In order to be an accomplished guitar player, of course, you need to learn and practice chords, strumming patterns, fingerpicking as well as notes and scales when you start your guitar journey. But that process can be challenging and frustrating from time to time, making you have cold feet to practice more.
You need to take a break from it and enjoy playing some of your favorite riffs and melodies that made you want to start playing guitar in the first place.
Playing some easy and awesome guitar riffs will keep the fun alive in the learning process, motivating you while learning some new techniques for your skill repertoire, which will spice up your playing amazingly. Thus, it is ultimately essential for a beginner to learn and play some cool riffs along the way.
So get ready, turn on your amp, adjust the effects and start playing these specially picked 30 of the coolest and the most popular guitar riffs that are easy and extremely fun to play. You will notice that your progress will be much faster playing these timeless melodies.
Do I Wanna Know – The Arctic Monkeys
2013 super hit Do I Wanna Know from the famous English indie rock band The Arctic Monkeys is a killer song built around a stomping guitar riff that was meant to be one of the all-time greats since the moment it was released.
The riff is played as the intro, and the main melody, repeated many times throughout the song. Rhythmically it can be complex in some parts with its fast-paced movements. There are also some essential techniques in the riff, such as slides and hammer-ons.
This is a tremendous and fun-to-play groove that also helps you progress with your lead guitar playing. You can use overdrive for the song to make it more interesting!
E|--------------------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------------------------------------|
D|-------------------1/3--1---------------0---------------------|
A|------1-----------1---------3/5-3---1-3---3----1-3-3h5-3h5----|
E|---1-3--3------1-3------------------------------------------3-|
If you are liking this list and want to play more easy riffs, this list might just be for you Top 40 Famous&Easy One String Guitar Songs For Beginners – Tabs Included
Californication – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
One of the most classic riffs of rock history, without a doubt, is Californication from Red Hot Chilli Peppers. It is a simple yet fantastic tune that rocked the world when it came out in 2000.
The riff is pretty straightforward that can be played with a pick or with fingers. When playing, try to stay on the frets with your fingers for a longer time, letting the strings ring to get closer to the original sound.
When you feel comfortable with the riff, you can add the bass partitions (highlighted as bold) with legato techniques played after the guitar riffs. That way, the melody sounds much more complete and impressive.
e|---------------------------------------------------------|
B|-------0--1----------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------0--2----------------|
D|----2---------2--0h2p------------------------------------|
A|-0---------------------3-----------3-------3/5--3--------|
E|--------------------------------1------------------------|
Beat It – Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s famous song Beat It has one of the most iconic riffs of music history. This melody is a must for your guitar repertoire.
To play it like the original recording, you have to tune your guitar to Eb tuning. It means that every string should be half-step down. For practicing, you can play it in the standard tuning.
With a bit of overdrive, this riff sounds amazing. It is easy to learn and extremely fun to play; at the same time, it is a good practice for your left hand.
eb|----|-------------------|-----------------|-------------------|-----------------|
Bb|----|-------------------|-----------------|-------------------|-----------------|
Gb|----|-------------------|-----------------|-------------------|-----------------|
Db|----|-------5-2-----2h4-|(4)2-0---0-------|-------5-2-----2h4-|(4)2-0-----------|
Ab|----|-----2-------------|-----------------|-----2-------------|-----------------|
Eb|--0-|(0)3---------------|---------------0-|(0)3---------------|---------------0-|
Pumped Up Kicks – Foster The People
The colossal hit Pumped Up Kicks by the alternative rock band Foster The People rocked the world and the top lists back in 2010.
Played clearly on the intro and throughout the song, the riff is simple, with bass notes on higher strings. There are little hammer-on, pull-of sections which will help you with your left-hand progression.
This is a great riff to play as your first since it is elementary to learn and master. You can also try to use the palm mute technique to make it sound smoother.
e|-------------------|---------------------|----------------------|-------------------|
B|-------------------|---------------------|----------------------|-------------------|
G|-------------------|---------------------|----------------------|-------------------|
D|-------------------|---------------------|-1------1----1h3------|-------------------|
A|-------------------|-------------1--3----|-----------------3----|-1----1----1-------|
E|-1----1----1--3----|-4------4------------|----------------------|--------------3--4-|
e|-------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|------------------|
B|-------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|------------------|
G|-------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|----------3h5-3---|
D|-------------------|---------------------|-1------1----1h3-------|-----------------5|
A|-------------------|-------------1--3----|--------------------3--|-1---1------------|
E|-1----1----1--3----|-4------4------------|-----------------4-----|------------------|
e|-------------------|---------------------|----------------------|-------------------|
B|-------------------|---------------------|----------------------|-------------------|
G|-------------------|---------------------|----------------------|-------------------|
D|-------------------|---------------------|-1------1----1h3------|-------------------|
A|-------------------|-------------1--3----|-----------------3----|-1----1----1-------|
E|-1----1----1--3----|-4------4------------|----------------------|--------------3--4-|
e|-------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|------------------|
B|-------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|------------------|
G|-------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|------------------|
D|-------------------|---------------------|-1------1----1-3-1-----|------------------|
A|-------------------|-------------1--3----|--------------------3--|-1---1----1h3p1---|
E|-1----1----1--3----|-4------4------------|-----------------------|-----------------3|
Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
Mainly known as the Rocky song, Eye Of The Tiger from Survivor is the mythical song of adrenaline scenes. The riff is known by almost everybody in the world with its classic rhythm and melody.
The riff consists of lots of mutes on the same note with a steady picking technique. Start slowly and build up speed as you practice your right hand with the rhythm.
Most of this cool riff is the rhythm and continuity; it will help you a lot with your stamina while you enjoy firing up the guitar.
[Intro]
P.M.
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E|-8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8-|
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E|--8------8---6---8------8---6---8------8---3---4---------------------------| (x4)
Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz
Feel Good Inc is one of the most memorable and famous songs of the pioneer band Gorillaz. The song is a mixture of many genres, with rap, alternative rock sounds, and a great guitar riff as the song’s main melody.
The partition is pretty straightforward, with licks on the bass strings. The critical thing in this riff is to play it smoothly, giving the proper attention to every note. The vibratos are also essential since they create the little details of the riff, making it sound more profound.
It is an easy and fun to play, melodic riff, which you will enjoy learning. Later you can also try to play the variation of the melody played in the chorus.
e|------------------------------|
B|------------------------------|
G|------------------------------|
D|------------------------------|
A|---------3-2~---0-0-3-2-------|
E|-0-0-2-3----------------3--0--|
Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
Another One Bites The Dust is the super hit from English rock band Queen’s 80’s disco sound. It has a lovely melody for the bass, which you can also play on your guitar.
The melody is effortless to play with steady notes and comfortable left-hand positions. The original song is played with a guitar tuned half step higher. So you can choose to play in that tuning or use a capo on the first fret.
It is a lovely rhythmic melody that will take no time for you to learn and play.
e|------------------------------|-------------------------------|
B|------------------------------|-------------------------------|
G|------------------------------|-------------------------------|
D|------------------------------|-------------------------------|
A|------------------------------|-------------------------------|
E|-5-3-0--0--0-----0-0-0--3-0-5-|-5-3-0--0--0-----0-0-0--3-0-5--|
e|-------------------------|-------------------------|
B|-------------------------|-------------------------|
G|-------------------0---2-|-------------------0---2-|
D|-2--2--2-----2-2-2---2---|-2--2--2-----2-2-2---2---|
A|-------------------------|-------------------------|
E|-------------------------|-------------------------|Enter Sandman – Metallica
Enter Sandman is the lead single from the Black Album of the mythical metal band Metallica. The riff is exceptionally famous, known by almost every rock fan.
The riff is pretty straightforward with easy-to-play notes. Be careful with the timings of each note and let the open E string ring while playing the notes on other strings.
You can play it with clean tones like the intro of the song or with a nice distortion like the latter melody of the song. It is a straightforward yet fantastic riff that will enrich your repertoire.
e|---------------------|------------------|---------------|
B|---------------------|------------------|---------------|
G|---------------------|------------------|---------------|
D|-------5-------------|----5-------------|----5----------|
A|----7-----------7----|-7-----------7----|-7-----------7-|
E|-0--------6--5-----0-|-------6--5-----0-|-------6--5----|
Come As You Are – Nirvana
Released in 1992, Come As You Are is one of the best songs of Nirvana and the Grunge genre. The piece’s intro melody is widely known for its guitar tone and its simple yet melodic structure.
The tuning of the original track is a whole step down, which is a bit of work to achieve. But if you are not going to play with the recording, you can play the melody with regular tuning.
The riff is extremely easy and consists of only 3 notes. The only thing you have to practice is the rhythmic structure of the melody and enjoy playing this grunge-style cool riff.
D|-------|-----------------|-----------------|
A|-------|-----------------|-----------------|
F|-------|-----------------|-----------------|
C|-------|-----------------|-----------------|
G|-------|-----0---0-------|---2-------2-----|
D|-0-0-1-|-2-----2---2-2-1-|-0---0-0-----0-1-|
Psycho – Muse
The 2015 hit Psycho by English rock band Muse has an old-school guitar riff that is extremely fun to play, and that sounds greatly solid and cool.
The riff has many electric guitar elements with triplets, pull-offs, and half-bends. Don’t let these elements scare you, as the riff is pretty straightforward to play. Just like Come As You Are, the original tuning is a whole step down, but you don’t need to change the tuning if you are not going to play on top of the original recording.
This riff has everything you need to practice, from left-hand techniques to two hands coordination. With a solid distortion, it sounds excellent and takes you back to the old-school rock setting.
e|-----------------------------|
B|-----------------------------|
G|-----------------------------|
D|-----------------------------|
A|-----------------------------|
D|-0-3p0-5p0-3-0-0-3p0-5b6-5b6-|
Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
Probably, the most known, covered, played, sung, chanted, and used melodies of the music history, Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. With its fantastic melody and basic structure, the riff became a crucial pop culture element.
The riff is super easy and suitable for absolute beginners. There are no complications, just pick each note with the right timing and enjoy the melody.
The riff is also a good practice to get more comfortable on your fretboard with a wide range of notes. You can play it with a bit of overdrive or with clean tones experimenting with different effects.
e|-------------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------------|
D|-------------------------------------------|
A|---7----7----10----7----5----3----2--------|
E|-------------------------------------------|
The Man Who Sold The World – Nirvana
Nirvana’s David Bowie cover The Man Who Sold The World has an amazing riff with different elements that makes it an excellent choice for novice guitar players.
The riff is short and introductory, with all the notes on the 3rd string. The original song is played with a half-step down tuning, which you should also do if you think of playing with Nirvana’s recording.
The only challenging part of the melody is the legato section with a hammer-on, and a pull-of played successively. Although it can be hard to get a clean sound on the first try, this trick is an excellent practice for your left-hand fingers.
e|------------------|----------------------|----|
B|------------------|----------------------|----|
G|-2-2-2-0--2h3p2-0-|-2-2-2-0--2h3p2-0-----|-2~-|
D|------------------|----------------------|----|
A|------------------|----------------------|----|
E|------------------|----------------------|----|
In My Place – Coldplay
English pop-rock band Coldplay is known for its melodic songs, and In My Place is no different. It has a very soft and nice riff that is perfect for your beginner repertoire.
The riff is repetitive, with notes on the 1st and 2nd strings. Let the notes ring as much as possible, letting your fingers stay on the frets when playing on the two strings alternatively.
You can also experiment with some effects for this melody. The riff should be played with a clean tone, but you can add some delay, reverb even some chorus to make it more interesting.
e|---12-12--9----9----9-----12-12--9----9----9----|
B|------------12---12----------------12---12------|
G|------------------------------------------------|
D|------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------------|
e|--12-12--9----9----9---12--12--9/7--9--7--9-----|
B|---------- 12---12---------------------------10-|
G|------------------------------------------------|
D|------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------------|
One – Metallica
One is one of the greatest hits of Metallica with its iconic intro riff. The song has a very dark-sounding sound and also a structure that is a great starting point for any skill level.
The intro riff is pretty straightforward and slow in tempo. You should let the notes ring to create the song’s mysterious dark atmosphere.
This partition is excellent to practice your string skipping, and accurate single note plucks. The tone should be clean, and you can add some delay to add to the feeling. Overall it is a great melody that is very cool to play.
e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
G|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------0-----|
D|---4---0---------|---4---0---------|---4---0---------|---4---0---------|
A|-2---2-----------|-----------------|-2---2-----------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-3---3-----------|-----------------|-3---3-----------|
e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|---------|
B|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|---------|
G|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|---------|
D|---4---0---------|---4---0---------|---4---0---------|---------|
A|-2---2-----------|-0---0-----------|-----------------|---2---2-|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-3---3-----------|-0---2---|
Satisfaction – Rolling Stones
According to many lists such as Rolling Stones magazine, one of the top riffs of music history is Satisfaction by Rolling Stones. It is an iconic riff and utterly basic with its 3-note structure.
Even though the riff is extremely basic, you can enrich it with little details. Try to play the first note with a staccato, meaning that you play it very short, lifting your hand immediately after picking the note. And put attention on the last part of the riff with two consecutive pull-offs.
You can add some overdrive and enjoy this amazing riff, making you feel like a true rock star.
e|----------------------------------------------------|
B|----------------------------------------------------|
G|----------------------------------------------------|
D|-----------------0----------------------------------|
A|-----2--2--2--4-------5--5\4--4----2----------------|
E|----------------------------------------------------|
Imperial March – Star Wars
The Imperial March is one of the best-known movie themes of cinema history. It is widely known as Darth Vader’s march with its dark and sinister melody.
With notes on higher strings, this melody’s guitar adaptation is greatly beginner-friendly. You should use the before-mentioned staccato technique while playing the melody, lifting your fingers shortly after picking the notes with your right hand. That way, you will have the original atmosphere of the melody with short notes.
You can try to play with clean sounds, but also you can add some overdrive to play the piece. Either way, this is a fantastic riff that deserves to be in your repertoire.
e|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
B|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
G|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
D|-------------------------------6--6--6--7--6---------------------|
A|--4-4-4---7--4---7--4---7--4-----------------7----7--4----7---4--|
E|--------5------5------5-------------------------5-------5--------|
Smoke On The Water – Deep Purple
Probably, the most famous guitar riff of all time, Smoke On The Water by mythical Deep Purple. Referred to and covered by many musicians, this song is a must to learn for any rock guitarist.
Although there are many ways to play this amazing melody, this is the easiest way you can play this riff. It is a very easy-to-play melody with comfortable finger positions, all on the same string.
You should add some overdrive to your tone to truly enjoy the melody. So listen to the melody carefully and try to play similar to it. It is a fantastic melody, fun to play, and sounds cool as hell.
e|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
B|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
G|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
D|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
A|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
E|-0---3---5-----0---3---6-5-------0---3---5-----3---0-------------|
Mission Impossible Theme
One of the most known theme melodies of all time is from the fantastic action movie Mission Impossible. This cool melody is widely associated with adrenaline which is ultimately enjoyable to play.
With just 8 notes, the main riff is extremely basic. You should use the staccato technique for the first two notes of the melody. Later you can go on with the second part with pull-offs on the same frets ending with a descending note partition.
This riff is very beginner-friendly and fun to play. So get ready for action through your guitar mission!
e|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|
D|---------------------------|
A|-------1--3----------------|
E|-3--3----------3--3--1--2--|
e|-12--9------12--9------12--9--------------4--0--7---3--0--6---3--0--5---3--5------|
B|--------9---------8----------7------5--7------------------------------------------|
G|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Heartbreaker – Led Zeppelin
The 1969 hit by Led Zeppelin, Heartbreaker, has a very cool iconic hard rock riff. Like all of Jimmy Page’s riffs, it has lots of characteristics with many essential techniques.
The riff has many bends and vibratos, making it extremely fun to play. Try to make the bends sound accurate and nice, practice them slowly, and build up the speed later. The riff’s rhythmic aspect is also essential, so try not to rush it.
If you add a solid overdrive to your tone, this riff will sound so heavenly, making you feel like a guitar hero. It is also a great riff to practice and help your progression with many crucial aspects.
e|-------|-----------------------|---------------------------|
B|-------|-----------------------|---------------------------|
G|-------|-----------------------|---------------------------|
D|-------|-----------0--1-2------|---------------0--1-2------|
A|-------|---0--3~---------------|---0-0-0-0-3~--------------|
E|--3b---|------------------3b---|-----------------------3b--|
Where Is My Mind – The Pixies
The iconic soundtrack of the movie Fight Club, Where Is My Mind, by The Pixies, is an excellent song with a straightforward riff.
The melody is short and very easy, with just 3 different notes on the lower strings. When playing the first part of the melody, alternating between the 1st and 2nd string, let the notes ring, letting your fingers stay on the frets. Here, the trick is to use an alternate picking style with down and upstrokes consecutively. Then make the transition with the pull-off technique.
Use a clean tone for the riff and enjoy playing one of the most incredible riffs of its time.
e|-----4-----4-|----4-----4-|-----4-----4-|-0--0----0--|
B|--5-----5----|-5-----5----|--4-----4----|-5--5p4--5--|
G|-------------|------------|-------------|------------|
D|-------------|------------|-------------|------------|
A|-------------|------------|-------------|------------|
E|-------------|------------|-------------|------------|
Breaking The Law – Judas Priest
Judas Pries’s most famous song, Breaking The Law, is an awesome hard rock song thanks, in part, to the iconic opening riff. With a typical metal progression, the riff is very easy to play and fun when you play along with the original track.
The intro riff of the song is straightforward, with single notes and repetitions. The same melody is played in two different positions.
As one of the most uncomplicated riffs in the metal world, you will master it in no time. Turn on the distortion, listen to the rhythm pattern and enjoy playing it.
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|--0--2--3--0--2--3--0--2--3--------0--------0-----3--2---------------------|
E|-----------------------------1--3-----1--3-----3---------------------------|
Roadhouse Blues – The Doors
Covered by many artists, the great hit Roadhouse Blues by the legendary The Doors has a smooth and easy riff with blues characteristics.
This melody is super simple to play. It starts with an open E string rhythmic pattern and a bluesy walk first on the same E string and then A string on the second part.
You can use the palm mute technique for the open string notes. That will make the melody sound more bluesy and more fun to play.
e|--------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------------------5~6~7-|
E|-0--0--0--0--0--0--5~6~7--0--0--0--0--0--0--------|
The Godfather Theme
Another beginner-friendly guitar adaptation of legendary movie themes is The Godfather. Like the movie itself, the soundtrack got enormously popular with its beautiful melody.
The intro partition is straightforward, with notes on the 2nd and 3rd strings. With alternative picking, try to play slowly and precisely. Use some vibratos wherever possible to make the melody sound more professional.
This song is also a good exercise for the left hand, requiring the usage of all of the fingers. It is like a little solo that gives you great satisfaction when you master it.
e|----------------------------------------------------|
B|--15--14-15-16--15-15-------15--14-15-16--15-15-----|
G|----------------------15------------------------14--|
D|----------------------------------------------------|
A|----------------------------------------------------|
E|----------------------------------------------------|
e|----------------------------------------------------|
B|--15-14-15-18--15-14--17-15------------15-14--------|
G|------------------------------15-14-15--------------|
D|----------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------------0---|
E|------------------------------------------------0---|
Iron Man – Black Sabbath
As one of Black Sabbath’s most famous songs, Iron Man is a classic heavy metal riff at its finest. The song remains a favorite of many guitarists around the world.
The riff is super easy, with introductory notes played straightforwardly. It is a slow-paced rhythmic melody, which requires you to listen to it very well to get its feeling. You can use the slide technique when transitioning from the 3rd fret to the 5th on the 6th string.
So, get your guitar, turn on your distortion and start enjoying this super-easy iconic riff.
e|-------------------------|---------------------------|
B|-------------------------|---------------------------|
G|-------------------------|---------------------------|
D|-------------------------|---------------------------|
A|-------------------------|---------------------------|
E|-0-----3-----3--5--5-----|-8-7-8-7-8--3--3--5--5-----|
Sunshine Of Your Love – Cream
Sunshine Of Your Love by Cream is an old riff from the ’60s that it’s enjoyable to play and instantly recognizable to many people.
What makes this riff great to play is that anybody can learn it, and as you progress with your instrument, you can make this riff sound better, adding little more details. Overall it is an easy riff with some vibratos, staccatos, and an excellent rhythm.
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| (x2)
D|------12--12--10--12-------------------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------12----11----10--------8~---------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------10-------10----------------------------|
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|----------------------------------------------9~---------------------------------|
D|------------------------------------------10-------10----------------------------|
A|------------------------12----11----10-------------------------------------------|
E|------10--10---8--10-------------------------------------------------------------|
Come Out And Play – The Offspring
Come Out And Play by the punk band The Offspring was a massive git when it came out in 1994. It has an easy lead guitar riff that deserves to be on your beginner repertoire.
This melody is short and pretty straightforward. You start with the 2nd fret on the 5th string and descend to the 4th, followed by an ascension back to the 5th string. There is a little go and come back slide part in the middle of the riff that you should first try to play slowly, making it sound clear.
It is an entertaining melody to play, especially great with a bit of distortion.
e|------------------------------|-----------|
B|------------------------------|-----------|
G|------------------------------|-----------|
D|--------1--2--2/4/2--1--------|-----------|
A|--2--3------------------3--2--|--2--3--2--|
E|------------------------------|-----------|
Misirlou – Dick Dale
The globally known melody from the movie Pulp Fiction, or the song of Black Eyed Peas or any other pop culture element, Misirlou by Dick Dale. Originated from the Ottomans, it is a highly catchy riff with eastern music characteristics.
The riff is very straightforward, with all the notes on the 6th string. You can start to play this melody, picking each note once. Later you can build up to playing them 4 times, highlighting the high tempo and the melody’s feeling better.
Listen to the riff carefully to get the rhythm and the accents accurately. This song is an excellent practice for both hands and extremely fun when played correctly.
e|-----------------------------------------------------|
B|-----------------------------------------------------|
G|-----------------------------------------------------|
D|-----------------------------------------------------|
A|-----------------------------------------------------|
E|-1-1-1-4-4-4-5-5-5-7-7-7-7-7-7/11-8-7-7-7-7-7-7-7\1--|
e|--------------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------------------------------|
E|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1-1-4-4-4-5-5-5-7-7-7-7-7-7/11-8-|
e|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
A|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
E|-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-8-7-8-7\5-7-5-7-5-4-1-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-|
e|------------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------------------|
G|------------------------------------------------|
D|------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------------|
E|-7-5-7-5-4-5-4-5-4-1-0-0-0~---------------------|
Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry
One of the all-time top songs, as chosen by Billboard magazine Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry, is a perfect example of the funk rock genre. It has its characteristic rhythmic pattern and accents with a super easy-to-play main riff.
With only index and ring, fingers used the riff is very straightforward. The only thing you should pay attention to is the alternation between strings. The riff is a nice practice for hand coordination in string changes.
You can try to pick the notes a little stronger to give that slap feeling of the funk music. It is a super catchy and fun melody that definitely will wanna make you dance.
e|---------------------|
B|---------------------|
G|-------9-7-9-----7-9-|
D|-------------7-9-----|
A|---7-7---------------|
E|---------------------|
The Joker – Steve Miller Band
The great hit by Steve Miller Band The Joker was tremendous when released back in 1974, reaching the top 10 in many countries. The song’s lead guitar riff played many times in verses is simple and catchy, making it a great choice for novice players.
The riff is easy, starting from the 6th string and descending to the 4th with nice hammer-ons and going back in the second part of the riff. Take your time trying to play each note on the right time segment since it can be confusing for some players.
Originally the song is in D tuning, but if you are not going to play along with the recording, you can use the standard tuning. This riff is enjoyable to play and also a good practice for your hand coordination.
D||---------------------------|------------------------------|
A||---------------------------|------------------------------|
F||*--------------------------|------------------------------|
C||*----------------------0h2-|--0--0------------------------|
G||-----------0h2-3--3--------|----------0-2-3-3-3-3-2-2-0---|
D||---3--3--------------------|----------------------------2h|
Day Tripper – The Beatles
Day Tripper by the legendary The Beatles is based around a single riff, probably one of the most famous guitar riffs ever written. It shows that you don’t need much to create a great melody that will be listened to by many generations to come.
The riff is repeated throughout the whole song, and it is incredible with a smooth-riding feeling. The locations of the notes are very comfortable for the fingers, and the rhythm is easy.
You can add a slight overdrive for the riff if you wish to. It is ultimately a lovely and fun-to-play melody that is a must for every guitar player to have in their repertoire.
e|-----------------------------|
B|-----------------------------|
G|-----------------------------|
D|-------------2-0---4----0-2--|
A|----------2------2----2------|
E|--0--3-4---------------------|
Conclusion
As you learn and master all of these amazing guitar riffs with different techniques and elements, you will have tremendous fun and realize that you are progressing quickly. You will enrich your repertoire, amazing your audience.
As you progress with your instrument, you can learn the rest of the songs, even some basic solos, to have the satisfaction of playing a whole song with all of its aspects.
Ultimately, that is one of the reasons why people start playing guitar. It is about learning all of these riffs that you admire and recreating them in your own way!
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50 Campfire Guitar Songs To Ignite Your Next Singalong - Chords Included
Gathering around a crackling campfire with friends and a guitar is one of life's simpleest pleasures. Picture yourself strumming the chords as everyone belts out the chorus under a starry sky. From...
25 Elton John Songs you Can Play on Guitar - Chords included
Elton John, with his flair for melody and timeless appeal, has written songs that resonate with people across generations. For aspiring guitarists, his catalog offers a treasure trove of classics...