Introduction

Introduction:

I See Fire is a song written and composed for the movie The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The song is played over the closing credits of the movie. After its release, the song was able to climb to the 13th spot in the UK Singles Chart and in New Zealand it was able to reach number 1 in just six weeks of time. 

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson:

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: You will be following basic arpeggios picking for this song, and this is what you need to follow in order to create a simple yet attractive progression: 

e|------0---------0------|  

B|------0---------0------|  

G|----0---0-----0---0----|  

D|-----------2-----------|  

A|--2--------------------|  

E|-----------------------| 

Strumming Pattern:

This one is primarily a fingerpicking song, but in case you wish to play the strumming pattern you can follow this: D D U U D U. 

• D = Down strum
• U = Up strum

Song Structure:

Introduction: In this introduction, Mike Luciano, your guitar instructor is going to share why everyone needs to learn this song, and where, and why you should be putting the capo on 

guitar like Ed does. 

Intro Lick and Song Arrangement: In this section, Mike shows you how to play the intro licks for the song and how to use hammer-on and pull-off techniques with your first and third fingers. Along with this, you will learn the entire song arrangement as well. 

Song Demo: This section shows you how to play the song with the backing track played alongside. 

Beginners Version: If you are not able to play with new techniques which you have learned in this guitar lesson you can also try the beginner friendly version of I See Fire by Ed Sheeran which is mentioned in this part. 

Why Learn I See Fire By Ed Sheeran?

I See Fire take the full advantage of acoustic fingerpicking which is something perfect for beginner guitar players to start with. This song will also help you in building dexterity, accuracy, and finger independence as you play. Furthermore, it’s a great introduction to the thumb-bass technique, along with melodic picking. 

FAQs I see fire Guitar Lesson

Q1. What was the reason behind Ed Sheeran's writing I See Fire? 

Ans. It was Peter Jackon, the director of The Hobbit, who asked Ed Sheeran to come up with a song for a kid’s movie. Sheeran saw the movie and started working on the song.

Q2. What other songs are out there which sound similar to I See Fire? 

Ans. There is a huge library of Ed’s songs, which sounds pretty familiar, starting with Eyes Closed, Give Me Love, Happier, Shivers, and Beautiful People. 

Q3. Which song is Ed Sheeran’s biggest hit? 

Ans. Without a doubt it has to be “Perfect,” this particular song topped charts in more than 18 different countries, making him one of the most loved artist all around the globe. 

Fun Fact: The song I See Fire was written, composed, and recorded on the same day. After Ed Sheeran watched the entire film The Hobbit for which the song was officially released on 5th November 2013. He sat down to write the lyrics and his flow made him finish composition and recording of the song in just 24 hours. 

Introduction:

Chet is a fingerpicking legend and in this song he used Travis picking technique which helped him in building amazing melody and harmonisation with other instruments.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson:

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song follows the typical chord progression in the key of C major, which incorporates the dominant 7th in addition to the passing chords to add richness. 

The arpeggios patterns are as follows: 

Bass: C  - G  - C  - G  

(A)  (D)  (A)  (D)  

Melody: pluck pluck  

(B)    (G) 

Strumming Pattern: 

Mr Bojangles doesn’t follow your traditional strumming pattern because it uses fingerstyle arrangement. In here the thumb is playing alternative bass notes while fingers are used for plucking chords for harmony and melody. 

The most common fingerstyle arrangement that you can follow for this is T - F - T - F

• T (Thumb) plays the bass notes on the low strings (E, A, or D)
• F (Fingers - Index/Middle) pluck the melody notes on the higher strings (G, B, or E)

Song Structure:

Introduction: In this introduction by Muriel Anderson your guitar instructor for this song lesson you will get to know about the finger arrangement used and fingerstyle that you have to follow. 

Section A - Part 1: Muriel has divided the song in different parts and this is the part 1 of the song arrangement. Here you will learn the chords you will be playing at the intro of the song. 

Section A - Part 2: In this part you will learn the remaining chords for the intro section of the song. 

Section B: From here, you will be moving to the second half of the song. 

Turnaround Variation: Right here in the guitar lesson, you will learn how to smoothly transition from one guitar section to the other in the song. It will follow a shorter chord progression. 

Variation: Your guitar instructor is going to show you how to make a slight change or embellishment in the melody while keeping the core structure of the song intact. 

Tag: In here you will learn about the tag which is the small section repeated after you complete with the verse guitar tunes. 

Conclusion: This is the last part of this guitar lesson, here Muriel talks about the song and how one can make little improvisation in it to make it sound fuller. 

This song has fast paced, driving strumming which allows you to develop strumming rhythm and endurance. It is pretty great for practicing dynamic strumming and percussive accents. Due to quick chord shifting you will be able to build finger strength and speed. 

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. What happened to the Mumford & Sons lead singer?

Ans. The lead singer of the group said that he will be leaving the band in October 2022 due to some controversial issues with the members. But he made sure that none of the band members and their families had to suffer any consequences. 

Q2. Will Mumford & Sons be touring in 2025? 

Ans. The band is embarking on a global club tour, which will start in March 2025. 

Q3. What kind of band is Mumford & Sons? 

Ans. They are a British folk-rock band who are known for their raucous, fast-paced, and sonically dense instrumentation. The lyrics are highly concentrated on christianity. 

Introduction

Ironic is the song by Canadian singer and songwriter Alanis Morissette. It was the third single from her 1995 studio album, Jagged Little Pill. 

In this video lesson Amy May teaches how to play the song Ironic as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Chords, Rhythm, 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: You will use open chords for this song. 

Chorus Variation: D G D E-minor are the chords you will use when playing chorus variation. 

Strumming Pattern 

This song has lots of repetition, making it easier for new guitar players to learn and play. The strumming pattern varies throughout the song, but for the most part, you will be playing:

Down-Down Up-Down Up-Down

Song Structure 

Chords, Rhythm, and Song Demo: This guitar lesson has only one section. Your instructor is Amy May, who will show you how to play specific chords for this song using a capo on the 4th fret. The tuning note for this song is Low-E. 

Why Learn This Song?

For six straight weeks, this song remained on top of the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, making it the second most successful song of the year in Canada. In addition to this, Ironic reached the top five spots in Australia, New Zealand, and Norway. This is a pretty catchy song, and once you start listening to it, you will be humming it day in and day out. 

Tips To Improve Guitar Playing: 

• When playing any chord, use one finger for one chord. 
• Always keep your thumb behind the middle finger and halfway down the neck. 
• You must understand that to become a better guitarist, you first need to be a better musician. 

Introduction

This is one of the upbeat acoustic songs that is pretty easy to learn, as it uses simple chords that anyone new to guitar playing can understand with ease. In addition to this, the chord changes are pretty smooth, thus, giving you a lot of relaxation when it comes to playing the guitar and singing your heart out. 

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song If It's Love as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Progressions, Rhythm and Progression and Song Demo and Conclusion. 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: This song has repeated chord progression and is pretty simple as well. The common arpeggio to use for this song is: 

e|-----------0------------|  

B|------1------1---------|  

G|----0---0------0------|  

D|-------------2--------|  

A|--3------------------|  

E|----------------------| 

Strumming Pattern 

This song follows the most basic 4/4 time; the main strumming pattern that you have to use in this song goes something like this: D D U U D U. 

• D = Down strum
• U = Up strum

Song Structure 

Introduction: To play this song on guitar along with the backing track you have to tune down your guitar to half step and that’s what you will be learning in the introduction from Steve Luciano, your guitar instructor for this lesson. 

Chords and Progressions: Here you will be learning how to play the intro of the song by using just 2 to 3 different notes that Steve is going to show you. 

Rhythm and Progression: In this part, Steve discusses the importance of filling up the drum sections with a dead sound, meaning you have to keep your hand moving. It will help you with your rhythm. 

Song Demo and Conclusion: This is the final part of the lesson, where Steve will show you how to play the entire song with the backing track. 

Why Learn If It's Love By Train Song?

The strumming pattern and chords used in this song are pretty easy to learn, they are great for improving timing and groove of the music. If you are someone who wants to have an acoustic jam session or wants to enjoy solo performances then it is the song for you. 

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is the Train band still performing and recording new music? 

Ans. Yes, the band is still active and they are performing worldwide in more than 10 countries in 2025 where they have lined-up 25 upcoming shows. 

Q2. Is there any member from the band who split up?

Ans. Pat Monahan is one of the founding members of the band who broke up and went on his way. Apart from him, drummers, guitarists, and even a few other members were also replaced in 2021.

Q3. In which genre of music does the music of Train fall? 

Ans. The music of the train falls under the category of pop rock, rock roots and rock. 

Fun Fact: The song was written on the same day when the hit “Hey, Soul Sister” was written, the song was intended as a way to showcase gratitude to long-time fans. 

Arms Wide Open - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that has the best rock song Grammy to its name –With Arms Wide Open by Creed. Scott Stapp’s wife was pregnant with his first child, he wrote the lyrics when he found out, with great surprise, that he was going to be a father. According to Stapp, the song was written in just fifteen minutes during a soundcheck. The song has received almost 200 million views on YouTube.

Stapp says, “It continues to have relevant meaning in my life because as I sing it now, I think of my daughter who's now on this planet and alive. And then I think of my newest son, my three-year-old, Daniel”. The song is about a man expressing his feelings about thinking about becoming a father.

Arms Wide Open Guitar Lesson

This is a guitar lesson that is an acoustic cover version of the song performed by James Boyce, taught by our expert Steve Luciano, in a section-by-section manner. They start with the introduction

The song is in the key of C major and features a number of suspended chords. There is a C major 9 chord with a B note in the bass, which sounds like a suspended chord because of the 9th scale degree. There is also a very unique A minor 11th chord, which also sounds like a suspended chord because of the 11th scale degree, which is actually the 4th scale degree on the octave higher. The instructor explains all the chord shapes in great detail. You can also refer to the Arms Wide Open tabs along with the lesson on the sidebar.

The strumming of the chords is very simple, compared to the chord voicings, that is – D - U U D - U U D - D U for the most part (D is a downward strum and U is an upward strum).

There is also an easy verison of the song that the instructor demonstrates, which is a beginner-friendly version of the song focused more on the singing part of the track.

FAQs

Q. What skill level is Arms Wide Open for?

This lesson is ideal for beginner to intermediate players. If you know basic open chords, you can easily learn the song.

Q. Is this version different from the original Creed version?

Yes. This is a soft acoustic cover by James Boyce. It keeps the emotional depth of the original but focuses more on the singing part.

Q. What is the tuning of Arms Wide Open by Creed?

Nope! This version is played in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), making it very accessible. Drop D is not required here.

Q. What chords are used in this version?

The song uses common suspended and power chords, with some being 9 and 11th chords. The tutor goes over each one slowly and clearly.

Welcome to the guitar lesson on Bang Bang, the electrifying dance anthem from the 2014 Bollywood blockbuster Bang Bang!. Sung by with music by Vishal–Shekhar and lyrics by Vishal Dadlani, is a standalone celebration of glam, speed, and style. The track dropped with the film's release and became the go-to dance number across parties and stages, mostly thanks to Hrithik Roshan’s jaw-dropping dance moves that lit up the screen.

The song’s popularity shot up even further with the #BangBangDare challenge on social media, where Hrithik challenged other celebrities to take on quirky dares, making it a viral moment in Bollywood pop culture. The video is dripping with high-end visuals and sleek outfits. Though the film itself was inspired by the Hollywood action film Knight and Day, the song carved its own identity and continues to be a staple on Bollywood dance playlists, even years after its release.

Bang Bang – Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, our instructor J.J. Patishall breaks down the musical side of Bang Bang in a way that's easy to follow, even if you’re not familiar with its high-energy vibe. The song is in the key of E minor, which gives it a slightly darker tone, but the chord choices keep things fresh and groovy. You’ll be working with Em7, Cmaj7, Am7, and Bm7 all of which are seventh chords that add the funky vibe.

The chord voicings used here are jazzy, creating a nice contrast to the high-energy visuals. For example, the Em7 chord gives a mellow, emotional base, while the Cmaj7 brings in brightness. The Am7 and Bm7 both are in place to support the groove, especially in the chorus sections. J J goes over each chord slowly, showing you finger placement and offering tips on how to make the transitions easier. This lesson focuses on how to keep the playing clean, especially since the feel of the song depends heavily on groove.

Rhythm-wise, there’s a strong focus on muted strumming and syncopation. The strumming pattern is a little tight and percussive. J J breaks this down in a way that even if you're new to syncopation, you’ll get the hang of it with a little practice. The lesson ends with a full playthrough so you can hear how everything ties together, and even try to play along once you're comfortable.

FAQs

Q. What skill level is Bang Bang ideal for?

This lesson is great for intermediate players if you know how to play basic seventh chords and are looking to improve your rhythm.

Q. Is the song in standard tuning?

Yes, the song is played in standard tuning — E A D G B E. No capo or alternate tuning is required.

Hotel California - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on the acoustic version of one of the greatest songs of all time, Hotel California by The Eagles. This specific arrangement replaces the original electric instruments with nylon-string guitars, creating a different interpretation of the song. The track keeps the same chord progression and structure as the studio version but uses fingerpicking patterns and multiple guitar harmonies.

Hotel California, as writer Henley put it, is more of a symbolic piece about America in general, and added, “Lyrically, the song deals with traditional or classical themes of conflict: darkness and light, good and evil, youth and age, the spiritual versus the secular. I guess you could say it's a song about the loss of innocence”.

The song follows a narrative about a traveller staying at a mysterious hotel, with lyrics that some interpret as commentary on American culture, for instance, the most iconic line of the song being “you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave”.

Hotel California Guitar Lesson

Hotel California guitar lesson is taught by our beloved expert, Mike Walker, who explains all the different sections of the song in a section-by-section manner, starting from the intro that talks about the chords and different voicings of those chords, through the acoustic overdubs and the guitar solo section.

The song features a number of minor 7ths, dominants, suspended and augmented chords. The intro alone covers all these variations of these chords. The tutor, nevertheless, goes into detail explaining how to play them using a fingerpicking pattern.

The song is written in B minor; the live acoustic version uses a capo on the 7th fret, making it an E minor. The intro follows a repeating progression of Em-B7-Dsus-A7-C-G-Am7-B7, which establishes the harmonic foundation.

Since this is an acoustic version of the song, played by multiple guitarists. There are a number of artistic motifs and embellishments using techniques like double stops, arpeggios, and most importantly, the individual guitarists harmonising with each other throughout the song.

The tutor explains all the solos of the song in great detail, the last of which features some of the notes from the harmonic minor scale, which carry a signature sound of the desert, or the Middle East. This lends itself literally to the theme of the narrative of the song.

FAQs

Q. Do I need a nylon-string guitar to play this version?

While the original recording uses nylon strings, you can play it on a steel-string acoustic. The tone will sound brighter, but the chords and techniques remain the same.

Q. Why is the capo on the 7th fret? Can I play it without one?

The capo transposes the chords to match the original key (B minor) and allows easier open-position shapes. Without a capo, you’ll need to play full barre chords in B minor.

Auliya – Introduction

Auliya is a deeply emotional song from the 2019 Bollywood film Hum Chaar, sung by Atif Aslam. The song blends traditional and modern musical styles, creating a calm and reflective mood that touches on themes of devotion and longing. The lyrics, written by Shabbir Ahmed, speak to a heartfelt yearning and spiritual connection, which Atif Aslam delivers with sincere emotion. This combination makes Auliya stand out as a beautiful ballad that resonates with many listeners.

The film Hum Chaar tells the story of four friends navigating their relationships and personal growth, and Auliya fits perfectly into this narrative as a soulful reflection of their emotional struggles. Composed by Vipin Patwa, the song’s melody and arrangement carry a softness that matches the film’s thoughtful tone. The song’s lyrical video, with its simple yet expressive visuals, has also helped it gain popularity, making it a memorable and meaningful part of the movie’s soundtrack.

Auliya – Guitar Lesson

Steve Luciano’s lesson on Auliya breaks down the guitar work in a way that’s approachable and easy to follow. The song features a variety of chords that create a rich and layered sound, starting with some basic shapes like Bm7, D, and E, then moving to more colorful ones like Bbmaj7 and Gb/Bb. These chords give the song a blend of warmth and depth, making it interesting to play and listen to.

The arrangement uses some chord variations that might sound complex at first, but Steve simplifies them by explaining how each chord relates to the song’s key and mood. For example, the Asus2 chord adds a gentle, open sound, while Bm/A and A/C# are examples of chords with bass notes that add smooth transitions and melodic movement in the progression. Steve highlights these to help players understand how small changes in chord shapes can make a big emotional impact.

Steve also focuses on rhythm and dynamics, showing how playing softly and with feeling can bring out the song’s introspective quality. The strumming pattern isn’t rushed; it lets the chords breathe, matching the slow, meditative pace of the song. For those interested in fingerpicking, Steve demonstrates how picking certain notes within the chords can add texture and emphasize the melody, giving beginners a chance to develop control and expression in their playing.

Overall, the lesson is designed to make the song accessible while still preserving its emotional depth. Whether you’re new to guitar or more experienced, Steve’s clear guidance helps you capture the spirit of Auliya, making it a rewarding song to learn and perform.

FAQs

Q. What key is Auliya played in?

The song uses chords mostly around B minor and D major, giving it a warm and reflective feel.

Q. Are there difficult chords in Auliya?

There are some chord shapes with added bass notes like Bm/A and A/C#, but Steve breaks them down simply for easier learning.