Introduction
Introduction:
Top Gun Anthem is one of the iconic instrumental rock compositions in Hollywood which was composed for the movie in 1986 by Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens. This song has some strong, melodic guitar-driven tracks which every guitarist no matter if they are beginner, intermediate or expert must learn to play.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson
Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: This song revolves around the lead guitar instrumental. But if you do want to learn about the arpeggios, then here’s how you should be playing them:
e|-----------0------------|
B|------1------1---------|
G|----0---0------0------|
D|-------------2--------|
A|--3------------------|
E|----------------------|
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern of the song is as follows: D D U U D U.
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
Song Structure
Introduction: In this introduction your guitar instructor Mike Walker is going to teach you how to tune up a guitar for this song.
Song Arrangement Part 1: This particular section will show you how to play the melody part of the song and how you should be counting the bells which are present in the song to keep up with tune.
Song Arrangement Part 2: Here, you will be learning the next part of the song.
Song Demo: Here, Mike will show you how to play the entire song on guitar while keeping up with the backing track.
Solo Part 1: In this part Mike will show you how to play the guitar solo which comes at 2:45 minutes on the track. He breaks down this guitar solo in 9 licks.
Solo Part 2: This is the second part of the guitar solo, and it starts with lick number 6.
Solo with Backing Track: Again, Mike plays the demo but this time specifically the solo part alongside the backtrack.
Why Learn Top Gun Anthem Song?
The song has a beautiful, soaring lead guitar part which is easily recognisable when you play it. If you don’t know how to play the viberto, bends, and sustain control on your chord play then this song will teach you how to do it.
Furthermore, it will help in improving your picking accuracy, sustain and phrasing and introduces you to dynamic control which is necessary if you want to master emotional guitar playing.
FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. Who played the Top Gun Anthem?
Ans. Steve Stevens is the man who composed Top Gun Anthem, the song was written by Harold Faltermeyer. Steve played guitar and Faltermeyer played the keyboard during the recording of the song.
Q2. Which song did Tom Cruise play when he was in the bar?
Ans. In 1986, Top Gun Tom Cruise played “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.” Tom played this song, and other members of the Navy pilots joined in the movie scene.
Fun Fact: Top Gun Anthem won the 1987 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance
Top Gun Anthem
Introduction
Song Arrangement Part 1
Song Arrangement Part 2
Song Demo
Solo Part 1
Solo Part 2
Solo with Backing Track
Introduction:
Top Gun Anthem is one of the iconic instrumental rock compositions in Hollywood which was composed for the movie in 1986 by Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens. This song has some strong, melodic guitar-driven tracks which every guitarist no matter if they are beginner, intermediate or expert must learn to play.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson
Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: This song revolves around the lead guitar instrumental. But if you do want to learn about the arpeggios, then here’s how you should be playing them:
e|-----------0------------|
B|------1------1---------|
G|----0---0------0------|
D|-------------2--------|
A|--3------------------|
E|----------------------|
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern of the song is as follows: D D U U D U.
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
Song Structure
Introduction: In this introduction your guitar instructor Mike Walker is going to teach you how to tune up a guitar for this song.
Song Arrangement Part 1: This particular section will show you how to play the melody part of the song and how you should be counting the bells which are present in the song to keep up with tune.
Song Arrangement Part 2: Here, you will be learning the next part of the song.
Song Demo: Here, Mike will show you how to play the entire song on guitar while keeping up with the backing track.
Solo Part 1: In this part Mike will show you how to play the guitar solo which comes at 2:45 minutes on the track. He breaks down this guitar solo in 9 licks.
Solo Part 2: This is the second part of the guitar solo, and it starts with lick number 6.
Solo with Backing Track: Again, Mike plays the demo but this time specifically the solo part alongside the backtrack.
Why Learn Top Gun Anthem Song?
The song has a beautiful, soaring lead guitar part which is easily recognisable when you play it. If you don’t know how to play the viberto, bends, and sustain control on your chord play then this song will teach you how to do it.
Furthermore, it will help in improving your picking accuracy, sustain and phrasing and introduces you to dynamic control which is necessary if you want to master emotional guitar playing.
FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. Who played the Top Gun Anthem?
Ans. Steve Stevens is the man who composed Top Gun Anthem, the song was written by Harold Faltermeyer. Steve played guitar and Faltermeyer played the keyboard during the recording of the song.
Q2. Which song did Tom Cruise play when he was in the bar?
Ans. In 1986, Top Gun Tom Cruise played “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.” Tom played this song, and other members of the Navy pilots joined in the movie scene.
Fun Fact: Top Gun Anthem won the 1987 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance
Top Gun Anthem
Introduction
Song Arrangement Part 1
Song Arrangement Part 2
Song Demo
Solo Part 1
Solo Part 2
Solo with Backing Track
Explore More in English Songs
Similar Pop Songs
Introduction
Get ready to master another hit song on Torrins—If It's Love by Train. This moderate-level lesson is taught by Steve Luciano, who breaks down the song into easy-to-follow sections. You'll learn about the chords, strumming patterns, and intricate techniques that make this song so engaging. Steve also shares detailed tips on finger placements and rhythm to help you recreate the authentic feel of the original track.
Fun Fact: If It's Love was written on the same day as Train's hit Hey, Soul Sister in New York City. Pat Monahan wrote it as a love song for the band's long-time fans, thanking them for their unwavering support over the years.
Chords Used in If It's Love
The song is tuned half a step down and features a mix of standard and suspended chords. Some of the key chords used include:
- G triad
- G chord
- Gsus4
- Csus4
- D4
- Dsus/F#
- G/B
Tune in to the lesson to learn the other chords that make up this song. Steve carefully explains the finger placements for these chords, especially complex chords like Dsus/F#, to ensure you get the right tone.
Strumming Pattern
The song starts with a drum section, and Steve demonstrates how to simulate that drum feel using strumming techniques.
- In the beginning, the rhythm follows a 16th note pattern: DUDUDUD
- As the song progresses, the pattern shifts to: DDUUUD
Steve emphasises the importance of keeping your right hand moving to maintain a consistent rhythm. He also explains how to incorporate sliding and arpeggios into your strumming to enhance the song's texture.
Song Structure
If It's Love follows a clear and structured format. Tune in to the lesson to understand the arrangement of the song.
In the beginning, Steve uses just 3–4 chords, making it approachable for most players.
As the song progresses, he introduces more complex chords like Dsus/F#, adding depth to the arrangement
Steve concludes the lesson by playing along with the song, demonstrating smooth transitions between sections.
Improvisation Techniques
For more advanced players, Steve teaches how to improvise over the progression using slides and arpeggios. He also explains how to replicate the original feel of the song by experimenting with the rhythm and strumming intensity.
Why Learn If It's Love?
This song is an excellent way to improve your chord transitions and rhythm skills. It also introduces suspended chords and alternate fingerings, helping you build greater versatility in your playing.
Tips to Control Strumming Intensity:
- Keep the beginning section light with gentle strumming.
- Add more intensity in the chorus by strumming harder and using accents.
- Maintain a steady rhythm throughout the song to keep the groove intact.
FAQs – If It's Love Guitar Lesson
Q1. How can I improve my rhythm and timing?
Practice with the backing track and focus on Steve’s tips for simulating the drum section with your strumming.
Q2. Do I need to tune down my guitar?
Yes, the song is tuned half a step down for an authentic sound.
Q3. How can I handle the suspended chords more smoothly?
Steve suggests specific finger placements and transitions to make switching between suspended chords easier.
Songs with Similar Difficulty
Introduction
Want to learn some popular tunes from the mid-'90s? Torrins has got you covered! Tune into our guitar song lesson on James Taylor’s version of the 1959 hit Handy Man. This song tutorial is led by our expert teacher, Steve Luciano, who has decades of experience teaching and playing guitar. He breaks down the Handy Man lesson into chords, rhythm, and strumming patterns to make learning this song a smooth process for you.
Fun fact: Did you know this song has been a hit twice? Handy Man was originally recorded by Jimmy Jones in 1959 and became a huge success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Nearly two decades later, James Taylor recorded his own mellow, acoustic version in 1977, which also became a hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Taylor a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. How cool is that?
This version of Handy Man is a great example of James Taylor’s signature acoustic fingerpicking style, incorporating unique harmonies and intricate transitions. If you’re looking for a simpler version, we’ve got that too—check it out on the Torrins website!
Chords Used in Handy Man Guitar Lesson
This song is played in the key of D and features some interesting chord transitions. Here are some of the key chords used:
- Main chords: D, A, and some others.
- When reharmonizing the second verse: Em, F#m7
- Slash chords to add depth and movement: A/C#, G/B, and a few others.
Tune into the complete Handy Man song lesson to know the rest of the chords.
Steve breaks down unique chord transitions specific to this song to help you capture its distinct, smooth sound.
Fingerpicking & Strumming Techniques
Unlike traditional fingerpicking, Handy Man features more of a plucking style—playing bass notes while plucking the strings together for a fuller sound.
- The song starts with pickup notes and incorporates hammer-ons to add subtle dynamics.
- If you’re not comfortable with fingerpicking, you can strum the entire song instead. It still sounds great!
Song Structure & Rhythm
This song follows a classic verse-chorus format.
- Keep an eye on chord transitions, especially when moving between slash chords, as they add a unique colour to the song.
- The multi-angle camera views (focused on fretting, strumming, and a complete overview) help you get a clear, close-up look at all movements –making learning much faster and more effective.
- Make use of tabs and lyrics for a smoother and more structured learning experience.
Why Learn the song Handy Man on guitar?
James Taylor’s Handy Man is a fantastic piece for learning fingerpicking while maintaining a steady rhythm. Plus, it’s an excellent exercise for improving chord transitions and adding finesse to your playing.
FAQs – Handy Man Guitar Lesson
Q1. Do I have to use fingerpicking?
You can strum the entire song if you prefer. However, fingerpicking brings out its full depth.
Q2. How can I make my transitions smoother?
Steve shares specific techniques for transitioning between chords effortlessly. Practising slowly and focusing on finger positioning will help.
Introduction
Get ready to master another death metal classic on Torrins—Symbolic by the band Death. This lesson is taught by Bobby Koelble himself, one of the guitarists on the original track. Bobby breaks down the song into several parts, covering essential chords, rhythms, and guitar tones, ensuring a detailed and engaging learning experience.
Fun Fact
Bobby Koelble joined Death after being recommended to Chuck Schuldiner, the band's co-founder, by a friend working at a local music store. Koelble and Schuldiner had known each other since high school in Orlando. After joining the band, Koelble toured with Death across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan before the band eventually disbanded.
Chords and Techniques Used in Symbolic
- Tuning: Standard tuning down a whole step
- Key: E minor
- Some of the chords used in this song are G#, F#, Bm, and A7. Tune in to the lesson to know the rest of the chords used in this song.
Song Structure
- Main Riff: The main riff repeats seven times and features vibrato, alternative picking, and palm muting. It includes a few power chords, one being G#.
- Chorus: The chorus riff follows the same pattern as the main riff but repeats 14 times. Tune in to the lesson for a detailed breakdown of the rest of the chorus.
- Solo Section: The solo section features four power chords. In this section, there’s a transition riff as well, which consists of four single notes and a power chord.
- Solo section played by Bobby in the original song: It is played in the key of F# and features chords like B minor, F# power chord, and A7—all diatonic to F#. He breaks down the solo into three sections: beginning, middle, and end and shares valuable tips on mastering the solo, including his creative process behind crafting the iconic riff.
Bobby plays all elements slowly, first to make it easier to follow, then repeats them at normal speed. He also explains the guitar tone in detail.
Why Learn Symbolic?
This lesson provides a detailed breakdown of one of death metal’s most iconic tracks. Bobby Koelble’s insight into the composition and technique will help you refine your alternative picking, palm muting, and power chord transitions. It's a challenging yet rewarding song to master for any metal guitarist. If you’re an advanced player or an intermediate player looking for songs to improve your techniques, this song has to be in your repertoire.
Tips to Improve Your Playing
- Start by playing the riffs at a slower pace, then gradually increase your speed.
- Pay close attention to the vibrato and palm muting techniques to capture the song’s unique tone.
- Focus on smooth chord transitions during the solo to maintain the song’s flow.
FAQs – Symbolic Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song suitable for beginners?
Ans: This lesson is recommended for intermediate to advanced players due to its fast-paced riffs and complex solos.
Q2. What tuning is used for this song?
Ans: The song is played in standard tuning down a whole step.
