Chords, Rhythm and Backing Track

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.

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.

In this video lesson Clay Foster teaches how to play the song Overture 1928 as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Riff, Chord Sections, Whole Tone Riff in E, Solo 1, Solo 2, Post Solo Lick in Em, Chromatic Riff, Outro Chords and Song Demo. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Walker

Overture 1928

by Clay Foster

Metal

Taught by

Clay Foster

Thinking Out Loud

by Steve Luciano

Pop

Taught by

Steve Luciano

1000 Eyes

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction: 1000 Eyes by Death is the song from their sixth studio album called Symbolic which was released on March 21st, 1995 under the label of Roadrunner records.

Fun Fact: The song talks about the unstoppable surveillance of the government on society.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: You will be using single-note arpeggios instead of full chords, and the arpeggios in the verse are as follows:

e|---------------------|

B|---------------------|

G|----7----5----4-----|

D|---5----4----3------|

A|--3----2----1-------|

E|---------------------|

Strumming Pattern:

The strumming pattern you have to follow for this song is a bit more of a fast alternate picking, tremolo picking, and palm-muted chugging. As a result, here’s how you will be strumming:

For palm muted chugging: D - D - DUD - D - D - DUD

Palm muted galloping: D - DUD - D - D - D - DUD

D = Down strum
U = Up strum

Song Structure:

Introduction: In the introduction your guitar instructor Bobby Koelble shares his insights about the song, what it means and the tuning required for it.
Intro Riff: Here you will learn about the intro of the song which is 8 bars in length. Also, you will learn how to play all the measures that are present in the intro.
Intro Solo: This section shows you how to play Chuck's solo part in the intro of the song.
Song Arrangement Part 1: From this section the main part of the song begins as Chuck

starts to sing from here. The guitar instructor breaks the arrangement down in several parts to make things easier here.

Song Arrangement Part 2: This part of the guitar lesson deals with the guitar playing you will be doing alongside the main chorus of the song. It is pretty faced paced strumming and chord progression so you need to have your full focus.
Song Demo: This is the part where Bobby is going to play the entirety of the song while the backing track is played. It is to show you how to strum and play chords in different parts.
Solo Lesson: Finally you will be learning Chuck's solo in this section, it is present in the Key of A minor. The riff which plays under the solo has already been taught in the above section of the song lesson.

Why should you learn 1000 Eyes By Death Song?

1000 Eyes has some of the most excruciating fast-paced riffs, which makes it challenging to play both for alternate picking and fret-hand coordination. As a result, it is a perfect song to build your speed and precision. It also gives you a challenge, so if you feel like all the songs that you have been playing on the guitar are too easy for you, this song will surely turn things around.

FAQs for 1000 Eyes by death Guitar Lesson

Q1. What happened to the Death band?

Ans. The band before breaking up in 2001 went through a lot of changes, all of this happened after the death of Schuldiner. The final line up of the band before the break up was Schuldiner on guitars and vocals, Shannon Hamm on guitars, Richard Christy on drums.

Q2. Was Chuck Schuldiner a good person in real life?

Ans. The death metal legend was friendly and loved his family members. Throughout his life, he had a bunch of his friends, and they all stuck together. His parents were still in contact with other band members and told them how Chuck helped them when they needed it the most.

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!

Metal

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Mr. Crowley

by Mike Walker

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

Taught by

Mike Walker

Messin with the Kid

by Mike Dugan

Blues

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Unforgiven

by Bill Peck

Metal

Taught by

Bill Peck

Similar Rock Songs

Handy Man

by Steve Luciano

Introduction

Want to learn some popular tunes from the mid-'90s? Torrins has got you covered! Tune into our guitar song lesson on James Taylor’s version of the 1959 hit Handy Man. This song tutorial is led by our expert teacher, Steve Luciano, who has decades of experience teaching and playing guitar. He breaks down the Handy Man lesson into chords, rhythm, and strumming patterns to make learning this song a smooth process for you.

Fun fact: Did you know this song has been a hit twice? Handy Man was originally recorded by Jimmy Jones in 1959 and became a huge success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Nearly two decades later, James Taylor recorded his own mellow, acoustic version in 1977, which also became a hit, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Taylor a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. How cool is that?

This version of Handy Man is a great example of James Taylor’s signature acoustic fingerpicking style, incorporating unique harmonies and intricate transitions. If you’re looking for a simpler version, we’ve got that too—check it out on the Torrins website!

Chords Used in Handy Man Guitar Lesson

This song is played in the key of D and features some interesting chord transitions. Here are some of the key chords used:

Main chords: D, A, and some others.
When reharmonizing the second verse: Em, F#m7
Slash chords to add depth and movement: A/C#, G/B, and a few others.

Tune into the complete Handy Man song lesson to know the rest of the chords.

Steve breaks down unique chord transitions specific to this song to help you capture its distinct, smooth sound.

Fingerpicking & Strumming Techniques

Unlike traditional fingerpicking, Handy Man features more of a plucking style—playing bass notes while plucking the strings together for a fuller sound.

The song starts with pickup notes and incorporates hammer-ons to add subtle dynamics.
If you’re not comfortable with fingerpicking, you can strum the entire song instead. It still sounds great!

Song Structure & Rhythm

This song follows a classic verse-chorus format.

Keep an eye on chord transitions, especially when moving between slash chords, as they add a unique colour to the song.
The multi-angle camera views (focused on fretting, strumming, and a complete overview) help you get a clear, close-up look at all movements –making learning much faster and more effective.
Make use of tabs and lyrics for a smoother and more structured learning experience.

**Why Learn the song Handy Man on guitar?**

James Taylor’s Handy Man is a fantastic piece for learning fingerpicking while maintaining a steady rhythm. Plus, it’s an excellent exercise for improving chord transitions and adding finesse to your playing.

FAQs – Handy Man Guitar Lesson

Q1. Do I have to use fingerpicking?

You can strum the entire song if you prefer. However, fingerpicking brings out its full depth.

Q2. How can I make my transitions smoother?

Steve shares specific techniques for transitioning between chords effortlessly. Practising slowly and focusing on finger positioning will help.

moderate

Rock

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Good Times Bad Times

by Mike Dugan

Good Times Bad Times - Introduction

Good Times Bad Times" is the first song on Led Zeppelin's 1969 debut album. The band released it as their first single in America. John Paul Jones wrote the main riff on a Hammond organ before playing it on bass. Jimmy Page used a Fender Telecaster guitar with a Tone Bender pedal for a fuzzy sound.

John Bonham played fast triplets on his bass drum with one foot. This drum technique impressed Jimi Hendrix. Robert Plant recorded his vocals twice to make them sound thicker. The song was almost called "A Man I Know" before they changed the title.

Good Times Bad Times Guitar Lesson

Mike Dugan's lesson breaks down every essential element of this classic track. The song's foundation lies in its deceptively simple power chord progression in E major. What makes it unique is the sliding technique between chords rather than the typical staccato approach. When playing the main riff (E5-D5-A5), focus on smoothly gliding between positions while maintaining steady palm muting for that tight, punchy sound. The verse rhythm follows a syncopated pattern that locks perfectly with John Bonham's groundbreaking drum work.

The guitar solo represents one of Jimmy Page's most inventive early recordings. Using a Leslie speaker cabinet (typically used for organs), Page created that distinctive swirling, phase-shifted tone. The solo primarily uses the E minor pentatonic scale (E-G-A-B-D) but incorporates several blues techniques. Pay special attention to the quick hammer-on/pull-off licks between the 12th and 15th frets on the B string, and the dramatic whole-step bends on the G string at the 14th fret. The solo's second half features rapid alternate picking that requires precise right-hand control.

For the rhythm parts, the secret lies in the dynamic contrast between sections. The verses use a tight, muted strumming pattern (down-up-down-up with emphasis on beats 2 and 4), while the choruses open up with full, ringing chords. Notice how Page slightly delays his strums during the verses to create that signature laid-back groove. The bridge section introduces a clever variation with quick chord changes (E-D-C#m-B) that build tension before returning to the main riff.

Advanced players should study the subtle nuances that make this recording special. Page's use of partial chords (often just the root and fifth with occasional added octaves) creates a lean, powerful sound. His muting technique - a combination of left-hand fret muting and right-hand palm muting - gives the rhythm parts their distinctive percussive quality. For authentic tone, use a Telecaster with the tone knob rolled back slightly, a medium-gain overdrive, and a small tube amp set clean with just a touch of natural breakup.

FAQs

Q. What tuning does this song use?

Standard tuning (E A D G B E). No special tuning needed.

Q. Is this song good for beginners?

The power chords are easy, but the slides and strumming take practice.

Q. What guitar effects were used?

Page used a Tone Bender fuzz pedal and Leslie speaker on the solo.

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Hotel California (Original Introduction) as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Chords, and Picking. Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Always with me Always with you

by Bobby Koelble

Introduction

Join our expert instructor, Bobby Koeble, for an in-depth lesson on "Always With Me, Always With You" by Joe Satriani. This song is a lyrical masterpiece known for its challenging legato-style licks and smooth melodic phrasing. This intermediate to advanced-level lesson will walk you through every section of the song, helping you master both the technical and emotional elements that make it so iconic.

Interesting fact: Joe Satriani wrote "Always With Me, Always With You" as a heartfelt tribute to his wife. Unlike many of his other complex, high-energy tracks, this song stands out for its melodic simplicity and emotional depth. Satriani has said that the song represents a peaceful and constant connection with his wife, capturing the feeling of always being together no matter the distance.

Bobby has broken down the song lesson into various sections for a detailed understanding.

Introduction
Separate lessons for Solo section 1-6
Conclusion and backing track

Chords Used

This song is in the key of B major and follows a 3/4 time signature. Some of the key chords used are:

B11 – Uses the E string for added depth.
E major – Bobby teaches a unique fingering that differs from standard chord shapes.
G# minor and F#sus4 – Essential for the song’s harmonic feel.

Tune into the song lesson to learn the rest of the chords that make up this song.

Strumming Pattern

The rhythm of this song is signature to the tune. It follows a strict 8-note rhythm with incorporated techniques such as:

Palm muting
Arpeggios
Sliding

Bobby also shares alternative ways to approach the rhythm so you can find what works best for you.

Song Structure

This song features a flowing, solo-driven structure:

Intro: It has a lyrical melody featuring legato-style licks

Solo Section 1: It is played in the key of B major and incorporates harmonics, vibrato, and sliding.

Solo Section 2: Moves higher up the neck and incorporates heavy use of vibrato and smooth phrasing.

Solo Section 3: This section has a harmony and melody change and is slightly longer and more complex. It introduces left-hand legato techniques.

Solo Section 4: Main melody moves up an octave and incorporates two-handed tapping.

Solo Section 5: It is the most rhythmically challenging part that includes double stops and varied phrasing.

Solo Section 6: Returns to the earlier melody with subtle variations in slide and inflexion. It has a fast legato-based lick to close out.

Outro: Bobby wraps up the lesson by playing along with the backing track

Why Learn This Song?

Master left-hand legato techniques
Develop precise control over sliding and vibrato
Incorporate bluesy elements into your playing
Build confidence with soloing and tapping

FAQs- Always With Me, Always With You Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song suitable for beginners?

No, this lesson is best for intermediate to advanced players due to the complex legato and tapping techniques.

Q2. How can I improve my sliding and vibrato?

Focus on timing and pressure consistency. Bobby shares detailed tips on mastering both.

moderate

Rock

Taught by

Bobby Koelble

Hotel California (Original Introduction)

by Steve Luciano

In this video lesson Steve Luciano teaches how to play the song Come As You Are 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

Steve Luciano

Come As You Are (Complete)

by J.J. Pattishall

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

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Knocking on Heavens Door

by Bill Peck

Taught by

Bill Peck

Wonderful Tonight (Sing and Play)

by Mike Dugan

Introduction:

Looking to learn one of the most heartfelt love ballads ever written? Then this song tutorial of Eric Clapton’s hit song is a must-watch for you. This "Wonderful Tonight" guitar lesson, taught by Mike Dugan, breaks down the song into an easy-to-follow tutorial that’s perfect for both beginners and advanced players. Mike teaches you how to sing as well as play the song.

Fun Fact: Eric Clapton wrote "Wonderful Tonight" while waiting for his then-girlfriend, Pattie Boyd, to get ready for an event. Despite its simplicity, the song became his most downloaded track on Spotify, with over 480 million streams!

Chords Used in "Wonderful Tonight"

This lesson is taught in the key of G major, and it primarily uses open chords, making it accessible to beginners. Some of the main chords include:

G
Em
D/F#

The lesson also covers additional chords and variations—tune in to discover them all!

Strumming Pattern & Rhythm Techniques

Beginner-Friendly Strumming: Basic downstrums to ensure smooth transitions between chords.
Advanced Strumming: The tutorial also covers a more complex strumming pattern used in the original recording. This involves subdivisions, where each beat is split into four 16th notes, creating a rhythmic groove with an alternate strumming pattern (DUDUDU) with accents.
Special Techniques: The instructor introduces a unique method for adding accents, perfect for players looking to elevate their rhythm skills. Tune in to the lesson to learn how to do it.

Song Structure Breakdown

This tutorial follows the song’s original structure, making it easier to follow:

Intro (played twice)
Verse 1
Intro section again
Verse 2
Bridge
Intro played twice
Verse 3 with a tag ending
Intro played twice to fade out

Tip: The intro shares a similar progression to the first part of the verse, making it easier to grasp.

Walk-Down Technique & Chord Transitions

One of the standout features of this lesson is the walk-down technique, where the bass notes descend smoothly between chords. Mike provides a step-by-step breakdown of positioning complex chord shapes and making smooth transitions.

Sing & Play Lesson

Want to sing while playing? This lesson dedicates a section to teaching how to play and sing simultaneously, helping learners match their strumming with the song’s vocal phrasing.

Final Play-Along & Bonus Lesson

The lesson ends with a play-along section featuring a backing track, allowing learners to practice the entire song with professional accompaniment.
For a more in-depth approach to playing "Wonderful Tonight" in an authentic style, check out Steve Luciano’s version, which focuses on the intricacies of the guitar work of the song.

FAQs – "Wonderful Tonight" Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes! With just a few open chords and a straightforward rhythm, it’s perfect for beginners.

Q2. How can I improve my strumming for this song?

Start with basic downstrums, then work on the subdivided 16th-note pattern with accents for a more authentic feel.

easy

Rock

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Texas Flood

by Mike Dugan

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Montana

by Steve Luciano

In this video lesson Mike Dugan teaches how to play the song Layla (Original Version) as part of our guitar series on English songs. The song is broken down into multiple lessons for easy learning - Introduction, Intro Riff, Verse and Rhythm, Lead (Duane Allman), Sing and Play, Piano Finale, Slide Lead, Song Demo (Singing with Chords), Song Demo (Eric Clapton Parts) and Song Demo (Duane Allman Parts). Don't forget to make use of the chords and tabs provided with the song lesson!

Taught by

Steve Luciano

Layla (Original Version)

by Mike Dugan

Taught by

Mike Dugan

Songs with Similar Difficulty

Zabaan Jale Hai

by Mike Walker

Taught by

Mike Walker

Har Kissi Ko Nahin Milta

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

O Heeriye

by J.J. Pattishall

Taught by

J.J. Pattishall

Mera Yaar Discussion (Ehsaan)

by Ehsaan Noorani

“Mera Yaar” from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is considered to be one of the best compositions by Shankar-Eshaan-Loy. The song stands out from the entire album as it is the only song that has some emotional resonance in the entire album.

The very first note starts with the acoustic guitar and takes over the center stage for the rest of the song. There are no flashy solos, which is a rare occurrence in Bollywood compositions, but it has layered progressions that help in expressing sorrow and serenity.

For this guitar song lesson, your guitar instructor is going to be Mike Walker, who will be showing you how to use the open chords present in this song with precision. You are going to learn how to give space in order for vocals to soar, along with the interplay of strummed sections and melodic fills, which will add texture to your playing without making it sound excessive.

Strumming Pattern

The song lesson mainly runs on the gentle rhythm and emotional vibe of the song; as a result, it’s a great song to practice for mastering smooth chord transitions and expressiveness using simple strumming patterns.

There are two options in terms of strumming pattern; you can decide which one to choose based on your comfort.

Beginner-friendly strumming pattern: D – D – U – U – D – U.

Advance version which includes muted strums as well: D – (mute) – D U – U D U.

D = Down Strum.
U = Up Strum.

At first, it might feel hard, but you can play along with the original track to match up with the required tempo and emotion. Also, focus on playing clean chord transitions and dynamic control. If you wish to use a capo, put it on the 1st or 2nd fret to play the song in its original key.

FAQs – Mera Yaar Song Guitar Lesson

Q1. What type of strumming dynamics works best when I am practicing “Mera Yaar” from the song Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?

Ans. Keep your chord touch light and focus more on dynamic contrast. Be sure to start softly and strum slightly stronger when you are playing the chorus, as it will allow you to have emotional buildup.

Q2. What should be the guitar skill level to master the song “Mera Yaar” from the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?

Ans. It’s a perfect song for beginners and for early intermediates because it has the basic rhythm and expressive dynamics.

Q3. How can I make the chord transitions smoother for “Mera Yaar” from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?

Ans. Practice the anchor finger technique, keep your fingers on the 3rd fret of the B string, then switch between G and C; it will surely minimize the hand movement and keep your transitions fluid.

Taught by

Ehsaan Noorani

Its My Life

by Mike Walker

Introduction:

It’s My Life is known to be one of the rock anthems, it was released in May, 2000 as the lead single of the seventh album called Crush by the rock band Bon Jovi. This was the song which made it possible for the band to introduce themselves to the younger fanbase.

Chords Used in Song Guitar Lesson:

Arpeggios Verse & Chorus Chords: This song uses power chords most of the time along with some strong strumming, but it is up to you to add arpeggios to add another dynamic layer in the verses

Instead of strumming, you can also play the following arpeggios in the verse section:

E|----------------|

B|------0--------|

G|----0---0------|

D|--2-------2----|

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

E|--------------|

Strumming Pattern

This song uses palm muting and strong downstrokes in order to create the classic rock sound. The main strumming pattern for It’s My Life by Bon Jovi is: D D X U D X U D

D (Downstroke) → Hit the full chord with power.
X (Palm Mute) → Lightly rest your palm on the strings for a muted "chug" effect.
U (Upstroke) → Play lightly, focusing on the higher strings for dynamics.

Song Structure

Introduction: In the introduction of the song you will be getting to know the tuning required to play this song.

Song Arrangement: Here you guitar instructor Mike Walker will be combining the guitar and piano parts of the song together which allows you to play the iconic guitar melody of this song.

Song Demo: After understanding what chords you need to play and where, in this part Mike is going to show you how to play the entire song with the backing track.

Solo: This is the final part of the guitar lesson, and here you will be learning all the licks which are part of the guitar solo.