Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Wake Me Up When September Ends

by J.J. Pattishall

Introduction

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

Chords Used in Wake Me Up When September Ends

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

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

Strumming Pattern

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

Song Structure

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Pop

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

The Sky is Crying

by Mike Dugan

In this video lesson, Mike Walker teaches how to play the song 18 and Life as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Piece, Song Arrangement, Song Demo, Overdubs, Solo Lesson and Outro. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Dugan

18 and Life

by Mike Walker

Metal

Taught by

Mike Walker

Nothing Else Matters

by Bobby Koelble

Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

I Am Not The Only One

by J.J. Pattishall

Pop

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Rolling in the Deep

by J.J. Pattishall

Pop

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Maggie May

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Wonderful Tonight (Sing and Play)

by Mike Dugan

Introduction:

Looking to learn one of the most heartfelt love ballads ever written? Then this song tutorial of Eric Clapton’s hit song is a must-watch for you. This "Wonderful Tonight" guitar lesson, taught by Mike Dugan, breaks down the song into an easy-to-follow tutorial that’s perfect for both beginners and advanced players. Mike teaches you how to sing as well as play the song.

Fun Fact: Eric Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" while waiting for his then-girlfriend, Pattie Boyd, to get ready for an event. Despite its simplicity, the song became his most downloaded track on Spotify, with over 480 million streams!

Chords Used in "Wonderful Tonight"

This lesson is taught in the key of G major, and it primarily uses open chords, making it accessible to beginners. Some of the main chords include:

G
Em
D/F#

The lesson also covers additional chords and variations—tune in to discover them all!

Strumming Pattern & Rhythm Techniques

Beginner-Friendly Strumming: Basic downstrums to ensure smooth transitions between chords.
Advanced Strumming: The tutorial also covers a more complex strumming pattern used in the original recording. This involves subdivisions, where each beat is split into four 16th notes, creating a rhythmic groove with an alternate strumming pattern (DUDUDU) with accents.
Special Techniques: The instructor introduces a unique method for adding accents, perfect for players looking to elevate their rhythm skills. Tune in to the lesson to learn how to do it.

Song Structure Breakdown

This tutorial follows the song’s original structure, making it easier to follow:

Intro (played twice)
Verse 1
Intro section again
Verse 2
Bridge
Intro played twice
Verse 3 with a tag ending
Intro played twice to fade out

Tip: The intro shares a similar progression to the first part of the verse, making it easier to grasp.

Walk-Down Technique & Chord Transitions

One of the standout features of this lesson is the walk-down technique, where the bass notes descend smoothly between chords. Mike provides a step-by-step breakdown of positioning complex chord shapes and making smooth transitions.

Sing & Play Lesson

Want to sing while playing? This lesson dedicates a section to teaching how to play and sing simultaneously, helping learners match their strumming with the song’s vocal phrasing.

Final Play-Along & Bonus Lesson

The lesson ends with a play-along section featuring a backing track, allowing learners to practice the entire song with professional accompaniment.
For a more in-depth approach to playing "Wonderful Tonight" in an authentic style, check out Steve Luciano’s version, which focuses on the intricacies of the guitar work of the song.

FAQs – "Wonderful Tonight" Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes! With just a few open chords and a straightforward rhythm, it’s perfect for beginners.

Q2. How can I improve my strumming for this song?

Start with basic downstrums, then work on the subdivided 16th-note pattern with accents for a more authentic feel.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Mike Dugan

November Rain

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Similar Rock Songs

Postcards From Paraguay

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

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

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Knocking on Heavens Door

by Bill Peck

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Highway to Hell as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Song Arrangement, Song Demo and Solo Lesson. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Bill Peck

Highway to Hell

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Hysteria

by Mike Walker

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 Walker

The Trooper

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction

Tune into a guitar lesson on the classic heavy metal song "The Trooper" brought to you by Torrins, led by our expert instructor, Bobby Koeble. This song by the English heavy metal band Iron Maiden was released in 1983, and a live version of the song was issued in 2005.

Fun Fact: "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden was inspired by the famous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War in 1854. The song’s lyrics are based on Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem of the same name, which describes the bravery and tragic loss of British cavalry who were misled into a deadly Russian artillery ambush. The intense galloping rhythm of the song reflects the chaos and urgency of the battlefield charge.

Bobby breaks down this classic song lesson into the following parts to ensure a smooth learning experience for learners:

Introduction

Intro Riff

Main Riff & Verse

Chorus & Song Arrangement

Solo 1- Part 1 & 2

Rhythm for Solos

Solo 2

Solo 2 using Whammy Bars

Discussion & Conclusion

Trooper with Backing Track

Chords Used in The Trooper Guitar Lesson

Most of the song is in the key of E or E minor with a 4/4 time signature. Bobby plays the song in standard tuning.
The chorus uses a D chord followed by a low E power chord.
The solos are in the key of A minor and use chords like G, and F, along with others.
There are harmony parts in the intro and main riffs, with techniques like pull-offs and whammy bar used in the solos.

Strumming Pattern

The song follows a fast-paced, galloping rhythm—a signature Iron Maiden style.
Bobby breaks down the strumming pattern and offers options for handling the harmony in the intro.
Beginners can start with a simple downstroke rhythm, while more advanced players can work on refining the galloping feel.

Song Structure

The song unfolds with a clear and consistent progression that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. It kicks off with a high-energy intro riff, a fast-paced harmony section that repeats four times to set the tone. This leads into the main riff and verse, where the finger placements and note sequences are broken down for easy understanding.

From there, the momentum builds into the chorus, which delivers a bold shift in rhythm and mood. After returning briefly to the main harmony riff, the song moves into the second verse, introducing a slight rhythmic variation with a galloping feel that adds fresh texture.

The next pass through the chorus sets the stage for not just one, but two solo sections, each packed with expressive phrasing and technique. After the solos, the main harmony riff reappears, anchoring the listener before launching into the third and final verse. Finally, the track winds down with an outro that circles back to the familiar intensity of the intro, bringing the piece full circle with a satisfying sense of closure.

Improvisation Techniques

The solos are played in A minor.
Solo 2 includes whammy bar technique for added depth and expression.

Bobby ends the lesson by playing along with a backing track—a great way to practice and refine your playing.

FAQs – The Trooper Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song suitable for beginners?

It’s more suited for intermediate players due to the fast-paced rhythm and advanced solo work.

Q2. What’s the key challenge in this song?

The galloping rhythm and smooth chord transitions require precision and practice.

Q3. Do I need a special tuning?

No, the song is played in standard tuning.

moderate

Rock

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Every Breath You Take

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Rock You Like a Hurricane

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Wonderwall

by Mike McQuinn

Introduction:

Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson "Wonderwall" by Oasis, taught by Mike McQuinn. This timeless classic is a must-learn for any guitarist, helping you master chord variations, strumming patterns, and how to play and sing simultaneously. Mike breaks down this song lesson into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Strumming, Sing and Play and Song Demo.

Fun Fact: In October 2020, "Wonderwall" became the first song from the 1990s to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. Today, it ranks as the second most-streamed song from that decade, following Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit”.

Chords Used in Wonderwall Guitar Lesson: The song is built around five essential chord patterns, which you’ll learn in detail in the song lesson. Some of the chords that make up this song are: G, Em7, Dsus4, A7Sus4, Cadd9. Tune in to the lesson to learn the rest.

One chord pattern includes a walk-down pattern for smooth transitions.

All chords are played with a capo on the 2nd fret

Strumming Pattern The primary strumming pattern is:

DDUDUDDUDUDD (Repeats UDUDD three times and ends with UD)
An alternate strumming pattern is used in the walk-down chord section—learn the difference in the lesson!

Song Structure & Breakdown This lesson is divided into multiple sections for easy learning:

Introduction: This section has an overview of the lesson structure and key techniques.
Chords & Strumming: This section includes all the chords used in this song, and Mike shares the five essential chord patterns that make up this song. He demonstrates how to transition smoothly. The song finishes with a repetitive lead part—Mike explains how to master it effortlessly. He shares tips to master the rhythm of the song.
Sing & Play: Mike teaches how to coordinate vocals with guitar playing, gearing you up for jamming sessions!
Song Demo: The song lesson ends with a full demonstration of the song to tie everything together.

Tip: Follow along with the Tabs provided with the song lesson for quick and effective learning.

Why Learn Wonderwall?

Learning this song will help you improve chord transition and variation skills.
It will also help you master rhythm consistency with its distinct strumming pattern.
It will enhance your ability to play and sing simultaneously.

FAQs – Wonderwall Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Ans- Yes! The chords are slight variations to basic chords and are used repetitively, making it a great song for all skill levels.

Q2. Do I need a capo?

Ans- Yes, the song is played with a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original key.

Q3. How do I improve my strumming for this song?

Ans- Focus on maintaining a relaxed wrist and practice the primary strumming pattern slowly before speeding up.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Mike McQuinn

Montana

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Songs with Similar Difficulty

Junake Bichare Ki

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Zinda Hoon Yaar

by Mike Walker

Zinda Hoon Yaar is a refreshing song from the movie Lootera; when talking about the musical prowess of this song, we have to mention how it embodies the raw and melancholic soul of the film. The composition is from Amit Trivedi, who made sure that the song is emotionally potent even though it uses minimal instrumentation, thus making it a great song to learn on guitar.

The song Zinda Hoon Yaar guitar lesson makes you focus on not just technical proficiency but also trains you on musical sensitivity and dynamics. As you practice this song, you will find out that it’s a song that truly shines in its ability to teach you timing, control and expressive playing.

With its moderate tempo and spacious vocal delivery, it encourages you to be precise and gentle with the strumming patterns or with your fingerpicking, depending on your style of play. Furthermore, it’s an excellent song to experiment with dynamics because the verse calls are quite soft and require delicate guitar playing.

At the same time, the chorus section has a slight build-up to it, which teaches you how to control your volume and intensity effectively as the song proceeds; it’s a crucial guitar technique that is often overlooked by instructors when they are teaching beginners.

Why Learn Zinda Hoon Yaar Song On Guitar?

If you are thinking about growing as a well-rounded guitarist, then Zinda Hoon Yaar is the kind of song that quietly shapes your guitar techniques. In truth, it doesn’t have any flashy riffs or hold complex solos for you to learn, but it is like a stepping stone in your guitar journey that teaches you more valuable lessons like how to play a song on guitar with control and add emotional depth in your play.

It’s a song that is perfect for mastering emotional expression; even though it’s the basic tone of the song is a bit melancholic, still, as you reach its end, it pushes hopefulness, which is a lesson you have to learn as a musician, this is one of the rare songs that push you to make your sound feel to the audience and not just heard.

To play this song on guitar, you have to slow down your strumming and pay attention to the timing; this helps you develop consistent play, which is crucial for clean and polished chord playing.

The chord progression here is beginner-friendly, but at the same time, it demands learners to understand how to let the song breathe and carry its emotions, which makes it a rewarding challenge even for intermediate guitar players. After completing this guitar lesson, you will be able to use a guitar as your extension to reciprocate emotions.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Tere Mere Saath Jo Hota Hai

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman

by Mike Walker

Introduction:

Torrins brings you one of the most legendary rock riffs ever recorded-Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple, taught by Mike Walker. This guitar lesson is designed to break down the song step by step, covering everything from the iconic riff to solo improvisation. Whether you’re picking up the electric guitar for the first time or looking to level up your playing, this one’s a must-learn.

Fun Fact: Although the song appeared on Machine Head in 1972, it wasn’t released as a single until 1973. Surprisingly, the band didn’t expect it to be a hit. But it climbed to number 4 on the Billboard pop charts and became one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history.

Chords and Song Key

This lesson is taught in the key of B♭, but the song carries a G minor feel throughout. You’ll be using a few essential power chords like G5, A♭5, and others as you move through the sections.

The song’s time signature is 4/4, with a tempo of 112 BPM. Two main scales are used across the lesson: the G minor scale and the G blues pentatonic, both of which are central to the solo and improvisation parts.

Iconic Intro Riff

It’s the riff that every guitarist wants to play and for good reason. Mike breaks it down clearly, explaining which strings to let ring and how to get that gritty rock tone. He demonstrates both fingerpicking and pick-style playing, so you can choose the approach that suits you best.

Verse and Chorus Sections

In the verse, you’ll be working with a group of three chords, using arpeggios and palm muting to add texture. The phrasing follows a clean 4-bar structure, making it easy to follow.

The chorus section also relies on arpeggios. Mike walks through each measure in detail, grouping chords and explaining the rhythm so you can play with ease and confidence.

Rhythm Underneath the Solo

For the rhythm guitar players, Mike breaks down the part that supports the solo section. This part mostly uses just two chords, but involves some precise fingerpicking techniques to maintain the groove and drive.

Solo Lesson

Mike takes you through the solo lick by lick, staying in the G minor scale. He explores techniques like vibrato to add feel and energy. It’s a great way to learn how to play expressively.

Solo Demo and Improvisation

Once the solo is broken down, Mike ties everything together with a full solo demo played along with a backing track. Then comes the fun part, improvisation. He shares how to use:

G minor and G pentatonic scales
G pentatonic with a flat 5
Phrasing on the 15th fret

You’ll also pick up a few stylistic ideas inspired by Jon Lord’s playing style, which adds a cool, classic-rock flavor to your soloing.

Why Learn - Smoke on the Water?

One of the most famous riffs in rock history
Teaches you both rhythm and lead techniques
A solid introduction to rock improvisation
Perfect for building confidence on the electric guitar

FAQs – Smoke on the Water Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes, and Mike simplifies each section so it’s approachable even if you’re just getting started.

Q2. Do I need an electric guitar?

It’s recommended, as this song is designed with electric tone and expression in mind.

Q3. Can I play the riff with a pick?

Absolutely. Mike shows both finger and pick methods—you can choose what feels right.

moderate

Rock

Taught by

Mike Walker

Good Times Bad Times

by Mike Dugan

Good Times Bad Times - Introduction

Good Times Bad Times" is the first song on Led Zeppelin's 1969 debut album. The band released it as their first single in America. John Paul Jones wrote the main riff on a Hammond organ before playing it on bass. Jimmy Page used a Fender Telecaster guitar with a Tone Bender pedal for a fuzzy sound.

John Bonham played fast triplets on his bass drum with one foot. This drum technique impressed Jimi Hendrix. Robert Plant recorded his vocals twice to make them sound thicker. The song was almost called "A Man I Know" before they changed the title.

Good Times Bad Times Guitar Lesson

Mike Dugan's lesson breaks down every essential element of this classic track. The song's foundation lies in its deceptively simple power chord progression in E major. What makes it unique is the sliding technique between chords rather than the typical staccato approach. When playing the main riff (E5-D5-A5), focus on smoothly gliding between positions while maintaining steady palm muting for that tight, punchy sound. The verse rhythm follows a syncopated pattern that locks perfectly with John Bonham's groundbreaking drum work.

The guitar solo represents one of Jimmy Page's most inventive early recordings. Using a Leslie speaker cabinet (typically used for organs), Page created that distinctive swirling, phase-shifted tone. The solo primarily uses the E minor pentatonic scale (E-G-A-B-D) but incorporates several blues techniques. Pay special attention to the quick hammer-on/pull-off licks between the 12th and 15th frets on the B string, and the dramatic whole-step bends on the G string at the 14th fret. The solo's second half features rapid alternate picking that requires precise right-hand control.

For the rhythm parts, the secret lies in the dynamic contrast between sections. The verses use a tight, muted strumming pattern (down-up-down-up with emphasis on beats 2 and 4), while the choruses open up with full, ringing chords. Notice how Page slightly delays his strums during the verses to create that signature laid-back groove. The bridge section introduces a clever variation with quick chord changes (E-D-C#m-B) that build tension before returning to the main riff.

Advanced players should study the subtle nuances that make this recording special. Page's use of partial chords (often just the root and fifth with occasional added octaves) creates a lean, powerful sound. His muting technique - a combination of left-hand fret muting and right-hand palm muting - gives the rhythm parts their distinctive percussive quality. For authentic tone, use a Telecaster with the tone knob rolled back slightly, a medium-gain overdrive, and a small tube amp set clean with just a touch of natural breakup.

FAQs

Q. What tuning does this song use?

Standard tuning (E A D G B E). No special tuning needed.

Q. Is this song good for beginners?

The power chords are easy, but the slides and strumming take practice.

Q. What guitar effects were used?

Page used a Tone Bender fuzz pedal and Leslie speaker on the solo.

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Agar Tum Saath Ho

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Channa Mereya

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Tamanna

by Mike Walker

Tamanna – Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a timeless Punjabi classic song loved and celebrated all over India. Tammana by Prabh Gill is a song about falling in love, where the singer is expressing his desires. This song has been plucking the heartstrings of its listeners since 2012, and has collected more than 8M views on YouTube since, with comments like – “I love this song a lot, I have also sent it to my girlfriend” and “I am in love with this song.....with every word… {heart emoji}”.

This song is written in Punjabi and talks about love is a way that is transformative. In the chorus, the singer expresses his sole desire –the love should transform us in a way that we see god in each other. This is because the song is set in the traditional north indian culture where love has connotations of divinity and grandeur.

Tamanna Guitar Lesson

The guitar lesson on Tammana is brought by Mike Walker, wo explains all the guitar parts of the song, section by section. The initial sections talk about the chords and rhythm patterns of the song and in the sections that follow, the instructor goes on to explain the various guitar parts –chord voicings, solos, and fills that the song consists of.

The song is in the key of Bb Major, which means the way to play the chords of the song using standard shapes is by using a capo on the 1st fret. The chords of the song follow a minor key for the most part, and only in the chorus do they go to a more major sound. The tutor explains how to capture this movement well with the strumming pattern – D - UDUD - UDUD - DU (D is a downward strum and U is an upward strum.)

The special thing about this song is that it does not have drums in it, which means that all percussive effects are produced by the guitars and the bass. This leaves room for a lot of melodic motifs to fill the space left empty by the absence of drums. Hence, the song has multiple solos and melodic lines that sound beautiful.

Another special thing about this song is that it features a sitar solo near the end of the track, which, although it sounds difficult to play because of the signature picking technique, the instructor shows the way to play the sitar solo on a guitar in an easy way.

FAQs

Q. Is Tamanna suitable for beginners?

Yes. The chords are simple, and the tempo is relaxed. The solos can be learned gradually.

Q. Do I need a capo to play Tamanna?

A capo is not necessarily needed, but the capo raises the default key and makes it easy to play the song.

Q. Is this song beginner-friendly?

A. Yes, this song is beginner-friendly. Once you place the capo at the 1st fret, all you need to do then is play all the standard chord shapes.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Oh Pretty Woman

by Mike Dugan

Blues

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Ek Pal Yahi Tera Mera

by Mike Walker