Introduction

Pasoori – Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that is a masterclass in songwriting and storytelling, and essentially art. Ali and Shae wrote an Urdu-Punjabi song that became the most-streamed Coke Studio song on YouTube, with more than 800 million views.

Pasoori is a song that is layered in its meanings relating to themes of conflict in love, life, chaos, self-expression, and the partition event. The lyrical metaphors have strong emotional, societal and political connotations and are presented in the style of the folk-pop genre.

The inspiration of the song, as Ali mentions, came from a quote in Punjabi written on the back of a transport truck that said ‘aag lavaan teri majbooriyan nu’ (set fire to your compultions), which he then followed up with ‘aan jaan di pasoori nu’ (the crisis of coming and going), symbolising the conflict of not just love but also the daily trades of life.

Pasoori Guitar Lesson

In this lesson, the tutor goes over all the parts of the song, section by section, displaying the techniques needed to play them perfectly. The song has three verses and three choruses and one bridge section that has a Baglama (a Turkish stringed instrument) solo and a mandolin solo, which are explained in detail by the instructor.

The song is in the key of B minor and can be easily played in the open position on the guitar using the standard chord shapes. Since the rhythm and beat of the song resembles that of reggaeton music, the strumming sounds like a shuffle between the chord changes and goes like D’ U D U’ D U D U - D’ D’ D’ (D is a downstrum and U is an upward strum, and the ‘ is an accented strum). It is a unique spin on the rhythm that sounds Oriental or Middle Eastern as well as Indian at the same time.

The song, having Oriental motifs, features what is known in music theory as the Andalusian cadence, i.e. usage of the chords A minor - G - F - E in sequence in the chorus sections. The tutor demonstrates the full song in its entirety and also includes a section on how to improvise on the track.

FAQs

Q. Why is Pasoori so popular?

The song is popular because of the catchy tune that has been given to the chorus of the song and because of the romantic expression of the lyrics that rides on the upbeat tempo of the song. There is one more factor for its success, which is cultural association –phrases like ‘gheo di churi’, which is a sweet dish popular in the Sindh region, triggered nostalgia among the regional north indians.

Q. What chords are used in Pasoori?

Pasoori uses simple open chords like Bm, G, F, Em, E and F#. These chords create its signature melancholic yet catchy melody.

Q. Is Pasoori suitable for beginners?

Yes, Pasoori is ideal for beginners because of its open chord voicings and moderate tempo. It helps learners practice smooth transitions and strumming patterns.

Purani Jeans - Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on one of the classic youth anthems of the early 90s, Pakistan – Purani Jeans by Ali Haider. This song rose to fame in the era of cassette tapes and vinyl records, and evokes emotions of nostalgia among the fans of Haider Ali, who are now in their 50s, by the way. The song was part of the Sandesa album released in 1993, and on YouTube has achieved almost 5 million views.

The song Purani Jeans, which translates to ‘Old Jeans’, is about celebrating the spirit of youth, especially the arriving adulthood phase –exploring themes of college life, self-discovery, rebellion, romance and more. The lyrics paint a picture of the singer looking back at his youth and reminiscing about the events and stories that he had lived, metaphorising the phase using the jeans as a symbol.

Purani Jeans Guitar Lesson

Purani Jeans 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 –from the intro that talks about the chords and different voicings of those chords, to the rhythms and solos of the song. The song is in Eb standard tuning and in the key of D major, which is a common tuning for the classic rock sound.

The intro of the song features a rhythmic riff that is based on the mixolydian scale, a major scale with the flattened seventh degree, which gives the riff a jazzy sound. The strumming and legato notes of the riff resemble those from songs like ‘Summer of '69’ and ‘Hey Joe’.

The song mostly features power chords, i.e. chords without the third, that are played on a distorted electric guitar and consist of standard shapes. The majority of the strumming is palm muted, which gives the song that rock-metal vibe. There are also a number of small overdubbed motifs that play over the rhythm guitar that embellish the progression.

Purani jeans also features a guitar solo that is based on the mixolydian scale, featuring jazz and bluesy licks and lines with minor 7th and half diminished chord arpeggios. This solo is a great example of how to mix different theory concepts in your soloing. The tutor here explains all the parts of the solo note for note.

FAQs

Q. What is the song Purani Jeans about?

Purani Jeans is a nostalgic Pakistani pop-rock song by Ali Haider that reminisces about youthful memories, friendships, and carefree days.

Q. Can I play this song on an acoustic guitar?

Yes! The original version of the song is a pop song with mellower but upbeat rhythm, which can be played easily on an acoustic guitar, which lends more to the emotional and nostalgic appeal of the song’s narrative.

Afreen Afreen - Introduction

Afreen Afreen is a legendary Sufi-inspired love song originally composed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan in the 1990s. The song’s poetic lyrics, written by Javed Akhtar, celebrate divine beauty and love through rich metaphors. The 2016 Coke Studio Pakistan version, performed by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehsan, brought the song back into the spotlight. Their rendition blends classical Sufi elements with modern production, creating a mesmerising duet that captivated millions worldwide.

The Coke Studio version stands out for its emotional depth and stunning vocal performances. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s powerful qawwali-style singing contrasts with Momina Mustehsan’s softer tone. The arrangement mixes traditional instruments like the tabla and harmonium with electric guitars and synths, giving the song a fresh feel. With over 500 million YouTube views, this version remains one of the most beloved Pakistani songs ever recorded.

Afreen Afreen Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson covers how to play "Afreen Afreen" in Eb standard tuning (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb). The song is in A major, but since the guitars are tuned down a half-step, the shapes you play will sound in Bb major. The main chord progression follows A - F#m - D - E, creating a rich, emotional foundation for the vocals.

The strumming pattern is slow and flowing, matching the song’s romantic mood. Use downstrokes on the main beats with light upstrokes in between to keep the rhythm gentle. The verses feature arpeggiated chords, where you pluck individual strings to highlight the melody. The chorus switches to fuller strums for a bigger sound.

For the lead parts, the song uses the A major scale (A-B-C#-D-E-F#-G#) with occasional slides and bends for expression. The instrumental breaks include melodic phrases inspired by classical Indian music, so focus on smooth transitions between notes. The tuning (Eb standard) gives the guitar a deeper, warmer tone that fits the song’s soulful vibe.

Beginners should start by learning the chord shapes and slow strumming. Intermediate players can work on the arpeggios and lead fills. Advanced players should focus on the nuances, like vibrato and dynamics, to capture the song’s emotional depth.

FAQs

Q. Why is the tuning Eb standard?

The lower tuning matches the original recording’s key and gives the guitar a richer, deeper sound.

Q. How do I play the arpeggios smoothly?

Pluck each string one by one in order (root, third, fifth) and let the notes ring together.

Q. What scale is used for the lead parts?

The A major scale, with occasional bends and slides for a vocal-like feel.

Q. Can I play this in standard tuning?

Yes, but you’ll need to transpose the chords up a half-step (Bb major shapes).

Q. How to make it sound more authentic?

Add light reverb and play with expressive phrasing, mimicking the vocal melodies.

Saajna’s unplugged version features minimal instrumentation and comes with soulful vocals that touch your heart. It has become a go-to-track for contestants of reality shows, unplugged concerts and for many upcoming musicians who are singing in clubs, cafes and restaurants. 

Fun Fact: 

The original song for the film was composed by Salim-Sulaiman, and the responsibility of composition was given to none other than Shafqat Amanat Ali, which became so popular that it overshadowed the original recording. 

Song Structure 

Introduction: In this introduction part of the song lesson, Steve, your guitar instructor, talks about what makes Saajna such a great Hindi song to learn on guitar. 

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn how to tune up your guitar and learn how to play 

the song in the key of D minor. 

Song Demo: In this section, Steve is going to play the guitar part of the song with the backing track to show you how to sync guitar chords with the vocals that are part of the song. 

Solo 1: This part of the lesson helps you understand how to play the first solo that comes at the very beginning of the song. 

Solo 2: This part of the guitar lesson will provide you with information on the next little piece 

of the guitar solo that you hear in the middle of the song. 

Solo 3: Here, you will learn the very last solo, which comes as the song is about to end. 

Overdub Section: This part of the lesson teaches you how to play a specific section of the second guitar, which only comes when the verse section comes in. 

Improvisation: In the last part of this lesson, Steve tells you some of the improvisation techniques that you can use in order to make your guitar chords sound as accurate as possible. 

Why is Saajna (Unplugged) from the movie I, Me aur Main Song?

The song Saajna is rich and filled with emotions; the lyrics are heartfelt, making it a perfect 

choice for people who are looking for emotive playing and connecting with their audience. 

FAQs – Saajna (Unplugged) Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Who composed the song Saajna, and who sang it for the movie? 

Ans. The unplugged version of the song was composed by Shafqat Amanat Ali, and the vocals for the song were given by Falak Shabir. 

Q2. Is this a good song for beginners? 

Ans. Yes, the song takes full advantage of basic chords and has a slow tempo as well making it suitable for slow beginners. 

Q3. Do I really need to play this song on acoustic guitar only? 

Ans. The unplugged versions of the means it is best to play it on an acoustic guitar with the help of fingerstyle playing. 

Welcome to the guitar lesson on a heart-melting indie song called Alag Aasmaan. Written and performed by Anuv Jain, a master storyteller of the romantic variety who has a reputation for being celebrated all over the country by everyone who has or wants a broken heart. 

Alag Aasman is about the suffering of lovers in a long-distance relationship. The artist says, “It is a rarity to meet each other in a long-distance relationship, and when you finally do, the goodbyes can get pretty difficult. There's so much uncertainty, and you do not know when you'll meet again”. Alag Aasmaan translates to ‘different sky’, signalling to the narrative that the lovers in different cities live under different skies.

The original version of the song was performed on a ukulele, recorded and uploaded on YouTube during the pandemic, the looming emotions of which complemented the sentiment of the song, that is about missing a loved one. 

Alag Aasmaan Guitar Lesson

The instructor delivers the lesson in a section-by-section manner; the first section gives the introduction to the song, the second talks about chords and rhythm patterns, the third is about the arrangement, which is finally followed by a solo section.

Alag Aasmaan guitar chords are in the key of F# Major, but the open position sounds too bright for the subtle lightness of the song; hence, a capo at fret 6 is advised by the instructor to emphasise the soft twinkly quality of the sound on the higher frets. The capo here also transposes the chord shapes to the standard and more familiar ones – C, F, G, Am, and Em. 

The rhythm of the song resembles that of a jazz classic, as made clear by the strumming pattern that goes like D - U - D D - U in a loop. (D is a downward strum, and U is an upward strum.)

The tutor explains how the song has four verses, a pre-bridge, a bridge, and an outro solo that constitute the arrangement of the track. At two moments in the song, the second and fourth verse, this arrangement offers a chord change to the major 6th interval of the scale –from G to Em (C# to A#m without capo) that lends itself to the tender and affectionate feel of the story that the song is telling. The outro solo is picked slowly in the style of bluegrass music and is played in the context of this major 6th tone on top of the same chords as verses two and four. The instructor shows the solo note by note, and since the original solo is only 30 seconds long, in the final section of the lesson, there is a demonstration on how to improvise over it for when you are jamming by yourself. 

FAQs

Q. How do I learn the Alag Aasman chords on a guitar?

1. To learn the Alag Aasmaan chords on the guitar, start by placing a capo on the 6th fret and then consistently practising the chord transitions shown in the lessons.

Q. What is the Alag Aasmaan strumming pattern?

1. The strumming pattern goes like D - U - D D - U in a loop for almost the entirety of the song. However, there are some pauses and chord changes instructed in the lesson by the tutor as well.

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

To Kia Hua is a song that has deep, meaningful lyrics, that is why it stands out amongst the other songs from Bilal Khan. It’s a song that is filled with raw emotions, and as you learn to play it on guitar, you will get to develop multiple guitar playing techniques which help you become more expressive with the guitar. 

Song Structure:

Introduction: The introduction is from the original singer and composer of this song, Bilal 

Khan, who is also going to be your guitar instructor for this lesson. Here, Bilal talks about the song in Season 4 of Coke Studio Pakistan. In addition to this, he also shares that the song is in standard tuning, and to play this song, he used a capo on the 3rd fret. 

Intro and Verse: In this part of the song lesson, Bilal first plays the different sections of the 

song and then tells you which chords you need to learn for that specific section. 

Chorus: Right here in this part, you will learn the chords for the chorus, and then you will see how it should be played. The chorus part is much easier in comparison to the intro and the verse because in this part, you are not going to pick chords. Instead, you will be using the basic strumming pattern here. 

Bridge and Ending: This part is divided into two sections, the first is the bridge, and the second is the ending of the song. Bilal once again plays the section and then explains the chords used in it. 

Song Demo: Finally, in the song demo, you get to see how Bilal plays the entire guitar part of the song with the backing track. 

Why Learn To Kia Hua By Bilal Khan Song?

To Kia Hua is a song that has an intimate acoustic nature, which makes it a perfect choice for small live events, open mic performances, and unplugged versions that you can share on your social media platforms. In addition to this, it’s a song where you can experiment with different fingerpicking techniques in the verse section and then go with the soft strumming in the chorus part. 

FAQs – To Kia Hua By Bilal Khan Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. What level of guitar playing is necessary to play the song “To Kia Hua” right? 

Ans. You can be a beginner or you can be immediate. There are no hard rules to play this song because it uses simple open chords, and the strumming pattern, which you need to follow, is steady and slow, making it great for learners who are at the start of their musical journey. 

Q2. What is the strumming pattern for the song To Kia Hua by Bilal Khan?  

Ans. The strumming pattern you should be using is D – D U – U D U

(Down – Down Up – Up Down Up).

Banda is one of the most popular songs by Bilal Khan, who is a Pakistani singer-songwriter. The lyrics for the song take you on an introspective ride, which has an acoustic-driven sound to it. Bilal released this song during the early years of his career, and this particular composition quickly gained a cult following among the indie music scene in South Asian countries. 

Song Structure:

Introduction: The introduction to this guitar song lesson is from Mike Walker, who is also going to be your guitar instructor for this lesson. In this introduction, he shows you how to tune up your guitar to play this song. 

Song Arrangement: In this part of the guitar lesson, Mike first shows you all the different chords you need to learn for this song, and then he shows you the rhythm that you have to follow. 

Song Demo: Now that you know all the chords, rhythms, and where you have to use them, it is time for you to see how to play the song with the backing track. 

Overdubs: This is the overdubs section, which is divided into three parts. Mike starts with the licks, which begin at the start of the song, and from there he moves forward to the next parts. 

Improvisation: When playing this song, you can use a number of improvisation techniques 

that are present in this part of the guitar lesson, or you can create your own depending on how much depth you want to add to the song. 

Why Learn This Banda By Bilal Khan?

If you are someone who loves and appreciates heartfelt songwriting and acoustic-driven music, then Banda is a perfect song for you to learn on guitar; it’s a song that helps you to become more expressive in your live performances. The song uses stripped-down arrangements, making it easier for you to focus on rhythm, dynamics, and clean transitions, which are particularly necessary for acoustic guitar playing. In addition to this, you can play it with gentle strumming or fingerpicking, which is one of the rare songs that goes well with both styles of playing, making it a versatile song for different types of musicians. 

FAQs – Banda By Bilal Khan Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. What is the tempo of the song Banda by Bilal Khan? 

Ans. The song follows a moderate tempo, which makes the song emotional, reflective, and ideal for acoustic sessions or even for solo performances where you can sing as well as play the guitar. 

Q2. Can I use the fingerpicking technique to play Banda by Bilal Khan? 

Ans. It is not necessary to use fingerpicking technique but if you wish to you can use it in the intro and in the verse sections of the song, the simple arpeggio pattern which you should follow would be something like this P–I–M–A, this will make your sound more intimate and gives it an unplugged feel.