Introduction

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.

Introduction:

Fade to Black was the first power ballad recorded by the metal band Metallica in 1984. This was the first promotional single from the band’s second album which was Ride the Lightning (1984). The final solo of the song uses melody as a means to provide transition to heavy chords. 

Fun Fact: The song and its lyrics address the suicidal feelings because, during the time of its recording, some members of the band were having a really hard time in their personal lives. 

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios: The solo has heavy chord progression and for the final solo section there are no arpeggios for you to learn. 

Strumming Pattern 

This particular solo is for the lead guitarist, so it doesn’t really follow a strumming pattern like a rhythm part. 

Solo Structure 

Final Solo Part 1: In this part of the guitar solo lesson your instructor is going to be Mike Walker. Mike has divided the final solo from the song Fade to Black in 3 parts, this is the first section from the three parts. 

Final Solo Part 2: This is the second part of the solo, here Mike shows you how to perform overlapping and using the licks that were present in the first part. 

Final Solo Part 3: The third and final section starts with a little pull 

Why Learn to Fade to Black-Final Solo By Metallica?

Learning the guitar solo of Fade to Black isn't an easy task, it is one of the things only lead guitarist in the band wants to try as it requires lots of technical knowledge of the guitar. Speaking of the solo it is the most emotional solo to be ever written and performed in metal history, for this solo you will have to learn how to use bends and vibrato efficiently.

FAQs-This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Which one is the saddest song recorded by Metallica? 

Ans. Fade to Black is considered to be the saddest song from the metal group Metallica. 

Q2. What is the meaning of the song Fade to Black? 

Ans. The story behind the creation of Fade to Black is that Hetfield, one of the band members, was kicked out of the band's manager's home after he drank all his booze and broke things. He then went to his friend’s house, and there, on the couch, he wrote the lyrics of Fade to Black. 

Q3. Has Metallica ever performed in India?

Ans. Yes, Metallica did come to India, they performed in Bangalore on October 18 in 2011. There was one more date in Gurugram but the band was not able to perform at that venue. 

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 favorite, 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 quiet, 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.

Aces High - Introduction

Aces High" is the eleventh single by legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, written by bassist Steve Harris for their 1984 album Powerslave. The song's lyrics vividly depict a British RAF pilot's experience during the Battle of Britain (1940), with the band's mascot Eddie appearing as a Spitfire pilot on the single artwork. The track has become one of Iron Maiden's most iconic songs, featured in numerous video games and extreme sports films.

The song's B-side contains a cover medley of Nektar's "Crying in the Dark" and "King of Twilight" from their 1972 album. The music video, filmed during the World Slavery Tour in Poland, incorporates authentic Battle of Britain newsreel footage. This powerful imagery became a staple of Iron Maiden's live shows, often paired with Winston Churchill's famous wartime speeches as an introduction.

Aces High Guitar Lesson

This lesson with Mike Walker teaches you how to play "Aces High" properly. The song keeps changing keys - it starts in C, then goes to A, then G, then back to C. This makes the song exciting but tricky to play. When the key changes, the mood of the song changes too, just like how a dogfight has calm moments and crazy moments.

The main riff uses something called harmonised guitars - that means two guitars play the same tune but at different pitches, making a cool twin sound. The rhythm is called "galloping" because it goes fast like a horse (down-down-up, down-down-up). You need to palm mute the strings near the bridge to get that tight, machine-gun sound Iron Maiden is famous for.

The solos use a special scale that sounds Middle Eastern. It's basically the minor scale but with the second note lowered (so in E minor, you play F natural instead of F#). This makes the solo sound tense and dramatic, which goes well for a war song. The fast parts need alternate picking - down-up-down-up - to play cleanly at high speed.

For beginners, start by learning just the power chords (C5, A5, G5) and the galloping rhythm slowly. The chords are simple, but switching between them fast is hard. Advanced players should work on the twin guitar harmonies and the quick key changes. The song is tough, but satisfying to play once you get it right, like most metal songs.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used in Aces High?

The original recording uses Eb tuning (all strings tuned half-step down) but can be played in standard tuning.

Q. How to play the galloping rhythm?

Use alternate picking with emphasis on the downstrokes: Down-Down-Up pattern repeated.

Q. Is this song suitable for beginners?

The simplified power chord version is accessible, but the full arrangement requires intermediate skills.

Introduction:

Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne is the most legendary rock and metal song of all time. This song also has some of the best guitar play by Randy Rhoads.

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this part Mike Walker shows how much he loves playing this song and shares why it is important for every rock and metal fan to learn this song. 

Intro Riff: Here, you will be learning the very first lick of the song for which the song became famous in the first place. 

Pre-Verse: this is a 4 bar phrase, and it comes before the verse, 

Verse: In this section Mike shows you the guitar chords which you need to play in the verse parts of the song. He also showed how you should be focused on playing the last 2 bars because if you learn that you will be playing the entire part of the verse section on guitar. 

Pre Chorus: This is a four bar pre-chorus along with a couple of single notes present in it that Mike first shows how it is done then explains to you how you can play the same tune. 

Chorus: In this part of the guitar lesson you will learn about the main chorus of the song. Mike has broken the chorus in multiple parts to make it easier for you to understand how it needs to be played. 

Bridge: This is the part which works as a contrast between the chorus and the verse, you will be playing this part after the second chorus of the song, it has been used to give a fresh 

element to the song. 

Solo: This is one of the most intricate solos in metal music it goes up to 16 bars and it does have tons of guitar techniques which comes handy as a guitarist. 

Song Demo: This is the final part, where Mike will play the guitar alongside the backing track. 

Why Learn Crazy Train By Ozzy Osbourne Song?

The main riff of the song is instantly recognizable and if you learn it on guitar you will get to know about alternative picking precision. It includes a combination of power chords, single-note runs, and syncopation which is something essential for both rock and metal music. 

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who originally recorded Crazy Train? 

Ans. Crazy Train is the debut single by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, he released the song in the 1980s for his debut album which was his solo venture as an artist. 

Q2. What is the hidden meaning of the song Crazy Train?

Ans. Crazy train is about the cold war which happened during that time and consumed the entire world in the 1980s. Osbourne was talking about dictators when he said “One person is conditioned to rule and control.”

Q3. Is Ozzy Osbourne going through mental health problems?

Ans. No, Ozzy Osbourne doesn’t have mental health problems; he does have progressing Parkinson’s disease, which causes new mobility challenges as he grows old. 

Fun Fact: It was the first ever solo which Ozzy sang after leaving Black Sabbath, after the release it became an instant hit and even to this day it is one of the most recognizable songs of Ozzy Osbourne.

Welcome to the guitar lesson for Mai Woh Chaand, a beautiful and soulful Hindi song from the 2016 movie Teraa Surroor. Sung by Darshan Raval, this track instantly connected with listeners through its emotional lyrics and heartfelt melody. The song was composed by Himesh Reshammiya, with lyrics written by Sameer Anjaan, who is known for his ability to express deep feelings in simple words. Released just before the film hit theaters, Mai Woh Chaand quickly became popular as a romantic ballad that perfectly captured the mood of love and longing.

The music video features Himesh Reshammiya himself alongside actress Farah Karimaee, telling a story of love with all its ups and downs. The song’s slow and melancholic vibe matches the narrative well, making it a standout track in the film’s soundtrack. Darshan Raval’s soft, emotional voice helps bring out the tender feelings in the lyrics, making the song memorable for many fans of Bollywood music.

Mai Woh Chaand Easy Version – Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, Steve Luciano guides you through an easy acoustic version of Mai Woh Chaand that’s perfect for beginners. The chords used are straightforward and mostly open chords, including Bm, B7, D, G, Am, Em, C, and A7. Steve takes time to show you how to form each chord clearly, especially the Bm and B7, which can be tricky for new players but are essential to keeping the song’s gentle mood. He explains Bm as a simplified version, so you don’t have to worry about complicated finger positions.

The lesson focuses on playing with smooth transitions between chords and capturing the slow, reflective rhythm of the song. Steve introduces a simple strumming pattern that fits the mood perfectly, nothing too fast or complicated, just enough to support the vocals. The strumming mostly alternates between downward and upward strokes, keeping a soft flow that matches Darshan Raval’s singing style.

Steve also talks about how to emphasize certain beats to give the song a relaxed but emotional feel, helping you learn how to play with feeling instead of just hitting the right chords. For those interested, he shows small variations in the strumming to add a little more texture without making it too complex. This version of Mai Woh Chaand is a great way to practice basic chord changes and rhythm while playing a beautiful song that sounds impressive even when kept simple.

FAQs

Q. Is this version good for absolute beginners?

Yes, Steve simplifies tricky chords like Bm and B7 so beginners can learn comfortably.

Q. Do I need to know fingerpicking to play this song?

No, this lesson focuses on easy strumming that works well with the song’s slow tempo.

Introduction:

Phir Mohabbat is one of the deep emotional, romantic ballads from the movie Murder 2. The song is composed by Mithoon and the playback singers for the song are Arijit Singh, Mohammad Irfan, and Saim Bhat. 

One of the reasons why people still remember this song after a decade is its haunting melody and the poetic lyrics from Sayeed Quadri, which bring out the raw emotion of listeners. 

Fun Fact: The recording of the song was done years before the movie was officially released in theaters. At that time Arijit Singh was not as popular as he is now; he just came out from his stint on the reality show Fame Gurukul. 

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: Both the intro and the verse section of the song feature amazing fingerpicking patterns:

• Am: 5 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 2 – 3
• F: 6 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 2 – 3
• C: 5 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 2 – 3
• G: 6 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 2 – 3

Strumming Pattern 

To play the chorus and rhythmic parts of the song, you have to follow these strumming instructions: D – D U – U D U.

• D = Down Strum 
• U = Up Strum 

Song Structure 

Intro, Verse, and Chorus: In this first section of the guitar lesson, your guitar instructor, Steve Luciano, shows you how the song is different from others and what fingerpicking style you will be learning in this guitar lesson. 

Verse 2, Chorus 2, and Bridge: These two sections and the bridge of the song can be easily played with a pick or with the fingerpicking style that Steve is going to teach you in this lesson. 

Interlude, Final Verse, and Chorus: In this part of the guitar lesson, you are going to learn the rhythmic section present in the song, along with the chords for the final verse and chorus. 

Song with Backing Track: This is the final section where Steve is going to show you how to play the entire guitar part of the song with the backing track. 

Why Learn Phir Mohabbat From Murder 2?

Phir Mohabbat is a song that resonates with raw emotion and longing; with this song, you will learn how to play expressive songs. Thus, it’s an ideal song for creating a deeper connection with your instrument. 

FAQs-Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who composed the song Phir Mohabbat and wrote the lyrics for it?

Ans. Composer for this song and all the other songs for the Murder 2 were written by Mithoon and the lyrics were penned down by Sayeed Quadri. 

Q2. What makes the Phir Mohabbat song special? 

Ans. This is a melancholic song with an additional haunting melody and it does have emotional depth to it as well. This is one of the songs in Bollywood that beautifully conveys the pain and the hope that people try to find in love. 

Q3. In which genre does Phir Mohabbat come? 

Ans. Phir Mohabbat comes in a romantic ballad with a fusion of soft rock, which makes it a perfect blend to practice acoustic instrumentation.