We are all guilty of headbanging to our favorite metal music from time to time. Be it the thrash metal riffs of Metallica or the overpowering legacy of Randy Rhodes, powerful metal songs have the capability to energize your soul. If you are a metal-head like me, you must have thought of playing some cool metal solos on the best Fender or Gibson guitar at least once in your lifetime. I understand the feeling. Here's a list of 20 easy metal songs on guitar. Let's play them together.
Essential Metal Guitar Chords Before we jump into playing some of the most iconic metal songs, here's a list of a few important metal guitar chords. Power Chords
Diminished Power Chords
Augmented Power Chords
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The metal genre originated in the glorious 1960s along with the prominence of the Hippie movement. For such cool historical facts, check out the history of guitar and bond with your favorite instrument.
Top 20 Easy Metal Songs on Guitar
1. Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple 'Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky' - find a single person who didn't vibe with this song at some point in their life. Such is the charm of this song. Released in 1973, Smoke on the Water remains one of the most glorious rock/heavy metal songs ever. This iconic song is written in a four-note blues scale melody structure by Richie Blackmore. Smoke on the Water Chords: E, G, A, F, C, G#, and D.
2. Iron Man - Black Sabbath Any metal or hard rock list is incomplete without mentioning Black Sabbath; such is the impact of this band. The iconic riffs of Tony Iommi and the brilliance of Ozzy Osbourne were my introduction to heavy metal. I believe many of you will resonate with that too. Iron Maiden from the second studio album, Paranoid, is one of the most iconic songs by Black Sabbath. The Roling Stone Magazine included this song in the '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' list for its sheer brilliance. Iron Man Chords: E, B5, D5, E5, G5, A#5, and A5.
3. Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin If you are truly a guitar enthusiast, you have definitely heard this song on loop. Whole Lotta Love is one of the most iconic songs from the legendary band Led Zeppelin. Although music experts consider this song a hard rock genius, I have added it to this list for its celebrated guitar solo and unmatched tunes. It seems surprising that this song can be played with only three chords. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up your guitar, hold the right posture, and start playing. Whole Lotta Love Chords: D, E, and A.
4. Master of Puppets - Metallica Coming to the heavy metal genre, Metallica has made its mark with the song 'Master of Puppets' from their third studio album of the same name. According to critiques, Master of Puppets is one of the path-breaking and era-defining thrash metal songs of the 1980s. It is every guitarist's dream to fill in the shoes of Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield by playing such cool riffs on their guitars. Master of Puppets Chords: E5, D5, C#5, C, Em, B5, F#5, and C5.
5. BYOB - System of a Down This song is relatively new compared to all the songs on this list. However, it has made its own mark with its groundbreaking lyrics and superb composition. BYOB is one of the most celebrated nu-age metal songs of our generation. It might be hard for a beginner to get along with the tempo of this song, but you can make it perfect if you practice it mindfully. BYOB Chords: Em, Esus, D, A, G, Bm, and F#m.
6. Back in Black - AC/DC The iconic dance moves of lead guitarist Angus Young are synonymous with the band itself. It still amazes me to think how he can manage such dance steps while playing the guitar perfectly. Well, Back in Black is such a song that will make you groove a bit. This is probably the most famous AC/DC song. Wanna know what chords you should play for it? Back in Black Chords: E, D, A/C#, A, B, G, and C.
7. One - Metallica Another one from one of the big four bands of metal, One is the final single from And Justice for All album. Metallica not only performed this song at the Grammy awards but also won the Grammy award for the best metal song in 1990. The breathtaking guitar riff by Kirk Hammett made this song an international sensation, making it one of the most popular songs in the history of metal music. Naturally, playing One on the guitar someday is every guitarist's dream. One Chords: Bm, Gmaj7, D/A, Em, F#m, G5, A5, D, G, F, B5, F#5, C#5, Am, B, C, C/E, C5, E5, and F5.
8. Crazy Train - Ozzy Osborne Not here to brag, but Ozzy Osbourne, AKA the Prince of Darkness, is every metalhead's hero. His first solo song Crazy Train is as crazy as the name itself. Although this song is synonymous with the late guitarist Randy Rhodes, who wrote the 'crazy' riff for this song and simply immortalized it, this is considered one of the most celebrated metal songs of all time. Crazy Train Chords: F#m, A, E, D, E/A, D/A, and Bm.
9. Octavarium - Dream Theatre Although Dream Theatre is a progressive rock pioneer, this song deserves a special mention on this list. If you are all in for long musical pieces (quite literally), then Octavarium (24 minutes) from the album of the same name is the right song for you. This song takes you on a transcendental journey through its meditative metal riff, written by none other than John Petrucci. Pick up your guitar now, as it will take a long time to master it. Octavarium Chords: Fm, Dbm, Bbm, Cm, Eb/G, Ab, C/E, Fm/Eb, Dm7b5, Fdim, Abm, Eb, D, Bm7b5, A, D9, C, Em, Bb, Dm, Db, F#m, D/F#, E/B, A/B, B, Em/B, G, Bb/F, D/A, F#m/C#, Am/E, Dm/F, F, Am/F, and A/F#.
10. Walk - Pantera Pantera is actually the dark horse of metal music. It has a cult following and a huge fanbase for late guitarist Dimebag Darrell. The riff of 'Walk' is written in a 12/8 time signature. This song immortalized Dimebag forever, and it secured its place on Pantera's groundbreaking album, Vulgar Display of Power. That song was also featured in the films Triple Frontier and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Walk Chords: Eb, C, B, G, Ab, E, D, A, and Db.
11. Breaking the Law - Judas Priest Unlike other songs in this list, 'Breaking the Law' has molded the genre with its simplistic metal tunes and clean riffs. Once you hear this song, it is bound to get in your head instantly. Often considered a heavy metal song, this piece by Judas Priest was named the 12th best metal song of all time by VH1. Breaking the law Chords: A5, C5, G5, F5, E5, A, D5, and B.
12. Ace of Spades - Motorhead Who doesn't know the guitar legend Lemmy Kilmister? The English heavy metal band Motorhead is synonymous with the legendary metal icon. Ace of Spades is one of the most popular, technically sound, and the critically acclaimed piece from the house of Motorhead. This song remained on the top of the Billboard chart for 13 consecutive weeks. Are you wondering how to play this masterpiece? Well, check out the chords now. Ace of Spades Chords: E, B, Bb, A, G, D, and C.
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13. Sober - Tool This song goes back to the early days of live performances of this iconic American heavy metal/hard rock band Tool. It was written in approximately 1987 and got included in their debut album, Undertow. Sober reached the Billboard (US) 3rd position in the category of Hot Rock & Alternative Songs. Sober Chords: Em, C, D, and F.
14. Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth Here comes one of the greatest metal bands of all time, Megadeth. With the legendary Dave Mustaine, this band quickly took its spot as one of the big four bands of metal music. Symphony of Destruction, released in 1992, is one of the most popular songs from Megadeth. This song became an instant hit in the US and throughout Europe. Symphony of Destruction Chords: F, G, F5, E5, A5, Ab5, G5, D5, Bb, A, Ab, Gb, E, D, and C5.
15. Bad Company - Five Finger Death Punch Although it is a hard rock song, the composition of Bad Company by British hard and blues-rock band Five Finger Death Punch resembles metal guitar riffs. This is considered one of the most popular heavy metal/hard rock songs ever. However, it didn't get much success in the US but became immensely popular in Europe. If metal interests you, this is a good song to start with. Bad Company Chords: F#m, A, Bm, D, and E.
16. This Means War - Avenged Sevenfold Avenged Sevenfold, popularly known as A7X, is a relatively new heavy metal band. Founded in 1999, this band is considered one of the most influential new-age metal bands in the world. This Means War features an iconic guitar riff by Synyster Gates, and its catchy lyrics and soulful composition took it to the top of the chart. This Means War Chords: Em, C, Am, D, B, and G.
17. Raining Blood - Slayer The song Raining Blood from the Lacerated Sky, often known as Raining Blood, is a masterpiece of the metal genre. Slayer, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax, is considered one of the big four metal bands in the history of metal. This song is a clear evidence of their musical genius. Loudwire included this song among the best 50 metal songs of all time. The secret to playing this song is by tuning down the strings' half steps. Raining Blood Chords: Eb, A, Gb, and D.
18. Rooster - Alice in Chains The song Rooster was first released in 1993 by the American hard rock band Alice in Chains. This song created history by staying at the top of the Billboard chart for consecutive 20 weeks. According to music historians, this song is considered the best song by Alice in Chains. Rooster Chords: E, G, A, and C.
19. Hot for Teacher - Van Halen The iconic song 'Hot for Teacher' was written and performed by the rock and metal legend Eddie van Halen. This song first appeared in their 6th studio album and quickly became a worldwide hit. If you are looking for a cool metal song to step up your guitar game, then this is the song you must try. Hot for Teacher Chords: F#m, Am, D, G, A#, A, G#, F#, F, and E.
20. Monkey Business - Skid Row The last song on the list is one of the greatest hits of the American metal band Skid Row. This song shifted the genre from glam metal to overall heavy metal. This is one of the favorite songs to start a metal journey among aspiring guitarists. Monkey Business Chords: G, C, F, D, C#, and Bb.
FAQs
1. Can I play metal songs on acoustic guitar? Yes, you can play metal riffs on an acoustic guitar. In fact, many iconic metal riffs were covered by various artists on acoustic guitar. However, you won't get the sound and texture the original electric guitar composition offers.
2. Is music theory necessary to play metal songs? It is not mandatory to learn music theory for metal songs. You can definitely play metal songs on the guitar without any knowledge of musical theory. Although learning the music theory will allow you to play complex compositions on guitar.
3. What guitar should I buy to play metal riffs? Any basic electric guitar is capable of playing metal riffs. Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster are great electric guitars for metal music. You can also use the custom-made guitar for your composition. Make sure you are using a high-quality processor to customize the sound.
