Chords, Rhythm, and Backing Track

Taught by

Mario Ticlea

What Its Like

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Tune in to a detailed guitar song lesson on What It’s Like, a single by the American musician, Everlast. This 1998’s release was the lead single from his second studio album called Whitey Ford Sings the Blues.

This guitar song lesson is taught by Mike Walker, an experienced musician and instructor at Torrins. He breaks the lesson down into sections: Introduction, Intro Chord Progression, Verse & Chorus, Arrangement, Interlude, and Outro.

Mike Walker teaches the What It’s Like Song guitar lesson using just 3 chords, two of which are Dm and C. No capo is needed!

**Chords Used in What It's Like Guitar Lesson**

This song primarily revolves around three simple chords, making it accessible for players of all levels.
The strumming pattern follows a DDU rhythm, adding a steady groove.

Strumming & Picking Techniques

The song subtly blends strumming and arpeggiation, giving it a dynamic and textured feel. The intro is centered around a D minor chord, with the occasional addition of Dsus4 to introduce subtle variation. Arpeggiated picking is used here to create a melodic and flowing texture, setting the tone for the rest of the song.

In the verse, the D minor chord continues to anchor the progression, while an arpeggiated riff adds depth and makes it more rhythmic.

Moving into the chorus, the strumming follows a consistent DDU (Down-Down-Up) pattern, repeated four times. On the fourth repetition, however, there’s a variation introduced at the end which is a distinctive 8-note strum pattern that adds energy and creates a pumping, driving effect.

Song Structure & Arrangement

The song builds gradually, with familiar sections repeating and subtle changes keeping things interesting. Here's a simple breakdown of how the song flows:

Intro: A catchy opening riff sets the mood and is played four times.

Verse 1: The main melody kicks in and repeats six times, helping you settle into the groove.

Chorus: This part brings in energy. It’s played four times, with a twist added on the fourth round to keep things fresh.

Interlude: A gentle picking section gives you a short breather before heading back into the main theme.

Verse 2: Similar to the first verse, but extended — this time it's played eight times.

Chorus: Returns with the same pattern, repeated four times.

Bridge: Feels like a throwback to the intro, but with a longer run — played six times.

Verse 3: Back again for eight repetitions.

Final Chorus: Played three times as the song winds down.

Outro: The song gradually fades out, giving it a smooth ending.

Mike shares a tip for those struggling with Fmaj7? Try leading with your third finger—this helps you get the note covered first, giving you an extra split second to position the rest of your fingers.

**Why Learn What It’s Like?**

This lesson covers both strumming and fingerpicking, making it great for building dexterity.
The song’s structure teaches you how to transition smoothly between sections and add dynamics to your playing.
This song is a fantastic example of storytelling through music, giving you a chance to add emotion to your performance.

**FAQs – What It’s Like Guitar Lesson**

Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?
- Yes! While the Fmaj7 chord can be tricky, the slow tempo and repetitive structure make it easier to master.
Q2: How can I improve my arpeggiation?
- Start slow, focus on even picking, and gradually increase speed.
Q3: Do I need a capo?
- No capo is required for this version.

Fun Fact: The song became Everlast’s biggest solo hit after he left the trio House of Pain and transitioned from rap to a bluesy, acoustic hip-hop style, which was a bold and unexpected move at the time!

easy

Rock

Taught by

Mike Walker

Black Magic Woman

by Mike Walker

Black Magic Woman - Introduction

"Black Magic Woman" is one of Santana’s most famous songs, though it was originally written by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Santana’s 1970 version, featured on the album Abraxas, transformed the track into a Latin rock masterpiece. The song blends bluesy guitar riffs with Afro-Latin percussion, creating a hypnotic and rhythmic groove. Carlos Santana’s smooth yet fiery guitar playing gives the track its signature sound, making it instantly recognizable.

The lyrics tell the story of a man enchanted by a mysterious woman, a common theme in blues music. Santana’s version extends the original with an instrumental section that transitions into "Gypsy Queen," a piece by jazz guitarist Gábor Szabó. This fusion of styles helped define Latin rock and cemented Santana’s place in music history. The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971, and remains a classic rock staple today.

Black Magic Woman Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down how to play "Black Magic Woman" in the original key. The song revolves around three main chords: Dm7, Am7, and Gm7, giving it a moody, bluesy feel. The rhythm follows a Latin-inspired groove, with a steady pulse that makes it perfect for practicing timing and feel.

The intro features Santana’s iconic minor pentatonic lick, played with smooth bends and vibrato. The verse uses a repeating chord progression (Dm7 - Am7 - Gm7 - Dm7), with a laid-back strumming pattern that locks in with the percussion. The chorus shifts to a more open sound, letting the chords ring out before returning to the verse groove.

For the solo sections, Santana uses the D minor pentatonic scale (D-F-G-A-C) with added bluesy bends and expressive phrasing. The key is to play with emotion—let notes sustain, add vibrato, and slide between positions for that signature Santana sound. The transition into "Gypsy Queen" introduces faster, more intricate picking patterns, so start slow and focus on clarity.

Beginners should first master the chord changes and basic rhythm. Intermediate players can work on the intro riff and solo licks, paying attention to bends and vibrato. Advanced players should experiment with improvisation over the Dm7 vamp, using Santana’s phrasing as inspiration.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used for this song?

Standard tuning (EADGBE)—no drop tuning or capo needed.

Q. How do I get Santana’s tone?

Use a smooth overdrive (not too distorted), with slight delay and reverb. Roll off some treble for warmth.

Q. What’s the strumming pattern?

A relaxed down-down-up with emphasis on beats 2 and 4 to match the Latin groove.

Q. Can I play this without a band?

Yes, but focus on keeping the rhythm tight—the groove is essential.

Q. How do I practice the bends in the solo?

Start slow, ensuring each bend reaches the correct pitch (e.g., bend G to A in the D minor scale).

Taught by

Mike Walker

Stay with Me

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Imagine

by Mike Dugan

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Nothing Else Matters

by Bobby Koelble

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

Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Norwegian Wood

by Mike Dugan

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Sitting On The Dock of the Bay 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

Mike Dugan

Sitting On The Dock of the Bay

by Steve Luciano

Blues

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Somebody That I Used To Know

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Aces High

by Mike Walker

Aces High - Introduction

Aces High" is the eleventh single by legendary British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, written by bassist Steve Harris for their 1984 album Powerslave. The song's lyrics vividly depict a British RAF pilot's experience during the Battle of Britain (1940), with the band's mascot Eddie appearing as a Spitfire pilot on the single artwork. The track has become one of Iron Maiden's most iconic songs, featured in numerous video games and extreme sports films.

The song's B-side contains a cover medley of Nektar's "Crying in the Dark" and "King of Twilight" from their 1972 album. The music video, filmed during the World Slavery Tour in Poland, incorporates authentic Battle of Britain newsreel footage. This powerful imagery became a staple of Iron Maiden's live shows, often paired with Winston Churchill's famous wartime speeches as an introduction.

Aces High Guitar Lesson

This lesson with Mike Walker teaches you how to play "Aces High" properly. The song keeps changing keys - it starts in C, then goes to A, then G, then back to C. This makes the song exciting but tricky to play. When the key changes, the mood of the song changes too, just like how a dogfight has calm moments and crazy moments.

The main riff uses something called harmonised guitars - that means two guitars play the same tune but at different pitches, making a cool twin sound. The rhythm is called "galloping" because it goes fast like a horse (down-down-up, down-down-up). You need to palm mute the strings near the bridge to get that tight, machine-gun sound Iron Maiden is famous for.

The solos use a special scale that sounds Middle Eastern. It's basically the minor scale but with the second note lowered (so in E minor, you play F natural instead of F#). This makes the solo sound tense and dramatic, which goes well for a war song. The fast parts need alternate picking - down-up-down-up - to play cleanly at high speed.

For beginners, start by learning just the power chords (C5, A5, G5) and the galloping rhythm slowly. The chords are simple, but switching between them fast is hard. Advanced players should work on the twin guitar harmonies and the quick key changes. The song is tough, but satisfying to play once you get it right, like most metal songs.

FAQs

Q. What tuning is used in Aces High?

The original recording uses Eb tuning (all strings tuned half-step down) but can be played in standard tuning.

Q. How to play the galloping rhythm?

Use alternate picking with emphasis on the downstrokes: Down-Down-Up pattern repeated.

Q. Is this song suitable for beginners?

The simplified power chord version is accessible, but the full arrangement requires intermediate skills.

Metal

Taught by

Mike Walker

Similar Rock Songs

In My City

by J.J. Pattishall

Introduction

In My City is the debut song from Indian actress Priyanka Chopra featuring Will.i.am. The song was co-written by Ester Dean, who also provides his voice for additional vocals.

Priyanka gives homage to her nomadic childhood and shows her journey from a small-town girl to a big Bollywood star. This isn’t a guitar song in the first place, but J.J. Pattishall is going to teach you how to turn it into a guitar song.

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

Song Structure

Introduction: In this part, J.J. Pattishall talks about how this song is a unique dance number and the influence of singer/ DJ Will.i.am makes the song upbeat, similar to the songs from Black Eyed Peas. In this section, you will also learn the tuning of the guitar for this song.

Chords and Rhythm: Here, you will learn the outline of the chords and the rhythm that you are going to use in the song. Furthermore, you will get to know how to improvise guitar playing in this song to make it more interesting.

Song Arrangement: In this section, you will be learning how to play the chords of Will.i.am, part of the song.

Song Demo: This is the last section where your guitar instructor is going to show you how to play the guitar section alongside the song.

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Mr. Crowley as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Verses, Solo 1, Solo 2, Interlude and Outro Solo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Mr. Crowley

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Black Bird

by Mike Walker

Introduction

Black Bird is one of the greatest songs by none other than The Beatles. It’s a song where Sir Paul McCartney performed a solo piece. It is a song that many artists from all around the world cover. The song is also used as an introduction to another hit song by The Beatles called “Yesterday.”

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: For this song, you will be using your thumb for bass notes and playing the melody with the first two fingers.

Strumming Pattern

Due to fingerpicking, it does not use the traditional strumming pattern, so you have to learn Travis's picking style, which your guitar instructor is going to teach you in this lesson. Here’s how you will be using it: Thumb (T) → Index (I) → Thumb (T) → Middle (M)

Song Structure

Introduction: In the introduction, you will learn how to tune up your guitar to play this song.

Chords and Rhythm: In this part, Mike Walker, your guitar instructor for this song lesson, will show you the required fingerpicking technique, chords and rhythms that you need to follow.

Song Arrangement: Right in this part, you will learn how to play the different parts of the

song, starting from the intro and then verses, chorus, and outro.

Song Demo: Finally, in this section, Mike will show you how to play the song on guitar with a backing track.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Use Somebody 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

Mike Walker

Use Somebody

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Nostalgia Licks and Solos

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Under the Bridge

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

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

I Shot the Sheriff

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Learn the famous “I Shot the Sheriff” on Torrins, led by our expert instructor Steve Luciano, who has decades of experience playing and teaching guitar. “I Shot the Sheriff” is originally a reggae song written by Bob Marley and released in 1973 with his band, The Wailers. However, you'll be playing Eric Clapton’s version of this song with Steve on Torrins.com. Eric recorded his cover in 1974 for his album 461 Ocean Boulevard. His performance of the song adds soft rock to the reggae sound, giving it a unique feel.

The difficulty level of this guitar lesson ranges from beginner to intermediate and breaks down the chords, rhythm, structure, and strumming pattern in a simple yet engaging way! So, tune in and unfold the magic of this hit cover!

Steve Luciano teaches the I Shot The Sheriff Song guitar lesson using 4 movable chords: Gm, Cm, Eb, and Dm. No capo is needed!

**Chords Used in I Shot the Sheriff Guitar Lesson**

This song is played using movable chords, which are common in reggae music.

Chords used: Gm, Cm, Eb, Dm

Steve teaches essential finger positioning and movement techniques to help make chord transitions smoother. He also demonstrates how to lighten finger pressure to achieve the signature reggae "deadening" effect on the strings.

Strumming Pattern

Pattern: D-U-D-U

Like other reggae songs, this one emphasizes playing on the downbeat but feeling the upbeat to capture its groove.
It’s good if you practice the chords first before adding rhythm, as some transitions can be tricky.

Song Structure

This song follows a verse-chorus format:

Verse: The beginning of the song primarily uses Gm and Cm chords.
Chorus: Introduces the Eb chord, which can be challenging for some players. Steve demonstrates easier ways to play Eb, particularly for those with larger fingers.
- The chorus chord progression repeats five times.
- At the end of the chorus, there's a signature single-note tag based on the Gm pentatonic scale. This lick is played each time the chorus ends.

Improvisation Techniques

The song features a signature lick at the end of the chorus, based on the Gm pentatonic scale. Steve breaks down how to play the notes smoothly to maintain the song’s groove.

**Why Learn I Shot the Sheriff on Guitar?**

Learning this song can help you master movable chord shapes commonly used in reggae.
It will also help you improve reggae-style strumming and chord muting techniques.
Additionally, it provides insight into lead guitar phrasing with the signature pentatonic lick.

Tips for Playing the Song Smoothly

Practice chord transitions first before adding strumming.
Loosen your grip to achieve the proper reggae deadening effect.
Feel the upbeat while strumming for an authentic reggae sound.

**FAQs – I Shot the Sheriff Guitar Lesson**

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

A: It’s suitable for intermediate players, as it uses movable chords, which may be challenging for beginners.

Q2. What if I struggle with the Eb chord?

A: Steve demonstrates easier alternatives for players who find it difficult, especially those with larger fingers.

Fun Fact: “I Shot the Sheriff” was originally a spiritual metaphor for birth control, though Bob Marley never revealed which lyrics were true. Eric Clapton’s 1974 cover became a massive hit, introducing Marley’s music to rock audiences worldwide. While Marley was happy with the cover, he was frustrated that the song was widely misinterpreted as an anthem against injustice and corruption rather than its original meaning.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Stairway to Heaven

by Mike Walker

Introduction

In this video lesson your instructor, Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Stairway to Heaven as part of our guitar series on English songs. It is one of the most iconic piece of rock music. Playing it on your guitar instantly earns you street cred as a guitarist.

Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Strumming Pattern

The intro and the verse section of the song are all about fingerpicking, but as the song moves towards the more guitar-centric section strumming does come into play, and the strumming pattern is as follows: D - D U - U D U

D = Down strum
U = Up strum
- = Pause or hold

Song Structure

Introduction: Mike Walker will introduce this song lesson. He will be your guitar instructor for this lesson. He will teach you how to tune your guitar and share his advice on why every rock fan should learn this song.
Intro Piece: This is the part when you play instantly makes everyone acknowledge that you are playing Stairway to Heaven.
Section A and B: Section A is pretty similar to the intro piece, Mike tells you which chords to play to make it sound different and how to play Section B.
Section C and D: This part of the guitar lesson continues with the acoustic guitar chord.
Section E and F: Here, you will learn the most repeated guitar part of the song, section E. The F section is about the last acoustic part of the song.
Song Demo: In this part, Mike will show you how to play the entire acoustic guitar section alongside the backing track.
Solo Lesson: This is the most anticipated part of the song; Mike breaks Jimmy Page’s iconic solo with multiple licks and plays them with the backing track.
Overdubs: This is the last section of the guitar lesson, and here, you will learn about overdubs, which are basically the additional layer of guitar tracks used in the song.

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Smoke on the Water

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Songs with Similar Difficulty

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Tune in to the detailed guitar lesson for Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) on Torrins. This ballad, performed by the American rock band Green Day, is broken down step by step by our expert instructor, Steve Luciano. He explains the song’s various elements for better understanding, including chords, rhythm, and the backing track. The difficulty level of this tutorial ranges from beginner to intermediate.

**Chords Used in Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) Guitar Lesson**

Verse & Chorus Chords: The verse and chorus section uses open chords

Make use of the tabs provided with the lesson to follow along smoothly, understand finger placement, and improve your accuracy. The G chord in this song has a slightly more complex finger positioning than what beginners might be used to, but Steve breaks it down clearly to make it easier to play. He also offers alternative ways to approach the D/F# chord in case you find it challenging.

Strumming Pattern

Pattern: D-D-U-U-D

This pattern is played twice to complete one measure (four beats).

Steve shares great strumming tips to make the sound more defined.

Chord Transitions: Steve teaches smooth chord changes, such as G to Cadd9. Play along with Steve to get a good control over transitions.

Final Playthrough: Steve plays along with the song, showing how the full arrangement comes together.

Improvisation & Playing Techniques

Learn how to make the full-sounding open-string G chord properly.
Gain control over the Cadd9 chord, a popular chord in pop music.
Tips for transitioning smoothly between chords.

Pro Tips from Steve

Start slow – Play the melody in your head before playing along with the track, as the song has a fast strumming tempo.
Focus on chord clarity and bass notes to make your playing sound cleaner.

**FAQs – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) Guitar Lesson**

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

A: Yes! While the song has a slightly complex G chord and a D/F# transition, it is still manageable for beginners with practice.

Q2. What strumming pattern is used in this song?

A: The strumming pattern is D-D-U-U-D, played twice per measure. Steve also shares tips on how to make the rhythm sound more natural and which strings to emphasize to achieve a sound closest to the original version.

Q3. Do I need a capo for this song?

A: No capo is required. The song is played in the key of G, using open chords.

Q4. Is this song played on an acoustic guitar?

A: Yes! The song is originally played on an acoustic guitar. However, you can use a clean electric guitar tone for a similar feel.

Fun Fact: The album version of this song begins with Billie Joe Armstrong messing up the opening chords twice before starting over and getting it right. These mistakes were deliberately kept to add a lighthearted introduction to the song.

The Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) song lesson is played in the key of G, and some of the chords used in this popular song include G, Cadd9, D, and D/F# (D with F# in the bass). Check out the complete lesson to learn the other chords that make up this song.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Cocaine

by Mike Dugan

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Smells Like Teen Spirit

by J.J. Pattishall

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

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Margaritaville

by Mike Dugan

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Stubborn Love

by J.J. Pattishall

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

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Stuck Like Glue

by Steve Luciano

Country

Taught by

Steve Luciano

ABCD

by J.J. Pattishall

Indian Pop

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Give Me Some Sunshine

by Pawan Jalan

Introduction: The introduction is from Pawan Jalan who is going to be your guitar instructor for this song lesson. J.J. Here talks about how this is a simple guitar that anyone can learn, but it does include some special melody that every guitarist must learn and practice. Here, you will learn that the song is in the key of C, and based on that, J.J. will give you the tuning requirements for this song.

Chords and Rhythm: Here, you will get an outline of chords starting with C, F, G, C/G in the base, F/C in the base, and a few other chords. After learning these, you will be shown the rhythm that you need to follow.

Song Arrangement: In this part of the song lesson, J.J. will provide you with a structure and layout of how the song should be played on the guitar. You can use this song arrangement to practice it solo, or you can even use it for a group performance.

Song Demo: Right here, J.J. will play the guitar parts of the song with the backing track.

Solo: The solo present in this song is best suited to be played on electric guitar, and be sure to add a distortion tone to your guitar as well.

Improvisation: The last part of this song lesson is the improvisation techniques, which you can use in this song to make it sound better or exactly like how it is played in the original recording; you can choose the improvisation technique based on your liking.

FAQs – Give Me Some Sunshine (Complete) Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is the song Give Me Some Sunshine from 3 Idiots suitable for beginners to learn on guitar?

Ans. The song can be easily played by using open chords; in addition to this, it follows a pretty simple structure, which anyone can get used to; the rhythm is slow to mid-tempo, which is again easy to follow.

Q2. What is the strumming pattern for the song Give Me Some Sunshine?

Ans. A commonly used strumming pattern for this song is D – D U – U D U, and for the chorus, you are required to shift to a more open pattern like this one: D D U U D U.

D = Down Strum.
U = Up Strum.

Q3. Do I require Capo to play the song Give Me Some Sunshine on guitar?

Ans. Capo is optional; you can play this song in standard tuning without using capo, but if you do that, you need to learn the barre chords present in this song.

Q4. Is there any specific solo or riff that guitarists need to learn in this song?

Ans. The song does have an iconic intro riff, which isn’t hard to learn, and it sounds amazing when you play it on acoustic guitar. The riff needs to be played on B and high E strings using simple melodic picking.

Classical

Taught by

Pawan Jalan

Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye

by Pawan Jalan

Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye is a song which is one of the most memorable vintage songs that people of all ages love to listen to. It's a song from the film Jurm starring Vinod Khanna, Shafi Inamdar, Meenakshi Sheshadri and Mahesh Anand.

The popular romantic duet came alive from taking inspiration from the song 500 Hundred Miles by Peter, Paul and Mary, which was released in 1963. It’s a perfect song for cultural gatherings, romantic occasions or showcasing how versatile you are in terms of a musician.

Strumming Pattern

The main strumming pattern which you need to follow here is D-D-U-U-D-U. It’s a classic Bollywood strumming which can be found in most of the old romantic hits of the 1990s era.

There’s an alternative pattern available if you wish to add more depth to your guitar play, and it goes like this: D-U-D-U-D-U.

D = Down Strum.
U = Up Strum.

The tempo is of moderate pace with 80-90 BPM, which creates that amazing romantic flow; make sure when you are playing this one, be as gentle as possible to have smooth strokes.

Song Structure

Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm: The song is present in E major, and in this guitar tutorial by Pawan Jalan, you are going to learn how to play this song using open chords. In order to play it with open chords, you need to have a capo. The lesson starts with the chords which you need to learn, starting from E, F#m, B, D.

The capo has to be placed on the 2nd fret if you are not comfortable playing the chord positions which were shown before. Once you move past the chords and rhythm section of the lesson, Pawan is going to show you how to play the entire song on guitar with the backing track to help you figure out the pace required for each section.

Why Learn Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye From Jurm On Guitar?

Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye is a rare melody which sticks to listeners once they hear it for the first time; this is due to the presence of Western folk composition, which creates a strong melodic structure while still maintaining the Bollywood charm.

It’s a song which is just a bit challenging enough to push your limits and improve your chord progressions and fingerpicking techniques without making you feel overwhelmed. You have to understand that it is ideal for beginners and for intermediate players as well; for advanced guitar players, this song doesn’t pose any challenge, but it’s a song that we recommend everyone should learn who is into playing musical instruments.

Indian Pop

Taught by

Pawan Jalan

Yeh Jism

by Steve Luciano

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Yeh Jism as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, and Rhythm and Intro Solo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!