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:

1. Pay attention to the rhythmic phrasing in the break section.
2. 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.

Learn the famous “I Shot the Sheriff” on Torrins, led by our expert instructor Steve Luciano, who has decades of experience playing and teaching guitar. “I Shot the Sheriff” is originally a reggae song written by Bob Marley and released in 1973 with his band, The Wailers. However, you'll be playing Eric Clapton’s version of this song with Steve on Torrins.com. Eric recorded his cover in 1974 for his album 461 Ocean Boulevard. His performance of the song adds soft rock to the reggae sound, giving it a unique feel.

The difficulty level of this guitar lesson ranges from beginner to intermediate and breaks down the chords, rhythm, structure, and strumming pattern in a simple yet engaging way! So, tune in and unfold the magic of this hit cover! 

Steve Luciano teaches the I Shot The Sheriff Song guitar lesson using 4 movable chords: Gm, Cm, Eb, and Dm. No capo is needed!

Chords Used in I Shot the Sheriff Guitar Lesson

This song is played using movable chords, which are common in reggae music.

Chords used: Gm, Cm, Eb, Dm

Steve teaches essential finger positioning and movement techniques to help make chord transitions smoother. He also demonstrates how to lighten finger pressure to achieve the signature reggae "deadening" effect on the strings.

Strumming Pattern

Pattern: D-U-D-U

• Like other reggae songs, this one emphasizes playing on the downbeat but feeling the upbeat to capture its groove.
• It’s good if you practice the chords first before adding rhythm, as some transitions can be tricky.

Song Structure

This song follows a verse-chorus format:

• Verse: The beginning of the song primarily uses Gm and Cm chords.
• Chorus: Introduces the Eb chord, which can be challenging for some players. Steve demonstrates easier ways to play Eb, particularly for those with larger fingers.
  • The chorus chord progression repeats five times.
  • At the end of the chorus, there's a signature single-note tag based on the Gm pentatonic scale. This lick is played each time the chorus ends.

Improvisation Techniques

• The song features a signature lick at the end of the chorus, based on the Gm pentatonic scale. Steve breaks down how to play the notes smoothly to maintain the song’s groove.

Why Learn I Shot the Sheriff on Guitar?

• Learning this song can help you master movable chord shapes commonly used in reggae.
• It will also help you improve reggae-style strumming and chord muting techniques.
• Additionally, it provides insight into lead guitar phrasing with the signature pentatonic lick.

Tips for Playing the Song Smoothly

1. Practice chord transitions first before adding strumming.
2. Loosen your grip to achieve the proper reggae deadening effect.
3. Feel the upbeat while strumming for an authentic reggae sound.

FAQs – I Shot the Sheriff Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

A: It’s suitable for intermediate players, as it uses movable chords, which may be challenging for beginners.

Q2. What if I struggle with the Eb chord?

A: Steve demonstrates easier alternatives for players who find it difficult, especially those with larger fingers.

Fun Fact: “I Shot the Sheriff” was originally a spiritual metaphor for birth control, though Bob Marley never revealed which lyrics were true. Eric Clapton’s 1974 cover became a massive hit, introducing Marley’s music to rock audiences worldwide. While Marley was happy with the cover, he was frustrated that the song was widely misinterpreted as an anthem against injustice and corruption rather than its original meaning.

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:

1. Intro (played twice)
2. Verse 1
3. Intro section again
4. Verse 2
5. Bridge
6. Intro played twice
7. Verse 3 with a tag ending
8. 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.

Torrins brings you an electrifying guitar lesson—Symphony of Destruction by Megadeth, taught by Clay Foster. This heavy-hitting metal track is part of our guitar song lesson series and is broken down into easy-to-follow sections. 

Fun Fact: In an interview, vocalist Dave Mustaine shared that the lyrics for Symphony of Destruction were sparked by a headache he got while driving home. He scribbled the first lines on the back of a sushi receipt—“My metal brain’s corroding, my head is going to explode.” That spontaneous moment led to one of Megadeth’s most iconic songs, recorded on their fifth studio album Countdown to Extinction in 1992. 

Song Arrangement

The song is taught in separate segments so you can master each part before moving to the next.

The song is in the key of E. 

Verse

Verse is built around the F power chord and an open E power chord, along with other chords.

Downstrokes and palm muting are used in the verse—make sure to mute the strings to avoid letting notes ring out too long. Clay shares techniques like using your thumb or extra fingers to stop the sound cleanly.

Pre-Chorus

Features open palm muting and chromatic downs, creating that tight, chugging rhythm. Our lessons have a 3-angle video setup so you can clearly see hand positions and copy along easily.

Chorus

This section opens up with ringing E chords and a chromatic descending run. Chords like Bb, G#, and the D power chord makes the chorus sound more intense. Though it’s slightly more complex than the verse, Clay carefully breaks down the finger positioning and covers some fingerpicking techniques to help you through it.

After the first chorus, the main riff returns and leads into the second verse and pre-chorus, just like earlier.

The second chorus is a bit longer. The first half mirrors the first chorus, while the second half introduces new elements. Clay walks you through the difference so you can follow along confidently.

Solo Lesson

Clay breaks down the guitar solo into manageable sections.

• The first part has a bluesy riff with vibrato, bending, and palm muting.
• The second part is a 16-note rhythmic figure built around the Am6 chord, featuring some sliding techniques.
• Tune into the lesson to learn each section in detail and pick up essential phrasing skills along the way.

Sound and Tone

To capture the song’s feel, Clay dives into the tone settings. The tone is mid-rangy, which is a signature sound of Marty Friedman. Clay recommends listening to some of Friedman’s work to understand the sweet, expressive tone he’s known for.

For gear settings, Clay suggests using the middle pickup to replicate that tone more accurately.

Song Demo

The lesson wraps up with a full song demo, where Clay ties everything together. You can play along with him to practice transitions, polish your technique, and check your accuracy in real time.

FAQs – Symphony of Destruction Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes. While it has a few technical sections, the lesson breaks everything down clearly and provides enough guidance for newer players.

Q2: Do I need specific gear for the tone?

Clay suggests using a mid-range-focused setting with the middle pickup to get closer to Marty Friedman's tone. However, you can start with what you have and tweak as needed.

Q3: Is the solo hard to learn?

It’s approachable when broken into parts. Clay walks you through each phrase, so with some practice, you’ll be able to nail it.

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.

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:

1. Introduction
2. Intro Riff
3. Verse
4. Chorus
5. Bridge
6. Solo-Tapping Section
7. Main Solo
8. Acoustic Solo
9. Song Demo (Chuck’s Part)
10. Song Demo (Bobby’s Part)
11. 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.

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.