Introduction and Demo

Pop rock, Pop, Singer-Songwriter

Taught by

Pranay Verma

Island in the Sun

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Learn to play Island In The Sun by an American rock band called Weezers with this beginner-friendly guitar tutorial, taught by our expert tutor, Steve Luciano. Master chords, rhythms, and backing tracks with ease.

Steve breaks this song down using just four simple chords—yes, only four—played in a repetitive pattern. Two of them? E minor and A minor. Want to learn the rest and master the rhythm that brings this song to life? Tune in to the full tutorial!

Chords Used in Island In The Sun Guitar Lesson

Verse & Chorus Chords: The verse and chorus use open string chords

The original version of the song is played using movable chords, however, Steve teaches this guitar song tutorial using open chords to ensure ease of playing for beginners.

Steve breaks down this song to play it using 4 easy chords used repetitively. However, the rhythm is slightly complex.

Strumming Pattern: This song follows a common 4/4 time signature with a two-measure pattern. Steve uses an anticipating rhythm to add syncopation on the upbeat, giving the song a more dynamic feel

For the intro part, the rhythm is slightly tricky– DDUDDUUDUDD.

However, as the vocal comes in, the rhythm becomes simpler and repeats in this pattern– DDUDDDDUDD

Since the rhythm of this is slightly more complex, Steve teaches this song using simple open string chords, instead of movable chords like the original version, so that it’s easier on the left hand. This gives an overall great groove to the song.

**Why Learn Island in the Sun on the Guitar?**

This guitar lesson focuses on rhythm mastery, particularly syncopation and anticipating beats.
Great for improving timing, strumming control, and chord switching.
Provides a relaxed, island-like groove, making it fun to play.

Tips for Mastering the Rhythm

Start slow: Play the intro rhythm at a slower tempo and then gradually increase the speed.

Use a metronome: It helps develop consistency, especially with anticipation and syncopation.
Strum lightly: Overstrumming can kill the groove—aim for a relaxed wrist motion.

FAQs – Island In The Sun Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes! Although the rhythm is slightly tricky, Steve simplifies it by using open chords instead of movable ones.

Q2: How can I improve my rhythm for this song?

Focus on anticipation, follow Steve’s guidance, and practice with a metronome.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Try

by J.J. Pattishall

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

Pop

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Crystal Mountain

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction:

Torrins brings you another electrifying guitar lesson "Crystal Mountain by Death", taught by none other than Bobby Koelble, one of the original guitarists on the track. This lesson breaks down the intricate riffs, solos, and powerful progressions that make this song a metal masterpiece.

Fun Fact: Crystal Mountain was inspired by Chuck Schuldiner’s real-life experiences with his not-so-friendly next-door neighbour. Their unpleasant interactions fueled the aggression and emotion behind this legendary track!

Tuning & Gear

Tuning: Standard tuning down a whole step.
Use the provided tabs for a more comprehensive learning experience.

Song Breakdown

This lesson is structured into multiple sections to make learning seamless:

Introduction
Intro Riff
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Solo-Tapping Section
Main Solo
Acoustic Solo
Song Demo (Chuck’s Part)
Song Demo (Bobby’s Part)
Full Song Demo (Combining All Parts)

Chords & Riffs in Crystal Mountain

Intro Riff

The first 8 bars feature power chords like E, Bb, and F, with vibrato. Tune in to the lesson to learn the rest of the chords.
The second half of the intro is harmonised down a perfect 5th.
Scale: E Harmonic Minor.

Verse

The Am chord is played with a variation in arpeggio.
Includes F power chords and some single notes, along with other chords.
Heavy distortion is used to achieve that signature Death sound.

Chorus

Chorus features single notes and an active midsection involving the open 5th string.
Chuck Schuldiner added an intricate melody over the chorus section. Bobby walks you through this in detail.

Bridge

It begins with power chords in the rhythm track.
It is layered with harmonised single-note phrases on top

Solo Sections

Tapping Solo

This solo features harmonised tapping licks at the 12th fret.

Main Solo

Chuck’s solo—short but iconic.
It is in the key of G# minor.
Uses triplets and expressive vibrato.

Acoustic Solo

An acoustic solo is a rare touch in a Death song! Bobby demonstrates 4 simple acoustic licks to round off the song.

Final Song Demo

After breaking down every section, Bobby dedicates three lessons to the song demo:

Chuck’s part
His own part
The full song, combining all elements

Why Learn Crystal Mountain?

Learning this song will help you master intricate picking techniques.
It will also help you understand harmonised riffs and solos.
It will expand your knowledge of scales and metal phrasing.

FAQs – Crystal Mountain Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this lesson suitable for beginners?

A: This lesson is best suited for intermediate to advanced players because of its complex chords and solos.

Q2. What is the most challenging part of the song?

A: The solo-tapping section and harmonised melodies require precise technique and practice.

Q3. Can I play this without tuning down?

A: Yes, you can, but tuning down a whole step helps achieve the authentic Death sound.

moderate

Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

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

Wagon Wheel

by J.J. Pattishall

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

Country

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Upside Down

by J.J. Pattishall

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the Review-Licks 1 through 20 as part of our Guitar series on Rock Lesson Week 18-Review. The topic is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Review-Licks 1 through 20. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the lesson!

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Rude

by Mike Walker

Pop

Taught by

Mike Walker

Bohemian Rhapsody

by Mike Walker

Bohemian Rhapsody – Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on what is referred to as the greatest rock song of all time, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. It is a 6-minute ‘suite’ –a musical performance that typically includes four or five dances, according to Western classical music. But Bohemian Rhapsody is nothing like a classical piece. It is, in fact, the opposite of a classical piece. It is an alternative rock song parodying orchestral music.

Freddie Mercury was born to Parsi-Indian parents in Zanzibar, which is an island town on the east coast of Africa. After the Zanzibar revolution began, they had to flee to Middlesex, England, to save their lives. Since that is the environment Freddie grew up around, it makes sense for him to choose alt-rock and prog-rock as his genres.

Bohemian Rhapsody Guitar Lesson

The lesson on this song is taught by our beloved expert, Mike Walker, who explains all the different sections of the song –and there are many –in the simplest of ways. The lesson is divided into multiple sections, explaining all the parts of the song section by section –from the intro that talks about the chords and different voicings of those chords, to the rhythms and solos of the song.

The song contains an iconic intro, a ballad segment, an orchestral passage, a rock progression, an iconic solo, and an outro. It is almost as if the song is a contraption of multiple songs. Consequently, it has a number of chords and key changes. The instructor, though, gives time to explain all the changes meticulously.

The song follows the following keys: B♭ Major, E♭ Major, A Major and F Major. With most of the chords being non-standard shapes, for instance, the intro features flat-6 and 7th chords, and minor 7th chords. There is a motif in the verse that makes the section iconic –a set of repeating two notes –G to F while on a Bb chord, A to G on the Gmin, and D to C on the Cmin. The instructor shows how to play it in great detail and along with the original track.

Another iconic part of the song is Brian May’s guitar solo, which has been deemed one of the greatest solos of all time. Featuring a guitar that Brian built in his garage, sloppy vibratos, dynamics, and pure emotional playing make it one of the greatest.

The lesson also has a breakdown of the main solo and the outro solo, including the rhythm distortion guitar parts as well, shown in full by the tutor.

Q. Is Bohemian Rhapsody playable on an acoustic guitar?

Yes, once you master the chord shapes, you can easily play the fingerstyle version of the song and sing along.

Q. What effects does Brian May use?

Brian used a Phaser pedal into a treble booster that then went into a Vox AC30.

Q. How do I sing and play this at the same time?

Practice playing the chords first. The ballad actually follows the vocal melody and so mastering the chords can easily get you there.

In this video lesson Rob Marcello teaches how to play the song Old School as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Lick, Three Arpeggio Section, Pedal Point Section, Old School (Verse), Old School (Pre-Chorus), Old School (Chorus), Old School (Verse 2), Old School (Chorus 2), Old School (Solo) and Last Lick and Arragement. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Similar Neoclassical Rock Songs

Insomnia

by Rob Marcello

Introduction

Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson on Insomnia by Rob Marcello, taught by the artist himself. This means you are learning the song's intricacies directly from the creator, giving you a unique insight into the techniques and creative choices behind this guitar masterpiece.

Fun Fact: Rob Marcello was quite young when he composed this song and admitted that he wasn’t fully familiar with advanced music theory at the time. While Insomnia may not have achieved mainstream chart success, it remains a respected piece within the guitar community.

Chords Used in Insomnia Guitar Lesson

Intro: Intro is played in the key of G harmonic minor and uses a C minor arpeggio and triad. It also includes an F# chord along with other chords.

Verse: Chords used: Gm, F/G. It’s a simple verse structure with basic licks. Practising this verse is a good exercise for picking accuracy.

Chorus: In chorus, the key changes to C minor. This section involves arpeggios, sliding, and tapping

Break Section: The key of G harmonic minor returns. It has a metal-style lick. One of the chords is a D chord.

Classical Section: Has a key of G major. Ensure you have a clean note separation in this section. Tip: Lift each finger as you play.

Pre-Solo Section: Some of the chords used are D major and E♭ major. This section involves sliding up the neck and is still in the key of G harmonic minor.

First Solo: Base stays on G and includes F major arpeggio.

Main Solo: It uses harmonic picking, a guitar technique where you pick a note while lightly touching the string to create a bright, bell-like overtone. The solo starts with blues licks played through a wah-wah pedal and follows a pentatonic blues box shape.

There are other segments in this song that cover Dominant 7 tapping lick, string skipping & pentatonic licks, and lastly, he ends the lesson by playing along with a backing track.

Why Learn Insomnia?

Insomnia is an excellent song for players looking to improve their left-hand legato, harmonic picking, and tapping techniques. It blends metal, blues, and classical influences, making it a well-rounded piece for guitarists aiming to develop technical precision and creative expression. It is better suited for advanced players.

Tips for Playing Insomnia:

Pay attention to the rhythmic phrasing in the break section.
Master the sliding and tapping techniques in the solos for a polished sound.

FAQs – Insomnia Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

No, this lesson is suited for advanced players due to the complex techniques involved.

Q2. How can I master the classical section?

Ensure clean note separation by lifting each finger immediately after playing the note.

hard

Neoclassical Rock

Taught by

Rob Marcello

Old School

by Rob Marcello

hard

Neoclassical Rock

Taught by

Rob Marcello

Songs with Similar Difficulty

Maahi Ve

by Mike Walker

Mahi Ve is that one song that you have heard at least once in your life, and we are sure you might have a friend who listens to this one song a lot whenever he’s about to go on a trip. Mahi Ve defines the inner journey of a listener, composed by A.R. Rahman and voiced by none other than Mathur & Shilpa Rao. This track truly captures the longing in its purest form, while making sure that your thoughts remain out of bounds from all forms of melodrama.

When you are learning this song on guitar, you are going to find out that it does not require constant chord changes. There is a lot of room between the phrases, which makes it easier for you to learn about how to respect silence and timing, which is something many guitar players overlook when they start playing guitar.

The song arrangement is deliberately minimal and acoustic-heavy; that’s how the song is able to translate so beautifully on guitar. You can strum the entire song on guitar while sitting alone, and the song will still feel complete with no requirement for production.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

The song Mahi Ve relies heavily on a small set of open chords, making the song free-flowing and natural on acoustic guitar.

Here are some of the beginner-friendly guitar chords that you will be playing in this song: C, G, Am, and F.

If you wish, you can replace F with Fmaj7 if you believe playing barre chords is a bit difficult.

The most common chord progression that you can play for the entirety of the song is: C – G – Am – F.

Chorus Variation: Speaking of chorus variation, you don’t have to play a new set of guitar chords; you just need to make small adjustments in how you play them. Your strumming needs to become fuller, allowing chords to ring for a much longer time. The F/ Fmaj7 chords are held slightly more deliberately, resulting in more resolution.

In case you want to give an extra touch to your guitar play, you can add the following light embellishments: Am → Am7, C → Cadd9.

FAQs For Mahi Ve Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. In which key is the song Mahi Ve present?

Ans. The song is originally played with the key of C major, which leads to its open, airy, and road-trip feel.

Q2. Do I need to have a capo to play this song guitar?

Ans. A capo is not mandatory, but if you want, you can use a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original pitch of the song.

Q3. What should be the strumming pattern for Mahi Ve on guitar?

Ans. D – (D) – U – U – D – U

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song The First Cut is the Deepest 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

The First Cut is the Deepest

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Holes to Heaven

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Dust in the Wind

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Dil Aaj Kal

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Mera Yaar Discussion (Ehsaan)

by Ehsaan Noorani

“Mera Yaar” from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is considered to be one of the best compositions by Shankar-Eshaan-Loy. The song stands out from the entire album as it is the only song that has some emotional resonance in the entire album.

The very first note starts with the acoustic guitar and takes over the center stage for the rest of the song. There are no flashy solos, which is a rare occurrence in Bollywood compositions, but it has layered progressions that help in expressing sorrow and serenity.

For this guitar song lesson, your guitar instructor is going to be Mike Walker, who will be showing you how to use the open chords present in this song with precision. You are going to learn how to give space in order for vocals to soar, along with the interplay of strummed sections and melodic fills, which will add texture to your playing without making it sound excessive.

Strumming Pattern

The song lesson mainly runs on the gentle rhythm and emotional vibe of the song; as a result, it’s a great song to practice for mastering smooth chord transitions and expressiveness using simple strumming patterns.

There are two options in terms of strumming pattern; you can decide which one to choose based on your comfort.

Beginner-friendly strumming pattern: D – D – U – U – D – U.

Advance version which includes muted strums as well: D – (mute) – D U – U D U.

D = Down Strum.
U = Up Strum.

At first, it might feel hard, but you can play along with the original track to match up with the required tempo and emotion. Also, focus on playing clean chord transitions and dynamic control. If you wish to use a capo, put it on the 1st or 2nd fret to play the song in its original key.

FAQs – Mera Yaar Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. What type of strumming dynamics works best when I am practicing “Mera Yaar” from the song Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?

Ans. Keep your chord touch light and focus more on dynamic contrast. Be sure to start softly and strum slightly stronger when you are playing the chorus, as it will allow you to have emotional buildup.

Q2. What should be the guitar skill level to master the song “Mera Yaar” from the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?

Ans. It’s a perfect song for beginners and for early intermediates because it has the basic rhythm and expressive dynamics.

Q3. How can I make the chord transitions smoother for “Mera Yaar” from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?

Ans. Practice the anchor finger technique, keep your fingers on the 3rd fret of the B string, then switch between G and C; it will surely minimize the hand movement and keep your transitions fluid.

Taught by

Ehsaan Noorani

Har Kissi Ko Nahin Milta

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Zabaan Jale Hai

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Larho Mujhe

by Bilal Khan

Taught by

Bilal Khan

Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse

by Mike Walker

Kabhi Jo Badal Barse is one of the rare songs that descends into the hearts of the people. The literal lyrics of the song are quite soothing and carry a huge amount of emotional drive. The entire album from the movie Jackpot surely went under the radar, but this one song stood out the most and carved a permanent spot in the modern Bollywood romance playlist.

The song was composed by Sharib-Toshi, and the vocals are from Arijit Singh. As you learn this song on guitar, you are going to find out that it has a more intimate touch to it than being a cinematic marvel. The composer isn’t trying to impress a large audience, what he’s trying to do is whisper directly into the ears of a listener.

In addition to this, Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse naturally translates on guitar; there are other songs that sound good when you play them on guitar, and then you have Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse, which is just waiting for you to hit the first chord. Mike Walker is going to be your music instructor for this song lesson. He will show you how to space your chords generously and how to properly move between the transitions. It’s a perfect song for guitar players who are working to improve their rhythm and control without having to feel overwhelmed.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

The chords you will be using are simple and emotional. Make sure you put a capo on the 1st fret when playing these chords. Also, you will be using G major shapes for the following chords: G, D, Em, C, Am, and D7.

Intro and verse: G D Em C

Pre-chorus: Am D G C

Am D D7

Chorus variation: G D Em C

G D C

FAQs Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. What is the original recording of the key for the song Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse?

Ans. The studio version of the song is in A♭ Major, but this particular key is not guitar-friendly. As a result, you will find that Mike Walker has gone with G major shapes with the capo on the 1st fret.

Q2. Why do I need a capo for the song Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse?

Ans. Using a capo:

It keeps your chord shapes pretty simple.
Allows you to preserve the vocals present in the song
You will be keeping the original warmth of the composition.

Q3. Do I have to use fast strumming when playing the song Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse on guitar?

Ans. No, the song has a slow tempo, so overplaying it will only reduce the emotional impact.