dugan

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Snowtime

by Steve Luciano

Snowtime is an understated song by James Taylor, and this song exemplifies Taylor’s enduring ability to create intimacy and warmth by using simple musical elements. Taylor is known for composing masterful fingerpicking and mellow vocal tones, and even with the inclusion of these two signature styles of his, Taylor has made this song feel like a quiet

conversation with his listeners rather than a performance.

Snowtime keeps up with the folk-pop sensibilities, which is again Taylor’s signature sound; he uses clean guitar lines, gentle melodies and even simple lyrics, which somehow feel like a personal reflection and universal relatability. The guitar work you have to learn for this song is deceptively simple, yet it has technical finesse to it.

In order to play this song similar to Taylor’s version, you have to learn precise fingerpicking, which is something generations of acoustic guitarists have to learn if they wish to learn guitar as more than just a hobby.

Snowtime is a song masterclass of a song that was held by restraints; it’s a gentle and introspective song that combines simplicity and sincerity. Whenever you are going to play this song on guitar, you and your audience will feel like they have been transported to their old friend’s home for a cup of evening tea or a cold beer.

Why Learn Snowtime Song By James Taylor Song On Guitar?

The signature fingerpicking of Taylor is present in Snowtime, and as you learn it, you will get to know about precision, control and independence between your thumb and fingers. This song could be one of the best practical exercises you can do to develop smooth, melodic fingerpicking, doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an intermediate guitar player.

Snowtime is a song that describes the life of a performer, and ironically, as you learn this song on guitar, you will have a perfect song to play in an acoustic setting. Just Imagine yourself playing this song live, with confidence and full control over chord progression!!

FAQs – Snowtime Song By James Taylor Guitar Lesson

Q1. Which guitar tuning does James Taylor use for the song Snowtime?

Ans. James usually tunes his guitar in standard tuning of EADGBE when he has to play Snowtime, but to play this song; he also applies signature string gauge adjustments and tweaks the guitar’s tuning to enhance the tonality; if you are just learning how to play this song on guitar, it would be best to go with the standard tuning.

Q2. Which of the fingerpicking techniques do I need to learn for the song Snowtime?

Ans. Travi-style fingerpicking is our best pick to learn if you do not wish to follow a strumming pattern for this song.

hard

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Wonderful Tonight (Sing and Play)

by Mike Dugan

Introduction:

Wonderful Tonight is one of the most iconic rock ballads by Eric Clapton, if you are someone who wants to play and sing side-by-side then this is the best semi-rock song to begin with.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: Instead of strumming different chords, you can use a soft arpeggio pattern, which is as follows:

e|-----------3------------|

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

G|----0---0------0------|

D|----------------------|

A|----------------------|

E|--3------------------|

Strumming Pattern

"Wonderful Tonight" is a slow and relaxed-feel song, which makes it great for beginners. Even the strumming pattern that you have to follow for this song is pretty gentle and amazing for singing. The song is played 4/4 time, and its strumming pattern is: D D U U D U.

D = Down strum
U = Up strum

Song Structure

Wonderful Tonight (Sing and Play): This guitar lesson consists of one complete video in which you will learn the entire song, starting from the intro. Your guitar instructor for this lesson is Mike Dugan, who is a fan of Eric Clapton himself. He will take things slowly and teach you every single chord necessary to play this song on your guitar.

Why Learn Wonderful Tonight Eric Clapton Song?

This is one of the big hits of Eric Clapton, and it does have some simple yet emotional chords present in it. It takes the full advantage of open chords which is great for beginners, and the slow tempo of the song makes it easier for beginners to transition between the various chords that are part of the song.

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is Wonderful Tonight a wedding song?

Ans. This song can be termed as a wedding song and lots of couples have used it previously for their first dance, it is the song which keeps on showing in the bill year after year.

Q2. Why do people love Eric Clapton?

Ans. Eric is known all over the world for his highly influential phrasing, rapid runs and plaintive vibrato, which lots of other guitarists tried but failed to replicate miserably.

Q3. Which one is Cream’s biggest hit of all time?

Ans. Wrapping Paper, I Feel Free, Sweet Wine and some of the most famous songs by the band in which Eric used to play electric guitar and gave his voice to some of the songs as well.

Fun Fact: There is a book titled Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me, written by Pattie Boyd in collaboration with Penny Junor.

Soft rock, Folk-pop, Folk

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Fire and Rain

by Steve Luciano

hard

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Locked out of Heaven

by J.J. Pattishall

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

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

Pop

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Redemption Song

by Mike McQuinn

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Enter Sandman 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, Song Demo with Wah Wah and Solo Lesson. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike McQuinn

Enter Sandman

by Mike Walker

Metal

Taught by

Mike Walker

Chasing Cars

by Pranay Verma

In this video lesson Mike Dugan teaches how to play the song Hey Joe as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Basic Strumming, Advanced Strumming, Intro Riff, Sing and Play, Bass Line during Solo, Solo Lesson and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Pranay Verma

Similar Rock Songs

Hey Joe

by Mike Dugan

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

Taught by

Mike Dugan

The Sky is Crying

by Mike Dugan

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Every Breath You Take as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Main Riff, Verses and Bridge, Interlude and Arrangement. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Every Breath You Take

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Pride and Joy

by Mike Dugan

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

Taught by

Mike Dugan

I Should Have Known Better

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Tune in to another detailed guitar lesson on the Torrins platform! The I Should Have Known Better guitar lesson is taught by our expert instructor Steve Luciano. He makes learning this popular Beatles song both fun and rewarding.

I Should Have Known Better, by The Beatles, was originally released on the soundtrack of A Hard Day's Night—the film of the same name.

This guitar tutorial covers chord progressions and rhythm in detail. Steve also breaks down the advanced rhythm of this song for those who wish to level up their guitar playing.

Fun Fact:

In A Hard Day’s Night, "I Should Have Known Better" is performed in a train’s brake coach—but the scene was actually filmed inside a stationary van, with crew members rocking it to simulate motion!

Chords & Key

Steve Luciano demonstrates how to play this song in the key of G major, using only seven chords. Some of the key chords in this song are G, C, Em, and D7. Tune in to the full guitar tutorial to learn the remaining chords and master the song with us.

**Chords Used in I Should Have Known Better Guitar Lesson**

Verse & Chorus Chords: This song primarily includes open chords.

Strumming & Rhythm

Basic Rhythm Pattern: DDDUD (4 beats)

The strumming pattern follows a 4-beat rhythm, making it beginner-friendly
Steve Luciano demonstrates how to navigate chord transitions, including the shift from two chords per measure in the intro and beginning of the verse to one chord per measure throughout the rest of the song.

Right-Hand & Left-Hand Technique

Since the rhythm remains consistent throughout, the right hand moves constantly, focusing on steady strumming.
The left-hand placement changes, and Luciano shares great tips on finger positioning and switching, ensuring smooth playing.

Song Structure

This song follows the usual verse-chorus format.

Use the provided tabs to follow the chord progressions as Luciano guides you through the song structure.

Advanced Rhythm Techniques

Once you've learned the basic chords and developed good control over your left hand, you can move on to a more complex rhythm pattern.

Anticipated Rhythm:

Luciano introduces a technique where chords or notes are played slightly before the expected beat to create a sense of forward motion and groove.
This anticipation technique adds energy, syncopation, and a more natural feel to the rhythm, making your playing sound more dynamic.

**Why Learn I Should Have Known Better Song?**

Learning this Beatles classic will help you build core guitar skills in a fun and engaging way.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on technique, this track offers plenty of learning opportunities.

This guitar lesson focuses on:

Learning various chords
Understanding rhythm variations & dynamics
Improving strumming and finger placement

**FAQs – I Should Have Known Better Guitar Lesson**

Q1: Do I need a capo?

No, a capo is not required. However, you can try experimenting with different voicings to see what matches your vocal range.

Q2: Are there any barre chords in this song?

No, Steve Luciano teaches this song using open chords only.

Q3: How can I make the rhythm more dynamic?

Playing chords slightly ahead of the beat creates a more dynamic feel. This anticipation technique is covered in detail in the guitar lesson.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Handy Man

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Want to learn some popular tunes from the mid-'90s? Torrins has got you covered! Tune into our guitar song lesson on James Taylor’s version of the 1959 hit Handy Man. This song tutorial is led by our expert teacher, Steve Luciano, who has decades of experience teaching and playing guitar. He breaks down the Handy Man lesson into chords, rhythm, and strumming patterns to make learning this song a smooth process for you.

Fun fact: Did you know this song has been a hit twice? Handy Man was originally recorded by Jimmy Jones in 1959 and became a huge success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Nearly two decades later, James Taylor recorded his own mellow, acoustic version in 1977, which also became a hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Taylor a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. How cool is that?

This version of Handy Man is a great example of James Taylor’s signature acoustic fingerpicking style, incorporating unique harmonies and intricate transitions. If you’re looking for a simpler version, we’ve got that too—check it out on the Torrins website!

Chords Used in Handy Man Guitar Lesson

This song is played in the key of D and features some interesting chord transitions. Here are some of the key chords used:

Main chords: D, A, and some others.
When reharmonizing the second verse: Em, F#m7
Slash chords to add depth and movement: A/C#, G/B, and a few others.

Tune into the complete Handy Man song lesson to know the rest of the chords.

Steve breaks down unique chord transitions specific to this song to help you capture its distinct, smooth sound.

Fingerpicking & Strumming Techniques

Unlike traditional fingerpicking, Handy Man features more of a plucking style—playing bass notes while plucking the strings together for a fuller sound.

The song starts with pickup notes and incorporates hammer-ons to add subtle dynamics.
If you’re not comfortable with fingerpicking, you can strum the entire song instead. It still sounds great!

Song Structure & Rhythm

This song follows a classic verse-chorus format.

Keep an eye on chord transitions, especially when moving between slash chords, as they add a unique colour to the song.
The multi-angle camera views (focused on fretting, strumming, and a complete overview) help you get a clear, close-up look at all movements –making learning much faster and more effective.
Make use of tabs and lyrics for a smoother and more structured learning experience.

**Why Learn the song Handy Man on guitar?**

James Taylor’s Handy Man is a fantastic piece for learning fingerpicking while maintaining a steady rhythm. Plus, it’s an excellent exercise for improving chord transitions and adding finesse to your playing.

FAQs – Handy Man Guitar Lesson

Q1. Do I have to use fingerpicking?

You can strum the entire song if you prefer. However, fingerpicking brings out its full depth.

Q2. How can I make my transitions smoother?

Steve shares specific techniques for transitioning between chords effortlessly. Practising slowly and focusing on finger positioning will help.

moderate

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Hotel California (Original Rock Version)

by Steve Luciano

Introduction:

Torrins brings you a detailed lesson on Hotel California by The Eagles, taught by Mike Walker. This song is a rock guitar masterpiece, featuring multiple guitar parts, intricate solos, and the signature 12-string acoustic intro that every guitarist wants to master.

To ensure a smooth learning experience, this lesson includes tabs and lyrics and breaks down each guitar part step by step.

Fun Fact: In 1998, during their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, all seven Eagles members performed Hotel California together for the only time ever.

Chords, Rhythm, & Song Arrangement

This lesson covers multiple guitar parts, from acoustic rhythm to electric lead work.

Guitar 1: The 12-string acoustic intro played by Steve Luciano.
Guitar 2: Played on an acoustic guitar, covering the main chord progression with precise picking patterns. This part starts with an open D chord and moves through a D major triad.
Chords Used: D, Em, F#m, Bm, and more. Mike breaks down which strings to leave open and which to mute for the perfect sound.
Guitar 3 (Reggae Section): A muted electric guitar rhythm that appears in the verse section. Played in the key of B minor, with movable F# and E9 chords. It also has some inverted chords. The strumming pattern follows a downstroke with an open fretboard, followed by a down-up motion. Tune into the learn it seamlessly by the pro!
Guitar 4 (Muted Clean Part): A subtle section that introduces muting techniques and power chords, adding to the song's dynamic feel.
Guitar 5 & Guitar 6: These sections introduce lower and higher harmonies, reinforcing the layered guitar arrangement.

Mike walks through each of these sections in detail, ensuring you can replicate the exact feel of the original recording.

Lead Guitar-Licks & Solos

Overdub Licks: The first chorus features a double-stop lick with hammer-ons and pinch harmonics.
Three Guitar Solos: The solos blend B minor pentatonic, B minor, and B harmonic minor scales. Some licks focus on bends, slides, and expressive phrasing.
Outro Solo: Features two interwoven guitar parts, with the first part built around arpeggios like the B minor arpeggio.

Mike takes you through each solo note by note, showing how to nail the tone and phrasing of this legendary song.

Beginner-Friendly Chord Progression

If you're not ready to tackle all the guitar layers, Mike provides a simplified chord progression that lets beginners play along with the song.

Chords Used: A, E, F#m, Em, and others.
Alternative Strumming Pattern: A beginner-friendly rhythm variation to match the song’s feel.

Why Learn Hotel California?

Essential for Rock Guitarists – It is one of the most recognizable intros and solos in rock history.
Teaches Advanced Techniques – This song includes various techniques like fingerpicking, muting, harmony lines, and expressive soloing.
Perfect for Rhythm & Lead Players – The song covers both acoustic strumming and intricate lead work.

FAQs – Hotel California Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this lesson beginner-friendly?

While the original song is challenging, the lesson includes simpler chord progressions and rhythm parts for beginners.

Q2: What techniques will I learn?

Muted strumming, harmony playing, arpeggios, lead phrasing, and solo improvisation techniques.

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Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Sister Golden Hair

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Nostalgia Licks and Solos

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Come As You Are (Complete)

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

If You Like James Taylor, You'll Love These

Snowtime Intermediate Version

by Steve Luciano

To become a well-rounded guitarist or to witness the magic of James Taylor’s fingerpicking at its best, you need to learn the intermediate guitar version of the song Snowtime. This is the one-song lesson that serves as a perfect blend of technical as well as musical growth; in addition to this, the entire guitar lesson is pure playing satisfaction.

With this intermediate version of the song Snowtime, you will be introduced to Travis playing, in addition to the subtle-note alternations, a skill that develops precision and independence between thumb and fingers.

Musically speaking, the song slowly builds on soft and flowing acoustic guitar with unmistakable smooth vocals layered on top of them. From this lesson, you are going to capture the serene and contemplative mood present in the song, which is quite often associated with winter. It’s a song that teaches you that sometimes simplicity when executed with proper finesse, can create a powerful musical experience.

Strumming Pattern

The song is known for its gentle fingerpicking, but when it comes to learning the intermediate version, then you have to follow the given strumming pattern to capture a laid-back and flowing feel of the song: D – D U – U D U.

D = Down Strum.
U = Up Strum.

If you wish to add more feel to the song, you can use this optional strumming variation: D – D – x – U – D U.

D = Down Strum.
U = Up Strum.
X = muted percussive strumming, which helps you add texture without overpowering the song.

Strumming works well in this song, but if you wish to capture the sound of the original recording truly, we would advise you to blend light fingerpicking with strumming transitions.

Why Learn Snowtime Song Intermediate Version On Guitar?

Snowtime by James Taylor is considered to be the perfect first step towards learning fingerstyling with light strumming; this lesson simplifies the intricate part just enough that the song lesson becomes a bit challenging and, at the same time, rewarding.

It’s a song that requires you to play your guitar gently and cleanly and follow the required rhythm. The kind of control you will learn in this song lesson will take you one level above beginners and make your sound stage-ready.

Here, you will be playing open chords, which come with tasteful embellishments; this helps you in mastering transitions while still showing you how to add musical sophistication to your guitar playing.

Snowtime is being played at a steady, reflective pace; playing it on guitar trains your mind and hands-on timing; as a result, with this slow tempo, you will learn to avoid rushing and lock your chord progression with vocals.

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Handy Man (Easy Version)

by Steve Luciano

Introduction:

Handy Man is a classic song written by Otis Blackwell in collaboration with Jimmy Jones. But the song became much more popular after James Taylor covered it in his own style of soft rock.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: This song requires you to use soft fingerpicking along with smooth chord transitions. The instructions below show how you can play the arpeggios for this song. Don’t forget to use the thumb-heavy fingerpicking technique.

e|-----------0------------|

B|------1------1---------|

G|----0---0------0------|

D|-------------2--------|

A|--3------------------|

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

Strumming Pattern

You can use a simple flowing rhythm with a 4/4 time signature: D D U U D U.

D = Down strum
U = Up strum

The strumming pattern for the softer version should be played like this: D x D U x U D U.

D = Down strum
U = Up strum
X = Muted strum; here, you have to lightly touch the string as you strum.

Song Structure

Song Arrangement And Demo: For this song, your guitar instructor is going to be Steve Luciano; he shares the difference between this easy version of the song and how it can be played even by beginners. In addition to this, you will be using capo and simple strumming for this guitar lesson. The capo is going to be on the 2nd fret.

Why Learn Handy Man Song?

This song uses easy to understand chords, thus, making it a great song to learn for beginners and for other guitarists no matter what their level is. In addition to this, it is a perfect song to play on acoustic guitar as well because it has that laid back feel to it.

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who sang the original version of the song Handyman?

Ans. James Jones, the American singer, was the singer and songwriter of the song.

Q2. What is the meaning of the Handyman?

Ans. A handyman is someone who is skilled at repairing and making things inside or outside the house.

Q3. Is there a hidden meaning to the song Handyman?

Ans. There is no such hidden meaning attached to the song, in this song a man is offering his services as someone who is able to fix broken hearts and make people happy again.

Fun Fact: The Taylor version of this song made him win his second Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.