25 Easy Guitar Riffs For Beginners
Check out these 25 easy guitar riffs for beginners and have fun while impressing your friends.
Every guitar player at some point wants to play their favorite songs and often those songs have a riff or hook associated with it that identifies that piece of music. A riff is a repeated sequence of notes or chords. A riff is usually a pretty catchy repeated sequence that adds structure to the song and often brings the listener into the hook or is the hook itself. These 25 easy guitar riffs for beginners are some of my favorite riffs. Since my preference is for rock and classic rock these songs lean heavily in that direction. These are a lot of fun to play and a great way to get an introduction to the songs.
If you are new to power chords, take my quick free course to get you started. I feature the first song in this list as you first power chord song.
What are your favorite songs you would like to see listed in a future article? Please post them in the comments below.
Smoke On The Water
Smoke On The Water is a timeless rock classic that has been a go-to for aspiring guitarists for decades. It has catchy power chords and an easy-to-play structure, This song is the perfect starting point for beginners. Get ready to rock out and make this legendary riff your own. If you are looking to learn the whole song, here is a link to it on my favorite tab website, Ultimate Guitar.
Day Tripper
No list of 25 Easy Guitar Riffs For Beginners would be complete without at least one Beattle song and Day Tripper is one of the best. The Beatles are my favorite band and his is one of my all time favorite guitar riffs. It is easy to play and fun as hell.
Seven Army Nation
One of my favorite bass riffs is also included on this list of 25 Easy Guitar Riffs For Beginners. Seven Army Nation is an earworm that won’t go away. This song is super simple and fun on both bass and guitar.
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Ready to rock out? Get your guitar skills up to speed with this blast of alternative rock. And what better way to start than with the iconic “Smells Like Teen Spirit” riff? Impress your friends and have a blast while learning these catchy sequences that add structure to your favorite songs. Whether you’re into rock or classic rock, these riffs are sure to get you hooked. Stay tuned for more song suggestions in the comments below. Let’s jam!
You Really Got Me
Introducing “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks, one of the 25 easy guitar riffs for beginners that will surely get you rocking out in no time. With its memorable and infectious sequence of notes, this riff is a perfect starting point for aspiring guitarists. So grab your guitar, impress your friends, and embark on a musical journey filled with fun and learning.
Beat It
This classic riff from the king of pop is both upbeat and super fun to play but best of all it’s super easy to play.
Another One Bites The Dust
“Another One Bites The Dust” is best know as a bass riff but can easily be played on guitar as well.
Enter Sandman
Impress your friends and family by learning to play one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time with our easy beginner’s guide to “Enter Sandman” by Metallica.
Lithium
Looking to learn an awesome song, This guitar riff by Nirvana is a great song to get started on that is easy and fun. Nirvana is an epic band that started a new musical genre and this song was one of the big hits.
Come As You Are
Come As You Are is another iconic song from the 90s by one of the most influential bands of the 90s.
Paranoid
Are you ready to rock? Then the song Paranoid by Black Sabbath will get you rockin’ quickly and loudly.
Chasing Cars
This guitar riff from Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.” is a gorgeous melody that will captivate an move your audience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, mastering this riff will add a touch of magic to your repertoire. So grab your guitar and get ready to embark on a musical journey filled with emotion and beauty. Let the enchanting notes of “Chasing Cars” transport you to a world of endless possibilities.
Folsom Prison Blues
Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues is a country classic that will love on for many years.
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction
Unleash your inner rock star with the song “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this riff is guaranteed to get your fingers moving and your audience grooving. Join the ranks of guitar legends as you master this timeless piece of music history. Get ready to rock out and experience the satisfaction of playing this unforgettable riff.
Iron Man
Looking to rock out like a superhero? Look no further than the iconic Iron Man guitar riff. This electrifying riff is a must-learn for any beginner guitarist wanting to impress their friends. With its catchy sequence of notes, it’s sure to add structure and excitement to your playing. So grab your guitar, channel your inner Tony Stark, and get ready to unleash the power of the Iron Man guitar riff. Rock on!
Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Are you ready to rock? Get your fingers moving and your amp cranked up because it’s time to master the iconic guitar riff of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” This energetic and catchy riff will have you feeling like a rockstar in no time. Whether you’re a beginner looking to impress your friends or an experienced player seeking a new challenge, this riff is a must-learn. Join the ranks of guitar legends and let the power of music flow through your fingertips. Rock on!
Black Dog
Learn how to master the iconic Black Dog guitar riff with our step-by-step guide. Unleash the power of this legendary Led Zeppelin track as you navigate the intricate chords and captivating rhythm. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, our comprehensive instructions will help you channel your inner rock god and conquer the Black Dog riff like never before. Get ready to rock your world and leave a lasting impression with this timeless classic!
Billie Jean
Learn how to master the iconic Billie Jean guitar riff and make your guitar sing with Michael Jackson’s timeless hit. Follow our step-by-step guide to nail the catchy melody, groove to the rhythm, and captivate your audience. Unleash your inner rockstar and impress everyone with your guitar skills. Join the ranks of guitar legends and embrace the magic of Billie Jean. Get ready to ignite the stage and become the center of attention with this legendary riff. Let the music speak for itself and embark on a musical journey that will leave a lasting impression.
Brown Eyed Girl
Learn how to play the iconic guitar riff for “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison and impress your friends with your musical skills. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the notes, chords, and techniques needed to master this beloved tune. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, our step-by-step instructions and helpful diagrams will have you strumming along in no time. Get ready to rock out to one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in music history and experience the joy of playing “Brown Eyed Girl” like a true rock star.
Sunshine Of Your Love
Want to learn how to play the iconic guitar riff from Cream’s “Sunshine Of Your Love”? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll break down the chords and techniques needed to master this timeless classic. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, our step-by-step instructions will have you jamming along in no time. So grab your guitar, crank up the amp, and get ready to rock out to “Sunshine Of Your Love” like never before!
Whole Lotta Love
One of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs is “Whole Lotta Love” and it is a blast to play on both bass and guitar.
Walk This Way
A classic riff from a classic band, “Walk This Way” is both fun and iconic.
Purple Haze
One of Jimi Hendrix’s most famous songs and it turns out it easy to play.
Cocaine
Eric Clapton’s song Cocaine is an amazing introduction into his blusey style of rock guitar.
