Plunge into the world of rock, with these 20 best guitar riffs to learn.
Each song in this guide provides a unique aspect of guitar playing which will help you establish a solid foundation in guitar playing and won’t take you weeks to learn!
These are the best guitar riffs to learn because not only are they easy, they’re distinct, powerful and dynamic.
You’ll enjoy every step of the journey and feel like you’re making progress in just a matter of days.
Start with AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” and you’ll experience the raw power of Angus Young’s riffs which are perfect for beginners who just want to get going and mash out some power chords.
Transition to the The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine,” and you’ll get a feel for their softer catchier melodies which highlight innovative recording practices that were being explored at the time along with new instruments to Western music like the sitar.
From there, the straightforward but catchy “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett’s will feel remarkably simple yet you’ll still appreciate it for its rebellious spirit and vocal flair.
Technically speaking, you’ll begin getting to grips with fingerpicking if you tune into Dire Straits’ “Lady Writer” which offers a glimpse at the precision needed for such a technique.
The jangly tone of The Monkees “Last Train to Clarksville”, on the other hand, will get you thinking about syncopated rhythms, while Joe Walsh’s satirical number “Life’s Been Good” has all the emphasis on groove and timing.
If you want context, play Cream’s “Crossroads” and you’ll hear how Clapton innovated folk songs by giving them a modern lick of electric guitar.
Or there’s Ram Jam’s wild and fiery reawakening of the traditional “Black Betty” work song, and The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues” which captures the blues-rock essence with driving riffs and Morrison’s gritty vocals.
Nor does rock have to be pigeonholed into its own set of subgenres and the like which you’ll learn when you discover how bands have fused it with other more disparate styles and made pop and dance floor classics.
There’s The Police’s “Roxanne” which blends reggae and rock influences seamlessly; The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” and its disco groove and squeaky clean vocals; and Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” that has arguably the slickest opening guitar riff in this whole catalogue.
These 20 best guitar riffs to learn are more than just fun to play; they are a gateway to understanding the diverse techniques and styles that define rock music.
As you progress through these easy guitar riffs, you’ll not only improve your technical guitar playing but become immersed in a world that’ll never want to leave.
Highway To Hell: AC/DC
The lyrics to “Highway to Hell” were inspired by AC/DC’s unrelenting touring schedule which the band were jokingly suggesting would kill them (hence highway to hell).
It did, however, happen to be one of the last tracks the band recorded with Bon Scott before his tragic death in 1980. It’s a high voltage exercise in primal guitar rock executed by some of the very best to do it.
I Feel Fine: The Beatles
The Beatles’ “I Feel Fine”, released as a single in 1964, is said to be one of the earliest instances of feedback used as a recording effect, another example of the Beatles’ pioneering techniques.
Lennon wrote the guitar riff while the band were recording the song “Eight Days a Week”; Lennon would keep playing it in between takes. “I Feel Fine” became a number-one hit, further solidifying The Beatles’ dominance in the music scene.
I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll: Joan Jett
“I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, released in 1981, was a cover of The Arrows’ track of the same name.
Jett’s gnarly interpretation, however, brought the song widespread fame, highlighting her as a trailblazing female rocker in a male-dominated industry.
Joan’s raw rendition of the infectious chorus struck a chord with audiences, making it a smash hit.
Lady Writer: Dire Straits
Featuring Mark Knopfler’s distinctive fingerpicking guitar style, “Lady Writer” from the Dire Straits’ 1979 album “Communiqué,” is an example of the band’s tight musicianship.
It’s believed that the inspiration for the lyrics came after Knopfler saw writer Marina Warner appear on TV. The track exemplifies Dire Straits’ ability to blend together rock, folk, and blues themes.
Last Train To Clarksville: The Monkees
Many believe that the 1966 debut hit single “Last Train to Clarksville” by The Monkees is a poignant reference to soldiers in the Vietnam War.
The lyrics involve a man phoning a woman urging her to meet him at a train station in Clarksville which was the name of a town near an army base in Tennessee.
The duo Boyce and Hart say this is purely coincidence. The track’s success helped launch The Monkees’ career, making them a prominent act in the 1960s pop and rock scene.
Life’s Been Good: Joe Walsh
A satirical take on the excesses of fame, Joe Walsh’s “Life’s Been Good” from his 1978 album “But Seriously, Folks…” became one of his greatest solo hits.
Rumour has it that it’s a nod to drummer Keith Moon of The Who, but Walsh denies this saying that the lyrics, “I live in hotels, tear out the walls/I have accountants pay for it all” were true of his own life, where he spent most of his time living in hotels and would book two adjoining rooms and “tear down the walls” to make a connection between them – is that so?
Roadhouse Blues: The Doors
“Roadhouse Blues” by The Doors, from their 1970 album “Morrison Hotel,” features a driving blues-rock riff and Morrison’s gritty vocals.
Notably, the recording includes harmonica by John Sebastian of The Lovin’ Spoonful, under the pseudonym G. Puglese. “Roadhouse Blues” became a live favourite, embodying the band’s blend of blues, rock, and psychedelia.
Beat It: Michael Jackson
Eddie Van Halen, from Led Zeppelin, plays an iconic guitar solo in this groundbreaking fusion of rock and pop by Michael Jackson from his 1982 album “Thriller”.
Their collaboration bridged the gap between rock and pop, pushing “Beat It” to worldwide fame and winning two Grammy Awards.
The music video of two rival gangs battling it out through music and dance remains one of the most iconic music videos in popular culture to this day.
Black Betty: Ram Jam
Ram Jam’s 1977, high-energy rock adaptation of the traditional African-American folk song “Black Betty” became a hit thanks to its driving rhythm and powerful vocals.
This version has become the most well-known adaptation of the original making it a lasting entry into the rock canon.
Black Dog: Led Zeppelin
The title “Black Dog” from Led Zeppelin’s 1971 album “Led Zeppelin IV” is apparently credited to a nameless black labrador the group saw wandering around the Headley Grange studio and which the band believed was trying to reunite with its “other half”.
Similarly, the lyrics allude to a story of a man lusting after a woman. The riff took inspiration from blues traditions and showcases Page’s guitar mastery, blending hard rock with intricate musicianship.
Brown Sugar: The Rolling Stones
There’s been a lot of talk about who Rolling Stones’ “Brown Sugar” was written for. Apparently, Mick Jagger was the one responsible for writing the song and so it’s believed he had his girlfriend of the time, Martha Hunt, in mind when he wrote it.
However, soul singer Claudia Lennear disagreed saying it was written about her, during her and Jagger’s short relationship in 1969. Either way, “Brown Sugar” became a major hit of the Rolling Stones’ 1971 album “Sticky Fingers” showcasing the bands’ knack for blending rock, blues, and funk influences into their own distinct sound.
Crossroads: Cream
“Crossroads” was a song written by American blues artist Robert Johnson and was tied to folklore of the American South where crossroads are seen as the place where Faustian bargains are made – like selling your soul to the Devil.
Cream’s adaptation of the song for their 1968 album “Wheels of Fire” popularised the classic blues song with Clapton’s solos being a highlight and a touchstone for aspiring guitarists.
Hocus Pocus: Focus
“Hocus Pocus” from Focus’ 1971 album “Moving Waves” takes the form of a rondo, consisting of alternation between a powerful rock chord riff with short drum solos and then varied solo “verses”which include yodelling, organ playing, accordion, scat singing and whistling.
Its unconventional style and energetic performance made it a standout track in the progressive rock genre.
Paint It Black: The Rolling Stones
Notable for its innovative use of the sitar, The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” from their 1966 album “Aftermath,” is one of the most influential tracks in the bands’ back catalogue.
The song’s haunting riff and existential lyrics captured the psychedelic spirit of the 1960s as well as the despondent worldview in the immediate aftermath of the Vietnam War.
Paperback Writer: The Beatles
Written by Paul McCartney, “Paperback Writer” by The Beatles, released as a single in 1966, tells the story of an aspiring author and showcases the band’s evolving musical style.
It’s believed that McCartney’s aunt inspired him to write the lyrics since she wondered why songs always have to be about love.
McCartney took his aunt up on that criticism and set out to make a song about an author writing a letter to a publisher. “Paperback Writer” highlights the band’s ability to blend storytelling with inventive musical arrangements.
Roxanne: The Police
“Roxanne” tells the story of a man in love with a prostitute and became one of The Police’s signature songs, blending rock, reggae, and punk elements into a unique sound. It was released on their 1978 debut album “Outlandos d’Amour”.
Stayin’ Alive: The Bee Gees
The Bee Gees “Stayin Alive” was written as part of the soundtrack to the 1977 film “Saturday Night Fever”. It’s a disco classic with a driving beat and infectious riff.
Written by the Gibb brothers, the song became an anthem capturing the cultural zeitgeist. Its enduring popularity is marked by its distinctive falsetto vocals. “Stayin’ Alive” remains a symbol of the 1970s and a nostalgic dance floor hit.
Superstition: Stevie Wonder
“Superstition” from Stevie Wonder’s 1972 album “Talking Book,” showcases Wonder’s virtuosity, blending elements of funk, soul, and rock.
The song’s timeless appeal continues to influence musicians across a wide spectrum of genres.
There She Goes: The La’s
This cult classic by the La’s from their 1990 self-titled album is a pop-rock track with a catchy riff. Its melancholic lyrics have been rumoured to be about taking heroin but the band have all denied this. Instead, it’s simply a timeless melody that has captured listeners’ hearts for decades.
Walk This Way: Aerosmith
“Walk This Way” by Aerosmith, from their 1975 album “Toys in the Attic,” features a funky riff and dynamic vocal delivery by Steven Tyler.
The speed of Tyler’s delivery along with the emphasis on rhyme shared parallels with rap while the lyrics are said to be about a young boy losing his virginity.
In this way it’s a song that blends hard rock with elements of funk and hip hop.
Mastering these iconic riffs is more than just a fun challenge—it’s an immersive experience into the heart of rock music.
Each riff you conquer deepens your understanding of the genre, offering endless hours of enjoyment and personal growth as a musician.
To further enhance your learning, check out the “42 Classic Guitar Riffs Tab Book.” This free downloadable resource is packed with detailed tablature for a wide range of classic riffs, including those mentioned.
Plus, it includes three exclusive video lessons that guide you step-by-step through playing three of these legendary riffs.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this book is an invaluable tool for your guitar-playing journey.
Grab your free Tab Book and Lessons here:
https://www.guitarcoachmag.cc/free
