The following songs represent the some of the simplest, yet most iconic electric guitar riffs ever. Although playing the entire songs below might be tricky in some cases, they have been chosen because their signature riffs are easy to play. You'll want to learn your power chords before trying these songs.
9. Cocaine
There are a lot of different guitar parts featured in this Eric Clapton tune - some of which are probably too tricky for the absolute beginner. But the central riff is just two power chords, and to play the rest of the song, you'll just need a couple more.
8. Smells Like Teen Spirit
Once you've learned the opening four power-chord riff and the two-note pattern during the verse, you're close to knowing all of this Nirvana song. Even the guitar solo is within the beginner's reach on this one.
7. Day Tripper
I remember struggling with the fingering when I first learned the thematic riff in this Beatles tune, but with a little practice, it'll feel easy.
6. Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap)
This AC/DC song from the 1976 album of the same name uses power chords exclusively - if you are comfortable switching from chord to chord fairly quickly, you won't have any trouble here.
5. Walk This Way
Learn the opening riff of this Aerosmith classic rock song, and leave the rest of the song until you're a more seasoned guitarist.
4. Satisfaction
You know the riff within the first five notes, but as iconic as it is, the classic guitar riff in The Rolling Stones' Satisfaction is also extremely simple to play.
3. Wild Thing
It couldn't get any easier than this - four power chords is all you'll need to play along with this 1960's anthem by The Troggs.
2. Sunshine of Your Love
The main riff in this Cream song is a simple variation on a blues scale, so once you've learned the pattern, you'll just need to learn the few extra power chords.
1. Smoke on the Water
The opening four power chord riff of Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" is one of the first songs many electric guitarists learn. Funny, then, that you rarely come across guitarists who can play the whole song.
