25 Best Songs to Play on Electric Guitar (Easy to Advanced)

Nothing makes you feel like a guitarist faster than plugging in and ripping into an iconic riff. The electric guitar rewards you early — many legendary songs are built on simple power chords and two-finger riffs.

Here are 25 of the best songs to play on electric guitar, sorted from absolute-beginner riffs to advanced workouts. Every song links to its full chords and tab.

What makes a great electric guitar song to learn?

• A signature riff you can nail on a single string
• Power chords instead of full barre chords
• A steady rhythm that sounds huge with a little distortion

Beginner electric guitar songs (single-string & power-chord riffs)

1. Smoke on the Water — Deep Purple — the most famous beginner riff ever. Chords & tab
2. Seven Nation Army — The White Stripes — one of music’s catchiest riffs, all on one string. Chords & tab
3. Iron Man — Black Sabbath — slow, heavy, unforgettable. Chords & tab
4. Back in Black — AC/DC — pure rock attitude in three chords. Chords & tab
5. Should I Stay or Should I Go — The Clash — punchy power chords and a great strum. Chords & tab

Intermediate electric guitar songs

6. Smells Like Teen Spirit — Nirvana — the anthem that launched a thousand guitarists. Chords & tab
7. Come As You Are — Nirvana — a hypnotic, easy-to-learn lead line. Chords & tab
8. Day Tripper — The Beatles — a riff every guitarist should know. Chords & tab
9. Highway to Hell — AC/DC — open-chord rock that sounds massive electrified. Chords & tab

Advanced electric guitar songs

10. Sweet Child O’ Mine — Guns N’ Roses — the legendary intro lick. Chords & tab
11. Enter Sandman — Metallica — palm-muted riffing and a killer build. Chords & tab

New to power chords? They’re the secret behind most of these riffs — learn them in 10 minutes with our Power Chords guide.

Tips for sounding great on electric

• Use a little distortion, not a lot — clarity beats mud.
• Palm-mute the low strings for that tight, chugging rock tone.
• Learn the riff first, the chords second — riffs are what make these songs recognizable.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest song to play on electric guitar?

Smoke on the Water and Seven Nation Army — both are single-string riffs you can learn in minutes.

Do electric guitar songs use chords or tabs?

Both. Riffs are usually written as tab (single notes), while the rhythm parts use power chords. Each song page above includes both.

What should I learn first on electric guitar?

Start with power chords and one simple riff (like Smoke on the Water), then add a steady down-strum rhythm.