Introduction

July Matham - Introduction

July Matham is a beloved Tamil song from the 1993 film Pudhiya Mugam, composed by A.R. Rahman in his early career. The song features the legendary voices of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and Annupamaa, with lyrics by Vairamuthu. It is set in Pilu raga, which gives it a sweet yet melancholic feel. The film tells the story of an assassin who transforms into a hero, and this song plays during a key emotional moment.

The melody flows gently, with soft orchestration and expressive vocals. Rahman’s use of harmonies and subtle rhythm changes makes the song stand out. Even today, it remains a favorite among fans of 90s Tamil music because of its simple yet deep emotional appeal. The way the vocals glide through the notes makes it perfect for guitar adaptation.

July Matham Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson covers the song’s structure in D minor, shifting to D major in some sections. The harmonic minor scale (D-E-F-G-A-Bb-C#) is used for the sorrowful parts, while the major scale brightens the mood. The chords follow a cycle of Dm - Bb - F - C, with occasional passing chords like Gm and A7 for tension.

The strumming pattern is relaxed, matching the 6/8 rhythm. Use downstrokes on beats 1 and 4, with light upstrokes in between. The pre-chorus has arpeggiated chords, where you pluck individual notes instead of strumming. The chorus returns to fuller strums, emphasizing the emotional highs.

For the melody, focus on the D minor pentatonic scale (D-F-G-A-C). The vocal line moves smoothly, often sliding between notes. On guitar, try bending into some notes for expression, like bending the F (1st fret, high E string) slightly upwards. The bridge shifts to D major, changing the mood completely before returning to the minor key.

Beginners should practice the chord transitions first, especially Dm to Bb. Intermediate players can work on the arpeggiated sections, ensuring each note rings clearly. Advanced players can experiment with subtle vibrato and slides to mimic the vocal phrasing.

FAQs

Q. How to play the arpeggios smoothly?

Pluck the strings one by one in order and keep your fingers close to the frets. Avoid moving your arm and try maintaining a rhythm with moving only your wrists.

Q. Why does the song switch between minor and major?

The minor scale brings sadness, while the major parts add hope, matching the song’s emotional journey.

Q. Can I use a pick for this song?

Yes, you can use a pick for the picking patterns but the songs’ authentic feel comes only when fingerpicking is involved.

Q. What effects should I use?

A little reverb and delay help recreate the original’s dreamy sound. 

Dhimu Dhimu - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on Dhimu Dhimu, a soft romantic ballad from the 2011 Tamil film Engeyum Kadhal. Directed by Prabhu Deva, the movie stars Jayam Ravi and Hansika Motwani, and this track became one of its emotional high points. Composed by Harris Jayaraj and sung by Karthik, the song is soaked in longing and tender expression.

Interestingly, Dhimu Dhimu holds a unique spot in the film's music journey—it was the first track composed for Engeyum Kadhal, even though it was first heard by the public in its Telugu adaptation “Chilipiga” for the film Orange. Still, the Tamil version managed to claim its own space with a different emotional tone and arrangement.

Dhimu Dhimu Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, instructor J J Patishall takes you through Dhimu Dhimu in a way that’s both thoughtful and easy to follow. The song is played in standard 4/4 time at around 120 BPM, which makes it a comfortable speed for both beginner and intermediate players. The chords are rooted in C major and include C, Fmaj7, G, and even a slightly unexpected Bb chord. J J explains how these chords work together to create that dreamy atmosphere the song is known for. For example, the Fmaj7 adds a floating quality—it's basically an F major chord, but with an open E string, giving it a more emotional sound.

J J also talks about how to play the song with smooth transitions between chords. He focuses a lot on how to hold each chord shape lightly and clearly, so the ringing notes don't get muddy. The Bb chord might feel like a challenge for some, since it's usually a barre chord, but J J breaks down a simplified version so even newer players can try it without stress.

The strumming pattern is kept subtle and steady—mostly downstrokes with light upstrokes filling the gaps. It reflects the slow-burning feel of the track. J J also offers an optional picking style for those who want to add more texture to their playing. He demonstrates how to pluck the individual strings of each chord in rhythm with the melody, which matches the orchestral style of the original arrangement.

Lastly, there's a small section where the harmony shifts in a surprising way, using the Bb to break the usual major pattern. J J points this out and explains how little moments like this can really pull at your emotions, even if you’re not actively aware of it while listening. It’s this kind of insight that makes the lesson a blend of both learning and feeling the music.

FAQs

Q. Is the Bb chord necessary to play Dhimu Dhimu?

Yes, but if you're a beginner, J J shows an easier version of it that works just fine for the song’s feel.

Q. Do I need to know music theory to follow this lesson?

Not at all. J J keeps the explanation simple—he talks more about how things sound and feel than using technical language.

Chundari Penne - Introduction

Chundari Penne is a beloved Malayalam song from the 2016 film Charlie. The track features Dulquer Salmaan’s warm, conversational vocals and was composed by Gopi Sundar with lyrics by Santhosh Varma. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt words made it an instant favourite. Its mix of acoustic guitar, light percussion, and subtle strings gives it a nostalgic yet fresh feel.

The song connects deeply with the character of Charlie, a free-spirited traveller in the film. This added emotional layers to the music. The lyrics paint a picture of love and longing in simple but poetic Malayalam. Dulquer’s singing style feels personal, almost like he’s telling a story rather than performing. The track stands out in Malayalam cinema for its blend of modern and traditional sounds.

Chundari Penne Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Dugan, this lesson covers the song’s soothing guitar work. The track is in G major and uses a relaxed strumming pattern that matches its easygoing vibe. The main progression moves between G, Em, C, and D, creating a circular, flowing feel. The chords are basic but played with a light touch to keep the mood airy.

The strumming pattern follows a down-down-up-up-down-up rhythm. This gives the song its signature sway. The tempo is slow, so focus on keeping the strokes even and relaxed. The verses have a softer dynamic, while the chorus opens up slightly with fuller strums. Palm muting is used sparingly, just to add subtle texture in certain spots.

For the lead parts, the melody follows the vocal line closely. The fills between verses use simple hammer-ons and pull-offs on the higher strings. The solo section is minimal, sticking to the G major scale with a few tasteful bends. The tone should be clean and warm, with just a hint of reverb to match the original recording.

Beginners can start by mastering the chord changes at a slow pace. The song’s slow tempo makes it forgiving for practice. Intermediate players should work on matching the delicate dynamics between sections. The key is to keep the playing light and expressive, not forceful.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used in this song?

Standard tuning (E A D G B E). No capo is needed.

Q. How do I get the right strumming feel?

Keep your wrist loose and emphasise the upstrokes slightly to create that bouncy rhythm.

Q. Is this song good for beginners?

Yes, the chords are simple, and the slow tempo makes it great for practising smooth transitions.

Q. What effects are used on the guitar?

A clean tone with light reverb and maybe a touch of chorus for depth.

Q. Can I play it fingerstyle?

Absolutely. Plucking the bass notes with your thumb and the higher strings with your fingers will create a softer sound.

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Fish Rock – Introduction

Fish Rock is a standout track by the Indian band Thaikkudam Bridge, known for blending intense death metal with local Kerala culture. Released in 2014 during a live session on Kappa TV’s Music Mojo, the song quickly caught fire online, gaining millions of views and establishing the band as a powerful force in the Indian indie rock scene. What makes Fish Rock so unique is its playful inspiration—a love for fish fry, a popular dish in coastal Kerala—which the band turns into an energetic metal anthem full of fast riffs and powerful vocals.

The song features lyrics in Malayalam, peppered with local slang and phrases that add authenticity and regional flavor, making it feel both raw and personal. Led by Govind Menon’s songwriting and Anish Krishnan’s fierce vocals, Fish Rock combines aggressive metal instrumentation with catchy melodies and rhythms. The track became a key highlight of Thaikkudam Bridge’s debut album Navarasam in 2015, showcasing their ability to mix heavy music with cultural storytelling, which helped redefine Indian rock in a fresh and exciting way.

Fish Rock – Guitar Lesson

Mike Walker’s lesson on Fish Rock dives into how to nail the song’s heavy, gritty sound using drop D tuning, where the lowest string is tuned down a whole step from E to D. This tuning gives the guitar a deeper, punchier tone that’s perfect for the chunky riffs and aggressive rhythm playing the song demands. Mike takes you through the main riff, focusing on the powerful use of open strings and palm muting to create that tight, percussive feel common in metal.

The soloing section in Fish Rock is built around the minor pentatonic scale, which is a go-to scale for rock and metal soloing. Mike breaks down the solo ideas simply by showing how the minor pentatonic scale works—basically a five-note scale that sounds dark and bluesy. He explains how to use bends, slides, and hammer-ons to add expression without overcomplicating the solo, making it approachable for players looking to get into metal lead playing.

Throughout the lesson, Mike emphasizes keeping the rhythm tight and clean, which is key in heavy music to avoid a muddy sound. He also talks about dynamics—how to build tension by mixing softer muted riffs with bursts of aggressive picking. For players wanting to get the full feel of Fish Rock, Mike’s guidance on using the drop D tuning effectively, combined with minor pentatonic lead ideas, helps capture the song’s raw energy while making it accessible for learners.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used in Fish Rock?

The song uses drop D tuning, which means the low E string is tuned down one whole step to D.

Q. What scale is used for the solo in Fish Rock?

The solo is based mainly on the minor pentatonic scale, which is a simple and common scale for rock and metal solos.

Zinda is more than just a song, and it's a surge of energy, passion and perseverance. It’s a motivational rock song that truly captures the fire that burns inside legendary sprinter Milkha Singh as he takes the journey to become the best not just in his own country but all over the world. 

Fun Fact: The vocals for Zinda have been performed by Siddharth Mahadevan, who is the son of renowned composer Shankar Mahadevan. This was the first song in which Siddharth actually gave his voice as a playback singer. 

Strumming Pattern 

The basic strumming pattern that you need to follow for this song is: D – D U – U D U. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

The above-mentioned strumming pattern is just the base pattern. If you really want to capture the true feeling of rock music in this song, then here’s a more dynamic version: D – x U – U D U. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 
• X = mute 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction is from Mike Walker, who is going to be your guitar instructor for this lesson. He talks about how Zinda has a low tempo, and still it falls under the category of rock with the elements of funk guitar. 

Intro Motif and Chorus: Here, you will learn how to play the intro motif of the song, and after that, Mike shows you the chords you need to learn for the first chorus of the song. 

Song Arrangement - Part 1: This part of the lesson shows you the chords that occur from 32 seconds to 44 seconds, then again, the same chords appear later in the song, too, around 247 seconds. 

Song Arrangement - Part 2: This section of the song lesson shows you how to play the 2nd bridge, which comes in the song. It is basically a 2-bar phrase that is played four times. 

Solo Lesson: This section is about the only guitar solo that comes in the song at the 136-second mark and goes till 145 seconds. Mike first plays the solo to show you what it sounds like and then teaches you how to play it. 

Song Demo: In this part of the song lesson, you will see how you need to play the guitar parts in sync with the vocals. 

Improvisation: The final section is about improvisation and tips that you can use to make your guitar sound similar to the official recording of the song. 

Why Learn Zinda From Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?

When you learn this song on guitar, you will be able to build powerful rhythm skills in addition to the aggressive strumming technique. The song is a combination of high-octane rock ballad and emotional playing. As you play this song, it gives you a sense of drive and intensity, which is something rarely found in Bollywood songs. 

Ishq Haazir Hai is the title track of a short movie of the same name, having lead actors Diljit Dosanjh & Wamiqa Gabbi. It’s a song that is known for being a romantic melody that truly captures the essence of love and longing. 

Furthermore, even a decade after its release, we can still hear this song being played on various radio channels, showcasing that its emotional resonance is still intact among Diljit's fans.

Strumming Pattern 

The main strumming pattern for this song is D-D-U-U-D-D-U. It would be great if you slowly start with just downstrokes; once you get comfortable with the beat, you can then start adding upstrokes in your practice. 

Also, focus more on consistent timing rather than speed in the beginning. Be gentle as you play chords to keep up with the flowing strumming technique required for this song. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction is from J.J. Pattishall; he starts this guitar lesson by showing you the standard guitar tuning that is required for this song. Also, the song is in the key of A minor. For this song, you do need to have a capo, which you will place on the 5th fret. 

Chords and Rhythm: Here, you will get to know about all the chords that you will be playing in this song, along with the rhythm that you have to follow. 

Song Arrangement: J.J. has divided the song arrangement into three sections called the verse and chorus; these two have similar chords, and the third section is a bridge. 

Song Demo: In this part of the song lesson, you will see how to play the entire guitar part of the song with the backing track. 

Ending Lick: There are a few licks positioned here and there in the song, which you will be learning here. 

Overdub Licks: Here, you will learn chords that work as a fill-in for the second guitar; these chords are not played by the lead guitarist, so if you want, you can skip these up. 

Improvisation: Finally, here, J.J. shows you some improvisation techniques that can help you find your own musical tone as you practice this song; from this part, you will be able to develop your own individual style. 

Easy Non-Capo Version: This is a more simplified version of the song, and you don’t need to require Capo for this one. 

Why Learn Ishq Haazir Hai Song On Guitar?

This one is a quick and simple song to learn because of its beginner-friendly chord guides; with this song, you learn smooth chord transitions and learn how to maintain a consistent rhythm from start to finish. 

In this video lesson J.J. Pattishall teaches how to play the song Yaaram as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Piece, Song Arrangement, Solo and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

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

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that is an anthem for the spirit of youth and also for road trips. Phir Se Ud Chala is a track from the Rockstar album, composed by A. R. Rahman, voiced by Mohit Chauhan, a singer whose songs most indians have grown up listening to. The song has received over 150 million views on YouTube and has been playing in every youngster's earphones ever since.

It is a song about dreams and the freedom to take flight in pursuit of those dreams. The lyrics ‘phir se ud chala’ means, I fly again. The song follows on from the core story of the film, which is about a rebel artist hustling to make it big, while exploring themes of existentialism, love, discovery and the perils of life.

Phir Se Ud Chala Guitar Lesson

The lesson on Phir Se Ud Chala is done by one of our beloved experts, Mike Walker. The lesson is quite straightforward and a short one. It is divided into sections and contains all the information needed to play the song on an acoustic guitar. The initial sections talk about the chords and rhythm of the song, along with the strumming pattern. The latter sections talk about some of the articulate motifs in the song, along with a section on how to improvise on the track.

A special thing about this song is that it features some slash chords –chords that have a different bass note than the root note. For instance, there’s a Dsus2/G chord that is played after the 2nd verse that sounds dreamy and uplifting and fits the overall story of the song. 

The bit that makes this song easy to play is that there is a lack of frequent chord changes. The majority of the song can be played on a G major chord using a simple strumming pattern that goes like D - D U D U D - (D is a downward strum and U is an upward strum.)

The best part about the lesson is the section that talks about improvising on the track. The instructor demonstrates how to use the B major scale and the G# minor pentatonic scale for improv ideas. This improv section teaches one to unlock the fretboard horizontally.

FAQs

Q. Do I need a capo to play Phir Se Ud Chala

1. Yes, you need a capo on the 4th fret, as the song is in the key of B major, playing a G major shape will give you a B major chord.

Q. Can this song be played solo on an acoustic guitar?

1.  Absolutely! The capo makes it easier to fret the major chord shapes, and the strumming style makes it perfect for intimate solo performances.

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