Song Arrangement and Demo
Introduction:
Handy Man is a classic song written by Otis Blackwell in collaboration with Jimmy Jones. But the song became much more popular after James Taylor covered it in his own style of soft rock.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson
Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: This song requires you to use soft fingerpicking along with smooth chord transitions. The instructions below show how you can play the arpeggios for this song. Don’t forget to use the thumb-heavy fingerpicking technique.
e|-----------0------------|
B|------1------1---------|
G|----0---0------0------|
D|-------------2--------|
A|--3------------------|
E|----------------------|
Strumming Pattern
You can use a simple flowing rhythm with a 4/4 time signature: D D U U D U.
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
The strumming pattern for the softer version should be played like this: D x D U x U D U.
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
- X = Muted strum; here, you have to lightly touch the string as you strum.
Song Structure
Song Arrangement And Demo: For this song, your guitar instructor is going to be Steve Luciano; he shares the difference between this easy version of the song and how it can be played even by beginners. In addition to this, you will be using capo and simple strumming for this guitar lesson. The capo is going to be on the 2nd fret.
Why Learn Handy Man Song?
This song uses easy to understand chords, thus, making it a great song to learn for beginners and for other guitarists no matter what their level is. In addition to this, it is a perfect song to play on acoustic guitar as well because it has that laid back feel to it.
FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. Who sang the original version of the song Handyman?
Ans. James Jones, the American singer, was the singer and songwriter of the song.
Q2. What is the meaning of the Handyman?
Ans. A handyman is someone who is skilled at repairing and making things inside or outside the house.
Q3. Is there a hidden meaning to the song Handyman?
Ans. There is no such hidden meaning attached to the song, in this song a man is offering his services as someone who is able to fix broken hearts and make people happy again.
Fun Fact: The Taylor version of this song made him win his second Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Handy Man (Easy Version)
Song Arrangement and Demo
Introduction:
Handy Man is a classic song written by Otis Blackwell in collaboration with Jimmy Jones. But the song became much more popular after James Taylor covered it in his own style of soft rock.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson
Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: This song requires you to use soft fingerpicking along with smooth chord transitions. The instructions below show how you can play the arpeggios for this song. Don’t forget to use the thumb-heavy fingerpicking technique.
e|-----------0------------|
B|------1------1---------|
G|----0---0------0------|
D|-------------2--------|
A|--3------------------|
E|----------------------|
Strumming Pattern
You can use a simple flowing rhythm with a 4/4 time signature: D D U U D U.
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
The strumming pattern for the softer version should be played like this: D x D U x U D U.
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
- X = Muted strum; here, you have to lightly touch the string as you strum.
Song Structure
Song Arrangement And Demo: For this song, your guitar instructor is going to be Steve Luciano; he shares the difference between this easy version of the song and how it can be played even by beginners. In addition to this, you will be using capo and simple strumming for this guitar lesson. The capo is going to be on the 2nd fret.
Why Learn Handy Man Song?
This song uses easy to understand chords, thus, making it a great song to learn for beginners and for other guitarists no matter what their level is. In addition to this, it is a perfect song to play on acoustic guitar as well because it has that laid back feel to it.
FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. Who sang the original version of the song Handyman?
Ans. James Jones, the American singer, was the singer and songwriter of the song.
Q2. What is the meaning of the Handyman?
Ans. A handyman is someone who is skilled at repairing and making things inside or outside the house.
Q3. Is there a hidden meaning to the song Handyman?
Ans. There is no such hidden meaning attached to the song, in this song a man is offering his services as someone who is able to fix broken hearts and make people happy again.
Fun Fact: The Taylor version of this song made him win his second Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Handy Man (Easy Version)
Song Arrangement and Demo
Explore More in English Songs
Introduction:
Torrins brings you a classic country guitar lesson—Your Cheatin’ Heart, written and recorded by Hank Williams in 1952. Taught by Mike Dugan, this sing and play lesson breaks down the song into easy-to-follow sections, making it perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. He breaks down the chords, rhythm, and song arrangement of the song.
Fun Fact: Did you know Williams wrote this song while driving from Nashville to Shreveport with his fiancée? After calling his first wife a "cheatin’ heart," the lyrics poured and the entire song was ready within minutes.
Chords & Song Structure
This song follows a standard verse-chorus structure with a bridge in between.
- Key: The song is in the key of C major
- Verse Chords: The verse has three basic open chords. Tune into the lesson to learn them.
- Bridge Chords: Bridge includes chords like F, D7, and others.
Mike carefully breaks down finger positioning, chord transitions, and how the chords are divided across measures. He also provides alternative fingerings to make it easier for beginners.
Do you wish to learn the intricacies of Country Guitar Playing? Check out our detailed lessons to master this style!
Strumming Patterns
This song has a simple and steady strumming style, ideal for both beginners and advanced players.
- Beginner-Friendly Strumming:
- A basic downstrum-only pattern in straight 4s to help new players get comfortable.
- Advanced Strumming Pattern:
- A more dynamic down-up pattern (DDUDDDDUDD) that adds depth and groove. Mike explains the transitions and accents in detail to help you get the authentic country feel.
Sing & Play
If you want to sing while playing, Mike provides a step-by-step breakdown of how the vocals align with the chord changes. He explains:
- How to keep your strumming steady while singing
- Where to place emphasis in both lyrics and chords
- How to build confidence in singing and playing simultaneously
He suggests beginners to start with the basic strumming pattern, and once comfortable, then they can switch to the more advanced rhythm for a fuller sound.
Moreover, you can take advantage of the accompanied lyrics in the song lesson for a comprehensive learning experience.
Why Learn Your Cheatin’ Heart?
- Classic country song that strengthens rhythm guitar skills
- Great for beginners, thanks to simple chords and a steady beat
- Teaches strumming variations, helping you develop better control
- Perfect for sing-alongs, making it a fun addition to your repertoire
FAQs Your Cheatin’ Heart Guitar Lesson
Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?
Yes! The song uses simple open chords and a steady strumming pattern, making it perfect for beginners.
Q2: What if I struggle with singing and playing at the same time?
Start with basic downstrums to get comfortable. Once you have the rhythm down, gradually add vocals.
Q3: Do I need a capo for this song?
No capo is needed. The song is played in the key of C with open chords.
Introduction
Tune into a classic Pink Floyd guitar lesson on Wish You Were Here at Torrins.com, led by our experienced tutor, Mike Dugan. He breaks down the lesson into various sections: Introduction, Intro Chords & Rhythm, Intro Lead, Verse & Chorus Lesson, Solo Improvisation, Arrangement & Playing with Backing Track.
Interesting Fact: In the song's intro, you can hear David Gilmour coughing and breathing heavily before the guitar kicks in. Rumour had it that Gilmour’s smoking habit caused the cough, and that he quit smoking afterwards out of frustration with the recording. But Gilmour later clarified he never smoked!
Mike plays the song using various open chords, including Em, Em7, G, A, and Am. Tune into the complete lesson to learn the rest of the chords that make up this song. This song is a great choice for both beginners and intermediate players.
Chords Used in "Wish You Were Here" Guitar Lesson
This song is played using simple open chords, making it accessible for both beginners and intermediate players. For intermediate players, Mike introduces some alternate chord voicings to stay true to the song’s original sound while adding a unique touch.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern is beginner-friendly with consistent downstrums. For those wanting to level up, Mike shares an advanced rhythm that incorporates upstrums for a more dynamic feel.
Song Structure
"Wish You Were Here" follows a clear and structured arrangement:
- Intro: Lead + rhythm section (Mike provides a simpler alternative for beginners)
- Lead Riffs: Based on the E minor pentatonic scale and its extensions, featuring double stops and hammer-ons.
- Verse 1: Smooth chord transitions; beginners can use downstrums, while advanced players can follow the more complex rhythm.
- Solo: You can either repeat the intro solo or follow Mike’s improvisation using the E minor pentatonic scale.
- Verse 2: Similar to Verse 1, with consistent strumming and clean transitions.
- Final Solo: A concluding solo based on the intro lead and E minor pentatonic improvisation.
Improvisation Techniques
Mike teaches how to improvise using the E minor pentatonic scale. He also adds his own flair by playing it on the 12th fret in true David Gilmour style.
Singing Along
Mike also walks you through the singing component, helping you match the chord changes with the lyrics.
Pro Tip: Make use of tabs and lyrics for smoother learning.
Why Learn "Wish You Were Here"?
This lesson helps you improve your chord transitions and develop a smooth, expressive playing style. It's a great piece to master for solo and sing-along sessions. Plus, learning David Gilmour’s style will sharpen your improvisation skills.
Tips to Improve:
- Focus on clean chord transitions.
- Keep your strumming hand relaxed to maintain a steady rhythm.
FAQs – "Wish You Were Here" Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Yes! The chords are straightforward, and Mike provides a simplified version of the intro for beginners.
Q2. Can I just strum the song instead of fingerpicking?
Yes! You can simplify the song with consistent downstrums or follow the more advanced strumming pattern Mike shares.
Introduction:
Learn the groove metal song, Walk, by American heavy metal band Pantera from their sixth album, Vulgar Display of Power, on Torrins. Our expert instructor, Bobby Koeble, known for his metal guitar skills, will walk you through this detailed lesson. This lesson caters to both beginner and intermediate guitarists, with clear instructions and helpful tips.
Fun Fact: "Walk" by Pantera was inspired by the band's experience with changing relationships after they became famous. Guitarist Dimebag Darrell said the main riff was influenced by a simple rhythm they would play during soundchecks, which eventually turned into the song's iconic groove. The song's aggressive "walk on home, boy" line reflects the band's frustration with people who treated them differently after their success.
Bobby breaks this song lesson into various segments for detailed understanding and a smooth learning curve-
- Introduction & Tuning
- Intro Riff
- Intro Power Chords
- Verse
- Prechorus
- Chorus, Arrangement, & Outro
- Solo parts 1, 2, and 3
- Song with Backing Track
Each part is taught step by step, making it easier to follow along and learn the whole song at your own pace.
Chords Used in the Walk Guitar Lesson
The song is played in standard tuning down a whole step and a quarter lower.
Some of the key chords featured throughout include the Eb/Bb power chord, the D over A chord, the Db power chord, and the G chord.
Strumming Pattern
The rhythm follows a triplet-based feel, creating a steady groove. Downstroke picking is essential for maintaining the song's aggressive tone, especially during the pre-chorus and chorus. Fast-paced song with power chords making up most of the rhythm section.
Song Structure
Intro: The intro riff is simple yet powerful, all played on the 6th string. Bobby breaks down the intro by slowing it down and providing alternatives for ease of playing. The intro involves bending, slides, and a 3-note figure.
Verse: Verse follows the same 3-note figure from the intro, creating a repetitive yet driving rhythm.
Pre-Chorus: Involves power chords, including D over A, Db, and G, along with others. This section combines whole note values and half note values for a dynamic feel.
Chorus: Same as the power chord-heavy part from the intro. Note that the second chorus is played twice as long for added intensity.
Solo: The solo is divided into three distinct parts. There’s a dedicated video lesson for each part.
Outro: The song features a fading riff based on the intro section. Bobby shares a special technique for nailing this section—don't miss it!
Why Learn the Song Walk?
- This lesson teaches key metal techniques like downstrokes, bending, sliding, and vibrato.
- The song's triplet rhythm and fast pace will challenge and strengthen your playing skills.
- Learning this iconic song will add power and groove to your playing style.
Tips for Smooth Playing:
- Focus on clean transitions between chords.
- Pay attention to silencing other strings during the intro.
- Take your time with the bending and vibrato, t’s all about control!
FAQs – Walk Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Yes! The rhythm is easy to follow, the chords and solos might be trickier though.
Q2. How can I improve my triplet rhythm?
Practice slow and steady while focusing on even timing and downstrokes.
Q3. How do I maintain a clean tone while playing power chords?
Make sure to mute any unwanted strings and use proper finger positioning.
Similar Rock Songs
Introduction:
Looking to learn one of the most heartfelt love ballads ever written? Then this song tutorial of Eric Clapton’s hit song is a must-watch for you. This "Wonderful Tonight" guitar lesson, taught by Mike Dugan, breaks down the song into an easy-to-follow tutorial that’s perfect for both beginners and advanced players. Mike teaches you how to sing as well as play the song.
Fun Fact: Eric Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" while waiting for his then-girlfriend, Pattie Boyd, to get ready for an event. Despite its simplicity, the song became his most downloaded track on Spotify, with over 480 million streams!
Chords Used in "Wonderful Tonight"
This lesson is taught in the key of G major, and it primarily uses open chords, making it accessible to beginners. Some of the main chords include:
- G
- Em
- D/F#
The lesson also covers additional chords and variations—tune in to discover them all!
Strumming Pattern & Rhythm Techniques
- Beginner-Friendly Strumming: Basic downstrums to ensure smooth transitions between chords.
- Advanced Strumming: The tutorial also covers a more complex strumming pattern used in the original recording. This involves subdivisions, where each beat is split into four 16th notes, creating a rhythmic groove with an alternate strumming pattern (DUDUDU) with accents.
- Special Techniques: The instructor introduces a unique method for adding accents, perfect for players looking to elevate their rhythm skills. Tune in to the lesson to learn how to do it.
Song Structure Breakdown
This tutorial follows the song’s original structure, making it easier to follow:
- Intro (played twice)
- Verse 1
- Intro section again
- Verse 2
- Bridge
- Intro played twice
- Verse 3 with a tag ending
- Intro played twice to fade out
Tip: The intro shares a similar progression to the first part of the verse, making it easier to grasp.
Walk-Down Technique & Chord Transitions
One of the standout features of this lesson is the walk-down technique, where the bass notes descend smoothly between chords. Mike provides a step-by-step breakdown of positioning complex chord shapes and making smooth transitions.
Sing & Play Lesson
Want to sing while playing? This lesson dedicates a section to teaching how to play and sing simultaneously, helping learners match their strumming with the song’s vocal phrasing.
Final Play-Along & Bonus Lesson
- The lesson ends with a play-along section featuring a backing track, allowing learners to practice the entire song with professional accompaniment.
- For a more in-depth approach to playing "Wonderful Tonight" in an authentic style, check out Steve Luciano’s version, which focuses on the intricacies of the guitar work of the song.
FAQs – "Wonderful Tonight" Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Yes! With just a few open chords and a straightforward rhythm, it’s perfect for beginners.
Q2. How can I improve my strumming for this song?
Start with basic downstrums, then work on the subdivided 16th-note pattern with accents for a more authentic feel.
If You Like James Taylor, You'll Love These
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.
