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I’ve listed out the top easy electric guitar songs for beginners to learn!
I’m sure the fact you’re here means you’ve picked one up to learn to strum out your beloved songs, maybe taken a few lessons here and there, and now just itching to try out the skills you’ve acquired.
You have no idea which song is suitable for a beginner to learn without getting stuck and losing motivation.
You can also check out 15 Famous Bass Songs.
The Riff-Based Songs
Riff-based songs are the backbone of rock, metal, and many other music genres. These songs center around memorable and repetitive musical motifs called riffs.
Riffs are short, catchy sequences of notes played on a guitar or other instruments that create a distinctive and recognizable sound. They serve as the foundation of a song’s structure and often define its mood and energy.
Whether it’s a driving, aggressive riff in a heavy metal song or a melodic, catchy riff in a classic rock tune, riff-based songs have a unique ability to leave a lasting impression and stand the test of time in the world of music.
“Iron Man” – Black Sabbath
This is one of the famous beginner electric guitar songs that everyone tries to play and pick up due to its impressively iconic guitar riff.
“Iron Man” by Black Sabbath is a timeless heavy metal anthem, known for its distinctive guitar riff and Ozzy Osbourne’s haunting vocals.
The song’s apocalyptic lyrics and thunderous sound have made it an enduring classic in rock music.
“Back In Black” – AC/DC
This is another amazing song that beginners gravitate towards because these are easy songs to play on electric guitar.
“Back in Black” by AC/DC is an iconic rock anthem that defines the band’s signature sound. With its electrifying guitar riffs using open chords and Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals, this song is an eternal tribute to their late frontman, Bon Scott, and a timeless rock ‘n’ roll anthem.
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“Last Nite” – The Strokes
“Last Nite” by The Strokes is a garage rock masterpiece, known for its infectious melody, backbeat strums, and Julian Casablancas’ distinctive vocals. Released in 2001, it revitalized rock music for a new generation and remains a beloved indie rock classic.
Its raw energy and catchy hooks continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
“Smoke On The Water” – Deep Purple
This has to be the most famous guitar riff ever created and is considered one of the easiest electric guitar songs to pick up particularly its main riff is pretty easy.
“Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple is a rock anthem revered for its unforgettable double-stop guitar riff that is ideal for beginners to learn. Inspired by a casino fire in Montreux, this 1972 classic encapsulates the essence of rock ‘n’ roll, making it a fundamental piece in any aspiring guitarist’s repertoire.
“Whole Lotta Love” – Led Zeppelin
This is a go-to song by Led Zeppelin for beginners. It is one of the easy songs for electric guitar playing and easy jam songs.
“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin is a rock masterpiece celebrated for its iconic riff and Robert Plant’s powerful vocals. Although it may seem daunting at first, the song’s main riff is relatively simple, making it a thrilling challenge for beginners eager to tackle a legendary classic in their guitar journey.
“Blitzkrieg Bop” – The Ramones
“Blitzkrieg Bop” by the Ramones is a punk rock anthem known for its high-energy simplicity, making it an ideal choice for novice guitarists. With just three power chords, it’s a perfect introduction to punk rock guitar playing, embodying the raw and rebellious spirit of the genre, making it a fantastic starting point for beginners eager to rock out.
“Low” – Cracker
“Low” by Cracker is an alternative rock gem, featuring a catchy riff and David Lowery’s distinctive vocals. Its simplicity and infectious rhythm make it a great pick for beginner guitarists looking to dive into the world of ’90s alternative rock while honing their chord transitions.
“This Means War” – Avenged Sevenfold
“This Means War” by Avenged Sevenfold is a heavy metal anthem with a thunderous guitar riff, perfect for guitarists eager to explore metal’s power and precision. Its straightforward structure and palm-muted chugging make it an ideal starting point for beginners looking to delve into the world of metal guitar.
“Girls Just Want To Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
“Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper is a vibrant ’80s pop anthem, featuring catchy guitar chords that are beginner-friendly and fun to play. It’s an excellent choice for novice guitarists looking to groove along with the upbeat spirit of the song. This iconic hit remains a joyful staple in the world of pop music.
“I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones
“I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones is a rock classic defined by its iconic guitar riff, perfect for beginners aiming to master rock guitar essentials. Fun to play and easy, this song offers an ideal starting point for budding guitarists while capturing the rebellious spirit of the ’60s.
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” – Judas Priest
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” by Judas Priest is a classic heavy metal anthem, known for its blazing guitar riffs and powerful vocals. Released in 1982, it remains a timeless symbol of the genre’s intensity and rebellion.
“Ace of Spades” – Motorhead
“Ace of Spades” by Motörhead is an iconic rock anthem known for its relentless speed and energy. With Lemmy Kilmister’s gravelly vocals and thunderous guitar riffs, it’s a timeless classic that defines the essence of heavy metal. Released in 1980, it remains a symbol of rebellion and a must-listen for rock enthusiasts.
“Come As You Are” – Nirvana
“Come As You Are” by Nirvana is an iconic grunge anthem, known for its haunting opening riff and Kurt Cobain’s distinctive vocals. Released in 1992, it’s a timeless reminder of individuality and acceptance. This song remains a cornerstone of ’90s alternative rock.
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“Crazy Train” – Ozzy Osbourne
“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne is a timeless heavy metal anthem, known for its iconic guitar riff and Ozzy’s distinctive vocals. Released in 1980, it remains a symbol of rock and metal’s power and rebellion. It also features one of the most incredible guitar solos and alternate-picking riffs out there.
“Hot for Teacher” – Van Halen
“Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen is a classic rock anthem known for its infectious guitar riffs and energetic drumming. David Lee Roth’s charismatic vocals and the song’s playful lyrics make it a timeless favorite. Released in 1984, it remains a staple of the band’s legendary discography.
“Raining Blood” – Slayer
“Raining Blood” by Slayer, an iconic thrash metal anthem, unleashes a relentless storm of aggression through blistering guitar riffs and thunderous drumming. Its haunting lyrics and ferocious energy make it a timeless classic in the metal genre, leaving a trail of headbanging fans in its wake.
“Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes
“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes is a rock anthem known for its iconic guitar riff. The song features simple, repetitive lyrics and is characterized by a powerful, driving rhythm. It’s often considered one of the band’s signature tracks and has become a popular sports stadium chant.
“The Trooper” – Iron Maiden
“The Trooper” by Iron Maiden is an iconic heavy metal anthem inspired by the Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean War. Its galloping guitar riffs and powerful vocals make it a fan favorite. Released in 1983, it remains a timeless classic in the world of rock music.
“Rock you like a Hurricane” – Scorpions
“Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions is a high-energy rock classic known for its electrifying guitar work and powerful vocals. Mastering its iconic riff and solo is a rewarding achievement for guitar enthusiasts seeking to push their skills to the next level.
An enduring anthem that continues to captivate rock fans worldwide.
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Arpeggio-based Easy Electric Guitar Songs
Arpeggio-based songs are a distinct category within the realm of music, characterized by their use of arpeggios as a foundational musical element. An arpeggio is a technique where the notes of a chord are played individually in a sequence, creating a melodic and harmonious sound.
These songs often showcase the technical prowess of musicians and offer a different sonic experience compared to riff-based or chord-based compositions. Some famous arpeggio-based songs are:
“Creep” – Radiohead
“Creep” by Radiohead is an emotive alt-rock hit, famous for its haunting melody and candid lyrics. The song has a unique chord progression utilizing barre chords and is built on arpeggiating them, so it’s one of the best songs to learn for beginners getting into arpeggios, especially finger pickers.
“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” – Blue Öyster Cult
“Lonely Day” – System Of A Down
“Lonely Day” by System of a Down is an emotive rock ballad with a straightforward chord progression, making it accessible for beginners. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to express their feelings through their guitar playing while mastering the basics. This song’s poignant melody and relatable lyrics resonate with listeners of all levels.
“Californication” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Californication” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is an iconic rock anthem, blending catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. Released in 1999, it’s a representation of California’s cultural and environmental struggles. With its infectious groove and social commentary, it remains a classic.
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” – Guns N’ Roses
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”, covered by Guns N’ Roses showcases Axl Rose’s emotive vocals and Slash’s iconic guitar solos. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful melody have made it a timeless favorite among fans worldwide. It remains a testament to the band’s enduring legacy.
Lick based songs
Lick-based songs are characterized by their reliance on recurring, distinctive melodic phrases or “licks.” These licks serve as the central building blocks of the song’s melody and are often repeated throughout the composition. Lick-based songs are commonly found in various music genres, including blues, rock, jazz, and country. A few examples would be:
“It Hurts Me Too” – Elmore James
Elmore James’ “It Hurts Me Too” is a blues masterpiece, characterized by his slide guitar prowess and soulful vocals. For aspiring blues guitarists, it’s an essential song to learn, as it showcases the art of slide guitar playing while conveying deep emotional resonance.
“Otherside” – The Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Otherside” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a melodic rock classic, making it accessible for beginner guitarists. Its emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic rhythm provide a great entry point into the band’s repertoire. A song that blends rock, funk, and introspection, offering a fulfilling playing experience.
“Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” – Green Day
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day is an iconic rock anthem, known for its melancholic lyrics and memorable guitar riffs. It explores feelings of loneliness and isolation, resonating with many listeners. The song remains a timeless classic in the world of alternative rock.
Strumming-Based Easy Electric Guitar Songs
Strumming-based songs are a fundamental category of music where the primary focus lies in the rhythmic and harmonic aspects of strumming chords on a guitar or other stringed instruments.
These songs often rely on simple chord progressions and the rhythmic patterns created by strumming to drive the music. Open chords are frequently utilized in this type of song, though many also go for power chords or barre chords.
“Zombie” – The Cranberries
The Cranberries “Zombie” is an iconic ’90s alt-rock hit known for its powerful vocals and emotional depth. Guitarists will appreciate its simple yet impactful chord progression, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
This song remains a timeless classic that resonates with audiences for its haunting melodies and socially relevant lyrics.
“Reptilia” – The Strokes
“Reptilia” by The Strokes is an indie rock gem, known for its energetic power chord strums and infectious rhythm. Its straightforward yet dynamic structure makes it accessible for beginner guitarists seeking a taste of garage rock brilliance.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana is a grunge rock classic celebrated for its iconic strummed riff and raw energy. It’s a generation-defining track that continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
“All the Small Things” – Blink 182
“All the Small Things” by Blink 182: A pop-punk anthem of the late ’90s, catchy and energetic. Iconic for its simplicity and playful lyrics. A timeless reminder of life’s little joys. The song features a lot of simple palm muting, good for a guitarist looking to hone that particular technique.
You can check out 30 Easy Acoustic Guitar Songs for Beginners here.
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Learn How to Play These Electric Guitar Songs Online
Check these websites out for easy guitar tabs:
Songsterr is a user-friendly platform offering an extensive collection of guitar tabs for various skill levels. Its interactive interface allows you to play along with the tab, making it a valuable tool for beginners.
GuitareTab is a user-contributed tablature website with a vast database of tabs. You can find tabs for easy acoustic guitar songs by searching their extensive catalog.
Ultimate Guitar is one of the biggest databases for guitar chords and tabs for all genres of music. They offer various formats for tabs too, such as Tab Pro, Guitar Pro, etc.
It’s the effort that matters
While the listed easy electric guitar songs are suitable for beginners, not everyone has the same aptitude for the various techniques required. You may learn some with ease and might struggle with some a lot.
End of the day, learning techniques properly and rigorously practicing are the keys to increasing skill. All the best with your endeavors!
Easy Electric Guitar Songs FAQ
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