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!

Introduction:

Top Gun Anthem is one of the iconic instrumental rock compositions in Hollywood which was composed for the movie in 1986 by Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens. This song has some strong, melodic guitar-driven tracks which every guitarist no matter if they are beginner, intermediate or expert must learn to play. 

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: This song revolves around the lead guitar instrumental. But if you do want to learn about the arpeggios, then here’s how you should be playing them:

e|-----------0------------|  

B|------1------1---------|  

G|----0---0------0------|  

D|-------------2--------|  

A|--3------------------|  

E|----------------------| 

Strumming Pattern 

The strumming pattern of the song is as follows: D D U U D U. 

• D = Down strum
• U = Up strum

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this introduction your guitar instructor Mike Walker is going to teach you how to tune up a guitar for this song. 

Song Arrangement Part 1: This particular section will show you how to play the melody part of the song and how you should be counting the bells which are present in the song to keep up with tune.

Song Arrangement Part 2: Here, you will be learning the next part of the song. 

Song Demo: Here, Mike will show you how to play the entire song on guitar while keeping up with the backing track. 

Solo Part 1: In this part Mike will show you how to play the guitar solo which comes at 2:45 minutes on the track. He breaks down this guitar solo in 9 licks. 

Solo Part 2: This is the second part of the guitar solo, and it starts with lick number 6. 

Solo with Backing Track: Again, Mike plays the demo but this time specifically the solo part alongside the backtrack. 

Why Learn Top Gun Anthem Song?

The song has a beautiful, soaring lead guitar part which is easily recognisable when you play it. If you don’t know how to play the viberto, bends, and sustain control on your chord play then this song will teach you how to do it. 

Furthermore, it will help in improving your picking accuracy, sustain and phrasing and introduces you to dynamic control which is necessary if you want to master emotional guitar playing. 

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who played the Top Gun Anthem?

Ans. Steve Stevens is the man who composed Top Gun Anthem, the song was written by Harold Faltermeyer. Steve played guitar and Faltermeyer played the keyboard during the recording of the song. 

Q2. Which song did Tom Cruise play when he was in the bar?

Ans. In 1986, Top Gun Tom Cruise played “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling.” Tom played this song, and other members of the Navy pilots joined in the movie scene. 

Fun Fact: Top Gun Anthem won the 1987 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance

Introduction

Wake Me Up When September Ends is one of the most iconic songs from the American punk rock band Green Day. It is the fourth single from their seventh studio album, American Idiot, which was released in 2004. The lead vocalist Armstrong, wrote the lyrics of this song after his father's death in September 1982.

Chords Used in Wake Me Up When September Ends

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: Open chords. The song is played in the key of G, and there is no need for a capo. 

Chorus Variation: The chorus of the song is pretty short, and the guitar chords used in it are similar to those of the verse. 

Strumming Pattern 

The entirety of the song follows the same strumming pattern: Down-Up, Down-Up, Down-Up. (DUDUDU)

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this section, J.J. Pattishall will explain the key you need to play the song in.

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn how and why the guitar instructor has broken down this song into several different parts. This particular section will show you how to play the guitar parts of the intro, verse, chorus, and bridge. 

Rhythm: Here, you will learn the open chords used to provide backing rhythm to the verse and chorus of the song. 

Song Demo: Right here, after showing you how to play all the different chords for this song, J.J. Pattishall will show you how to play the guitar alongside the song. 

Solo Lesson: This is the last part, where you learn how to play the epic solo from the song. 

Perfect - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that needs no introduction. Perfect by Ed Sheeran topped all the charts in 2017 and became a super duper hit worldwide. This song has now become part of mainstream pop youth culture. All lovers, depending on their heartbroken status, either love or hate this song. It has collected more than 4.9 billion views (almost half of humanity) on YouTube since its release and has been in all the romance playlists on every streaming service platform.

The song is a ballad celebrating the traditional marriage relationship between two lovers, written about Sheeran’s wife-to-be, Cherry Seaborn, whom he had known since he was in school and then reconnected with her when she was working in New York. Sheeran has said the song captures the feeling of finding "the one" - that magical moment when you realise you've met your soulmate.

Perfect Guitar Lesson

The guitar lesson on Perfect is an easy one. Nevertheless, the lesson has many sections that talk about the chords and rhythm of the song, and a section on improvisation where the instructor is demonstrating how to solo over the track.

The song only has four chords, namely – G - Em7 - Cadd9 - D, which the tutor explains is meant to be played with the capo on the 1st fret, as does Sheeran himself in live performances. The strumming of the song goes in triplets of 4, covering four bars of music.

The thing about minor 7th chords and augmented chords used in the song is that in the open position, they share some of the notes, and when chords share notes, the phenomenon of voice leading occurs. Voice leading is when the notes of one chord lead to another, creating an interesting movement between anticipation and resolution in the music.

Although the studio recording version of the song uses a capo on the first fret, the lesson here demonstrates both ways, with and without a capo, of playing the song in its entirety. The song follows a 12/8 time signature, and the rhythm sounds like that of a waltz, which makes it an easy song to dance to, especially with one’s lover.

The lesson makes available Perfect lyrics and chords along with the video lesson, which the advanced players can refer to when learning the song.

FAQs

Q. What is the story behind Ed Sheeran's song Perfect?

Perfect was written by Ed Sheeran as a love song for his then-girlfriend (now wife) Cherry Seaborn. The lyrics describe their real-life romance, from meeting as teenagers to falling in love as adults.

Q. What key is Perfect?

Perfect is written in the key of Ab major (G major for live performances), though most guitarists use a capo on the 1st fret to make the chords easier to play. This transposition means you'll be playing standard shapes like G, Em, C and D but hearing them in Ab major.

Arms Wide Open - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that has the best rock song Grammy to its name –With Arms Wide Open by Creed. Scott Stapp’s wife was pregnant with his first child, he wrote the lyrics when he found out, with great surprise, that he was going to be a father. According to Stapp, the song was written in just fifteen minutes during a soundcheck. The song has received almost 200 million views on YouTube.

Stapp says, “It continues to have relevant meaning in my life because as I sing it now, I think of my daughter who's now on this planet and alive. And then I think of my newest son, my three-year-old, Daniel”. The song is about a man expressing his feelings about thinking about becoming a father.

Arms Wide Open Guitar Lesson

This is a guitar lesson that is an acoustic cover version of the song performed by James Boyce, taught by our expert Steve Luciano, in a section-by-section manner. They start with the introduction

The song is in the key of C major and features a number of suspended chords. There is a C major 9 chord with a B note in the bass, which sounds like a suspended chord because of the 9th scale degree. There is also a very unique A minor 11th chord, which also sounds like a suspended chord because of the 11th scale degree, which is actually the 4th scale degree on the octave higher. The instructor explains all the chord shapes in great detail. You can also refer to the Arms Wide Open tabs along with the lesson on the sidebar.

The strumming of the chords is very simple, compared to the chord voicings, that is – D - U U D - U U D - D U for the most part (D is a downward strum and U is an upward strum).

There is also an easy verison of the song that the instructor demonstrates, which is a beginner-friendly version of the song focused more on the singing part of the track.

FAQs

Q. What skill level is Arms Wide Open for?

This lesson is ideal for beginner to intermediate players. If you know basic open chords, you can easily learn the song.

Q. Is this version different from the original Creed version?

Yes. This is a soft acoustic cover by James Boyce. It keeps the emotional depth of the original but focuses more on the singing part.

Q. What is the tuning of Arms Wide Open by Creed?

Nope! This version is played in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), making it very accessible. Drop D is not required here.

Q. What chords are used in this version?

The song uses common suspended and power chords, with some being 9 and 11th chords. The tutor goes over each one slowly and clearly.

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

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the song Rock On as part of our guitar series on Indian songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Riff, Verse and Chorus, Solo Rhythm, Bridge, and Overdubs, Song with Backing Track, Solo Lesson and Improvisation. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Welcome to the guitar lesson on one of the most emotional title tracks to come out of Bollywood in the last decade — Sanam Teri Kasam. Composed by Himesh Reshammiya and sung by Ankit Tiwari and Palak Muchhal, this song belongs to the 2016 film Sanam Teri Kasam, directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru. It tells the story of Inder, a man with a broken past, and Saru, a woman rejected by her own family. Their journey from complete strangers to soulmates is carried forward by the lyrics written by Sameer Anjaan, and this title track captures that entire journey.

The guitar theme by Vivek Verma is one of the standout parts of the soundtrack and plays as a kind of emotional thread that pulls the whole film together. In fact, this theme has become so iconic that it returned to the big screen in the film’s re-release in February 2025. Even years later, people still remember this song not just for its melody, but for how deeply it made them feel.

Sanam Teri Kasam – Guitar Lesson

This lesson is taught by Steve Luciano, and he takes you through the entire track step by step, in a way that’s easy to understand even if you’re not a music theory expert. The song is in the key of C minor, and it has a mix of simple and emotionally rich chords, including Cm, G/B, Eb, Bb/F, Ab, and Bb. These chords create a blend of tension and release, which matches the emotional highs and lows in the song’s storyline.

One interesting chord you’ll play is Bb/F, a slash chord, where the bass note is not the root of the chord. That F in the bass changes the mood of the chord slightly, adding a deeper colour to an otherwise familiar sound. Steve explains this in a way that even beginners can follow, breaking down the fingering and showing how these changes affect the overall feel of the song.

What also stands out in this lesson is how Steve pays attention to not just the chords but the phrasing and mood. The strumming is soft and patient more like painting with sound than just playing rhythm. He also shows how you can play along with the original recording, even suggesting how to simplify some of the chord shapes if you're still getting comfortable with barre chords. Whether you’re looking to perform the song or just play it in your room for yourself, this lesson gives you all the tools to do justice to it.

FAQs

Q. Can beginners learn to play Sanam Teri Kasam?

Yes, but expect a small challenge. Some chords like Bb/F and barre shapes might take practice, but Steve also offers easier versions for those still getting comfortable with these grips.

Q. Do I need a capo for this song?

No capo is used for this version. All chords are played in open or barre forms in standard tuning.

For retro Bollywood fans, “Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyaar Tera” is more than just a song; it’s a song with energetic rock ‘n’ roll flair blended with romantic vibes. The composition is from R.D. Burman, and the vocalist is none other than Mohammad Rafi Saab and Asha Bhosle. This trio made an unforgettable song, which even to this day is listened to by people of all ages.

Strumming Pattern 

The lesson leans heavily on electric guitar riffs and percussive rhythm, so if you wish to go full-on rock ‘n’ roll mode, you can go with the song arrangement mentioned in the lesson, otherwise to capture the essence of the song. You can use the following strumming pattern: D – D U – U D U.  

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 
• – = Pause or miss the strings.

You should be using your palm to mute the strings, and it leads to a more rhythmic sound, especially if you are practicing on an electric guitar. Make sure you accent the second downstroke to match the energy and keep a consistent tempo; the song is fast-paced, so first practice chord progression slowly and then build it up. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction is from Mike Walker, who is going to be your guitar instructor for this guitar lesson. In the beginning, Mike will show you the required tuning for this song. 

Song Arrangement 1: Here, you will first learn all the individual licks that you need to play for this song, and once that’s done, you will get to piece them together to play the song. 

Song Arrangement 2: In this part of the guitar lesson, Mike will teach you the main riff of 

the song, which makes it so easily recognizable. 

Song Arrangement 3: This is the final song arrangement, and in this section of the song, you have to learn how to play sets of 16th notes. 

Song Demo: Right here is the final chapter of the song lesson. Mike, in this part of the song lesson, you will be playing the guitar parts of the song with a backing track to give you an example of how to keep up with the other instruments and the vocals of the song. 

Why Learn Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyaar Tera Song On Guitar?

It’s an amazing song for guitar players because of its upbeat tempo in addition to the groovy baseline, which leads to super fun strumming patterns and also helps you with rhythmic practice. 

In addition to this, as you learn this song, you will get an understanding of twangy electric guitar licks and how to use early rock techniques that influenced retro Bollywood songs that we all love. With this song, you also learn major scale runs, quick chord switches, and how to improvise 60s-style arrangements. 

Aashiyan means home, and this is one of the few songs from modern-day Bollywood that actually conveys the meaning of comfort, joy, and belonging. When you play this song on guitar, it makes it possible for you to express emotions with the help of music. 

Fun Fact: The song was inspired by French Cafe music with the special use of Accordion, which plays a swing-style rhythm. Composer Pritam really wanted the song to feel like it is coming straight from a European street performance, which matches up with the silent-film feel of Barfi’s storytelling. 

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: Here is the suggested arpeggio-picking pattern that you can learn if you want to use the fingerpicking technique: 

For chords with the root on the 5th string (like C, Am, F):

5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 3 – 4

(T – 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 1)

For chords with the root on the 6th string (like G):

6 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 3 – 4

(T – 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 1)

• T = Thumb, 
• 1 = Index, 
• 2 = Middle, 
• 3 = Ring.

Strumming Pattern 

The basic strumming pattern that you need to follow for this song is: D-D-U-U-D-U. 

• D = Down Strum. 
• U = Up Strum. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: The introduction is by Mike Walker who is going to be your guitar instructor for this lesson. Here, he talks about the complexity of the song, how it has a jazz tone to it, and how he’s going to show a copy version of the song, which is a lot easier to play and beginner-friendly at the same time. 

Chords, Rhythm, and Song Arrangement: The song is present in the key of B, and the intro section can be played freely, but even for that, you need to learn the chords and rhythms that are present here for you to learn. 

Song Demo: In this part of the guitar lesson you will get to know how to play the guitar parts of the song with the backing track. 

Easy Version: Right here, Mike shows you how you can place a capo on the 4th fret to play the easier guitar version of the song. 

Why Learn Aashiyan Song?

The melody of the song is quite catchy, making it ideal for singing and playing the song on guitar at the same time. It also helps in improving your strumming control, timing, and sensitivity to the music, which allows you to easily shift between verses and chorus. 

FAQs – Aashiyan From The Movie Barfi Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is Aashiyan's song beginner-friendly on guitar?

Ans. The chords used in the song are pretty simple, and the strumming pattern, too, is beginner-friendly. 

Q2. What is the original key of the song?

Ans. The song is present in the key of B, making it suitable for guitarists who are just starting their musical journey. 

Q3. Are there arpeggios used in the song Aashiyan? 

Ans. The original recording of the song uses full instrumentation, but if you want, you can add a little arpeggio pattern during the verse section of the song. 

Humdard from Ek Villian is a textbook example of how minimal harmony should be paired with strong vocals in order to create a long-lasting impact in the hearts of listeners. At first, you might think this song is composed in such a way that it feels static, but the deliberate compositional choices make this song impactful while delivering a sense of emotional longing.

Speaking of guitar chords, in Humdard, they act like a harmonic cushion, and not just a rhythmic engine, which makes the song move forward. This is something guitar learners need to observe, so they don’t use the guitar to drive the groove. Apart from this, the rhythmic density in this song has been kept low intentionally.

​It’s a song that goes pretty well when you pair it with an acoustic guitar. The chord progression you will be learning in this lesson is quite clinical. Instead of adding in a number of different shapes, it returns to familiar ones, thus reinforcing emotional persistence.

​From this guitar lesson by Mike Walker, you will understand how a minor-key harmony can feel warm rather than just dark when it gets paired with gentle dynamics. For this song, you will be mastering the power of the arpeggios, which give more clarity to each note you strike, allowing you to control attack and decay.

​Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Here is the list of primary chords which you will be using from start to finish: Am (A minor), F (F major), C (C major), G (G major).

If you are having a hard time playing F major, which is a barre chord, you can play Fmaj7.

This song follows the typical progression of: Am – F – C – G.

Here are some optional chords which you can add to make light variations: Am7 (instead of Am), Cadd9 (instead of C).

These chords are not mandatory for you to play, but if you do learn to play them, they will add smoothness and emotional depth, especially in slower sections of the song.

​

FAQs – Humdard Song From Ek Villan Guitar Lesson

Q1. Do I have to use a capo when practicing this song on the guitar?

Ans. Using a capo is not mandatory; if you wish to match the original vocal pitch of the song, in that case you have to put the capo on the 1st fret.

Q2. What should be the fingerpicking pattern that works well with this song?

Ans. The most common and beginner-friendly fingerpicking for this song is: P – I – M – I, where you put your thumb on the bass strings, index & middle on the higher strings.

Q3. What should be the preferred tuning for this song?

Ans. You can use standard tuning EADGBE.