Sing and Play

In this video lesson Rob Marcello teaches how to play the song Old School as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Lick, Three Arpeggio Section, Pedal Point Section, Old School (Verse), Old School (Pre-Chorus), Old School (Chorus), Old School (Verse 2), Old School (Chorus 2), Old School (Solo) and Last Lick and Arragement. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Neoclassical Rock

Taught by

Rob Marcello

Old School

by Rob Marcello

hard

Neoclassical Rock

Taught by

Rob Marcello

It Hurts Me Too

by Mike Dugan

Introduction:

Learn to play Elmore James' version of "It Hurts Me Too" with this detailed guitar lesson on Torrins.com taught by our instructor Mike Dugan. This classic 8-bar blues song features soulful melodies, a walking bassline, and the Delta blues technique, making it a must-learn for blues enthusiasts. This lesson includes chords, rhythm techniques, solo breakdowns, and a full song demo, with tabs and lyrics provided for a complete learning experience.

Fun Fact:

"It Hurts Me Too" is one of the most interpreted blues songs ever! Originally recorded by Tampa Red in 1940, Elmore James' recorded it once in 1957 and then in 1962. His 1962 version became a hit, staying on the Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart for eight weeks and even making its way to Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart two years after his passing.

Chords & Rhythm in "It Hurts Me Too"

Key: D
Chords Used: D7, A7, and others. Tune into the lesson to learn the rest of the chords used.
Rhythm Pattern: DUDDUDDUDDUD (He also teaches an alternative positioning for a different feel.
For advanced players, a Chuck Berry-style rhythm is introduced to add a more dynamic groove.
The Delta blues technique is broken down in detail, ensuring you capture the authentic blues sound.

Sing & Play Section

The lesson covers how to match vocals with chord changes and maintain steady downbeat strumming.
The punchline of each verse remains the same, making it easier to follow along while singing.

Solo Breakdown

The solo begins in the D major blues scale, bringing a bright and melodic sound.
After a few measures, it shifts into D minor pentatonic, adding emotional depth and contrast.
Mike Dugan explains this major-to-minor blues transition, a technique that gives the song its signature feel.

Song Demo

In this final section, Mike plays the full song with a backing track, bringing together all elements learned in the lesson. Follow along with him to learn the intricacies of this song perfectly.

Why Learn "It Hurts Me Too"?

This lesson is a great way to improve blues phrasing, rhythm control, and soloing techniques. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn essential blues progressions or an advanced player eager to refine your Delta blues technique, this song is an excellent addition to your repertoire.

FAQs – "It Hurts Me Too" Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this lesson beginner-friendly?

Yes! The song uses simple chords, and the lesson breaks everything down step by step, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Q2. Can I play the song without singing?

Absolutely! The lesson teaches the instrumental parts separately, so you can focus on mastering the guitar before adding vocals.

Q3. How do I improve my blues soloing?

This lesson introduces a major-to-minor blues shift, a great technique for creating emotional and expressive solos. Practice this transition to add more depth to your playing. Moreover, you can also check out our in-depth Blues Guitar lessons to improve your skills.

moderate

Blues

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Set Fire to the Rain

by Amy May

In this video lesson Amy May teaches how to play the song Set Fire to the Rain as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Intro, Song Arrangement, & Sing and Play. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Pop

Taught by

Amy May

Game of Throne Rock Version

by Mike Walker

Game of Throne Rock Version Cover by Kfir Ochaion - Introduction

The "Game of Thrones" theme is one of the most recognizable TV scores ever written, and Kfir Ochaion’s rock cover gives it a powerful new energy. Kfir is an Israeli guitarist known for turning vocal melodies into expressive guitar lines. His version takes the original orchestral arrangement and transforms it into a full rock instrumental, complete with soaring leads and heavy rhythms. The cover stays true to the epic feel of the original while adding guitar-driven intensity.

Kfir Ochaion started playing guitar at age 10, inspired by classic rock legends. His YouTube channel, launched in 2014, has grown to over 2.2 million subscribers thanks to his unique style. He doesn’t just play the notes—he makes the guitar "sing" like a human voice. This "Game of Thrones" cover is a great example of his approach, where every bend and vibrato mimics the drama of the original melody. His version keeps the song’s grand scale but makes it fit perfectly for electric guitar.

Game of Throne Rock Version Cover by Kfir Ochaion Guitar Lesson

Taught by Mike Walker, this lesson breaks down Kfir Ochaion’s rock arrangement of the "Game of Thrones" theme. The song is in E minor, and the main melody follows the original tune closely but with added rock techniques. The opening riff uses sustained notes with wide vibrato to copy the horn section from the TV version. The left hand must control each note’s pitch carefully to keep the melody sounding smooth and powerful.

The rhythm parts use palm-muted power chords to build tension in the verses. The pre-chorus switches to open chords with ringing arpeggios, creating contrast before the heavy riff returns. Kfir’s version includes a guitar solo section that wasn’t in the original. This solo uses the E harmonic minor scale for a dramatic, cinematic sound. Fast alternate picking runs and controlled bends make this part challenging but rewarding to learn.

For the main theme, Kfir uses slides and legato to connect notes fluidly. The phrasing is key, with pauses in the right places. The chorus brings big power chords and double stops to thicken the sound. Dynamic control is crucial here, as the part shifts between loud, aggressive strums and softer, cleaner passages.

Beginners should start by learning the melody slowly, focusing on note accuracy before adding vibrato. Intermediate players can work on the solo’s faster licks and the precise muting needed for the rhythm parts. Advanced guitarists should study how Kfir blends techniques—hybrid picking, bends, and harmonics—to make the guitar sound almost orchestral.

FAQs

Q. What effects does Kfir use in this cover?

A medium-gain overdrive, delay for atmosphere, and reverb to create space.

Q. Is this song good for beginners?

The melody is playable at slower speeds, but the solo and dynamic control require intermediate skills.

Q. How do I practice the fast alternate picking parts?

Use a metronome starting at half speed. Increase tempo only when you can play cleanly.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Greensleeves

by Bobby Koelble

Classical

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Under the Bridge

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Until I Found You

by Pranay Verma

Pop rock, Pop, Singer-Songwriter

Taught by

Pranay Verma

Happy

by Mike Walker

Introduction:

Even from the name, you can see that the song is going to be uplifting, and it’s a perfect song to feel good about. It is the only single from the soundtrack album of the animated movie Despicable Me 2, which was released in 2013.

Happy is the song written and performed by Pharell Williams, and the music video of the song was nominated for Best Male Video and Video of the Year by the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song follows a simple four-chord progression throughout; the arpeggios picking pattern is going to be like this:

e|-----------1------------|

B|------1------1---------|

G|----2---2------2------|

D|----------------------|

A|----------------------|

E|--1------------------|

Strumming Pattern

The strumming has to be tight, quick and rhythmic for this song, it follows 4/4 time and there is a funk-style muted strumming feel: D x D U x U D U.

D = Down strum
U = Up strum
X = percussive muted strum

Song Structure

Introduction: In the introduction section, Mike shows you how to tune up your guitar to play this song.

Song Arrangement: Here your guitar instructor Mike has divided the song arrangement in different sections and he starts showing you how to play different chords for different sections starting with the intro.

Song Demo: Finally comes the time when Mike plays the guitar chords with the backing track playing alongside.

Why Learn Happy By Pharrell Williams Song?

It uses simple major chords that are easy to learn for beginners and even for intermediate players as it will help them be more consistent in their rhythmic strumming. In addition to this, the guitar sound is much funk-inspired, making it a perfect choice for improving your timing and groove.

FAQs – This Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Was the song Happy made specifically for the movie Despicable Me?

Ans. Yes, the song was written only for the animated movie Despicable Me 2, which was released in 2013. The song received an Academy Award nomination for best original song, and the singer also performed it live at the Oscars ceremony.

Q2. Who originally sang the Happy?

Ans. Pharrell Williams has revealed that it was Cee Lo Green who recorded the song for the first time. But the producer didn’t feel like that the song belonged to Green so he gave Pharrell Williams a try and rest is history.

Q3. What was the reason Pharrell wrote Happy?

Ans. According to Pharrell the lyrics of the song came out of sarcasm, he wrote the song when he was 40 years old.

Fun Fact: The song got nominated by Academy Awards but it failed to win Best Original Song because it lost to Let It Go from Frozen.

Pop

Taught by

Mike Walker

Your Cheating Heart

by Mike Dugan

Introduction:

Torrins brings you a classic country guitar lesson—Your Cheatin’ Heart, written and recorded by Hank Williams in 1952. Taught by Mike Dugan, this sing and play lesson breaks down the song into easy-to-follow sections, making it perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. He breaks down the chords, rhythm, and song arrangement of the song.

Fun Fact: Did you know Williams wrote this song while driving from Nashville to Shreveport with his fiancée? After calling his first wife a "cheatin’ heart," the lyrics poured and the entire song was ready within minutes.

Chords & Song Structure

This song follows a standard verse-chorus structure with a bridge in between.

Key: The song is in the key of C major
Verse Chords: The verse has three basic open chords. Tune into the lesson to learn them.
Bridge Chords: Bridge includes chords like F, D7, and others.

Mike carefully breaks down finger positioning, chord transitions, and how the chords are divided across measures. He also provides alternative fingerings to make it easier for beginners.

Do you wish to learn the intricacies of Country Guitar Playing? Check out our detailed lessons to master this style!

Strumming Patterns

This song has a simple and steady strumming style, ideal for both beginners and advanced players.

Beginner-Friendly Strumming:
A basic downstrum-only pattern in straight 4s to help new players get comfortable.
Advanced Strumming Pattern:
A more dynamic down-up pattern (DDUDDDDUDD) that adds depth and groove. Mike explains the transitions and accents in detail to help you get the authentic country feel.

Sing & Play

If you want to sing while playing, Mike provides a step-by-step breakdown of how the vocals align with the chord changes. He explains:

How to keep your strumming steady while singing
Where to place emphasis in both lyrics and chords
How to build confidence in singing and playing simultaneously

He suggests beginners to start with the basic strumming pattern, and once comfortable, then they can switch to the more advanced rhythm for a fuller sound.

Moreover, you can take advantage of the accompanied lyrics in the song lesson for a comprehensive learning experience.

Why Learn Your Cheatin’ Heart?

Classic country song that strengthens rhythm guitar skills
Great for beginners, thanks to simple chords and a steady beat
Teaches strumming variations, helping you develop better control
Perfect for sing-alongs, making it a fun addition to your repertoire

FAQs Your Cheatin’ Heart Guitar Lesson

Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes! The song uses simple open chords and a steady strumming pattern, making it perfect for beginners.

Q2: What if I struggle with singing and playing at the same time?

Start with basic downstrums to get comfortable. Once you have the rhythm down, gradually add vocals.

Q3: Do I need a capo for this song?

No capo is needed. The song is played in the key of C with open chords.

easy

Country

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Similar Rock Songs

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

Bohemian Rhapsody

by Mike Walker

Bohemian Rhapsody – Introduction

Welcome to the guitar lesson on what is referred to as the greatest rock song of all time, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. It is a 6-minute ‘suite’ –a musical performance that typically includes four or five dances, according to Western classical music. But Bohemian Rhapsody is nothing like a classical piece. It is, in fact, the opposite of a classical piece. It is an alternative rock song parodying orchestral music.

Freddie Mercury was born to Parsi-Indian parents in Zanzibar, which is an island town on the east coast of Africa. After the Zanzibar revolution began, they had to flee to Middlesex, England, to save their lives. Since that is the environment Freddie grew up around, it makes sense for him to choose alt-rock and prog-rock as his genres.

Bohemian Rhapsody Guitar Lesson

The lesson on this song is taught by our beloved expert, Mike Walker, who explains all the different sections of the song –and there are many –in the simplest of ways. The lesson is divided into multiple sections, explaining all the parts of the song section by section –from the intro that talks about the chords and different voicings of those chords, to the rhythms and solos of the song.

The song contains an iconic intro, a ballad segment, an orchestral passage, a rock progression, an iconic solo, and an outro. It is almost as if the song is a contraption of multiple songs. Consequently, it has a number of chords and key changes. The instructor, though, gives time to explain all the changes meticulously.

The song follows the following keys: B♭ Major, E♭ Major, A Major and F Major. With most of the chords being non-standard shapes, for instance, the intro features flat-6 and 7th chords, and minor 7th chords. There is a motif in the verse that makes the section iconic –a set of repeating two notes –G to F while on a Bb chord, A to G on the Gmin, and D to C on the Cmin. The instructor shows how to play it in great detail and along with the original track.

Another iconic part of the song is Brian May’s guitar solo, which has been deemed one of the greatest solos of all time. Featuring a guitar that Brian built in his garage, sloppy vibratos, dynamics, and pure emotional playing make it one of the greatest.

The lesson also has a breakdown of the main solo and the outro solo, including the rhythm distortion guitar parts as well, shown in full by the tutor.

Q. Is Bohemian Rhapsody playable on an acoustic guitar?

Yes, once you master the chord shapes, you can easily play the fingerstyle version of the song and sing along.

Q. What effects does Brian May use?

Brian used a Phaser pedal into a treble booster that then went into a Vox AC30.

Q. How do I sing and play this at the same time?

Practice playing the chords first. The ballad actually follows the vocal melody and so mastering the chords can easily get you there.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Brown Eyed Girl 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

Brown Eyed Girl

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Belle

by Mike Walker

In this video lesson Mike Walker teaches how to play the Review-Licks 1 through 20 as part of our Guitar series on Rock Lesson Week 18-Review. The topic is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Review-Licks 1 through 20. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Everything I Do

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Its Time

by Mike Walker

Introduction

It’s Time is the debut single by the American rock band Imagine Dragons. The song was released as the leading single from the band’s first major label EP which was Continued Silence. In the same year the band included this song in their first feature album.

It’s Time is the staple of Imagine Dragons’s live concert; they usually play this song in the beginning of their performance as it is the first song which gave the band its much needed recognition in the American music scene.

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

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song It’s Time is present in the key of D

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern that you have to follow for this song is D-DU-UD-DU, which means:

D = Down strum
U = Up strum
- = Pause or slight break

Song Structure

Introduction: In this part of the guitar lesson Mike Walker your music instructor is going to show you the tuning requirements for the song.

Song Arrangement: Here, you are going to learn how to play specific chords in the open chord style. In addition to this, you will also learn the lick, which you will be playing over and over again in the verses.

Song Demo: This is the last part of this guitar song lesson where Mike is going to teach you how to play the guitar section alongside the backing track.

Taught by

Mike Walker

Wonderwall

by Mike McQuinn

Introduction:

Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson "Wonderwall" by Oasis, taught by Mike McQuinn. This timeless classic is a must-learn for any guitarist, helping you master chord variations, strumming patterns, and how to play and sing simultaneously. Mike breaks down this song lesson into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords and Strumming, Sing and Play and Song Demo.

Fun Fact: In October 2020, "Wonderwall" became the first song from the 1990s to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. Today, it ranks as the second most-streamed song from that decade, following Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit”.

Chords Used in Wonderwall Guitar Lesson: The song is built around five essential chord patterns, which you’ll learn in detail in the song lesson. Some of the chords that make up this song are: G, Em7, Dsus4, A7Sus4, Cadd9. Tune in to the lesson to learn the rest.

One chord pattern includes a walk-down pattern for smooth transitions.

All chords are played with a capo on the 2nd fret

Strumming Pattern The primary strumming pattern is:

DDUDUDDUDUDD (Repeats UDUDD three times and ends with UD)
An alternate strumming pattern is used in the walk-down chord section—learn the difference in the lesson!

Song Structure & Breakdown This lesson is divided into multiple sections for easy learning:

Introduction: This section has an overview of the lesson structure and key techniques.
Chords & Strumming: This section includes all the chords used in this song, and Mike shares the five essential chord patterns that make up this song. He demonstrates how to transition smoothly. The song finishes with a repetitive lead part—Mike explains how to master it effortlessly. He shares tips to master the rhythm of the song.
Sing & Play: Mike teaches how to coordinate vocals with guitar playing, gearing you up for jamming sessions!
Song Demo: The song lesson ends with a full demonstration of the song to tie everything together.

Tip: Follow along with the Tabs provided with the song lesson for quick and effective learning.

Why Learn Wonderwall?

Learning this song will help you improve chord transition and variation skills.
It will also help you master rhythm consistency with its distinct strumming pattern.
It will enhance your ability to play and sing simultaneously.

FAQs – Wonderwall Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Ans- Yes! The chords are slight variations to basic chords and are used repetitively, making it a great song for all skill levels.

Q2. Do I need a capo?

Ans- Yes, the song is played with a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original key.

Q3. How do I improve my strumming for this song?

Ans- Focus on maintaining a relaxed wrist and practice the primary strumming pattern slowly before speeding up.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Mike McQuinn

November Rain

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Rock You Like a Hurricane

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

You Shook Me All Night Long

by Mike Walker

Introduction

AC/DC is a hard rock band from Australia. The band recorded the song "You Shook Me All Night Long," which appeared in their album Back In Black. Ozzest 100 considers it one of the most Australian songs of all time.

According to rock critic Robert Christgau, this song was the only great work of art from the band. If you ever get to witness AC/DC live, you will surely hear this song, which has become a staple of the band's live performances.

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

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: The song is in the key of G major and uses lots of open chords.

Song Structure

Introduction: In the introduction, Mike Walker teaches you how to tune up your guitar for this song. He also discusses the open chords you will use in this song and the G pentatonic bass chords in the solo section.

Song Arrangement: Here, you will learn how to play the iconic guitar introduction of the song. Mike also shares tips on where to play specific chords so you can quickly transition to open chords.

Song Demo: Here, Mike plays the guitar chords with the backing track to explain how to keep up with the song and maintain the rhythm.

Solo Lesson: This is the most interesting part of the song and of this guitar lesson. In this part, you learn how to play Angus Young's electric guitar solo and tips to make it sound exactly like him.

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

If You Like Jack Johnson, You'll Love These

Flake

by Steve Luciano

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Holes to Heaven

by J.J. Pattishall

In this video lesson J.J. Pattishall teaches how to play the song Upside Down 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, Intro Lick and Solo and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Upside Down

by J.J. Pattishall