Tune into a classic Pink Floyd guitar lesson on Wish You Were Here at Torrins.com, led by our experienced tutor, Mike Dugan. He breaks down the lesson into various sections: Introduction, Intro Chords & Rhythm, Intro Lead, Verse & Chorus Lesson, Solo Improvisation, Arrangement & Playing with Backing Track.

Interesting Fact: In the song's intro, you can hear David Gilmour coughing and breathing heavily before the guitar kicks in. Rumour had it that Gilmour’s smoking habit caused the cough, and that he quit smoking afterwards out of frustration with the recording. But Gilmour later clarified he never smoked!

Mike plays the song using various open chords, including Em, Em7, G, A, and Am. Tune into the complete lesson to learn the rest of the chords that make up this song. This song is a great choice for both beginners and intermediate players.

Chords Used in "Wish You Were Here" Guitar Lesson

This song is played using simple open chords, making it accessible for both beginners and intermediate players. For intermediate players, Mike introduces some alternate chord voicings to stay true to the song’s original sound while adding a unique touch.

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern is beginner-friendly with consistent downstrums. For those wanting to level up, Mike shares an advanced rhythm that incorporates upstrums for a more dynamic feel.

Song Structure

"Wish You Were Here" follows a clear and structured arrangement:

• Intro: Lead + rhythm section (Mike provides a simpler alternative for beginners)
• Lead Riffs: Based on the E minor pentatonic scale and its extensions, featuring double stops and hammer-ons.
• Verse 1: Smooth chord transitions; beginners can use downstrums, while advanced players can follow the more complex rhythm.
• Solo: You can either repeat the intro solo or follow Mike’s improvisation using the E minor pentatonic scale. 
• Verse 2: Similar to Verse 1, with consistent strumming and clean transitions.
• Final Solo: A concluding solo based on the intro lead and E minor pentatonic improvisation.

Improvisation Techniques

Mike teaches how to improvise using the E minor pentatonic scale. He also adds his own flair by playing it on the 12th fret in true David Gilmour style. 

Singing Along

Mike also walks you through the singing component, helping you match the chord changes with the lyrics.

Pro Tip: Make use of tabs and lyrics for smoother learning.

Why Learn "Wish You Were Here"?

This lesson helps you improve your chord transitions and develop a smooth, expressive playing style. It's a great piece to master for solo and sing-along sessions. Plus, learning David Gilmour’s style will sharpen your improvisation skills.

Tips to Improve:

1. Focus on clean chord transitions. 
2. Keep your strumming hand relaxed to maintain a steady rhythm.

FAQs – "Wish You Were Here" Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Yes! The chords are straightforward, and Mike provides a simplified version of the intro for beginners.

Q2. Can I just strum the song instead of fingerpicking?

Yes! You can simplify the song with consistent downstrums or follow the more advanced strumming pattern Mike shares.

Torrins brings you another heartfelt country classic-Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson, taught by Mike Dugan. This in-depth lesson covers everything from basic chords to advanced rhythm techniques, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced players.

Fun Fact: Always on My Mind was the Billboard number one country album of the year in 1982. It remained on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for an astonishing 253 weeks, holding the number one spot for 22 weeks. It even spent 99 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at number two for three weeks! 

Chords Used in Always on My Mind

Beginner Chords:

• D, A, Bm, etc (alternative chords provided for those struggling with barre chords)
• Bm/G# and other slash chords (simplified option available)
• Basic downstrumming technique 

Advanced Chords:

• Walk-down from Bm barre chord to G, creating a smooth transition
• Em, A, D, and motion chord movement from Em to F#, along with other chord voicings
• Includes A/C# to add depth to the song

Rhythm & Strumming Pattern

Beginner Rhythm:

• Simple downstrumming throughout the song for easy playability

Advanced Rhythm:

• More dynamic strumming pattern: DUDDUD with variations in the upstrokes
• Incorporates subdivisions and expressive chord transitions to match the song’s emotional tone

Song Structure

This song follows a classic country ballad structure:

1. Intro
2. Verse 1 & 2
3. Bridge – Separate versions for beginners and advanced players
4. Solo Verse – Melody-driven section
5. Bridge Repeat

Solo Section

• Uses the D major scale for advanced players
• Simple yet effective solo incorporating D and Bm/A chords, to name a few
• Captures the melody of the song to create an emotional instrumental moment

Improvisation Techniques

For those wanting to add their own flavour, Mike shares techniques to elevate their playing:

• Walk-down motions to create smoother transitions
• Letting open strings ring for a fuller sound
• Subtle rhythmic variations to match Willie Nelson’s expressive phrasing

Why Learn Always on My Mind?

This lesson is a great way to enhance your expressiveness as a guitarist. Whether you’re learning the basic chords or mastering the advanced transitions, Mike ensures that every player walks away with valuable skills.

FAQs – Always on My Mind Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

Ans: It’s better suited for intermediate and advanced players, but Mike breaks it down for beginners as well.

Q2. What if I struggle with barre chords?

Ans: Alternative chord shapes are provided for Bm and Bm/G# to make it easier.

Q3. How can I improve my strumming on this song?

Ans: Beginners should start with downstrumming, while advanced players can incorporate upstroke variations and subdivisions for a more dynamic feel.

Q4. Does this lesson include a solo?

Ans: Yes! The solo is based on the D major scale and includes a simple yet effective melody.

Tune into another guitar lesson on a popular Beatles song on Torrins.com, While My Guitar Gently Weeps written by George Harrison, taught by Mike Dugan. He makes learning this song fun, easy, and rewarding! He breaks this guitar song lesson into various sections like Introduction, Chords & Rhythm, Verse & Chorus (singing), Advanced Rhythm, and Solo Improvisation.

Fun Fact: George Harrison wrote While My Guitar Gently Weeps as an exercise in randomness after his return from India, where the Beatles studied Transcendental Meditation. Inspired by the idea that nothing is coincidental, he opened a book at random, saw the words "gently weeps," and turned them into one of his most iconic songs.

Chords Used in While My Guitar Gently Weeps Guitar Lesson

The guitar lesson on While My Guitar Gently Weeps is taught using chords like Am, Am/G, D7/F#, to name a few. It also involves some barre chords. Tune in to the complete guitar song lesson to know the rest of the chords that make up this song.  

This version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps is played in the key of A minor. The song includes a mix of open and barre chords, adding depth and complexity to the arrangement. 

The bridge introduces barre chords like C#m and F#m. Mike shares some great tips on transitioning between these barre chords smoothly, essential for mastering the flow of the song.

Strumming Pattern

For beginners, Mike keeps it simple with an easy 4-down-strum pattern that’s great for building confidence.

For intermediate and advanced players, he introduces a more intricate alternating rhythm:

DUDUDU – accenting beats two and four (like most rock songs) for a more dynamic feel.

Song Structure

The song follows a clear and repeatable structure that gives it a steady flow and allows for expressive variation. It begins with an intro, setting the tone before moving into Verse 1 and Verse 2, which establish the core melody and lyrical theme. The bridge introduces a vocal shift, featuring a touch of falsetto to accommodate the slightly higher notes, adding emotional lift and dynamic contrast. Following this, the guitar solo steps in, showcasing expressive phrasing built on the A minor pentatonic scale. The playing style, marked by smooth vibrato and a warm overdrive tone, is clearly inspired by Eric Clapton’s bluesy sensibilities. The structure then returns to the bridge and another verse, before easing into a jam section. This relaxed closing passage offers space for personal interpretation and creative improvisation, making it a satisfying conclusion to the track..

Mike teaches how to sync your singing with chord changes by accenting the words that align with the next chord. This makes it easier to play and sing simultaneously.

Improvisation Techniques

In the solo section, Mike offers a detailed breakdown of how to use the A minor pentatonic scale to craft expressive, personality-filled solos in the style of Eric Clapton. 

He walks you through essential techniques like achieving smooth vibrato, bending notes accurately to stay in pitch, and adjusting your speed and tone to create a polished, professional sound. If vibrato has been a sticking point for you, Mike dedicates extra time to break down the technique in a way that's easy to grasp. And if you’re looking for more practice, our dedicated vibrato lessons are just a click away. 

Why Learn While My Guitar Gently Weeps?

• Great choice of song for working on barre chord transitions.
• The solo section introduces you to classic rock licks, helping you develop a more expressive playing style.

Tips for Better Playing

• Keep your strumming hand moving consistently to maintain rhythm.
• Focus on clean chord transitions, especially in the bridge.
• Practice the solo slowly first, then build up speed gradually.

FAQs – While My Guitar Gently Weeps Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?

There is a beginner version of this song which focuses on a simple strumming pattern.

Q2. Do I need to use falsetto when singing the bridge?

It’s optional—but using falsetto adds a smoother tone. Mike shows how to adjust based on your vocal range.

Torrins brings you another electrifying guitar lesson "Crystal Mountain by Death", taught by none other than Bobby Koelble, one of the original guitarists on the track. This lesson breaks down the intricate riffs, solos, and powerful progressions that make this song a metal masterpiece.

Fun Fact: Crystal Mountain was inspired by Chuck Schuldiner’s real-life experiences with his not-so-friendly next-door neighbour. Their unpleasant interactions fueled the aggression and emotion behind this legendary track!

Tuning & Gear

• Tuning: Standard tuning down a whole step.
• Use the provided tabs for a more comprehensive learning experience.

Song Breakdown

This lesson is structured into multiple sections to make learning seamless:

1. Introduction
2. Intro Riff
3. Verse
4. Chorus
5. Bridge
6. Solo-Tapping Section
7. Main Solo
8. Acoustic Solo
9. Song Demo (Chuck’s Part)
10. Song Demo (Bobby’s Part)
11. Full Song Demo (Combining All Parts)

Chords & Riffs in Crystal Mountain

Intro Riff

• The first 8 bars feature power chords like E, Bb, and F, with vibrato. Tune in to the lesson to learn the rest of the chords. 
• The second half of the intro is harmonised down a perfect 5th.
• Scale: E Harmonic Minor.

Verse

• The Am chord is played with a variation in arpeggio.
• Includes F power chords and some single notes, along with other chords. 
• Heavy distortion is used to achieve that signature Death sound.

Chorus

• Chorus features single notes and an active midsection involving the open 5th string.
• Chuck Schuldiner added an intricate melody over the chorus section. Bobby walks you through this in detail. 

Bridge

• It begins with power chords in the rhythm track.
• It is layered with harmonised single-note phrases on top

Solo Sections

Tapping Solo

• This solo features harmonised tapping licks at the 12th fret.

Main Solo

• Chuck’s solo—short but iconic.
• It is in the key of G# minor.
• Uses triplets and expressive vibrato.

Acoustic Solo

• An acoustic solo is a rare touch in a Death song! Bobby demonstrates 4 simple acoustic licks to round off the song.

Final Song Demo

After breaking down every section, Bobby dedicates three lessons to the song demo:

• Chuck’s part
• His own part
• The full song, combining all elements

Why Learn Crystal Mountain?

• Learning this song will help you master intricate picking techniques.
• It will also help you understand harmonised riffs and solos.
• It will expand your knowledge of scales and metal phrasing.

FAQs – Crystal Mountain Guitar Lesson

Q1. Is this lesson suitable for beginners?

A: This lesson is best suited for intermediate to advanced players because of its complex chords and solos.

Q2. What is the most challenging part of the song?

A: The solo-tapping section and harmonised melodies require precise technique and practice.

Q3. Can I play this without tuning down?

A: Yes, you can, but tuning down a whole step helps achieve the authentic Death sound.

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.