Livin on a Prayer is the song that made Bon Jovi immortal in rock history. It's a rock anthem that every intermediate and advanced guitarist needs to learn. In this guitar song lesson by Torrins, our instructor Mike Walker will be focusing on helping you build stage-ready rhythmic skills, chord dynamics, and rock tone shaping, all of which are inspired by Richie Sambora’s iconic playing style. 

The song was released in 1986 as part of the album Slippery When Wet. The song became iconic due to its talkbox intro and a stadium-sized chorus. Richie Sambora’s guitar work in this song is what makes the listener stick till the very end. 

Keep in mind that the talkbox riff present in the song is just a gimmick; it is there to set the song’s mood and hook the audience to the song. The main highlight lies in the chunky syncopated chord work in the verses, which drives the track with a surprisingly tight and sing-along rock piece groove. 

The solo you will be learning here in this guitar song lesson is quite tasteful, the melodic lead feels quite like it’s part of the song’s narrative rather than a separate guitar moment. 

Strumming Pattern Of Livin' on a Prayer By Bon Jovi 

The most common strumming pattern that you need to follow to play the song “Livin on a Prayer” is: DDUUDU. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

This particular strumming pattern that we have shown above matches well with the syncopated, energetic feel, which is the driving force for the entire song. In addition to this, you can also add minor variations on the upstrokes to get that extra bounce that makes you match up with the iconic Bon Jovi’s rhythm. 

FAQs – Livin' on a Prayer By Bon Jovi Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. How do I replicate the talkbox effect, which is present at the start of the song “Livin on the Prayer” by Bon Jovi? 

Ans. You can create a similar-sounding riff using a talkbox pedal, which routes the guitar signal through a tube into your mouth to create a vocal-like sound. If the talkbox pedal is not present, you can also use a “wah” pedal for a similar effect. 

Q2. Is palm muting necessary to learn for the guitar song lesson “Livin on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi? 

Ans. Yes, in this guitar lesson by Mike Walker, you will learn how to use palm muting selectively during the verse riffs that lead to a chugging rhythmic effect. 

Q3. How difficult is it to play the guitar solo from the song “Livin on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi? 

Ans. The solo present in the song is a bit challenging for new guitar players because it has melodic bends, slides, and even vibrato. For intermediate guitar players, it will be much easier to learn. 

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that’s survived centuries, travelled through cultures — Greensleeves. This traditional English folk tune first appeared in print in 1580, titled “A Newe Northen Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves,” and while many romantic myths claim it was written by King Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn, that’s pretty unlikely. The Italian style of music that Greensleeves follows didn’t even make it to England until after his death. Still, the legend sticks, and maybe that’s part of the charm — nobody really knows who wrote it, or exactly when.

The lyrics speak to a mysterious Lady Greensleeves. Back in the 16th century, the colour green was linked with flirtation and promiscuity. The tune has since been reimagined again and again, as a Christmas carol (What Child Is This?), in Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, and in operas and symphonies by composers like Vaughan Williams and Holst. It's even turned up in films, TV shows, and ice cream truck jingles.

Greensleeves – Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, our instructor Bobby Koelble breaks down Greensleeves in a way that makes it approachable even if you’re just starting out. The song is built on a simple set of chords — Am, Bm, C, G5, G, and C — but what makes it sound so rich is how these chords move against the melody. The tune is in a minor key, which gives it that haunting and medieval sound, and Bobby explains how the minor scale creates a sad, emotional feeling in music. It's a great track to learn if you're exploring how mood is built in a song.

One of the special things about this arrangement is that it lets you play both the melody and the harmony together. Bobby shows how to fingerpick the notes so that the melody stands out, while the rest of the chord supports it underneath. It's a gentle, flowing style of playing that teaches you control, timing, and how to bring emotion out of the guitar.

Bobby also walks you through the song in sections, the A part and B part of the melody, and shows how the melody repeats in a structure that's easy to follow. He keeps the theory simple and makes sure to demonstrate each movement slowly before putting it all together. The beauty of learning Greensleeves is that it helps you practice chord transitions, picking accuracy, and musical phrasing.

FAQs

Q1. What skill level is Greensleeves suitable for?

Ans. This lesson is great for beginner to intermediate players. If you can play basic open chords and are starting to work on fingerpicking, you’ll be able to learn this comfortably.

Q2. Is Greensleeves played in standard tuning?

Ans. Yes, this version of Greensleeves is played in standard tuning — E A D G B E — so you don’t have to retune your guitar.

“Hey! Teacher, leave those kids alone.

All in all, it's just another brick in the wall.

All in all, you’re just another brick in the wall.”

​This single chorus has completely changed the way people perceive rock music. It is one of the rare songs that shows you what a guitar can actually do when it is placed in the hands of someone who actually has an understanding of music architecture.

​If you are coming here expecting this to be a normal guitar lesson, then you are in for a surprise. This song demands that you understand why it exists and its significance in music history. It is the only song by Pink Floyd that was able to reach the number one spot.

Another brick in the wall is the amalgamation of disco beats, a children’s choir singing protest slogans in unison, and the most devastating guitar solo in rock history. This is one of the songs that was banned in South Africa, and after you complete this lesson, we are sure you will have another level of appreciation for the six strings of the guitar. ​

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Here is the list of all the chords that you need to learn for “Another brick in the wall:”

Primary chords

• Dm (D minor) — x57765 (barre chord at 5th fret)
• G (G major) — 355433 (barre chord) or compact triad around 10th fret
• F (F major) — 133211 (barre chord at 1st fret)
• C (C major) — x32010 (open position) or x35553 (barre at 3rd fret)

Additional Chord (in some versions):

• Gm (G minor) — 355333 (barre chord at 3rd fret) — appears in Part 1 and transitional sections.

Here is the structure of the chord progression that you need to follow:

Verse: Dm keep it sustained with syncopated rhythm

Chorus: F → C → Dm, use this when playing ("All in all it's just another brick in the wall")

For bridge and transition, go with: Dm → G → Gm → D.

FAQs – Another Brick in the Wall By Pink Floyd Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. What style of rhythm is used for the song Another Brick in the wall when played on guitar?

Ans. You have to blend rock with disco/ funk influence, make sure to be accurate on timing, have muted strums, and stay consistent with the pulse.

​Q2. What should be the picking technique for the song Another Brick in the wall?

Ans. Use alternate picking to maintain speed and consistency. When you are playing expressive notes, you need to combine with slides and bends.

​Q3. What are some techniques that I will be learning through this song?

Ans. This song helps you in improving groove timing, muting control, chord stamina, and interest lead phrasing.

The absolute horror-filled opening riff of “Heart Shaped Box” by Nirvana is the reason why it is still captivating guitarists to this day, even though the song was released in 1993. 

“Heart Shaped Box” was written by Kurt Cobain, in which he transferred his emotion, simplicity, and sonic tension into words. From this guitar lesson by Mike Walker, you will learn far more about how to actually grasp the feel and mood of the song, in addition to learning scales or speed, which is a set requirement for this song.

Mike Walker, your guitar instructor for this song lesson, shares the reason why the song lives in the gray space between masterclass and dissonance. The tempo of the song is pretty sluggish at 84 BPM, which results in a hypnotic and unsettling tone to the entire song. 

There’s no denying the fact that the main riff of the song is still pretty catchy; it is minimalist and catchy. Cobain made sure that he didn’t fill in the gap between silence, which helped the song to build a certain atmosphere, as notes are able to breathe slowly and distort naturally. 

Why Learn Heart Shaped Box By Nirvana On Guitar?

“Heart Shaped Box” is the epitome of the grunge era of the 90s; the song is packed with emotions while being deceptively simple. Apart from this, here are a few reasons that show why it’s a staple song for every budding guitarist: 

It is a perfect introduction to Drop D tuning. In this guitar lesson, Mike Walker will show you different techniques that make you comfortable with one-finger power chords, palm muting, and a droning sound that separates the grunge from alternative rock. 

Soft verses with loud choruses are a repeating theme of Nirvana songs, which is what you are going to learn from this song. To master it, you will be changing volume, tone, and picking intensity, which transforms how a specific part of the song feels to the audience. 

This guitar lesson covers skills like palm muting, which results in rhythmic tension, string slides for eerie transitions, and controlled feedback

FAQs – Heart Shaped Box By Nirvana Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Are there any chromatic elements that I need to know about when practicing “Heart Shaped Box” by Nirvana on guitar?

Ans. Yes, there are some chromatic passing notes, which you mainly get in the intro section of the song; this will give the riff a slightly dissonant feeling. 

Q2. What is the role of note spacing in the song “Heart Shaped Box” by Nirvana? 

Ans. With proper spacing in notes, composers create suspense; using it will improve your musical phrasing and timing awareness. 

Arms Wide Open - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that has the best rock song Grammy to its name –With Arms Wide Open by Creed. Scott Stapp’s wife was pregnant with his first child, he wrote the lyrics when he found out, with great surprise, that he was going to be a father. According to Stapp, the song was written in just fifteen minutes during a soundcheck. The song has received almost 200 million views on YouTube.

Stapp says, “It continues to have relevant meaning in my life because as I sing it now, I think of my daughter who's now on this planet and alive. And then I think of my newest son, my three-year-old, Daniel”. The song is about a man expressing his feelings about thinking about becoming a father.

Arms Wide Open Guitar Lesson

This is a guitar lesson that is an acoustic cover version of the song performed by James Boyce, taught by our expert Steve Luciano, in a section-by-section manner. They start with the introduction

The song is in the key of C major and features a number of suspended chords. There is a C major 9 chord with a B note in the bass, which sounds like a suspended chord because of the 9th scale degree. There is also a very unique A minor 11th chord, which also sounds like a suspended chord because of the 11th scale degree, which is actually the 4th scale degree on the octave higher. The instructor explains all the chord shapes in great detail. You can also refer to the Arms Wide Open tabs along with the lesson on the sidebar.

The strumming of the chords is very simple, compared to the chord voicings, that is – D - U U D - U U D - D U for the most part (D is a downward strum and U is an upward strum).

There is also an easy verison of the song that the instructor demonstrates, which is a beginner-friendly version of the song focused more on the singing part of the track.

FAQs

Q. What skill level is Arms Wide Open for?

This lesson is ideal for beginner to intermediate players. If you know basic open chords, you can easily learn the song.

Q. Is this version different from the original Creed version?

Yes. This is a soft acoustic cover by James Boyce. It keeps the emotional depth of the original but focuses more on the singing part.

Q. What is the tuning of Arms Wide Open by Creed?

Nope! This version is played in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), making it very accessible. Drop D is not required here.

Q. What chords are used in this version?

The song uses common suspended and power chords, with some being 9 and 11th chords. The tutor goes over each one slowly and clearly.

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. 

When Ed Sheeran released “Thinking Out Loud” in 2014, it was pretty special because of the way the chords were used. It quickly became a modern classic; the track was part of his album “X” (multiply). 

It’s a song that perfectly embodies heartfelt lyricism and tasteful musicianship, feeling like a timeless classic. Thus, evoking a sound similar to 60s music while firmly pushing Ed as one of the best contemporary singer-songwriters of the present time. 

The song “Thinking out Loud” features a warm, bluesy D-major chord progression. As you learn this song in this lesson, you will also find occasional color tones that add a gospel-like tenderness. 

Both the structure and the harmony of the different instruments in this made it groundbreaking. To. To be able to play it on your guitar, you will have to be a genius with precision. Keep in mind, it’s completely different from the trendy songs people listen to nowadays; it’s a timeless piece packed with tender storytelling and understated guitar, which every budding guitarist needs to study.

Strumming Pattern 

For beginners who are new to guitar strumming, a good starting point would be: 

D DU UDU. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

Using the above-mentioned strumming pattern for the song “Thinking Out Loud,,” you get the flowing, soul-like rhythm for which the music is popular. 

Apart from this, there is one more variation that you should learn once you master the basic one. The thing with Ed Sheeran is that he doesn’t like to stick to one single strumming pattern; he keeps experimenting, which leads to epic live concert performances. 

Here’s how you can use muted strums, ghost hits, and even percussive slaps to add more flair to the strumming pattern: D DxU X UD X. 

• DxU = Down (mute) Up. 
• UP = Light and relaxed strumming on the higher strings; at the same time, this part of the strumming pattern adds a “Chicka-chika” feel, making the song feel more alive rather than just mechanical. 

FAQs – Thinking Out Loud By Ed Sheeran Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. In which key is the song “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran presented? 

Ans. The song uses E major as the main key, but whenever Ed Sheeran plays it live, he uses D major chord shapes in addition to a capo on the 2nd fret. 

Q2. What should be the tuning of my guitar if I wish to play “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran?

Ans. Use standard tuning (E A D G B e) with capo on the 2nd fret. 

The song lesson of Teri MerI Kahaani easy version is for those who wish to master romantic, melodic, and Bollywood ballads; it’s a perfect song to learn on acoustic guitar. The song is from the movie Gabbar, which was released in 2015; the lead singers were Arijit Singh and Palak Muchhal. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction of this song lesson is there to help you get accompanied by your guitar instructor, J.J. Pattishall. Here, J.J. is going to show you the tuning required for this song, and at the same time, he also explains why this easier version is much faster to learn for both intermediate and beginner-level guitar players.  

Chords and Rhythm: This part of the guitar lesson starts with Em, Am, D, C, G, and the only tricky chord, which is the Bm bar chord. If you wish not to play the bar version of Bm, you can choose to play the four-finger version. 

Song Arrangement: With this section, you will learn how the song flows and which chord you need to play in different parts of the song, like intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and even outro. This also makes it easy for you to memorize and prevent confusion. 

Song Demo: Finally, J.J. is going to show you how to play the entire guitar parts of the song with the backing track. 

FAQs – Teri Meri Kahaani Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is the song Tere Meri Kahaani beginner-friendly? 

Ans. The original version of the song Tere Meri Kahaani isn’t something easy to learn. That’s why we came up with the thought of creating a much easier version of the guitar song lesson, which is pretty straightforward and, at the same time, uses open chords. 

Q2. What should be the strumming pattern I need to learn for the song Tere Mere Kahaani? 

Ans. To play this song, you can follow a simple strumming pattern, which is: D – D U – U D U. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

By using this strumming pattern, you will be able to conjure a flowing rhythm that perfectly matches the song’s romantic feel. In case you want to simplify this, you can even minimize it to steady downstrokes. 

Q3. Do I need a capo to play the song Tere Mere Kahaani on guitar? 

Ans. See, the original version of the song does require a capo, depending on the vocal range of the singer. But if you are asking if you need to use it during practice, then the answer is no; you can play this song in standard tuning without using a capo. 

Q4. Which of the following guitar techniques will I be learning as I practice Tere Mere Kahaani? 

Ans. Here’s a list of guitar techniques you learn along the way as you learn to play this song guitar: 

• Smooth chord switching
• Controlled strumming dynamics
• Basic arpeggio or fingerpicking (optional for verses)
• Emotional playing with dynamics

In the modern history of Pakistan, Aadat from Jal became the most iconic track, which resonated pretty well with the South Asian audience. The song has Atif Aslman’s vocals, and Goher Mumtaz is the one playing the guitar. With its emotive melody and unforgettable guitar riffs, the song was able to strike a deep chord among the listeners. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction is from J.J. Pattishall, who will be your guitar instructor for this lesson. In this part of the song, he talks about how the song takes inspiration from the rock genre. There are a lot of things that you need to learn in order to play this song, which makes it a unique song to pick for a guitar lesson. 

Chords and Rhythm: At the beginning of this part, J.J. shows you the different chords you have to practice for this song. Once you get accompanied by the chords, you can move to the next section, which is the rhythm. For this song lesson, you need to have a capo, which should be placed on the 4th fret. 

Song Arrangement: Right here, you will be learning how to play the song using arpeggios and fingerpicking techniques that are required for this lesson. 

Solo: This part of the song comes at exactly 2:45 seconds into the song. To play the solo, you need to put a capo on the 4th fret. The solo section is broken down into small sections to show you how part of the solo is played. 

Song Demo: Finally this is the part where J.J. Pattishall will play the guitar with the backing track to show you how you need to sync up the guitar chords with vocals and with other instruments that are part of this song. 

FAQs – Aadat (Complete Version) Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Why should I learn the song Aadat from the band Jal? 

Ans. It is a classic south Asian rock song; it will help you in building both acoustic rhythm and electric lead playing. Also, it is one of the songs from Jal, the band, which is the crowd’s favorite. 

Q2. What is the structure of the complete song? 

Ans. Intro – Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Guitar Solo – Final Chorus – Outro

Q3. Can I play this song on acoustic guitar? 

Ans. Absolutely. The unplugged version of Aadat is quite popular and sounds great on acoustic.

Q4. Do I have to use any special techniques in order to play this song? 

Ans. For this song, you need to have an understanding of 

• Palm muting
• Arpeggiated picking
• Distorted power chord riffs
• Simple lead guitar licks

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!

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.