Introduction

Taught by

Clay Foster

Sing

by Steve Luciano

Sing is the lead single from Ed Sheeran's sophomore album “X” (Multiply). This was the first time Ed moved past his acoustic singer persona. The song was produced by Pharell Williams, and after it got released it really did shock some of his fans, at the same time it delighted critics.

Sing is a funky, falsetto-driven song, and even after a decade, this song holds true to be one of the most intriguing and enduring tracks that came out from Ed’s album. It’s a song that shows his willingness to evolve and take those creative risks that many artists fear to take when they reach the height of their career.

Fun Fact: Ed Sheeran, in one of his videos, said he took the inspiration from Justin Timberlake’s Justified album. The composer Pharrell Williams also worked on the same album and leaned towards the idea of creating something similar for Ed.

Half of Sing’s credit needs to be devoted to Pharrell, Ed was reluctant on using Falsetto heavy style, feeling it will be too far from his original sound, but Pharell insisted that he should try it out and the result was such a massive breakout that Ed was able to reach UK #1 spot for the first time in his career.

Why Learn to Sing By Ed Sheeran On Guitar?

''Sing'' is the exception in Ed Sheeran’s discography, most of his fans think of Ed as a tender acoustic musician. It was Sing that flipped the narrative. From this song, Ed offered a danceable energy to his fans, in addition to confidence and versatility.

Sing is there to help you level up your guitar playing techniques, allowing you to practice strumming precision and the musical groove of a song. At first glance, you will find that the chord progression present in this song is quite simple, but if you look closely, the challenge lies in the rhythm and feel.

The song requires you to master percussive and palm-muting techniques, which creates a funk-guitar style sound. With this song, you will develop tight timing and rhythmic accuracy.

Furthermore, it also teaches you to properly use muting, ghost notes, and silence that are crucial means for groove.

FAQs – Sing By Ed Sheeran Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Which chords do I need to use to play Sing by Ed Sheeran on guitar?

Ans. Am, F, C, and G are the few chords that you need to keep on repeating throughout this song, because it is a loop-style progression.

Q2. In which key does the song Sing by Ed Sheeran present in?

Ans. The song is present in A minor, which is considered the relative minor of C major. Keep in mind that there are no sharps or flats present in it. As a result, it is much easier for beginners to navigate through the guitar using it.

Pop

Taught by

Steve Luciano

November Rain Outro

by Mike Walker

In this video lesson Mike Dugan teaches how to play the song They Call me the Breeze 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 Walker

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

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

They Call me the Breeze

by Mike Dugan

Blues

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Give me Novacaine

by Pranay Verma

hard

Punk Rock

Taught by

Pranay Verma

Have You Ever Seen the Rain

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Welcome to the bass lesson for Have You Ever Seen the Rain (Smokie version). Originally written by John Fogerty and released by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971, this timeless classic has been covered by many artists, including Smokie on their 1995 album The World and Elsewhere.

This lesson is taught by Mike Walker and is set in the key of C with standard tuning. It’s a straightforward yet expressive song, making it perfect for both beginners looking to sharpen their technique and intermediate players who want to refine their timing and feel.

Lesson Breakdown

Mike takes a step-by-step approach to make learning smooth and approachable.

Intro: The intro starts with a short, tasteful lick that begins on the G string before moving to the low E. Mike also demonstrates a subtle twist here: taking the 5th of the note lower instead of the usual higher, which adds a unique flavor to the line. This is followed by another short lick, carefully broken down so you can catch every nuance.

Verse: The verse introduces a light hammer-on lick and moves back and forth between the G and C strings. It also includes a simple but effective walking bass line. Mike explains each step slowly, highlighting when to use chromatic movements and when to hold back, making it very beginner-friendly.

Chorus: In the chorus, Mike divides the section into smaller movements for easier learning. He also explains how to lock in your groove with the guitar and drums to create a tight rhythm section feel.

Underneath the Guitar Solos: You’ll also learn what’s happening in the bass line beneath the guitar solos. This part involves a subtle kick-drum-inspired rhythm, moving across the frets using four key chords to keep the groove steady.

Once all the sections are covered, Mike ties it all together by playing the full arrangement along with a backing track. This demo helps reinforce everything you’ve learned and is perfect for practising your transitions smoothly.

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Pop

Taught by

Mike Walker

November Rain

by Mike Walker

Rock

Taught by

Mike Walker

Goodbye Blue Sky

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Tune into a simple fingerpicking guitar song lesson on "Goodbye Blue Sky" on Torrins. This lesson is led by our instructor, Steve Luciano, who breaks down the various sections of the song for easy understanding. This Goodbye Blue Sky guitar tutorial covers the strumming pattern, fretting, and rhythm techniques that make this song sound so great.

Interesting Fact: The song’s soft, almost lullaby-like melody is a stark contrast to its dark theme of war and destruction. Roger Waters wrote it as a reflection of his childhood memories of the London Blitz during World War II. The track opens with a child's voice saying, "Look, mummy, there's an aeroplane up in the sky!"—a chilling moment that symbolizes the innocence of youth being shattered by the horrors of war.

Chords & Tuning

"Goodbye Blue Sky" is a simple fingerpicking song. Before getting started, tune your 6th string to Drop D—this gives the song its deep, resonant tone.

Fingerpicking Pattern

The fingerpicking technique adds an intricate and melodic touch to this song while keeping the rhythm steady, making this song perfect for practising control and precision.

Song Structure & Techniques

The song kicks off with a repeating section that features pull-offs, adding a smooth, connected feel to the melody. This section repeats four times and helps build fluidity in your playing. If you’re still getting comfortable with pull-offs, be sure to explore our in-depth lesson on this essential technique.

As the arrangement develops, you’ll come across hammer-ons, which lend a punchier articulation to the notes. Steve also incorporates power chords, specifically B and F#, along with an open G, contributing to a fuller, more dynamic sound. Later in the progression, he introduces barre chords across the 2nd and 3rd strings, creating a seamless, flowing texture. These techniques come together to give the song its distinct blues-rock character while helping you improve precision and control.

Learning Made Easier

The 3-angle camera view makes learning such songs so much easier. With dedicated angles on strumming, fretting, and an overall view, you get a detailed, close-up look at all the intricate finger movements, helping you learn efficiently and effectively.

Pro Tip for Mastering the Song

Steve recommends breaking the song into sections and practising each part individually before putting everything together. This will ensure you develop muscle memory for clean and precise playing.

FAQs – "Goodbye Blue Sky" Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

A: While the song follows a simple fingerpicking style, it requires coordination and control. It's great for beginners looking to build finger independence and practice melodic fingerpicking.

Q2. Do I need to use a pick for this song?

A: No, this song is best played with fingerpicking, which gives it its signature soft and flowing sound.

Q3. What’s the best way to improve my fingerpicking accuracy?

A: Slow down and focus on precision before building up speed. Keep your right hand relaxed, and ensure each note rings out clearly.

moderate

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Similar Metal Songs

Overactive Imagination

by Bobby Koelble

In this video lesson Clay Foster teaches how to play the song One as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Riff, Intro Solo, Pre-Verse and Verse, Chorus, Interlude Solo, Chorus after Interlude, Heavy Riff in 4/4, Solo Lesson, Post Solo Thrash Section and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

One

by Clay Foster

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Taught by

Clay Foster

For Whom the Bell Tolls

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Crazy Train

by Mike Walker

Introduction:

Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne is the most legendary rock and metal song of all time. This song also has some of the best guitar play by Randy Rhoads.

Song Structure

Introduction: In this part Mike Walker shows how much he loves playing this song and shares why it is important for every rock and metal fan to learn this song.

Intro Riff: Here, you will be learning the very first lick of the song for which the song became famous in the first place.

Pre-Verse: this is a 4 bar phrase, and it comes before the verse,

Verse: In this section Mike shows you the guitar chords which you need to play in the verse parts of the song. He also showed how you should be focused on playing the last 2 bars because if you learn that you will be playing the entire part of the verse section on guitar.

Pre Chorus: This is a four bar pre-chorus along with a couple of single notes present in it that Mike first shows how it is done then explains to you how you can play the same tune.

Chorus: In this part of the guitar lesson you will learn about the main chorus of the song. Mike has broken the chorus in multiple parts to make it easier for you to understand how it needs to be played.

Bridge: This is the part which works as a contrast between the chorus and the verse, you will be playing this part after the second chorus of the song, it has been used to give a fresh

element to the song.

Solo: This is one of the most intricate solos in metal music it goes up to 16 bars and it does have tons of guitar techniques which comes handy as a guitarist.

Song Demo: This is the final part, where Mike will play the guitar alongside the backing track.

Why Learn Crazy Train By Ozzy Osbourne Song?

The main riff of the song is instantly recognizable and if you learn it on guitar you will get to know about alternative picking precision. It includes a combination of power chords, single-note runs, and syncopation which is something essential for both rock and metal music.

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who originally recorded Crazy Train?

Ans. Crazy Train is the debut single by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, he released the song in the 1980s for his debut album which was his solo venture as an artist.

Q2. What is the hidden meaning of the song Crazy Train?

Ans. Crazy train is about the cold war which happened during that time and consumed the entire world in the 1980s. Osbourne was talking about dictators when he said “One person is conditioned to rule and control.”

Q3. Is Ozzy Osbourne going through mental health problems?

Ans. No, Ozzy Osbourne doesn’t have mental health problems; he does have progressing Parkinson’s disease, which causes new mobility challenges as he grows old.

Fun Fact: It was the first ever solo which Ozzy sang after leaving Black Sabbath, after the release it became an instant hit and even to this day it is one of the most recognizable songs of Ozzy Osbourne.

Taught by

Mike Walker

1000 Eyes

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction: 1000 Eyes by Death is the song from their sixth studio album called Symbolic which was released on March 21st, 1995 under the label of Roadrunner records.

Fun Fact: The song talks about the unstoppable surveillance of the government on society.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: You will be using single-note arpeggios instead of full chords, and the arpeggios in the verse are as follows:

e|---------------------|

B|---------------------|

G|----7----5----4-----|

D|---5----4----3------|

A|--3----2----1-------|

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

Strumming Pattern:

The strumming pattern you have to follow for this song is a bit more of a fast alternate picking, tremolo picking, and palm-muted chugging. As a result, here’s how you will be strumming:

For palm muted chugging: D - D - DUD - D - D - DUD

Palm muted galloping: D - DUD - D - D - D - DUD

D = Down strum
U = Up strum

Song Structure:

Introduction: In the introduction your guitar instructor Bobby Koelble shares his insights about the song, what it means and the tuning required for it.
Intro Riff: Here you will learn about the intro of the song which is 8 bars in length. Also, you will learn how to play all the measures that are present in the intro.
Intro Solo: This section shows you how to play Chuck's solo part in the intro of the song.
Song Arrangement Part 1: From this section the main part of the song begins as Chuck

starts to sing from here. The guitar instructor breaks the arrangement down in several parts to make things easier here.

Song Arrangement Part 2: This part of the guitar lesson deals with the guitar playing you will be doing alongside the main chorus of the song. It is pretty faced paced strumming and chord progression so you need to have your full focus.
Song Demo: This is the part where Bobby is going to play the entirety of the song while the backing track is played. It is to show you how to strum and play chords in different parts.
Solo Lesson: Finally you will be learning Chuck's solo in this section, it is present in the Key of A minor. The riff which plays under the solo has already been taught in the above section of the song lesson.

Why should you learn 1000 Eyes By Death Song?

1000 Eyes has some of the most excruciating fast-paced riffs, which makes it challenging to play both for alternate picking and fret-hand coordination. As a result, it is a perfect song to build your speed and precision. It also gives you a challenge, so if you feel like all the songs that you have been playing on the guitar are too easy for you, this song will surely turn things around.

FAQs for 1000 Eyes by death Guitar Lesson

Q1. What happened to the Death band?

Ans. The band before breaking up in 2001 went through a lot of changes, all of this happened after the death of Schuldiner. The final line up of the band before the break up was Schuldiner on guitars and vocals, Shannon Hamm on guitars, Richard Christy on drums.

Q2. Was Chuck Schuldiner a good person in real life?

Ans. The death metal legend was friendly and loved his family members. Throughout his life, he had a bunch of his friends, and they all stuck together. His parents were still in contact with other band members and told them how Chuck helped them when they needed it the most.

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Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Lack Of Comprehension

by Bobby Koelble

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Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Bite the Pain

by Bobby Koelble

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Holy Diver

by Mike Walker

Holy Diver - Introduction

Holy Diver is one of the most iconic heavy metal songs ever recorded, serving as the title track of Dio’s debut album in 1983. Written by the legendary Ronnie James Dio after his stints with Rainbow and Black Sabbath, the song showcases his signature lyrical style—filled with medieval imagery, heroic themes, and battles between good and evil. The lyrics tell the story of a mysterious, divine warrior, often interpreted as a metaphor for spiritual struggle and redemption. Dio’s powerful, operatic vocals and Vivian Campbell’s crushing guitar riffs made the track an instant classic.

The music video, though dated by today’s standards, became legendary for its fantasy aesthetic, featuring Dio as a sword-wielding hero battling demons. The song’s mid-tempo groove, anthemic chorus, and unforgettable riff solidified its place in metal history. Over the years, "Holy Diver" has been covered by bands like Killswitch Engage and referenced in pop culture, proving its lasting influence. Ronnie James Dio’s performance on this track remains one of the greatest in metal, blending raw power with theatrical flair.

Holy Diver Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson dives deep into playing "Holy Diver" in dropped C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D), which gives the song its thick, heavy sound. The main riff, played by Vivian Campbell, is built around power chords (C5, G5, A♭5) and uses palm muting to create a tight, aggressive groove. The tuning allows for easy sliding between chords while maintaining a massive low-end presence.

The verse follows a C5 - G5 - A♭5 progression, with the riff emphasizing the open C string for a chugging effect. The chorus shifts to a C5 - G5 - F5 pattern, adding a melodic lift before returning to the main riff. The solo section is where Campbell’s playing shines—using the C minor pentatonic scale (C-E♭-F-G-B♭) with fast alternate picking and wide bends for dramatic flair. The harmonic minor scale (C-D-E♭-F-G-A♭-B) also appears in the solo, giving it a darker, classical edge.

For the rhythm parts, focus on tight palm muting and consistent downstrokes to match the song’s driving feel. The pre-chorus introduces a syncopated riff that requires precise timing—practice it slowly with a metronome before speeding up. The bridge features harmonized leads, where two guitars play complementary melodies, a technique Dio borrowed from his Rainbow days.

Beginners should start by mastering the main riff and power chords in dropped C tuning. Intermediate players can work on the syncopated rhythms and solo licks, paying attention to vibrato and bends. Advanced players should study the harmonic minor passages and experiment with adding their own fills.

FAQs

Q. How do I tune my guitar to dropped C for this song?

Lower your sixth string from E to C, fifth from A to G, and leave the rest in standard tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D).

Q. What scales does Vivian Campbell use in the solo sections?

Primarily C minor pentatonic (C-E♭-F-G-B♭) with touches of C harmonic minor (C-D-E♭-F-G-A♭-B) for a classical metal feel.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Summer Song

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Nothing Else Matters

by Bobby Koelble

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

If You Like Death, You'll Love These

Symbolic

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction

Get ready to master another death metal classic on Torrins—Symbolic by the band Death. This lesson is taught by Bobby Koelble himself, one of the guitarists on the original track. Bobby breaks down the song into several parts, covering essential chords, rhythms, and guitar tones, ensuring a detailed and engaging learning experience.

Fun Fact

Bobby Koelble joined Death after being recommended to Chuck Schuldiner, the band's co-founder, by a friend working at a local music store. Koelble and Schuldiner had known each other since high school in Orlando. After joining the band, Koelble toured with Death across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan before the band eventually disbanded.

Chords and Techniques Used in Symbolic

Tuning: Standard tuning down a whole step
Key: E minor
Some of the chords used in this song are G#, F#, Bm, and A7. Tune in to the lesson to know the rest of the chords used in this song.

Song Structure

Main Riff: The main riff repeats seven times and features vibrato, alternative picking, and palm muting. It includes a few power chords, one being G#.
Chorus: The chorus riff follows the same pattern as the main riff but repeats 14 times. Tune in to the lesson for a detailed breakdown of the rest of the chorus.
Solo Section: The solo section features four power chords. In this section, there’s a transition riff as well, which consists of four single notes and a power chord.
Solo section played by Bobby in the original song: It is played in the key of F# and features chords like B minor, F# power chord, and A7—all diatonic to F#. He breaks down the solo into three sections: beginning, middle, and end and shares valuable tips on mastering the solo, including his creative process behind crafting the iconic riff.

Bobby plays all elements slowly, first to make it easier to follow, then repeats them at normal speed. He also explains the guitar tone in detail.

Why Learn Symbolic?

This lesson provides a detailed breakdown of one of death metal’s most iconic tracks. Bobby Koelble’s insight into the composition and technique will help you refine your alternative picking, palm muting, and power chord transitions. It's a challenging yet rewarding song to master for any metal guitarist. If you’re an advanced player or an intermediate player looking for songs to improve your techniques, this song has to be in your repertoire.

Tips to Improve Your Playing

Start by playing the riffs at a slower pace, then gradually increase your speed.
Pay close attention to the vibrato and palm muting techniques to capture the song’s unique tone.
Focus on smooth chord transitions during the solo to maintain the song’s flow.

FAQs – Symbolic Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song suitable for beginners?

Ans: This lesson is recommended for intermediate to advanced players due to its fast-paced riffs and complex solos.

Q2. What tuning is used for this song?

Ans: The song is played in standard tuning down a whole step.

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Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Zero Tolerance

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction:

Torrins brings you an in-depth guitar lesson on Zero Tolerance by Death, taught by none other than Bobby Koelble—one of the original guitarists on the track. This lesson dissects the song’s intricate riffs, multiple solos, and unique techniques to help you master this classic death metal piece.

Fun Fact: The title Zero Tolerance was later used for two compilation albums released under Chuck Schuldiner’s name, featuring rare demo material from both Death and Control Denied.

Tuning and Song Structure

Standard tuning, down a whole step.
Multiple solos from both Chuck Schuldiner and Bobby Koelble.
This Lesson is structured into key sections: Introduction, Intro Riff, Solo-1 (Chuck), Chorus, Bridge, Main Solos (Chuck & Bobby), Solo 2 (Bobby), Song Demo, and Final Note on Chorus.
Make sure to use the provided chords and tabs to follow along!

Breaking Down the Song

Intro Riff

Mostly in the key of E minor.
Straightforward riff featuring power chords, including low E power chords.
Incorporates muted string techniques for a tight and punchy sound.

First Solo (Chuck Schuldiner)

Simple power chord progression in the background, one of which is C.
Features an E minor major 7 arpeggio.
Chuck was known for focusing on feel rather than strict technical terms—tune into the lesson for an in-depth breakdown!

Chorus

Includes a riff and a melody.
Has a slow tempo (for a Death song), making it one of the easier riffs to play.
Features low E power chords, single notes, and palm-muted sections, along with other chords.

Bridge

A relatively easy section featuring some power chords and palm-muted notes.
Watch the lesson to master the additional chords!

Main Solo (Chuck Schuldiner)

Opens with a harmonized melodic lick up the 3rd.
Uses the A harmonic minor scale.
Bobby shares valuable insights on writing melodic solos—a must-watch for aspiring songwriters.

Main Solo (Bobby Koelble)

Played in F# minor.
Starts with an introductory lick harmonized up a 5th, then shifts to a minor 3rd harmony.
Solo is broken down into multiple digestible sections for easy learning.

Solo 2 (Bobby Koelble)

A short but technical solo occurring between the verse and chorus.
Starts with a C note and a tapped harmonic.
This section covers artificial harmonics.

Final Note on Chorus

Discusses the background chords heard in the final chorus.
Bobby teaches unique finger positioning techniques to recreate the exact sound.

Song Demo & Summary

To wrap it all up, Bobby plays the full song with a backing track, demonstrating how all the sections come together.

Why Learn Zero Tolerance?

Learn palm muting, power chord progressions, and harmonized melodies.
Master multiple solo styles, from Chuck’s emotive phrasing to Bobby’s technical intricacies.
Get valuable songwriting and soloing insights from an original artist of the song.

FAQs – Zero Tolerance Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this lesson beginner-friendly?

This lesson leans more towards intermediate to advanced players.

Q2. How can I improve my palm muting technique?

Focus on muting with the side of your palm near the bridge while maintaining a tight, controlled attack.

Q3. Are tabs provided for the lesson?

Yes! The chords and tabs included will help you nail every section.

moderate

Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

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.

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Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Voice of the Soul

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction

Voices of the Soul is the song from the seventh and final studio album of the Florida-based death metal band called “Death.” This particular song has an eerie spectre, and it is one of the most experimental and expansive songs from Death, with impressive songwriting.

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 show you the key in which the song is to be played.

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 Bobby Koelble teaches how to play the song Perennial Quest as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Riff, Verse, Riff in 5-4 and Slow Section, Thrash Section, Chorus and Bridge, Solo Rhythm, Harmony Lead in Intro Riff, Solo 1 - by Bobby, Solo 2 - by Chuck, Outro Lead, Acoustic Section and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Perennial Quest

by Bobby Koelble

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

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Pull the Plug

by Bobby Koelble