Introduction

Join our expert instructor, Bobby Koeble, for an in-depth lesson on "Always With Me, Always With You" by Joe Satriani. This song is a lyrical masterpiece known for its challenging legato-style licks and smooth melodic phrasing. This intermediate to advanced-level lesson will walk you through every section of the song, helping you master both the technical and emotional elements that make it so iconic.

Interesting fact: Joe Satriani wrote "Always With Me, Always With You" as a heartfelt tribute to his wife. Unlike many of his other complex, high-energy tracks, this song stands out for its melodic simplicity and emotional depth. Satriani has said that the song represents a peaceful and constant connection with his wife, capturing the feeling of always being together no matter the distance. 

Bobby has broken down the song lesson into various sections for a detailed understanding.

• Introduction
• Separate lessons for Solo section 1-6 
• Conclusion and backing track

Chords Used

This song is in the key of B major and follows a 3/4 time signature. Some of the key chords used are:

• B11 – Uses the E string for added depth.
• E major – Bobby teaches a unique fingering that differs from standard chord shapes.
• G# minor and F#sus4 – Essential for the song’s harmonic feel.

Tune into the song lesson to learn the rest of the chords that make up this song. 

Strumming Pattern

The rhythm of this song is signature to the tune. It follows a strict 8-note rhythm with incorporated techniques such as:

• Palm muting
• Arpeggios
• Sliding

Bobby also shares alternative ways to approach the rhythm so you can find what works best for you.

Song Structure

This song features a flowing, solo-driven structure: 

Intro: It has a lyrical melody featuring legato-style licks

Solo Section 1: It is played in the key of B major and incorporates harmonics, vibrato, and sliding. 

Solo Section 2: Moves higher up the neck and incorporates heavy use of vibrato and smooth phrasing. 

Solo Section 3: This section has a harmony and melody change and is slightly longer and more complex. It introduces left-hand legato techniques. 

Solo Section 4: Main melody moves up an octave and incorporates two-handed tapping. 

Solo Section 5: It is the most rhythmically challenging part that includes double stops and varied phrasing. 

Solo Section 6: Returns to the earlier melody with subtle variations in slide and inflexion. It has a fast legato-based lick to close out. 

Outro: Bobby wraps up the lesson by playing along with the backing track

Why Learn This Song?

• Master left-hand legato techniques
• Develop precise control over sliding and vibrato
• Incorporate bluesy elements into your playing
• Build confidence with soloing and tapping

FAQs- Always With Me, Always With You Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song suitable for beginners?

No, this lesson is best for intermediate to advanced players due to the complex legato and tapping techniques.

Q2. How can I improve my sliding and vibrato?

Focus on timing and pressure consistency. Bobby shares detailed tips on mastering both. 

Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson on Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits, taught by Mike Dugan. This song blends fingerstyle finesse with classic rock grooves, and Mike breaks it all down into bite-sized lessons so you can follow along at your own pace.

Interesting Fact

Mark Knopfler originally wrote the song on a National Steel guitar in open tuning. He thought it sounded dull—until he tried it on his 1961 Fender Stratocaster. The moment he plugged it in, the song “came alive,” and the now-famous chord changes practically wrote themselves.

Chords & Progression

This song is in the key of D minor and uses both barre and open chords.

Chords include: Dm (barre), Bb, A7, F, and others.

The progression is smartly structured across the different sections, and Mike breaks down which chords go where and how they’re distributed across measures.

Song Structure

Each section is covered in detail, including how the chords and rhythms evolve throughout the song.

Intro Rhythm and Bounce Feel

One of the most iconic parts of Sultans of Swing is its bounce. Mike explains how this bounce is created by returning to the D minor chord in the intro, and how to use finger lifts and muting to shape the rhythm. He simplifies the feel for beginners while encouraging a relaxed hand to avoid letting the guitar ring too much. The subtle muting helps create those signature accents that make this riff so catchy.

Riff Rhythm

The riff acts as the instrumental bridge between verses and chorus, and it’s rhythmically complex. Mike shares a unique method to help you internalize the up and down strumming pattern and nail the timing. 

Verse and Chorus – Singing & Playing Together

Mike walks you through how to match your vocals with the guitar parts, offering tips on timing and phrasing. The chorus uses a repetitive chord progression, so once you lock it in, you can focus more on dynamics and vocal delivery.

Intro Lead and Riffs

The lead parts are based around the D minor pentatonic scale, with one note borrowed from F major, and also include arpeggios. Mike breaks this down note by note, making the intro riff approachable even for those who are new to lead playing.

Solo Improvisation

The end solo of the song is a masterclass in feel and phrasing. Mike starts at the 10th fret and teaches the solo string by string. He introduces a cool technique called calming, along with triplet patterns, giving your solo a more expressive touch.

Main Riff Breakdown

To wrap up, Mike teaches the main riff of the song, played using a pick and two fingers for a hybrid picking effect. The riff includes the D minor triad and showcases how intricate fingerpicking can add character to a song.

FAQs – Sultans of Swing Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?

It’s more suited for intermediate players, but Mike breaks it down clearly, and beginners can still follow along section by section.

Q2: Do I need a capo?

No capo is needed for this version.

Q3: How do I get the “Knopfler feel”?

Focus on muting, dynamic accents, and hybrid picking. Let the rhythm breathe, and play with feel over flash.

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

1. Start by playing the riffs at a slower pace, then gradually increase your speed.
2. Pay close attention to the vibrato and palm muting techniques to capture the song’s unique tone.
3. 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.