Simple Version

Elay Keechan is a song composed by A.R. Rahman for the Tamil film Kadal, which was released in 2013. This particular track from the movie's album stands out as the most listened-to song because of its energetic folk-rock fusion and catchy rhythm. 

A.R. Rahman made sure to infuse folk elements with contemporary rock, making this song a truly refreshing listening experience. In this song you will witness acoustic guitar strums in addition to the bluesy bass lines and even the use of harmonica. 

Strumming Pattern 

Elay Keechan has a laid-back sound to it; it holds a nostalgic feel as well, which comes from gentle strumming or light fingerpicking. The recommended strumming pattern for this song is D – D U – U D U. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 
• “–” = Pause or hold

• When you play this song, try to use light dynamics; what this means is that you have to let the strums breathe in order to maintain the song's emotional depth. 
• Furthermore, it would be great if you could use a capo on the 1st or 2nd fret to match up with the original pitch of the song. 
• You can also use fingerpicking in the intro to add more layers of retro vibe to the song. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction of the song lesson is by Mike Walker, who is also going to be your guitar instructor for this song. Mike talks about how this song is unique with its repetitive rhythmic parts and how it has a country-like solo. In this part of the lesson, you will be learning how to tune up the guitar for this song. 

Riff: Here Mike will first play the closed version of the song, and he explains to you the chords used for it, then he moves to the open version and shares with you the chords for the same. 

Song Demo: After showing you the repetitive rhythm that you need to follow, Mike will demonstrate how to play the song on guitar with the backing track. 

Improvisation: In this section of the guitar lesson, Mike will show you how to implement improvisation techniques for this song. These techniques will make it easier for you to play the song. 

Solo: The last part of this lesson is a guitar solo, which is played at the 10th fret of your guitar. Mike has divided the solo into multiple licks and shows you how to play the entire solo, one lick after the other. 

Adiyae Kolluthey – Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on Adiyae Kolluthey, a vibrant romantic track from the 2008 Tamil film Vaaranam Aayiram, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. This song stands out with its fresh and youthful vibe, beautifully capturing the excitement and innocence of young love. Composed by Harris Jayaraj, Adiyae Kolluthey features the voices of Krish, Benny Dayal, and Shruti Haasan, with lyrics by Thamarai that add a poetic touch to the melody. The song’s lively energy and emotional depth quickly made it one of the most beloved tracks of the film’s soundtrack.

Visually, the song is equally memorable, shot in stunning locations like the University of California, Berkeley, and the scenic San Francisco Bay area. The beautiful backdrops perfectly complement the playful chemistry between the lead actors, Suriya and Sameera Reddy. This combination of heartfelt music and captivating visuals made Adiyae Kolluthey a favorite among fans and helped cement Harris Jayaraj’s place as one of Tamil cinema’s top composers. The song also marked an important moment for Shruti Haasan, establishing her as a strong playback singer in the industry.

Adiyae Kolluthey – Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, Mike Walker takes you through the essentials of playing Adiyae Kolluthey on guitar, using Eb tuning which lowers the pitch a half step from standard tuning. This tuning helps capture the song’s smooth and mellow feel while making some of the chords easier to finger. The main chords you’ll use include power chords like B5, A5, D5, and E5, along with some major chords like C# and F#. Mike breaks down each chord shape slowly so you can get comfortable with the finger placement and maintain the song’s clean tone.

Mike explains that the song’s arrangement relies a lot on these power chords, which give the track a gentle rock edge without overpowering the vocals. The use of power chords instead of full major or minor chords creates a light but driving sound that fits perfectly with the song’s youthful energy. He also points out the smooth transitions between chords like B5 to A5, which require a relaxed hand and practice to sound fluid.

The rhythm of Adiyae Kolluthey is steady and laid-back, sitting comfortably in a 4/4 time signature at a moderate tempo. Mike guides you through the strumming pattern, which combines downstrokes and light upstrokes to keep the momentum moving without becoming too busy. He also offers tips on muting and palm damping to control the tone, which is important to replicate the song’s clean guitar sound. For those looking to add some flair, Mike suggests subtle embellishments using slides and hammer-ons within the chord shapes, making your playing feel more expressive without overcomplicating things.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is Adiyae Kolluthey played in?

The song is played in Eb tuning, which is standard tuning lowered by a half step on every string.

Q. Are power chords difficult to play for beginners?

Not really. Power chords are simpler shapes that focus on the root and fifth notes. With some practice, even beginners can play them smoothly.

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.

Yedhi Yedhi is a romantic track from a Telugu film, Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu; with this song, both the director and the composer tried to convey the emotional depth and nostalgic tone of the story. Yedhi Yedhi blends Indian classical influences with the presence of modern orchestration, which creates a pretty massive soundscape. 

The melody is simple and yet hauntingly beautiful; as you learn to play it on your guitar, you will develop sensitivity in your fingerpicking and strumming, thus enhancing your expressive playing skills. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction is given by J.J. Pattishall, and he will be your guitar instructor for this lesson. J.J. will show you how to tune up your guitar in order to play this song. 

Chorus(Song Arrangement): In this part of the song lesson, you will learn all the chords and rhythms that are necessary to play this song. Here, J.J. has divided the song arrangement into sub-parts so that you will be able to understand which chord belongs where and which rhythm you need to use for that particular section. 

Interlude: This interlude comes right after the first chorus. The interlude has a string section, but here, J.J. has converted it for guitar. As a result, he will first show you how it sounds and then show you how to play it yourself. 

Pre-Verse and Verse: There is a quick guitar break right before the first section, so that particular guitar break is taught in pre-verse; after that, you will get to know about the song arrangement for the verse. 

Orchestral Bridge: This is an orchestral bridge that, if you want, you can skip, and by doing that, you will come straight to the verse once again. On the other hand, if you want to learn the technical aspects of this song, then you should definitely go for it. 

Bridge, Cello Section, and Ending: This is the last bridge section that you will have to learn for this song; it also includes some parts of cello, and then comes the ending. 

Song Demo: Here, you will get to see J.J. play the guitar parts of the song with the backing track. 

Intro Solo: Finally, here is the solo, which you hear as the song begins. 

Why Learn Yedhi Yedhi Song On Guitar?

The slow tempo of the song gives the song an introspective mood, which allows you to focus on dynamic control, tone, and timing; all of these things are essential for emotive performance. It’s a great song to play in intimate gigs, open mics, or simply in your practice sessions. 

Welcome to the guitar lesson on the rock version of Tum Mile, a powerful reimagining of the original track from the 2009 Bollywood film Tum Mile. Directed by Kunal Deshmukh and featuring Emraan Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan, this version takes the mellow vibe of the original and turns it up with electric guitars and a more intense rhythm. Sung by the talented Pakistani vocalist Shafqat Amanat Ali, the song mixes classical singing styles with rock.

What makes this version special is how it slowly builds from a calm start into a full-on rock anthem with distorted guitar riffs that add tension and release. The lyrics, written by Kumaar and Sayeed Quadri, still express the themes of love and longing, but the rock arrangement gives the song energy and emotion. This rendition has been praised for recreating the familiar tune and has become a favourite among fans.

Tum Mile Rock Version – Guitar Lesson

This guitar lesson is led by our expert Mike Walker, who breaks down the rock version of Tum Mile in detail so you can master it step by step. The song mainly revolves around chords in the key of C major and C minor, which gives the track a moody but powerful feel. Mike carefully explains how to move between these two keys, showing how the shift from major to minor adds emotional tension that fits perfectly with the theme of longing in the song.

The lesson focuses a lot on the electric guitar parts, especially the distorted riffs that give this version its rock character. Mike demonstrates how to play these riffs with the right picking techniques and rhythm, making sure you understand how to get that gritty, edgy sound without losing clarity. He also covers the chord progressions that form the backbone of the song, including some cool transitions that add a little spice to the usual C major and C minor chords.

One important part of the lesson is the rhythm. Unlike a simple strumming pattern, the rock version has a driving beat that builds up the energy as the song progresses. Mike teaches you how to play this rhythm with power and precision, helping you capture the song’s emotional highs and lows. He also provides tips on how to blend clean chord playing with distorted riffs, so you get a balanced sound like the original track. The lesson wraps up with a full playthrough, so you can see how all the parts come together.

FAQs

Q. Is this version of Tum Mile suitable for beginners?

It’s better suited for intermediate players who are comfortable with electric guitar techniques like power chords and distortion.

Q. What tuning is used in the rock version of Tum Mile?

The song uses standard tuning (E A D G B E), so no special tuning or capo is needed.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Yeh Jism as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm and Intro Solo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Welcome to the guitar lesson on Samjhawan, a heartfelt romantic ballad from the 2014 Bollywood film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. The film stars Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt, and this song quickly became one of its most memorable tracks. Samjhawan is actually a reimagined version of Main Tenu Samjhawan Ki, a soulful Punjabi song originally composed by Jawad Ahmad and sung by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in 2010. The Bollywood version was recreated by Sharib–Toshi, with lyrics by Ahmad Anees and Kumaar, and sung by two of India’s finest voices, Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. Their emotional delivery gives the song a deep sense of longing and love that really connects with listeners.

This song’s popularity is reflected in the awards it won, including the GiMA Award for Best Duet in 2015. There was also a more stripped-down unplugged version sung by Alia Bhatt herself, which offered a softer, more intimate take. The song talks about understanding and comforting a loved one, with lyrics that express vulnerability and devotion. Its gentle melody and heartfelt words have helped Samjhawan become a beloved classic in modern Indian music.

Samjhawan Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, instructor J J Patishall guides you through the chords and rhythm of Samjhawan in a way that’s easy to follow, even if you’re not a seasoned player. The song is played mostly using open chords like Asus2, Dsus2, F#m, Bm, and E, which gives it that smooth and mellow sound. These suspended chords, especially the Asus2 and Dsus2, add a gentle tension that feels emotional but not complicated. J J explains how to finger these chords carefully to keep the song’s soft vibe intact.

One of the key points J J focuses on is how to move between these chords smoothly. He breaks down the transitions slowly so you don’t get stuck on tricky shapes like F#m, which can feel tough at first because it’s usually a barre chord. But with his tips, you’ll find a comfortable way to play it without straining your hand. The lesson includes how to hold Asus2 and Dsus2 so that the ringing open strings create a warm, full sound that fills the space nicely.

The strumming pattern is simple yet expressive, with a mix of down and up strokes that flow naturally with the song’s rhythm. J J also shows a subtle picking pattern for those who want to bring out the melody within the chords more clearly. This fingerpicking option works well if you want to capture the intimate feeling of the unplugged version. Throughout the lesson, J J highlights how small changes in timing and emphasis can really shape the mood, helping you play Samjhawan with the same tenderness that makes the original so special.

FAQs

Q. Is Samjhawan suitable for beginner guitar players?

Yes, especially since many chords are open or suspended chords. J J breaks down the harder chords to make them accessible.

Q. Can I play the unplugged version on guitar?

Absolutely. The unplugged version is simpler and focuses more on fingerpicking, which J J covers in the lesson.

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

Titli is a beautifully composed romantic song from the hit Bollywood movie Chennai Express starring Deepika Padukone and Shahrukh Khan. This song has intricate classical elements with a touch of modern melodies, offering you as a guitarist a rare chance to explore melodic expression and subtle dynamics. 

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The verse section can be played with a fingerpicking pattern, which is like this: 

P – I – M – A – M – I  

(Thumb – Index – Middle – Ring – Middle – Index)

Where: 

• P = 5th or 6th string (bass note)
• I = 3rd string
• M = 2nd string
• A = 1st string

Strumming Pattern 

The basic strumming pattern you need to follow for this song is D-D-U-U-D-U. 

This particular pattern can be used throughout the chorus and the bridge section of the song. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this introduction, J.J. Pattishall tells you the song is in the key of E minor and shows you the position of the capo on the 3rd fret of the guitar. Finally, he also shows you how to tune up the guitar specifically for the song.  

Song Arrangement - Part 1: This section provides you with information about the chords you need to play with the first verse. 

Song Arrangement - Part 2: In this part of the guitar lesson, you are going to learn about the chords that are present in the second verse of the song. 

Song Demo: Here is the demo of how you should be playing the guitar chords with the backing track playing alongside. 

Overdubs: Now that you learned chords for the main guitar, it’s time to check out the chords for the second guitar, which adds a couple of tunes to the song which makes it more special and harmonious. 

Easy Version: Here is the easy version of the same song for beginners. It’s a good song to practice on guitar for newcomers. As a result, J.J. shows you how you can play the entire song with much easier chords using a capo. 

Backing Track Simple Version: This is the part where J.J. shows you how to keep up your simple version guitar chords with the vocals and other instruments that are part of the song. 

Why Learn the Titli Song From Chennai Express?

Titli is a song for which you have to be gentle with your guitar; it uses flowing melodies that are the base for developing expressive and emotive guitar playing. Both the intro and the verse sections of the song fit perfectly with arpeggios or light fingerpicking, thus helping you strengthen your accuracy and feel. 

Furthermore, the song keeps on transitioning from soft verses to soaring choruses, which makes it possible for you to practice volume control and bring emotional contrast in your guitar play with the implementation of different strumming and picking techniques. 

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

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.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Sham as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Song Arrangement, Song Demo, Easy Version, Solo 1, Solo 2 and Solo 3. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

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.