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Torrins brings you another heartfelt guitar song lesson I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman, taught by J.J. Pattishall. This lesson focuses on fingerpicking, chord transitions, and rhythm techniques, making it a great song to develop both your picking accuracy and emotional expression.

Interesting Fact: This song carries deep personal meaning. Chapman wrote it as a promise to his wife during a difficult time when his parents were going through a divorce. It became one of his most beloved songs, offering reassurance and commitment through its lyrics and melody.

Chords & Song Structure

This lesson breaks the song into easy-to-follow sections: Intro & Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Song Demo, Rhythm, and Sing & Play.

Capo is on the 1st fret

Key used is D (relative to capo), actual tuning is Eb

Chords Used:

• Intro & Verse: Dsus2, A7sus4, Bm (a barre chord), Em7, and others
• Chorus: Bm/A, A/G, D/F#, and more
• Bridge: Includes a diminished chord and a piano/instrumental section

J.J. shares some alternatives for the difficult chords such as barre chords. 

The chords are arpeggiated, giving the song its signature flow. J.J. carefully explains finger placement and picking techniques to help you achieve the song’s delicate feel. 

Fingerpicking & Rhythm Patterns

This song features a beautiful fingerpicking pattern. J.J. breaks it down in detail, ensuring that even beginners can grasp the technique.

For those who find fingerpicking challenging, he also introduces two basic rhythm patterns as an alternative:

1. DDUDDUDDUD – A straightforward strumming pattern
2. DDUUDDDUUD – Adds syncopation for a more dynamic feel

Verse, Chorus & Bridge Breakdown

• Intro & Verse: J.J. carefully walks through the arpeggiated chords and explains how to maintain a steady rhythm. He also shares a technique to create a flowing fingerpicking style.
• Chorus: The transitions between chords like Bm/A, F#, A/G, and D/F# are broken down step by step. He highlights turnarounds, ensuring smooth movement between sections.
• Bridge: Features a diminished chord, adding tension and resolution to the song. J.J. also explains the piano and instrumental section. 

Sing & Play – Coordinating Vocals & Guitar

This lesson doesn’t just teach you how to play the guitar part—it also helps you combine playing with singing. J.J. explains:

• How to sync your strumming or fingerpicking with the lyrics
• Phrasing techniques to match the melody with chord changes
• How to make the song your own while staying true to its essence

Final Song Demo & Play-Along

To bring everything together, J.J. performs the song with a backing track, reinforcing all the techniques covered in the lesson. This play-along section lets you practice along and refine your timing and transitions.

Why Learn I Will Be Here?

• Develops fingerpicking skills – great for improving coordination and technique
• Enhances chord transitions – teaches smooth movement between complex shapes

FAQs – I Will Be Here Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this lesson beginner-friendly?

Yes! While the fingerpicking and chord shapes may seem tricky at first, J.J. provides simplified alternatives and a step-by-step breakdown.

Q2: Can I strum instead of fingerpick?

Absolutely. J.J. introduces two strumming patterns for those who prefer a rhythmic approach. 

Q3: Do I need a capo?

Yes, place the capo on the 1st fret to match the song’s key.

Learn to play Island In The Sun by an American rock band called Weezers with this beginner-friendly guitar tutorial, taught by our expert tutor, Steve Luciano. Master chords, rhythms, and backing tracks with ease. 

Steve breaks this song down using just four simple chords—yes, only four—played in a repetitive pattern. Two of them? E minor and A minor. Want to learn the rest and master the rhythm that brings this song to life? Tune in to the full tutorial! 

Chords Used in Island In The Sun Guitar Lesson

Verse & Chorus Chords: The verse and chorus use open string chords 

The original version of the song is played using movable chords, however, Steve teaches this guitar song tutorial using open chords to ensure ease of playing for beginners. 

Steve breaks down this song to play it using 4 easy chords used repetitively. However, the rhythm is slightly complex. 

Strumming Pattern: This song follows a common 4/4 time signature with a two-measure pattern. Steve uses an anticipating rhythm to add syncopation on the upbeat, giving the song a more dynamic feel

For the intro part, the rhythm is slightly tricky– DDUDDUUDUDD. 

However, as the vocal comes in, the rhythm becomes simpler and repeats in this pattern– DDUDDDDUDD

Since the rhythm of this is slightly more complex, Steve teaches this song using simple open string chords, instead of movable chords like the original version, so that it’s easier on the left hand. This gives an overall great groove to the song. 

Why Learn Island in the Sun on the Guitar? 

• This guitar lesson focuses on rhythm mastery, particularly syncopation and anticipating beats.
• Great for improving timing, strumming control, and chord switching.
• Provides a relaxed, island-like groove, making it fun to play.

Tips for Mastering the Rhythm 

Start slow: Play the intro rhythm at a slower tempo and then gradually increase the speed.

• Use a metronome: It helps develop consistency, especially with anticipation and syncopation.
• Strum lightly: Overstrumming can kill the groove—aim for a relaxed wrist motion.

FAQs – Island In The Sun Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?

• Yes! Although the rhythm is slightly tricky, Steve simplifies it by using open chords instead of movable ones.

Q2: How can I improve my rhythm for this song?

• Focus on anticipation, follow Steve’s guidance, and practice with a metronome.

Torrins brings you one of the most legendary rock riffs ever recorded-Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple, taught by Mike Walker. This guitar lesson is designed to break down the song step by step, covering everything from the iconic riff to solo improvisation. Whether you’re picking up the electric guitar for the first time or looking to level up your playing, this one’s a must-learn.

Fun Fact: Although the song appeared on Machine Head in 1972, it wasn’t released as a single until 1973. Surprisingly, the band didn’t expect it to be a hit. But it climbed to number 4 on the Billboard pop charts and became one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history.

Chords and Song Key

This lesson is taught in the key of B♭, but the song carries a G minor feel throughout. You’ll be using a few essential power chords like G5, A♭5, and others as you move through the sections.

The song’s time signature is 4/4, with a tempo of 112 BPM. Two main scales are used across the lesson: the G minor scale and the G blues pentatonic, both of which are central to the solo and improvisation parts.

Iconic Intro Riff

It’s the riff that every guitarist wants to play and for good reason. Mike breaks it down clearly, explaining which strings to let ring and how to get that gritty rock tone. He demonstrates both fingerpicking and pick-style playing, so you can choose the approach that suits you best.

Verse and Chorus Sections

In the verse, you’ll be working with a group of three chords, using arpeggios and palm muting to add texture. The phrasing follows a clean 4-bar structure, making it easy to follow.

The chorus section also relies on arpeggios. Mike walks through each measure in detail, grouping chords and explaining the rhythm so you can play with ease and confidence.

Rhythm Underneath the Solo

For the rhythm guitar players, Mike breaks down the part that supports the solo section. This part mostly uses just two chords, but involves some precise fingerpicking techniques to maintain the groove and drive.

Solo Lesson

Mike takes you through the solo lick by lick, staying in the G minor scale. He explores techniques like vibrato to add feel and energy. It’s a great way to learn how to play expressively.

Solo Demo and Improvisation

Once the solo is broken down, Mike ties everything together with a full solo demo played along with a backing track. Then comes the fun part, improvisation. He shares how to use:

• G minor and G pentatonic scales
• G pentatonic with a flat 5
• Phrasing on the 15th fret

You’ll also pick up a few stylistic ideas inspired by Jon Lord’s playing style, which adds a cool, classic-rock flavor to your soloing.

Why Learn - Smoke on the Water?

• One of the most famous riffs in rock history
• Teaches you both rhythm and lead techniques
• A solid introduction to rock improvisation
• Perfect for building confidence on the electric guitar

FAQs – Smoke on the Water Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes, and Mike simplifies each section so it’s approachable even if you’re just getting started.

Q2. Do I need an electric guitar?

It’s recommended, as this song is designed with electric tone and expression in mind.

Q3. Can I play the riff with a pick?

Absolutely. Mike shows both finger and pick methods—you can choose what feels right.