Introduction
Introduction:
This song was originally written and composed during the time of Schultz and Fraites in New York. It was meant to be a kiss-off to disinterested concertgoers. It was the first single from a folk rock band to get certified in the US.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson:
Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song is present in the key of C major.
Strumming Pattern:
The most common strumming pattern used for playing this song is D - D - U - D - D:
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
- - = Pause (mute or let the chord ring)
The alternative strumming pattern is D - D - U - U - D - U, this adds more guitar movement in the song and makes the guitar play a bit more smooth.
Song Structure:
Introduction: The introduction of the song is by J.J. Pattishall, in here he teaches you the tuning required to play this song on guitar.
Song Arrangement: Here, your guitar instructor talks about the feel of the song and how it helps you play it. In addition, he shares with you all the chords you have to play and how they should be played.
Sing and Play: In this section, you will learn how to time your chords while you are singing.
Song Demo: Finally this is the part where your guitar instructor will show you how to play the entirety of the song with the song running in the background.
Ho Hey
Introduction
Song Arrangement
Sing and Play
Song Demo
Introduction:
This song was originally written and composed during the time of Schultz and Fraites in New York. It was meant to be a kiss-off to disinterested concertgoers. It was the first single from a folk rock band to get certified in the US.
Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson:
Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song is present in the key of C major.
Strumming Pattern:
The most common strumming pattern used for playing this song is D - D - U - D - D:
- D = Down strum
- U = Up strum
- - = Pause (mute or let the chord ring)
The alternative strumming pattern is D - D - U - U - D - U, this adds more guitar movement in the song and makes the guitar play a bit more smooth.
Song Structure:
Introduction: The introduction of the song is by J.J. Pattishall, in here he teaches you the tuning required to play this song on guitar.
Song Arrangement: Here, your guitar instructor talks about the feel of the song and how it helps you play it. In addition, he shares with you all the chords you have to play and how they should be played.
Sing and Play: In this section, you will learn how to time your chords while you are singing.
Song Demo: Finally this is the part where your guitar instructor will show you how to play the entirety of the song with the song running in the background.
Ho Hey
Introduction
Song Arrangement
Sing and Play
Song Demo
Explore More in English Songs
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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.
Introduction:
Get ready to learn You Send Me by Sam Cooke with instructor Mike Dugan on Torrins. This lesson covers everything from basic chords and strumming patterns to advanced solo techniques, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced players. Mike breaks down the song step-by-step, helping you match your vocals with the chords and refine your rhythm for a polished performance.
Fun Fact: This was Sam Cooke’s debut single and it was a glorious debut– it peaked at number 1 position on both Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Records chart and the Billboard Hot 100. It was also named as one of the 500 most important rock and roll recordings by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Chords and Techniques Used in You Send Me
- Key: The original song is in the key of F for vocals, but Mike moves it to the key of G since it’s easier to follow on the guitar.
- Chords Used:
- G, D or D7, Am, and others
- He explains easy chord transitions and provides alternatives for beginners struggling with barre chords.
- Strumming Pattern:
- For Beginners:
- Use downstrokes, with two strums per chord for the verse.
- The verse uses open chords, with downstrokes on the numbers and upstrokes on the "and" counts.
- Tip: Don’t force the upstrokes—keep them light and natural.
- For Advanced Players:
- Mike demonstrates an advanced rhythm pattern using downstrokes with a triplet feel.
- He explains how to create a smoother, more dynamic strumming effect.
- For Beginners:
Song Structure
- Verse 1 and Verse 2: The two verses follow the same chord pattern and strumming technique. He also teaches how to match your vocals with the chords for a cohesive sound.
- Bridge: The bridge includes barre chords, but Mike teaches open chord alternatives for beginners. He explains the correct positioning for barre chords in detail to help you improve your grip and clarity.
- Solo Section: The solo is in the key of G major. The lead follows the relative minor of G (E minor), using the E minor pentatonic scale. For advanced players, he demonstrates a creative technique that makes the solo sound very close to the original recording.
Why Learn You Send Me?
This lesson not only teaches you how to play the song but also helps you develop better rhythm, improve chord transitions, and explore creative soloing techniques. The mix of beginner-friendly guidance and advanced options makes it a well-rounded learning experience.
Tips to Improve Your Playing
- Start slow with the strumming pattern to build muscle memory.
- Focus on smooth transitions between chords.
- For the solo, practice the E minor pentatonic scale separately before combining it with the backing track.
- Follow along with the tabs provided for a comprehensive learning experience.
FAQs – You Send Me Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song suitable for beginners?
Ans: Yes! The lesson includes beginner-friendly chords and strumming patterns, along with alternatives for challenging barre chords.
Q2. What’s the best way to improve my chord transitions?
Ans: Start slowly and focus on switching between two chords at a time before increasing your speed.
Q3. Do I need a capo for this song?
Ans: No capo is required, but you can experiment with different chord voicings to match your vocal range.
Introduction:
Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars, taught by expert instructor Mike Walker. This beautiful and heartfelt song is known for its simplicity and emotional depth, making it a great choice for both beginners and intermediate players. In this lesson, you'll learn two different ways to play this song with and without a capo along with essential strumming techniques and dynamics.
Fun Fact: "Just The Way You Are" was Bruno Mars' debut solo single, earning him the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. This song marked the beginning of his rise to global stardom!
Chords Used in Just The Way You Are Guitar Lesson
With Capo (3rd fret):
- Mike demonstrates how to play the song with chords like Bm, Double Stack G, and others.
- The non-capo version of the song includes just a handful of chords, with one being a barre chord (Bm). However, Mike Walker demonstrates an easy way to play it, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Without Capo:
- Bb (barre chord), F, and others.
- This version features slightly trickier chord shapes, but the lesson breaks down smooth transitions between them.
Strumming Pattern
The song follows a consistent and simple strumming pattern: DDDUDUDD.
Mike explains how to approach string roots and strumming accents to enhance your playing. Tune in to the lesson to learn these techniques in detail.
Pro Tip: Since the song is highly repetitive, dynamics play a crucial role. Dynamics keep the song engaging and expressive. The verse is played slightly louder than the chorus to create contrast and keep the song engaging.
Capo vs. Non-Capo Version
This lesson provides two approaches:
- Capo Version: A beginner-friendly arrangement with simple chord transitions.
- Non-Capo Version: A slightly more advanced version with barre chords and intricate transitions.
Mike plays both versions along with a backing track to help tie everything together. The lyrics provided with the guitar tutorial help you follow along seamlessly, making it easier to match your playing with the vocal phrasing and timing.
Why Learn Just The Way You Are?
This lesson is perfect for players who want to master song dynamics and strumming consistency. You'll also gain experience with barre chords, making it a great stepping stone toward more advanced playing.
FAQs – Just The Way You Are Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
A: Yes! The capo version makes it accessible, while the non-capo version challenges intermediate players.
Q2. Do I need a capo?
A: No, but the capo version simplifies chord shapes and makes the song easier to play.
Q4. What if I struggle with the barre chords?
A: Mike demonstrates easy ways to tackle the barre chords and some tips for smooth transitions and finger positionings.


























