The Philosopher

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Stay with Me

by Mike Walker

Stay with Me is a soulful ballad by Sam Smith from their 2014 debut album In the Lonely Hour. The song became one of Smith’s biggest hits, earning them multiple awards, including the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. "Stay with Me" resonates with listeners for its raw emotional intensity, combining heartfelt lyrics with a powerful vocal performance.

For guitar players who are looking for a song that perfectly syncs both simplicity and emotional depth, their search has finally come to an end. With this guitar song lesson by Sam Smith, you will be learning how to play a gentle, soulful chord progression, in addition to showcasing how minimalism can be a powerful thing in music composition.

The song lesson uses “A” minor chords along basic open chords, making it a great song for beginners to practice their expanding guitar skills. There is a strong emphasis on learning expression instead of technique here; the strumming pattern also helps in this pursuit by being steady and slow. As a result, you get to work on your timing, chord transitions, and sense of groove.

Strumming Pattern For Stay With Me By Sam Smith

For the most part, you will be playing the following chords: Am (A minor), F (F major — use the easy version: Fmaj7 if barre is hard), C (C major). The song also follows a progression through most of the verse and choruses, Am – F – C.

So the easiest strumming pattern that goes well with these chords is: D – D – U – U – D – U.

D = Down Strum.
U = Up Strum.

The original recording of the song is in C major, but to make things easier, you can put a capo on the 5th fret and play Am–F–C shapes to match the original pitch.

Why Learn Stay With Me By Sam Smith Song On Guitar?

Learning “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith on guitar is a great experience for every guitarist, no matter what their level is. You will be creating an emotional connection by using simple guitar chords that are easy to master. The structure of the entire song composition is simple, as it is built on open chords.

Likewise, the song is slow-paced and has repetitive progression, thus allowing you to easily gain confidence in playing a new song on guitar. Practicing this song on guitar will give you the required focus and precision while still sounding great, and that too when you are just starting your journey.

FAQs – Stay With Me By Sam Smith Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Can I play “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith using fingerpicking instead of strumming?

Ans. Yes, the song uses a simple chord progression. Make sure you practice the bass notes first, then slowly move towards the higher strings to create a more intimate and emotional sound.

Q2. Which tuning should I use for the song “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith when playing it on guitar?

Ans. It is preferred that you use standard tuning ( E A D G B E); there is no alternate tuning required.

Pop

Taught by

Mike Walker

Hello

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Hello is a song by Lionel Richie, an American singer and songwriter. It was the third single from his second studio album, Can’t Slow Down, which was released in 1983. This song had a total of three guitarists: Darrell Jones, Tim Ray, and Louis Shelton, who played electric and acoustic guitar, respectively.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Hello 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, Advanced Voicing and Solo Lesson. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Strumming Pattern

The strumming patterns are: D D U U D U.

Song Structure

Here is the song structure which you need to follow to learn Hello by Lionel Richie:

Introduction: This is the start of the lesson, during which Steve Luciano, your instructor, will explain all the technicalities you will encounter during the learning stage of this song.

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn all the chords necessary to play this song.

Song Demo: In this section, Steve will play the guitar part of the song alongside the track to help you understand how to sync chords with the vocals.

Advanced Voicing: For individuals who can play advanced chords, this particular section is for them. It is the bonus of the lesson to make your guitar play more intricately.

Solo Lesson: In this section, you'll learn how to play the slow part of the song — a beautiful example of an instrumental pop solo, the kind that's rarely highlighted in mainstream pop music.

Pop

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Can't Help Falling in Love

by Mike Dugan

In this video lesson Mike Dugan teaches how to play the song Can't Help Falling in Love as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Verse (Chords, Rhythm, and Singing) and Bridge and Song Arrangement. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Pop

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Tune in to the detailed guitar lesson for Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) on Torrins. This ballad, performed by the American rock band Green Day, is broken down step by step by our expert instructor, Steve Luciano. He explains the song’s various elements for better understanding, including chords, rhythm, and the backing track. The difficulty level of this tutorial ranges from beginner to intermediate.

**Chords Used in Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) Guitar Lesson**

Verse & Chorus Chords: The verse and chorus section uses open chords

Make use of the tabs provided with the lesson to follow along smoothly, understand finger placement, and improve your accuracy. The G chord in this song has a slightly more complex finger positioning than what beginners might be used to, but Steve breaks it down clearly to make it easier to play. He also offers alternative ways to approach the D/F# chord in case you find it challenging.

Strumming Pattern

Pattern: D-D-U-U-D

This pattern is played twice to complete one measure (four beats).

Steve shares great strumming tips to make the sound more defined.

Chord Transitions: Steve teaches smooth chord changes, such as G to Cadd9. Play along with Steve to get a good control over transitions.

Final Playthrough: Steve plays along with the song, showing how the full arrangement comes together.

Improvisation & Playing Techniques

Learn how to make the full-sounding open-string G chord properly.
Gain control over the Cadd9 chord, a popular chord in pop music.
Tips for transitioning smoothly between chords.

Pro Tips from Steve

Start slow – Play the melody in your head before playing along with the track, as the song has a fast strumming tempo.
Focus on chord clarity and bass notes to make your playing sound cleaner.

**FAQs – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) Guitar Lesson**

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

A: Yes! While the song has a slightly complex G chord and a D/F# transition, it is still manageable for beginners with practice.

Q2. What strumming pattern is used in this song?

A: The strumming pattern is D-D-U-U-D, played twice per measure. Steve also shares tips on how to make the rhythm sound more natural and which strings to emphasize to achieve a sound closest to the original version.

Q3. Do I need a capo for this song?

A: No capo is required. The song is played in the key of G, using open chords.

Q4. Is this song played on an acoustic guitar?

A: Yes! The song is originally played on an acoustic guitar. However, you can use a clean electric guitar tone for a similar feel.

Fun Fact: The album version of this song begins with Billie Joe Armstrong messing up the opening chords twice before starting over and getting it right. These mistakes were deliberately kept to add a lighthearted introduction to the song.

The Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) song lesson is played in the key of G, and some of the chords used in this popular song include G, Cadd9, D, and D/F# (D with F# in the bass). Check out the complete lesson to learn the other chords that make up this song.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

It Hurts Me Too

by Mike Dugan

Introduction:

Learn to play Elmore James' version of "It Hurts Me Too" with this detailed guitar lesson on Torrins.com taught by our instructor Mike Dugan. This classic 8-bar blues song features soulful melodies, a walking bassline, and the Delta blues technique, making it a must-learn for blues enthusiasts. This lesson includes chords, rhythm techniques, solo breakdowns, and a full song demo, with tabs and lyrics provided for a complete learning experience.

Fun Fact:

"It Hurts Me Too" is one of the most interpreted blues songs ever! Originally recorded by Tampa Red in 1940, Elmore James' recorded it once in 1957 and then in 1962. His 1962 version became a hit, staying on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart for eight weeks and even making its way to Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart two years after his passing.

Chords & Rhythm in "It Hurts Me Too"

Key: D
Chords Used: D7, A7, and others. Tune into the lesson to learn the rest of the chords used.
Rhythm Pattern: DUDDUDDUDDUD (He also teaches an alternative positioning for a different feel.
For advanced players, a Chuck Berry-style rhythm is introduced to add a more dynamic groove.
The Delta blues technique is broken down in detail, ensuring you capture the authentic blues sound.

Sing & Play Section

The lesson covers how to match vocals with chord changes and maintain steady downbeat strumming.
The punchline of each verse remains the same, making it easier to follow along while singing.

Solo Breakdown

The solo begins in the D major blues scale, bringing a bright and melodic sound.
After a few measures, it shifts into D minor pentatonic, adding emotional depth and contrast.
Mike Dugan explains this major-to-minor blues transition, a technique that gives the song its signature feel.

Song Demo

In this final section, Mike plays the full song with a backing track, bringing together all elements learned in the lesson. Follow along with him to learn the intricacies of this song perfectly.

Why Learn "It Hurts Me Too"?

This lesson is a great way to improve blues phrasing, rhythm control, and soloing techniques. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn essential blues progressions or an advanced player eager to refine your Delta blues technique, this song is an excellent addition to your repertoire.

FAQs – "It Hurts Me Too" Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this lesson beginner-friendly?

Yes! The song uses simple chords, and the lesson breaks everything down step by step, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Q2. Can I play the song without singing?

Absolutely! The lesson teaches the instrumental parts separately, so you can focus on mastering the guitar before adding vocals.

Q3. How do I improve my blues soloing?

This lesson introduces a major-to-minor blues shift, a great technique for creating emotional and expressive solos. Practice this transition to add more depth to your playing. Moreover, you can also check out our in-depth Blues Guitar lessons to improve your skills.

moderate

Blues

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Somewhere I belong

by Pranay Verma

hard

Nu Metal

Taught by

Pranay Verma

Wagon Wheel

by J.J. Pattishall

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!

Country

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Similar Metal Songs

Pull the Plug

by Bobby Koelble

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

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Wanted Dead or Alive

by Mike Walker

Wanted Dead or Alive is an iconic acoustic-electric rock ballad that teaches you how to combine melody, imagery and rich guitar textures. When the song was first released in the 80s, it became an instant hit among rock fans. Ever since then, whenever someone is trying to master Bon Jovi’s sound on guitar, their instinct pulls them towards learning “Wanted Dead or Alive” first.

Mike Walker is going to be your guitar instructor from Torrins.com. According to his guitar knowledge, this particular song has an excellent mix of open chord voicings, arpeggiated picking, and power-driven strumming patterns, which help in building finger dexterity along with rhythmic sensitivity. Let’s see what you are going to learn here:

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

In this guitar lesson, you will be learning the following chords that will be used throughout the verses and chorus section of the song “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi:

D major (D)
C major (C)
G major (G)
F major (F)
D9 (a variation of D)
C9 (a variation of C)
D4 (a suspended or added note variation of D)

Strumming Pattern Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi

To master “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi, you first need to understand its main beat, which is present in the form of quarter notes, subdivided into sixteenth notes. Thus, making the beat a more standard dynamic rock rhythm.

The strumming pattern you need to follow is: DDUDU DDDD DUDD

D = Down Strum.
U = Up Strum.

When you are following this strumming pattern, you have to keep specific notes ringing, at the same time, incorporate some licks, along with hammer-ons around chords like D, Cadd9, G, and F chords to mimic the iconic sound.

FAQs – Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Which guitar skills are required to play and learn the song “Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi?

Ans. You have to practice string bending, vibrato, power chords, pinched harmonics, alternate and hybrid picking.

Q2. What kind of guitar is recommended to play the song “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi?

Ans. A 12-string acoustic guitar would be the perfect fit for your song practice because the original is often played on it. But most of the guitar players that are out there are currently using a 6-string guitar, so you are good with that, too. A 12-string guitar adds more richness that uplifts the iconic intro of the song.

Q3. What is something I should know about when learning the rhythmic parts of the guitar song “Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi?

Ans. To fully match up with the song’s dynamic feel, you have to balance rhythmic strumming with that of melodic picking.

moderate

Metal

Taught by

Mike Walker

Last Resort

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Fear of the Dark Solos

by Mike Walker

Fear of the Dark - Introduction

Fear of the Dark is one of Iron Maiden’s most famous songs, released in 1992 on the album of the same name. Written by bassist Steve Harris, it explores the fear of darkness and the unknown. The song starts slow and eerie, then explodes into fast, heavy riffs. It became a fan favourite, especially in live shows where the crowd sings along.

The lyrics describe the creeping fear of being alone in the dark, where every shadow feels threatening. Bruce Dickinson’s powerful vocals and the twin-guitar harmonies make it unforgettable. The song’s structure is dynamic; starting quietly, building tension, then bursting into full energy. It remains one of their most-streamed tracks today.

Fear of the Dark Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down the song’s F major to D minor shifts. The intro uses clean arpeggios (F - C - Dm - Bb) before the heavy riff kicks in. The main riff is in D minor, played with palm muting for a tight sound. The tempo starts at 80 BPM but speeds up later.

The verse has a chugging rhythm (D5 - C5 - Bb5), while the chorus opens up with power chords (F5 - C5 - D5 - Bb5). The solos use the D harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#), giving them a dark, dramatic feel. The twin-guitar harmonies are a key feature—two guitars play different but matching melodies.

For the solos, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith use the D harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#). This scale gives the leads their dramatic, almost classical sound. The twin-guitar harmonies are a key feature—one guitar plays a melody while the other plays a matching part at a different pitch. These harmonies use intervals of thirds and sixths to create that classic Iron Maiden sound.

The bridge section before the final chorus has a rhythm part with quick chord changes. Here, you switch between D5 - F5 - C5 - Bb5 in rapid succession. The key is to keep your palm muting consistent while moving between chords. The song ends with a repeat of the intro arpeggios.

Beginners should start by learning the power chord shapes and the galloping rhythm pattern. Practice the palm muting to get that tight, punchy sound. Intermediate players can work on the twin-guitar harmonies—try recording one part and playing the other over it. Advanced players should focus on the vibrato and bends in the solos, which need to be precise to match the original recording.

FAQs

Q. What tuning does Iron Maiden use for this song?

Standard tuning (EADGBE), though they sometimes play it half-step down live.

Q. How do I play the rhythm correctly?

Use downstrokes on the main beats and upstrokes in between (down-down-up). Start slow with a metronome.

Q. Why does the solo sound so dramatic?

It uses the D harmonic minor scale, which has a raised 7th note (C# instead of C natural).

Q. Can I play this song on a single guitar?

Yes, but you’ll miss the harmonies. Try recording one guitar part and playing the other over.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Overactive Imagination

by Bobby Koelble

Overactive imagination is considered to be the high-water mark for experiencing what a true death metal song is. The song serves as both a showcase and a crucible for advanced guitar players.

The main reason this song works is its remarkable chord progression, written by lead guitarist Chuck Schuldiner and Andy LaRocque.

They were able to make sure that the sound had a blend of dissonant, progressive riffing with precision and speed, along with the required complexity that made the song a standard for everyone who wished to have metal guitar virtuosity.

Tips To Learn Overactive Imagination By Death On Guitar

Here are some crucial tips that can help you walk through this lesson without losing your sanity:

Tune Your Guitar Down a Whole Step: The original recording is tuned a full step down (DGCFAD), so if you are playing it on standard tuning, you won’t match the pitch or even feel what is present in the studio track.

Start Slowly, Practice Riffs First: Break down each riff and section into small phrases. If you are having problems matching up with the timing, then you should use a metronome and practice the song at a much lower speed, and then gradually increase the tempo once you are comfortable with the chord shapes and their progression.

Master Palm Muting & String Muting: When you practice this song, it would be best to use the side of your picking hand to mute strings during power chord sections and be sure to mute strings that you are not playing to get a clear sound. “Overactive Imagination” uses wide-ranging riffs, which makes muting essential to keep the noise bleed in check.

Why Learn Overactive Imagination By Death Song On Guitar?

The opening riff of the song can only be played if you have practiced alternate picking and palm muting techniques. In addition to this, to play the opening chords of “Overactive Imagination”, you have to be immaculate in timing, and there has to be agility in your picking hand.

Furthermore, from this guitar lesson, you will also learn shifting time signatures and relentless tempo changes that you will master by understanding how deep internalization of rhythm and fretboard geography works.

In this song, you will find two guitar leads, and they are more prominent in the solo that features harmonized lines, intricate legato runs, and wild bends, all of which you will learn how to execute with blistering speed and with accuracy.

Schuldiner’s songwriting pushes both the guitar player and the listener far away from conventional boundaries. Both the riffs and solos are laced with progressive elements that could be challenging even for seasoned guitarists.

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Take a Look Around (MI Theme)

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Limp Bizkit recorded the song “Take a Look Around” in the year 2000. It was their first single and tenth track of the album called Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water.

This particular song ranked as number six and number four by Louder Sound and Kerrang, respectively, as Limp Bizkit's greatest songs of all time.

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

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song is in the key of A, and the tempo of the song is 100 bpm.

Song Structure

Introduction: In this introduction, Mike Walker, your guitar instructor, is going to show you the tuning settings for the song. You will also get to know how to play this song in one and a half steps down.

Song Arrangement: Here you will learn about the four bar space that comes in the intro and the second verse, which is something you get to hear a lot in Mission Impossible movies in the background.

Song Demo: This is the final section of the guitar lesson, here you will get to see how to play the guitar chords alongside the song.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Wherever I May Roam

by Bill Peck

Wherever I May Roam came from one of the popular album called The Black Album, which was released in 1991 by the band Metallica. The song is well known for its usage of dark and exotic sounds, which explores the themes of freedom, solitude, and life on the road. It’s not a popular song, but it is one which still resonates deeply with fans worldwide.

It has an iconic intro that features a sitar-like guitar effect that makes this song instantly stand out from other typical metal numbers. After the intro section is gone, the song takes a turn and shifts to heavy, down-tuned riffs, along with a powerful hypnotic groove. This creates a slow-burning anthem, which is a perfect balance of melody and raw heaviness.

To create a sitar-like effect, Kirk Hammett used a 12-string electric guitar, which was fitted with a special sitar effect. In addition to this, not many fans know about this, but the main idea behind this song was to provide a glimpse of what truly happens and the hard times that band members have to face when they are touring worldwide.

It’s a song that represents how the band has played live on nearly every single continent on earth, making the message of roaming the world actually true quite literally.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Wherever I May Roam is a song that is primarily a riff-driven metal song, but it does follow underlying power chord shapes and implied chords, which can be heard throughout the song. Here’s a brief breakdown of some of the major chords you will be learning in this guitar song:

Power Chords (Root + Fifth Shape)

The song is built around heavy, palm-muted power chords, common in metal:

E5 (Open E string + 2nd fret A string)
F5 (1st fret E string + 3rd fret A string)
G5 (3rd fret E string + 5th fret A string)
D5 (5th fret A string + 7th fret D string)

Open Chords Pedal Notes

The riff that makes the song unique uses the open low E string as a pedal tone, pointed to be noted here; it is paired with sliding single notes that riff higher up the neck.

Implied Chords In The Intro Section

As we have already discussed, the intro uses a 12-string effect, and that is possible only because of E Phrygian Dominant, which gives it a classic Middle Eastern sound. The intro does not use traditional chords, but the implied harmony suggests it’s an E5 or E minor in tonality.

Why Learn Wherever I May Roam By Metallica On Guitar?

Wherever I May Roam is a song that is made from powerful riffs, exotic tones, and undoubted metal precision. It’s a song that teaches you how to blend heaviness with melodic sophistication, making it a rewarding song to learn on guitar.

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Enter Sandman 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, Song Demo with Wah Wah and Solo Lesson. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Bill Peck

Enter Sandman

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Fade to Black

by Mike Walker

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

Mike Walker

One

by Clay Foster

Taught by

Clay Foster

If You Like Death, You'll Love These

Bite the Pain

by Bobby Koelble

Bite The Pain is a challenging song to learn on guitar; it’s a song that has the potential to take you deep into the technical aspects of death metal and progressive extreme music.

In addition to this, it is one of the standout songs from Death’s final studio album, and it has pretty complex riff structures, blistering speed strumming, along intricate solos. As a result, its guitar song lesson is for those individuals who want to learn complex and advanced guitar techniques.

Chuck Schuldiner intentionally blended some raw aggression in this song to add melodic complexity to it. This made the guitar part of the song push the boundaries and make listeners question what death metal could sound like.

Song Structure

In this song lesson, you will be assisted by Bobby Koelble, he is your guitar instructor, and he’s going to break this complicated metal song into different sub-parts like the intro piece, chorus, verses, pre-solo, Shannon’s solo, Chuk’s solo and separate song demos from both lead electric guitarist.

In this lesson, Bobby has dissected the aggressive parts for an easier explanation; you get to know about the alternate picking and complex time signature shifts. Furthermore, this particular song lesson is there to help you out with the song’s syncopation, understanding tempo shifts, and finding how to recognize unpredictable transitions, which is pretty vital if you are playing something this tight and technical in metal music.

In this guitar lesson, you will be using the entire fretboard, as it includes both heavy and low-end riffs and even higher-register melodies. This will allow you to remember the fretboard, and it becomes easier for you to navigate through it.

Why Bite the Pain By Death On Guitar?

Bite The Pain isn’t your everyday rock or metal song, which has few simple open chords along with average strumming speed. It’s a song that only hardcore metal fans know about, and it takes a massive upskilling in terms of guitar techniques to master this song on guitar.

Bite the Pain is both challenging and rewarding; it is a pinnacle of technical death metal that blends high speed, complexity, and melody that only a few songs are able to achieve to this day.

With this song lesson, you will be developing both left and right-hand speed without sacrificing clarity. Also, you need to know that this isn’t your typical verse-chorus song. It has a progressive arrangement, which can be a little tricky at first, but with time, it helps you to navigate through non-linear song structures with ease.

To play this song on the guitar, you require relentless stamina; it’s a song that is both physically and mentally challenging; after this song, you are surely prepared to perform demanding metal riffs while taking minimum breaks.

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

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

Perennial Quest

by Bobby Koelble

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

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.

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.

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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

Lack Of Comprehension

by Bobby Koelble