Introduction

Blues

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Wagon Wheel

by J.J. Pattishall

Country

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

I Should Have Known Better

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Tune in to another detailed guitar lesson on the Torrins platform! The I Should Have Known Better guitar lesson is taught by our expert instructor Steve Luciano. He makes learning this popular Beatles song both fun and rewarding.

I Should Have Known Better, by The Beatles, was originally released on the soundtrack of A Hard Day's Night—the film of the same name.

This guitar tutorial covers chord progressions and rhythm in detail. Steve also breaks down the advanced rhythm of this song for those who wish to level up their guitar playing.

Fun Fact:

In A Hard Day’s Night, "I Should Have Known Better" is performed in a train’s brake coach—but the scene was actually filmed inside a stationary van, with crew members rocking it to simulate motion!

Chords & Key

Steve Luciano demonstrates how to play this song in the key of G major, using only seven chords. Some of the key chords in this song are G, C, Em, and D7. Tune in to the full guitar tutorial to learn the remaining chords and master the song with us.

**Chords Used in I Should Have Known Better Guitar Lesson**

Verse & Chorus Chords: This song primarily includes open chords.

Strumming & Rhythm

Basic Rhythm Pattern: DDDUD (4 beats)

The strumming pattern follows a 4-beat rhythm, making it beginner-friendly
Steve Luciano demonstrates how to navigate chord transitions, including the shift from two chords per measure in the intro and beginning of the verse to one chord per measure throughout the rest of the song.

Right-Hand & Left-Hand Technique

Since the rhythm remains consistent throughout, the right hand moves constantly, focusing on steady strumming.
The left-hand placement changes, and Luciano shares great tips on finger positioning and switching, ensuring smooth playing.

Song Structure

This song follows the usual verse-chorus format.

Use the provided tabs to follow the chord progressions as Luciano guides you through the song structure.

Advanced Rhythm Techniques

Once you've learned the basic chords and developed good control over your left hand, you can move on to a more complex rhythm pattern.

Anticipated Rhythm:

Luciano introduces a technique where chords or notes are played slightly before the expected beat to create a sense of forward motion and groove.
This anticipation technique adds energy, syncopation, and a more natural feel to the rhythm, making your playing sound more dynamic.

**Why Learn I Should Have Known Better Song?**

Learning this Beatles classic will help you build core guitar skills in a fun and engaging way.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on technique, this track offers plenty of learning opportunities.

This guitar lesson focuses on:

Learning various chords
Understanding rhythm variations & dynamics
Improving strumming and finger placement

**FAQs – I Should Have Known Better Guitar Lesson**

Q1: Do I need a capo?

No, a capo is not required. However, you can try experimenting with different voicings to see what matches your vocal range.

Q2: Are there any barre chords in this song?

No, Steve Luciano teaches this song using open chords only.

Q3: How can I make the rhythm more dynamic?

Playing chords slightly ahead of the beat creates a more dynamic feel. This anticipation technique is covered in detail in the guitar lesson.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Sunshine of Your Love

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Do you want to learn a classic blues rock song—one that almost everyone has heard and can get anyone grooving? You’re exactly where you need to be. Tune into the guitar lesson for Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love on Torrins.com, led by our expert tutor Steve Luciano.

He breaks down this song into Introduction, Chords, Rhythm, and shares great tips on everything from finger positioning to chord transitions, to ensure a smooth learning journey. You can also find tabs and lyrics for this song, along with the guitar tutorial.

Chords Used in Sunshine of Your Love Song Tutorial

Verse & Chorus Chords: Power Chords

This song heavily relies on 5th root power chords (two-note chords made of the root note and its fifth), making it a must-learn for mastering chord transitions and control. Some of the chords used in this lesson are D, C, and Ab.

Mastering these chord transitions will significantly improve your power chord fluency.

Strumming & Rhythm Pattern

The rhythm alternates between a DDD pattern and a DUD pattern, giving the song its signature groove.

Song Structure

Sunshine of Your Love follows a 24-measure form, making it an excellent song for developing rhythm consistency and smooth chord shifts.

The intro starts with a power chord on the 6th string
A few measures later, the riff transitions to the 5th string (Make sure the 6th string is muted!)
The position changes again as the song progresses

Steve also points out parts of the song where he uses string bending. It’s a technique that adds emotion and character to notes, often giving the song a signature bluesy rock vibe.

Why Learn Sunshine of Your Love Song on Guitar?

Learning how to play this song on guitar helps you master techniques like string bending and gain fluency over power chords. Learning these techniques helps you add expressive dynamics to your playing, and power chords are essential for classic rock and blues.

Sunshine of Your Love is a perfect song to add to your repertoire if you wish to develop better finger positioning & control and enhance your rhythm skills with a structured song.

FAQs – Sunshine of Your Love Guitar Lesson

Q1: Can I learn the song Sunshine of Your Love on guitar without tabs and lyrics?

Sure, it’s possible — but why make it harder than it needs to be? The tabs and lyrics included in our tutorial are there to guide you through the structure, chord changes, and timing. Especially if you're still building confidence, they’ll save you hours of trial and error.

Q2: What techniques will this lesson help me improve?

This lesson is a goldmine for anyone looking to tighten their rhythm and power chord game. You'll get hands-on with strumming patterns, chord transitions, and some expressive string bending — all crucial techniques if you're aiming to play blues or classic rock with the right attitude and feel.

Fun Fact: The iconic riff of Sunshine of Your Love was directly inspired by Jimi Hendrix! After witnessing Hendrix's electrifying performance at London’s Saville Theatre on January 29, 1967, Cream’s bassist Jack Bruce went home and came up with the song’s signature riff that same night, and then the song was written on top of it. Guitarist Eric Clapton later described it as a tribute to Hendrix’s incredible playing.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Fear of the Dark Solos

by Mike Walker

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.

Metal

Taught by

Mike Walker

Tore Down

by Mike Dugan

Tore Down - Introduction

Tore Down is a blues classic originally recorded by Freddie King in 1961 under the title "I'm Tore Down." Written by pianist Sonny Thompson, the song became one of King's biggest hits, reaching #5 on Billboard's R&B chart. The track showcases King's powerful voice and sharp guitar work, blending Texas blues with a raw, energetic delivery. Decades later, Eric Clapton covered the song for his 1994 blues album From the Cradle, staying true to King's original arrangement while adding his signature touch.

Clapton's version keeps the song's essential elements—the falsetto vocal phrases, punchy guitar fills, and that unmistakable blues shuffle. His recording was so well-received that it also reached #5, this time on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart. Over the years, Clapton has performed "Tore Down" live many times, including at his Live in Hyde Park concert and John Mayall’s 70th Birthday show. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its raw emotion and tight groove, making it a favourite among blues guitarists.

Tore Down Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Dugan, this lesson breaks down Eric Clapton’s version of ‘Tore Down’, focusing on the blues shuffle rhythm, stop-time sections, and lead fills. The song is in the key of A major and follows a classic 12-bar blues structure, but with some clever variations. The most distinctive feature is the stop-time verses, where the band cuts out on the 1st beat, leaving space for Clapton’s vocals to drive the song forward. There are two types of stops—short stops (just a quick pause) and long stops (a full beat of silence).

The rhythm guitar part uses a Texas blues shuffle, played with a light swing feel. The basic pattern is A5-D5-A5-E5-D5-A5, but the magic is in the muting and dynamics. Use palm muting on the lower strings to keep it tight, and let the chords ring out slightly on the turnaround. Clapton’s version has a crisp, clean tone, so roll back your guitar’s tone knob a bit and use a tube amp with mild breakup.

For the lead fills, Clapton sticks mostly to the A minor pentatonic scale (A-C-D-E-G) but adds bluesy bends and quick hammer-ons for extra flavour. The opening riff is simple but effective—just a few well-placed notes with vibrato. The solo builds on Freddie King’s original licks but with Clapton’s smoother phrasing. Pay attention to his bending accuracy—he often bends up a whole step (from C to D) with perfect pitch control.

The stop-time sections require tight coordination with the band. When the band stops on the 1st beat, keep your strumming hand moving in time so you can jump back in smoothly. Beginners should practice the stops slowly, counting out loud (1-2-3-4-STOP) to internalise the rhythm. Advanced players can work on Clapton’s subtle variations, like adding a quick chromatic slide into a chord or throwing in a double-stop lick before a stop.

FAQs

Q. How do I play the Texas shuffle rhythm?

Use a down-up strum pattern with swing feel, muting the strings lightly between chords.

Q. What scale does Clapton use for solos?

Mostly A minor pentatonic, with some blues scale (added flat 5th) notes for extra grit.

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Heaven

by Mike Walker

Heaven By Bryan Adams

In this guitar lesson, instructed by Mike Walker, you will learn the clean electric guitar progression that comes in at the beginning of the song. The structure you have to follow is quite straightforward; it uses verse, bridges, chorus, and then again a bridge.

But what sets this song and its lesson apart is the use of gravel-toned vocals, which carry a hint of vulnerability that was pretty rare back in the '80s rock anthems. On the other hand, if we look at the lyrics, they were quite earnest and at the same time universal.

Why Learn Heaven Song On Guitar?

Heaven is a dream song to learn, especially if you are a beginner. Let us show you how it can be part of your musical journey and help you learn new techniques:

Use of Basic Chords: It is the song that uses simple open chords such as C, G, Am, F and Dm. In addition to this, there’s also a capo version which allows you to use simpler fingerpicking.

Slow Tempo: Heaven is played with a tempo of 65-70 BPM. This slow pace makes it a perfect song for learning clean transitions and rhythms.

Emotional Expressions: It’s a great song for people who are trying to play songs that are heavy on feels. Besides this, it also teaches you how to move beyond mechanical strumming.

Follows Familiar Structure: You have to follow a verse-chorus structure, which is beginner-friendly and, at the same time, makes you understand how popular songs are composed.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Absinthe Party

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Absinthe Party is the most well-known song from Minus the Bear. It involves intricate guitar play along with unique rhythm and tapping techniques. Minus the Bear is an Indie rock band from America; in their entire run, the band released a total of 6 studio albums.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: Instead of the traditional way, Minus the Bear uses the tapping technique to create arpeggios for this song, here’s an example of how you can also play arpeggios for this track:

e|------7h10p7-----7h10p7------|

B|-----------------------------|

G|----7---------7-------------|

D|--9---------9---------------|

A|-----------------------------|

E|-----------------------------|

Strumming Pattern

This song requires you to learn finger tapping, syncopated rhythms, along with layered guitar parts. The band was less resilient to the traditional strumming pattern; still if you are looking for a rhythm guitar approach you can follow this pattern: D D U U D U.

D = Down strum
U = Up strum

Song Structure

Introduction: The introduction of this guitar lesson starts with prepping your guitar with the necessary tuning.

Tapping Section: In this section, you will be learning about how to play the first part of the song using the two-handed tapping technique.

Distortion Section: For this section you have to turn on the distortion on your amplifier, you will be playing a repetitive riff which will be replayed 4 times in the song.

Song Demo: Here your music instructor Mike Walker is going to show you how to play the entire song with the backing track.

Overdubs: There are two overdub sections in this song and in this part of the guitar lesson Mike is going to teach you both of them.

Why Learn Absinthe Party By Minus The Bear?

For this song, you have to learn an intricate technique of two-hand tapping, which makes it both fun and challenging even for an expert guitarist. As you learn this song, you will be able to work on your dexterity, coordination and fluid playing.

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Did Minus the Bear stop performing?

Ans. In 2018, Minus the Bear came out with sad news of their retirement. They accompanied their retirement with a farewell tour as well. In 2025, the band reunited once again and announced an anniversary tour to commemorate their 20th anniversary of Menos el Oso.

Q2. Who is the lead singer of the Absinthe Party by Minus the Bear?

Ans. Jake Snider is the lead singer of the band, and he was the main vocalist of the song Absinthe Party.

Q3. What Type of music does Minus The Bear produce?

Ans. All the songs from Minus the Bear can be categorised as experimental rock, there had been a number of twists and turns in their music throughout their 17 year long run. The band was able to build a strong fan base after they were formed in 2001.

Fun Fact: A friend of the band went on a date and when Jake Snider who was singer and guitarist for the band asked him how his date was he said You know that TV show from the '70s, B. J. and the Bear? It was like that ... minus the Bear.' And from there all the members agreed on naming that reference as their official band name.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Catch the Rainbow

by Mike Walker

hard

Hard Rock

Taught by

Mike Walker

Estranged

by Bill Peck

Taught by

Bill Peck

Similar Pop Songs

Rolling in the Deep

by J.J. Pattishall

If needed add some text content with lesson to show on viewer's screen.

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Locked out of Heaven

by J.J. Pattishall

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Poker Face as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Poker Face

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

I Wont Give Up

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Torrins brings you another heartfelt country classic—Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson, taught by Mike Dugan. This in-depth lesson covers everything from basic chords to advanced rhythm techniques, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced players.

Fun Fact: Always on My Mind was the Billboard number one country album of the year in 1982. It remained on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for an astonishing 253 weeks, holding the number one spot for 22 weeks. It even spent 99 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at number two for three weeks!

Chords Used in Always on My Mind

Beginner Chords:

D, A, Bm, etc (alternative chords provided for those struggling with barre chords)
Bm/G# and other slash chords (simplified option available)
Basic downstrumming technique

Advanced Chords:

Walk-down from Bm barre chord to G, creating a smooth transition
Em, A, D, and motion chord movement from Em to F#, along with other chord voicings
Includes A/C# to add depth to the song

Rhythm & Strumming Pattern

Beginner Rhythm:

Simple downstrumming throughout the song for easy playability

Advanced Rhythm:

More dynamic strumming pattern: DUDDUD with variations in the upstrokes
Incorporates subdivisions and expressive chord transitions to match the song’s emotional tone

Song Structure

This song follows a classic country ballad structure:

Intro
Verse 1 & 2
Bridge – Separate versions for beginners and advanced players
Solo Verse – Melody-driven section
Bridge Repeat

Solo Section

Uses the D major scale for advanced players
Simple yet effective solo incorporating D and Bm/A chords, to name a few
Captures the melody of the song to create an emotional instrumental moment

Improvisation Techniques

For those wanting to add their own flavour, Mike shares techniques to elevate their playing:

Walk-down motions to create smoother transitions
Letting open strings ring for a fuller sound
Subtle rhythmic variations to match Willie Nelson’s expressive phrasing

**Why Learn Always on My Mind?**

This lesson is a great way to enhance your expressiveness as a guitarist. Whether you’re learning the basic chords or mastering the advanced transitions, Mike ensures that every player walks away with valuable skills.

**FAQs – Always on My Mind Guitar Lesson**

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Ans: It’s better suited for intermediate and advanced players, but Mike breaks it down for beginners as well.

Q2. What if I struggle with barre chords?

Ans: Alternative chord shapes are provided for Bm and Bm/G# to make it easier.

Q3. How can I improve my strumming on this song?

Ans: Beginners should start with downstrumming, while advanced players can incorporate upstroke variations and subdivisions for a more dynamic feel.

Q4. Does this lesson include a solo?

Ans: Yes! The solo is based on the D major scale and includes a simple yet effective melody.

moderate

Pop

Taught by

Mike Walker

If It's Love

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

This is one of the upbeat acoustic songs that is pretty easy to learn, as it uses simple chords that anyone new to guitar playing can understand with ease. In addition to this, the chord changes are pretty smooth, thus, giving you a lot of relaxation when it comes to playing the guitar and singing your heart out.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song If It's Love as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Progressions, Rhythm and Progression and Song Demo and Conclusion. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: This song has repeated chord progression and is pretty simple as well. The common arpeggio to use for this song is:

e|-----------0------------|

B|------1------1---------|

G|----0---0------0------|

D|-------------2--------|

A|--3------------------|

E|----------------------|

Strumming Pattern

This song follows the most basic 4/4 time; the main strumming pattern that you have to use in this song goes something like this: D D U U D U.

D = Down strum
U = Up strum

Song Structure

Introduction: To play this song on guitar along with the backing track you have to tune down your guitar to half step and that’s what you will be learning in the introduction from Steve Luciano, your guitar instructor for this lesson.

Chords and Progressions: Here you will be learning how to play the intro of the song by using just 2 to 3 different notes that Steve is going to show you.

Rhythm and Progression: In this part, Steve discusses the importance of filling up the drum sections with a dead sound, meaning you have to keep your hand moving. It will help you with your rhythm.

Song Demo and Conclusion: This is the final part of the lesson, where Steve will show you how to play the entire song with the backing track.

Why Learn If It's Love By Train Song?

The strumming pattern and chords used in this song are pretty easy to learn, they are great for improving timing and groove of the music. If you are someone who wants to have an acoustic jam session or wants to enjoy solo performances then it is the song for you.

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is the Train band still performing and recording new music?

Ans. Yes, the band is still active and they are performing worldwide in more than 10 countries in 2025 where they have lined-up 25 upcoming shows.

Q2. Is there any member from the band who split up?

Ans. Pat Monahan is one of the founding members of the band who broke up and went on his way. Apart from him, drummers, guitarists, and even a few other members were also replaced in 2021.

Q3. In which genre of music does the music of Train fall?

Ans. The music of the train falls under the category of pop rock, rock roots and rock.

Fun Fact: The song was written on the same day when the hit “Hey, Soul Sister” was written, the song was intended as a way to showcase gratitude to long-time fans.