Overdub 1

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

Reggae

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Wherever I May Roam

by Bill Peck

Metal

Taught by

Bill Peck

Crystal Mountain

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction:

Torrins brings you another electrifying guitar lesson "Crystal Mountain by Death", taught by none other than Bobby Koelble, one of the original guitarists on the track. This lesson breaks down the intricate riffs, solos, and powerful progressions that make this song a metal masterpiece.

Fun Fact: Crystal Mountain was inspired by Chuck Schuldiner’s real-life experiences with his not-so-friendly next-door neighbour. Their unpleasant interactions fueled the aggression and emotion behind this legendary track!

Tuning & Gear

Tuning: Standard tuning down a whole step.
Use the provided tabs for a more comprehensive learning experience.

Song Breakdown

This lesson is structured into multiple sections to make learning seamless:

Introduction
Intro Riff
Verse
Chorus
Bridge
Solo-Tapping Section
Main Solo
Acoustic Solo
Song Demo (Chuck’s Part)
Song Demo (Bobby’s Part)
Full Song Demo (Combining All Parts)

Chords & Riffs in Crystal Mountain

Intro Riff

The first 8 bars feature power chords like E, Bb, and F, with vibrato. Tune in to the lesson to learn the rest of the chords.
The second half of the intro is harmonised down a perfect 5th.
Scale: E Harmonic Minor.

Verse

The Am chord is played with a variation in arpeggio.
Includes F power chords and some single notes, along with other chords.
Heavy distortion is used to achieve that signature Death sound.

Chorus

Chorus features single notes and an active midsection involving the open 5th string.
Chuck Schuldiner added an intricate melody over the chorus section. Bobby walks you through this in detail.

Bridge

It begins with power chords in the rhythm track.
It is layered with harmonised single-note phrases on top

Solo Sections

Tapping Solo

This solo features harmonised tapping licks at the 12th fret.

Main Solo

Chuck’s solo—short but iconic.
It is in the key of G# minor.
Uses triplets and expressive vibrato.

Acoustic Solo

An acoustic solo is a rare touch in a Death song! Bobby demonstrates 4 simple acoustic licks to round off the song.

Final Song Demo

After breaking down every section, Bobby dedicates three lessons to the song demo:

Chuck’s part
His own part
The full song, combining all elements

Why Learn Crystal Mountain?

Learning this song will help you master intricate picking techniques.
It will also help you understand harmonised riffs and solos.
It will expand your knowledge of scales and metal phrasing.

FAQs – Crystal Mountain Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this lesson suitable for beginners?

A: This lesson is best suited for intermediate to advanced players because of its complex chords and solos.

Q2. What is the most challenging part of the song?

A: The solo-tapping section and harmonised melodies require precise technique and practice.

Q3. Can I play this without tuning down?

A: Yes, you can, but tuning down a whole step helps achieve the authentic Death sound.

moderate

Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Tighten Up

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Tighten is a song by American rock band the Black Keys. It is the third track of their 2010 album called Brothers, which was released as the first single from the album. In 2011, Rolling Stones magazine put Tighten Up on its list of 15 Best Whistling Songs of All Time.

Also, Tighten Up became the most successful single from The Black Keys. It was the band's first song to hit the Billboard Hot 100 in America and reached number one on the list of alternative songs.

Chords Used in Tighten Up Song

The most common chords you will be using in this song are F#m, AM7, Bm, and C#.

Song Structure

Introduction: In this part, your guitar instructor, Mike Walker, teaches you the basic music knowledge to play this song on guitar.

Verse Chords and Rhythm: Here, Mike will show you where to take the necessary pause and hit the guitar chords when counting to 4.

Solos: Here, you will learn the first solo, which breaks up the verse section into two parts of the song.

Bridge and Outro Solo: Mike will teach you how to play the barre chords required to play the bridge and outro solo for this song.

Song Demo: In this section, Mike will play the entirety of the song on guitar to demonstrate it.

Easy Version: If you are a beginner in terms of guitar playing, Mike has got you covered with the easy version of the song, which you can play with ease.

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Every Breath You Take as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Main Riff, Verses and Bridge, Interlude and Arrangement. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Handy Man

by Steve Luciano

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.

moderate

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Every Breath You Take

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Wonderful Tonight (Sing and Play)

by Mike Dugan

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.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Can't Help Falling in Love

by Mike Dugan

In this video lesson Mike Dugan teaches how to play the song Can't Help Falling in Love as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Verse (Chords, Rhythm, and Singing) and Bridge and Song Arrangement. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Pop

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Money Talks

by Mike Walker

Pop

Taught by

Mike Walker

Similar Rock Songs

Highway Star

by Mike Walker

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Sister Golden Hair as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Chords, Rhythm, and Backing Track. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Sister Golden Hair

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Island in the Sun

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

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.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Hotel California (Hell Freezes Over Album Live)

by Mike Walker

Hotel California - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on the acoustic version of one of the greatest songs of all time, Hotel California by The Eagles. This specific arrangement replaces the original electric instruments with nylon-string guitars, creating a different interpretation of the song. The track keeps the same chord progression and structure as the studio version but uses fingerpicking patterns and multiple guitar harmonies.

Hotel California, as writer Henley put it, is more of a symbolic piece about America in general, and added, “Lyrically, the song deals with traditional or classical themes of conflict: darkness and light, good and evil, youth and age, the spiritual versus the secular. I guess you could say it's a song about the loss of innocence”.

The song follows a narrative about a traveller staying at a mysterious hotel, with lyrics that some interpret as commentary on American culture, for instance, the most iconic line of the song being “you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave”.

Hotel California Guitar Lesson

Hotel California guitar lesson is taught by our beloved expert, Mike Walker, who explains all the different sections of the song in a section-by-section manner, starting from the intro that talks about the chords and different voicings of those chords, through the acoustic overdubs and the guitar solo section.

The song features a number of minor 7ths, dominants, suspended and augmented chords. The intro alone covers all these variations of these chords. The tutor, nevertheless, goes into detail explaining how to play them using a fingerpicking pattern.

The song is written in B minor; the live acoustic version uses a capo on the 7th fret, making it an E minor. The intro follows a repeating progression of Em-B7-Dsus-A7-C-G-Am7-B7, which establishes the harmonic foundation.

Since this is an acoustic version of the song, played by multiple guitarists. There are a number of artistic motifs and embellishments using techniques like double stops, arpeggios, and most importantly, the individual guitarists harmonising with each other throughout the song.

The tutor explains all the solos of the song in great detail, the last of which features some of the notes from the harmonic minor scale, which carry a signature sound of the desert, or the Middle East. This lends itself literally to the theme of the narrative of the song.

FAQs

Q. Do I need a nylon-string guitar to play this version?

While the original recording uses nylon strings, you can play it on a steel-string acoustic. The tone will sound brighter, but the chords and techniques remain the same.

Q. Why is the capo on the 7th fret? Can I play it without one?

The capo transposes the chords to match the original key (B minor) and allows easier open-position shapes. Without a capo, you’ll need to play full barre chords in B minor.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song I am a Believer as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Chord Progression and Rhythm and Advanced Rhythm. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

I am a Believer

by Steve Luciano

In this video lesson Mike Dugan teaches how to play the song Peaceful Easy Feeling 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

Steve Luciano

Peaceful Easy Feeling

by Mike Dugan

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Maggie May

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Smells Like Teen Spirit

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Simple Man

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

The Sky is Crying

by Mike Dugan

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Songs with Similar Difficulty

Challa

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Tere Mere Saath Jo Hota Hai

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Locha E Ulfat

by Ehsaan Noorani

Locha-E-Ulfat is a fun song that will make you come on the dance floor whenever it gets played. The beauty of the song lies in its ability to turn rhythm into the star. As a guitar learner, you might have chased emotional ballads first, but this track teaches you a lot of different things, such as groove, precision, and timing, all of which are equally important to master guitar chords.

Your guitar instructor for this song lesson is Ehsaan Noorani, who was one of the composers from the trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. It’s a unique song to learn on guitar because it teaches you how to move to the next level of strumming. The infectious groove is not a piece of cake, but with this guitar song lesson, you will find out ways to lock in the beat and stay there. All your mistakes will be shown openly; there is no way you can hide them, making this song an excellent rhythm-training tool.

Why Learn Locha-Ulfat Song From 2 States On Guitar?

Locha-E-Ulfat thrives on muted strokes and syncopation. As you practice this song on guitar, you will learn how to control string muting, add percussive texture, and keep energy without playing it louder. All three of these skills are pretty important when it comes to modern acoustic playing.

The chords present in this song lesson are quite simple to master, but if you are playing them without inducing “feelings” to it, you are not honoring the composition. When you actually feel the song, that’s when your real growth happens.

You will be required to learn fast chord changes with rhythmic strumming; both of these demand coordination, and it can only be done when your fretting hand and strumming hand must move as one. With this guitar song lesson, you will be directly improving the overall playing of the song.

FAQs – Locha E Ulfat Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Do I need to use a capo, and if yes where?

Ans. You have to put a capo on the 4th fret; this will allow you to use G major chord shapes that match up with the original pitch closely.

Q2. What is the biggest challenge that one needs to move past when it comes to learning this song on guitar?

Ans. Right-hand rhythm control is one of the hardest things to master in this song; the percussive muted strokes need to stay consistent, or the entire groove will collapse.

Q3. What should be the strumming style for the guitar song lesson Locha E Ulfat from 2 States?

Ans. You need to follow a funk-influenced down-up strumming pattern with the inclusion of ghost strokes.

Taught by

Ehsaan Noorani

Tum Kya Jano

by Mike McQuinn

Taught by

Mike McQuinn

Phir Dekhiye

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Oh Meri Jaan

by Mike Walker

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Oh Meri Jaan as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Song Arrangement, Chords and Rhythm (Electric Guitar), Song Demo, Intro Arpeggios, Acoustic Intro Solo, Acoustic Main Solo, Acoustic Overdub Parts, Electric Intro Solo, Electric Main Solo and Electric Overdub Sections. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Dil Kya Mehfil Hai

by Mike Walker

Dil Kya Mehfil Hai is a timeless romantic song from the 1977 Bollywood film Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, starring Rishi Kapoor and Kaajal Kiran. Sung by the legendary Kishore Kumar, with music composed by R.D. Burman and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri, the song beautifully captures the emotions of love and longing. The melody blends Indian classical influences with Western orchestration, creating a rich, nostalgic sound that remains beloved decades later.

The song’s poetic lyrics compare the heart to a gathering (mehfil) of emotions, where love is both a celebration and a sorrow. Kishore Kumar’s expressive vocals, combined with Burman’s intricate arrangements featuring strings, piano, and light percussion, give the track its dreamy, melancholic charm. Even today, "Dil Kya Mehfil Hai" is remembered as one of Kishore Kumar’s finest performances and a highlight of R.D. Burman’s illustrious career.

Dil Kya Mehfil Hai Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down how to play "Dil Kya Mehfil Hai" on guitar. The song is set at 120 BPM and uses a series of rich chords: G#, F#, C#, B, and D#. These chords create a lush, emotional progression that drives the song’s nostalgic feel. The strumming pattern is smooth and flowing, matching the song’s romantic mood.

The verse follows a G# - F# - C# - B pattern, with each chord held for two beats. The chorus introduces D# for a brighter resolution. The key is to let the chords ring out, using gentle downstrokes with occasional upstrokes to keep the rhythm natural. The song’s bridge adds variation with a C# - B - G# - F# sequence, creating tension before returning to the main progression.

For the melody, the song primarily uses the G# major scale (G#-A#-C-C#-D#-F-G), with occasional slides and light vibrato to mimic Kishore Kumar’s vocal phrasing. The lead guitar parts should focus on smooth, sustained notes, emphasizing the emotional highs and lows of the tune.

Beginners should start by mastering the chord shapes, especially the G# and D# barre chords, which may be challenging at first. Intermediate players can work on the strumming dynamics, playing softly in verses and with more intensity in the chorus. Advanced players can explore fingerstyle arpeggios to replicate the song’s orchestral texture.

FAQs

Q. How do I play G# and D# chords more easily?

For G#, try 466544 (full barre) or xx1114 (simplified). For D#, xx1343 is easier than a full barre.

Q. What’s the strumming pattern?

Use down-down-up-down-up for a flowing feel, keeping it relaxed.

Q. Can I use a capo?

Yes, capo on 1st fret and play G-F-C-Am shapes to avoid difficult barre chords.

Q. How to make it sound more like the original?

Add light reverb and play with expressive dynamics—softer in verses, fuller in choruses.

Q. What scale works for improvising?

The G# major pentatonic (G#-A#-C#-D#-F#) fits well for simple melodic fills.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Jee Karda (Badlapur)

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Dooba Dooba

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Khwabon Ke Parindey

by Steve Luciano

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