- ABCDEFU (2021)
- Seven Nation Army (2003)
- Smooth (1999)
- Dammit (1997)
- Freak (1997)
- Bulls on Parade (1996)
- Mary Jane's Last Dance (1993)
- Creep (1992)
- Come as You Are (1991)
- Where Is My Mind? (1988)
- On the Road Again (1980)
- Breaking the Law (1980)
- Don't Fear The Reaper (1975)
- T.N.T. (1975)
- Smoke on the Water (1973)
- Dead Flowers (1971)
- Down on the Corner (1969)
- Whole Lotta Love (1969)
- Brown Eyed Girl (1967)
- House Of The Rising Sun (1964)
The rich history of the electric guitar dates back to the early 1930s when it revolutionized the music industry. Its ability to amplify sound and produce a wide range of innovative tones quickly captivated young audiences.
Today, it remains one of the most popular instruments for similar reasons. As hip hop and indie sounds have merged with other genres, the electric guitar's versatility has made it a staple in cross-genre songs, from rock and rap to country, jazz, and everything in between.
It's also an excellent instrument for beginners. It's relatively simple to learn, a lot of fun once you get the hang of it, highly portable, and compatible with almost any sound your friends might be playing. Creating powerful sounds with the easy electric guitar tabs in this article can be exciting and motivating. With a little practice, you'll impress your friends in no time! And if you're interested in acoustic guitar, we have a similar article with tabs for popular acoustic songs.
Before we jump in, if you're new to the electric guitar, here are a few tips you should consider:
- Pick one song to start with: Don't try too many at once. Start with one song from the list below that you really like, and go over it a lot until you've got it down really well. Playing something you enjoy really well, will help keep you motivated.
- Practice Regularly: It's easy to slack off after a few attempts. But if you set aside some dedicated practice time each day, you'll quickly improve your skills.
- Use a Metronome: Practicing on time is essential! Get yourself a metronome or simple drum machine to help develop your timing and rhythm. This will help you play more accurately, and equip you to play with others.
- Learn to Read Tabs: Tabs are designed for beginners to learn to play guitar parts quickly. You'll need to make sure you know how to read basic tablature in order to learn the songs in this article.
- Slow and low, let yourself go: Don't try to be a speed demon immediately. Start playing slowly to ensure you’re hitting the right notes and then gradually increase your speed.
- Play Along with Recordings: We've included the songs with each tab for you to play along to. Playing with the original recording can help you understand the song’s rhythm and feel.
- Stay Patient: Learning an instrument takes time, so be patient with yourself and celebrate small progressions. Don't give up! You could the music industry's next rock star.
Below is our list of 20 easy electric guitar tabs that are perfect for beginners, ordered by the year they were released, from the newest to the oldest. We've included only the primary recognizable riff of each song, as learning the entire song can be monotonous if it's not necessary. If you're interested in learning the full song, we recommend checking out dedicated tablature sites like Ultimate Guitar Tabs.
ABCDEFU (2021)
by Gayle
Whether or not you recognize this song likely depends on your age. It became an anthem for Gen Z with its relatable, yet humorously rebellious lyrics.
We've covered top TikTok artists on here, as the platform has become a great way for musicians to promote their music. "ABCDEFU" is also one that gained massive popularity through TikTok, before exploding onto the mainstream music scene.
The main riff is simple, using repetitive power chords and a steady strumming pattern, making it ideal for beginners. Learning this riff helps new players get comfortable with chord transitions and maintaining a consistent rhythm.
E|--------------------------------------------------------------------| B|--------------------------------------------------------------------| G|--------------------------------------------------------------------| D|-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-------------------6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6------------------| A|-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7--6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6--4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4--7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-| E|------------------4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-------------------5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-|
Seven Nation Army (2003)
by White Stripes
One of the most iconic riffs in modern rock, this song was initially conceived as a bass line, but Jack White used a pitch shifter to play it on the guitar. This song’s minimalist, raw sound has become a staple in sports arenas and rock playlists worldwide.
The main riff is exceptionally easy, consisting of a repetitive, single-note sequence that is perfect for beginners. Learning this riff teaches the importance of melody and rhythm without overwhelming complexity. Its instant recognizability, played at sporting events nation wide, make it a fun one to show off to your friends.
e|--------------------------| B|--------------------------| G|--------0-----------------| D|-2----2---2-0-------------| x4 A|--------------3-----2-----| E|--------------------------|
Smooth (1999)
by Santana ft. Rob Thomas
OK, so you'll want to take it easy with this one, as the entire song can get quite complex. However, the beginning of intro isn't too tough, and anyone you play it for will immediately recognize it, giving the illusion that you're bad enough to jam with Santana!
This track, featuring the distinctive guitar work of a legendary musician, became one of the biggest hits of the late '90s. It won three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, and remained in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 for 30 weeks.
e|-----------|-------|--------------------------|----------------------| B|-----------|-------|---------12--13--12(12)-12|13--------------------| G|------12---|-14----|-13--14---------------14--|---14-14-(14)---------| D|12-14----14|-------|--------------------------|----------------------| A|-----------|-------|--------------------------|----------------------| E|-----------|-------|--------------------------|----------------------| e|----------|---------|------------------------------------------------| B|---------8|---------|------------------------------------------------| G|-9--9--9--|-7-5-(5)-|-7-5-4------------------------------------------| D|----------|---------|--------7--6--7--9--7--(7)--(7)-----------------| A|----------|---------|------------------------------------------------| E|----------|---------|------------------------------------------------|
Dammit (1997)
by Blink-182
This popular punk rock song was a breakthrough hit and written in just five minutes. Its fast-paced, high-energy sound captures the essence of punk rock. The main riff is built around basic power chords and a straightforward strumming pattern, making it perfect for beginners who want to dive into the punk genre.
Learning this riff helps build speed, dexterity, and confidence while playing. Its energetic vibe and nostalgic appeal make it a staple in any punk rock setlist, and mastering it can impress fellow musicians and listeners alike.
e|-------------------------------------------------------| B|-------------------------------------------------------| G|-------------------------------------------------------| D|-----0-0-2-------0-0-2-------0-0-2-------2-2-0---------| A|-3-3---------------------0-0---------------------------| E|-------------3-3---------------------1-1---------------| x4
Freak (1997)
by Silverchair
A quintessential '90s grunge song, this track was written by the lead singer when he was just 17 years old, showcasing youthful angst and raw emotion. The song's heavy, distorted sound is driven by powerful guitar riffs that perfectly capture the era’s grunge aesthetic.
The main riff is straightforward, relying on power chords and a steady rhythm, making it accessible for beginners. Learning this riff is great for understanding grunge guitar techniques and getting comfortable with using distortion. Its gritty vibe and iconic status in '90s rock make it a cool addition to any guitarist's repertoire.
E|------------------------------| B|------------------------------| G|---3----3-3--3--3--3----------| D|---2--0-2-2--2--2--2--0-0-0---| A|---2--0-2-2--2--2--2--0-0-0---| D|---2--0-2-2--2--2--2--0-0-0---|
Bulls on Parade (1996)
by Rage Against the Machine
One of the hottest bands of the 1990s, taking rap rock to a new level! Rage's songs can often be quite difficult. But the opening riff to "Bulls on Parade" is very straightforward, in addition to being one of the most iconic and powerful riffs in rock history.
The riff is played using Tom Morello’s unique technique of combining alternate picking and muting, creating a machine-gun-like effect. Learning it will help new players understand rhythm guitar and the use of effects.
Eb|------------------------------| Bb|------------------------------| Gb|*----------------------------*| Db|*--4-----4---4-----4---4-----*| Ab|------------------------------| Eb|-----2---------2---------2----|
Mary Jane's Last Dance (1993)
by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
This track blends rock and blues seamlessly, featuring a riff that became iconic despite the song being recorded during a Greatest Hits session. The song's laid-back, bluesy feel is captured perfectly in its main riff, which is easy to learn and focuses on basic chord shapes and a smooth strumming pattern.
Practicing this riff can improve your chord transitions and rhythm skills. Its laid-back groove and instantly recognizable melody make it a staple in any beginner guitarist's repertoire of easy electric guitar tabs, offering a great balance of simplicity and musicality.
Am G D Am Am7 G e|--------------------|--------0h2-0-0-0---------|------3----------------| B|------1-1-1-----0-0-|-0h3-x--3-----1-1---1-1-1-|------1-1---------0-0--| G|-0h2--2-2-2-0---0-0-|-0h2-x--2-----------2-2-2-|-0h2--2---2-0-0---0-0--| D|-0h2--2-2-2-----0-0-|-0------------------2-2-2-|-0h2--------------0-0--| A|-0------------------|------------------0-------|-0---------------------| E|--------------3-----|--------------------------|----------------3------|
Creep (1992)
by Radiohead
If you're new to electric guitar, find yourself a beginner bass player and drummer, and the 3 of you can learn this song in no time! All 3 parts are extremely simple and easy to learn. They're actually so basic that the song was initially rejected by the band's record label, but despite this later became a global hit.
Learning this riff helps new players develop a sense of timing and dynamics. Its emotional depth and iconic status help it captivate listeners, making it a great cover song, and a valuable addition to any guitarist's collection of easy electric guitar tabs.
e|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| B|----------------------------------|3-----------------------3---------| G|--------------------4-------------|----4-------4---------------------| D|--------5-------5-----------5-----|--------5-------------------5/----| A|----5-------5---------------------|----------------------------------| E|-3--------------------------------|----------------------------------| e|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| B|--------4-----------4-------------|5-----------4-----------4---------| G|------------4---------------------|------------4---------------4-----| D|----4-----------4-----------------|----4-----------------------------| A|-2--------------------------------|----------------------------------| E|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| e|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| B|--------5-----------5-------------|6-----------5-----------5---------| G|------------5---------------------|----------------------------5-----| D|----5-----------5-----------5-----|--------5-----------5-------------| A|-3--------------------------------|----------------------------------| E|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| e|----------------------------------|----------------------------------| B|-----4-----------4----------------|----4-----------4-----------------| G|---------5-----------5-------5----|--------5-----------5-------------| D|--5----------5-----------5--------|5-----------5-----------5---------| A|-------------------------3--------|----------------------------------| E|----------------------------------|----------------------------------|
Come as You Are (1991)
by Nirvana
After you and your newb bass player and drummer learn Creep, you can then move onto Come as You Are. Another song that isn't quite as simple as Creep, but still pretty easy.
The catchy riff was inspired by a song from the 1980s, showcasing Nirvana's ability to reinvent musical ideas. The riff is repetitive which makes it accessible for beginners while introducing the use of effects pedals to create different sounds.
D|-------|-----------------|-----------------| A|-------|-----------------|-----------------| F|-------|-----------------|-----------------| C|-------|-----------------|-----------------| G|-------|-----0---0-------|---2-------2-----| D|-0-0-1-|-2-----2---2-2-1-|-0---0-0-----0-1-|
Where Is My Mind? (1988)
by Pixies
This alternative rock classic has a hauntingly beautiful riff that has been featured in many films and TV shows, most notably in the climax of "Fight Club." The main riff is built around a repetitive sequence of open strings and arpeggios, making it both easy to play and mesmerizing to hear.
Playing this riff helps develop fingerpicking skills and an understanding of melodic playing. Its ethereal sound and enduring popularity ensure it captivates audiences, making it a standout addition to any guitarist's repertoire of easy electric guitar tabs.
e|--|---------0-------|---------4-------|---------4-------|----------------| B|0-|-0---0---0---0-0-|-5---5---5---5-5-|-4---4---4---4-4-|-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5| G|1-|-1---1---1---1-1-|-6---6---6---6-6-|-5---5---5---5-5-|-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6| D|2-|-2---2---2---2-2-|-6---6---6---6-6-|-6---6---6---6-6-|-7-7-7-6-7-7-7-7| A|2-|-2---2---2---2-2-|-4---4---4---4-4-|-6---6---6---6-6-|-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7| E|0-|-0---0---0---0-0-|-4---4---4---4-4-|-4---4---4---4-4-|-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5|
On the Road Again (1980)
by Willie Nelson
This country rock classic features a catchy, rhythmic guitar riff that makes it a favorite for beginners. It was originally written in just a few minutes on a plane, leading to its repetitive, simple riff, which is perfect for new guitarists.
The upbeat, travel-inspired tune is easy to follow and brings a joyful energy to any practice session. The riff’s infectious melody is not only easy to learn but also a great way to enhance your rhythmic playing skills.
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| G|-----11/13-13---11/13-13-13-14p13-11-9-11/13-13-13-------------------------| D|-9-9-----------------------------------------------------------------------| A|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| E|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| G|-11/13-13-13-14p13-11\13-11-11-9-11-11\14-14-14-14-14-13-13-11-11-8-9------| D|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| A|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| E|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Breaking the Law (1980)
by Judas Priest
Known for its rebellious spirit and iconic riff, this song became an anthem for rock fans. The main riff is a great example of how simple power chords can create a powerful sound, making it one of the best easy electric guitar tabs for beginners.
The song’s driving force and memorable melody make it an exciting piece to play. Its straightforward structure helps new players grasp basic rock techniques while enjoying a high-energy tune. The fact that the riff is instantly recognizable adds a cool factor, ensuring you’ll grab attention when you play it.
e|---------------------------------|---------------------------------| B|---------------------------------|---------------------------------| G|---------------------------------|---------------------------------| D|---------------------------------|---------------------------------| x2 A|-0---2---3---0-2---3---0-2---3---|---------0---------0-----3---2---| E|---------------------------------|-1---3-------1-3-------3---------|
Don't Fear The Reaper (1975)
by Blue Oyster Cult
The infamous Cowbell song! It's opening riff, with hypnotic, arpeggiated chords, is an excellent introduction to fingerpicking techniques for beginners. PLearning it can enhance your dexterity and precision on the fretboard.
e|-----------------|-----------------| B|-----------------|-----------------| G|-----2-0-------0-|-------0-------0-| D|---2---------0---|-----0-------0---| x8 A|-0---------2-----|---3-------2-----| E|---------3-------|-1-------3-------|
T.N.T. (1975)
by AC/DC
Every guitarist in a rock cover band eventually comes to realize that AC/DC despite so many iconic guitar songs, is one of the easiest bands to cover. If you're a new guitar player, I recommend trying to tackle any and every AC/DC song that you like. You'll learn them and be rocking, fast!
The main riff on "T.N.T." is built around simple power chords and a strong rhythmic pattern, making it one of the most approachable easy electric guitar tabs for beginners.
e|-----------------| B|-----------------| G|-----------------| D|2~--5-7~--5-7-5--| X4 A|2~--5-7~--5-7-5--| E|0~--3-5~--3-5-3--|
Smoke on the Water (1973)
by Deep Purple
Arguably one of the most famous riffs in rock history, this song’s main guitar part is a must-know for any guitarist. The riff is simple, using just four notes, yet it’s incredibly powerful and memorable. These easy electric guitar tabs are perfect for beginners, as they introduce fundamental techniques like power chords and alternate picking.
The story behind the song, inspired by a fire at a Frank Zappa concert, adds an interesting historical context. Playing this iconic riff not only boosts your confidence but also connects you to a pivotal moment in rock music history.
e|-----------------------------------------------------------------| B|-----------------------------------------------------------------| G|-----------------------------------------------------------------| D|-----------------------------------------------------------------| A|-----------------------------------------------------------------| E|-0---3---5-----0---3---6-5-------0---3---5-----3---0-------------|
Dead Flowers (1971)
by The Rolling Stones
This track showcases a unique blend of country rock and traditional rock ‘n’ roll, creating a sound that is both laid-back and catchy. A lesser-known fact about this song is that it was heavily inspired by the country music of Gram Parsons.
The main riff is simple, involving basic chord changes that are perfect for beginners looking to practice easy electric guitar tabs. This riff helps new guitarists develop a sense of timing and smooth transitions between chords. Its relaxed, twangy feel makes it a joy to play and a great addition to any budding guitarist's repertoire.
E--0-0-0-2-2-2-2--0-0-0--3-3-3--2-2-------------------| B--3-3-3---3-3-3--3-3-3--3-3-3--3-3-------------------| G--2-2-2---2-2-2--2-2-2--0-0-0--2-2-------------------| D-----------------------------------------------------| A-----------------------------------------------------| E-----------------------------------------------------|
Down on the Corner (1969)
by Creedence Clearwater Revival
This upbeat, feel-good song features a catchy riff that’s built around simple, repetitive chord progressions. The song was inspired by street musicians and jug bands, capturing a lively, communal spirit that you'll love jamming to.
The main riff is great for beginners because it emphasizes rhythm and steady strumming, making it one of the ideal easy electric guitar tabs to start with. Playing this song can enhance your ability to keep time and stay in the groove.
e|----------|----------|----------|----------| B|----------|----------|----------|----------| G|----------|----------|----------|----------| D|----------|----------|----------|----------| A|-3-0-3-3-0|----2-3-3-|-3-0-3-3-0|----2-3-3-| E|----3-----|-3-3------|----3-----|-3-3------| e|----------|---------|-----------|----------| B|----------|---------|-----------|----------| G|----------|-----0-0-|-----------|----------| D|-3-0-3-3-0|----2----|-----------|----------| A|----3-----|-3-3-----|-3-0-3-3-0-|----2-3-3-| E|----------|---------|----3------|-3-3------|
Whole Lotta Love (1969)
by Led Zeppelin
Known for its groundbreaking production and innovative guitar work, this song features one of the most iconic riffs in rock history. An interesting detail is that the middle section of the song was a result of experimental studio techniques, including reverse echo and pan effects.
The main riff is relatively easy to learn, built on a repetitive, blues-based pattern, making it suitable for beginners practicing easy electric guitar tabs. This riff introduces new players to the power of using simple, powerful chords to create a huge sound. Its raw energy and instantly recognizable melody will impress anyone who hears it.
e|-------------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------| B|-------------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------| G|-------------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------| D|---------0-----0---|-9-------9-------9-------9-------|-9-------9-----9-9\----0-----0---| A|---------5b----5b--|-7-------7-------7-------7-------|-7-------7-----7-7\----5b----5b--| E|------/7-----7-----|---0-0-0---0-0-0---0-0-0---0-0-0-|---0-0-0---0-0------/7-----7-----|
Brown Eyed Girl (1967)
by Van Morrison
One of the most timeless classics a guitarist can learn, renowned for its joyful, upbeat and catchy melody. The song’s iconic “sha-la-la” chorus was a last-minute addition that contributed significantly to its enduring popularity. Combined with its main riff which is straightforward, it's a fairly easy one for beginners to master.
Playing these easy electric guitar tabs helps new guitarists get comfortable with strumming patterns and chord changes. Its happy, sing-along vibe makes it a favorite at gatherings, and learning it ensures you can bring smiles to faces with your guitar playing.
e|7---8--10---8--7----12--13--15--13--12----7---8--10---8--7---5~--2--3-5| B|8--10--12--10--8----13--15--17--15--13----8--10--12--10--8---3~--------| G|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|x2 D|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| A|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| E|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
House Of The Rising Sun (1964)
by The Animals
A traditional and well-known folk song that features a haunting riff that is perfect for beginners. It's also highly memorable by various generations, making it an easy song to impressive lots of people with.
The song’s origins date back to the 18th century, with many versions and adaptations over the years. However, The Animals is the version most commonly covered and recognized.
The main riff is played using arpeggios, which are simple yet effective, making it one of the best easy electric guitar tabs for new players. This riff introduces beginners to fingerpicking techniques and helps develop precision and control. Its timeless, evocative sound will captivate listeners and add depth to your playing repertoire.
e|-------------0-----------------------0-------------------2---2-------------------1---1-----------| B|---------1-------1---------------1-------1-------------3---------3-------------1---------1-------| G|-------2-------------0---------0-------------0-------2---------------0-------2---------------0---| D|-----2-----------------------2-------------------0-----------------------3-----------------------| A|-0-----------------------3-----------------------------------------------------------------------| E|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| Am E Am E e|-----------0-0-----------------------0-----------------------0-----------------------0-----------| B|---------1-------1----------------(0)----0---------------1-------1-----------------0-----0-------| G|-------2-------------0-----------1-----------0---------2-------------0-----------1-----------0---| D|-----2-------------------------2---------------------2-------------------------2-----------------| A|-0---------------------------2-------------------0---------------------------2-------------------| E|-------------------------0-----------------------------------------------0-----------------------|
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