Easy Metal Songs on Guitar: 10 Riffs to Get You Started
Metal guitar can sound intimidating, but plenty of classic songs are built around memorable riffs that beginners can learn with a little practice. You do not need blistering speed or complicated soloing to play something that sounds unmistakably heavy. Start with the main riffs, take them slowly and build up your timing before trying to match the original recording.
Here are ten beginner-friendly metal songs to try, along with the techniques each one can help you practise. Difficulty depends on the version and arrangement, so simplified versions are a perfectly good place to begin.
“Iron Man” – Black Sabbath
The famous opening riff is a great introduction to heavy, deliberate guitar playing. Its slow pace gives you time to focus on clean fretting and letting each note ring for the right amount of time. Work on moving between notes smoothly, then add the song’s heavier feel with controlled palm muting.
“Breaking the Law” – Judas Priest
This punky metal classic is a good choice for practising short, punchy power-chord changes. The main riff is memorable and does not rely on complicated lead guitar work. Pay attention to the rests between phrases: leaving space is part of what gives the riff its impact.
“Paranoid” – Black Sabbath
“Paranoid” uses a simple, energetic riff, but its pace can make it a challenge for a new player. Learn it slowly first, keeping your picking hand relaxed. Once the notes are even and clear, gradually increase the speed rather than trying to play it at full tempo straight away.
“Enter Sandman” – Metallica
The main riff is an excellent introduction to palm muting and the contrast between muted and open notes. Start with a simplified version if the full pattern feels awkward. Aim for a steady rhythm and a firm, controlled picking-hand motion; speed can come later.
“For Whom the Bell Tolls” – Metallica
The central riff is slow and spacious, making it useful for practising timing and sustained notes. It is often a more comfortable starting point than Metallica’s faster songs. Listen closely to the rhythm and allow the notes to ring rather than rushing into the next phrase.
“Living After Midnight” – Judas Priest
This upbeat track is built around straightforward rock and metal power-chord playing. It is a useful song for practising chord changes while keeping a consistent rhythm. Try playing along with a metronome first, then use a recording once the changes feel reliable.
“You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” – Judas Priest
The main guitar parts are accessible for beginners who are getting comfortable with power chords and steady downstrokes. The song also offers a chance to practise playing with a strong, even attack. Focus on keeping the chords tidy so that unwanted strings do not ring out.
“Walk” – Pantera
“Walk” is slower than many people expect, and its heavy groove makes it rewarding to learn. The challenge is less about speed and more about precision: the stops, accents and muted notes need to feel deliberate. Check the tuning before you begin, as the original uses a lower tuning than standard guitar tuning.
“Symphony of Destruction” – Megadeth
The main riff has a strong, memorable rhythm that can be learned in sections. It is a good next step once you are comfortable with basic power chords and palm muting. Keep the picking hand relaxed and pay attention to the spaces between notes, which help create the song’s distinctive groove.
“The Trooper” – Iron Maiden
The main riff is more demanding than the slower songs on this list, but it is a worthwhile goal for a beginner ready to develop picking accuracy. Practise a short section at a reduced speed and make sure every note is clear. It also introduces the energetic, melodic style associated with classic British heavy metal.
Tips for learning metal guitar
- Check the tuning. Some songs use standard tuning, while others are played in a lower tuning. Use a reliable tuner and check the original recording or a trusted lesson for the version you are learning.
- Start slowly. A riff played cleanly at a slower tempo will sound better than one played quickly with missed notes. Increase the speed in small steps.
- Practise palm muting. Rest the edge of your picking hand lightly near the bridge to create a tighter, heavier sound. Use a light touch so the notes do not become completely choked.
- Use a metronome. Practising with a steady beat helps build reliable timing, especially when a riff includes rests or repeated accents.
- Learn one section at a time. Begin with the main riff, then add the verse, chorus and transitions. There is no need to tackle a solo before you are comfortable with the rhythm parts.
- Keep your hands relaxed. Tension can make playing harder and less accurate. Take a short break if your fretting or picking hand starts to feel strained.
Start with the riff you enjoy most
The best beginner metal song is one that makes you want to pick up your guitar and practise. “Iron Man” and “Breaking the Law” are strong starting points for simple, heavy riffs; “Enter Sandman” introduces palm muting; and “The Trooper” can provide a longer-term challenge. Choose one song, take it at your own pace and enjoy the process of building a heavier sound.
Easy Metal Songs on Guitar: Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners
- What is the easiest metal song to play on guitar?
- Which beginner metal songs use simple power chords?
- Can I play metal songs on a standard-tuned guitar?
- What guitar techniques should I learn to play easy metal songs?
- How can I practise metal riffs if I’m a beginner?
- Do I need a distortion pedal to play metal songs on guitar?
What is the easiest metal song to play on guitar?
“Iron Man” by Black Sabbath is often considered one of the easiest metal songs to play on guitar, thanks to its slow tempo and simple, memorable riff. “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest is another beginner-friendly choice, with straightforward power chords and a steady rhythm. The easiest option depends on your experience and the version you learn, so start slowly and focus on playing each note cleanly.
Which beginner metal songs use simple power chords?
Songs such as Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” and “Living After Midnight” are good beginner choices for practising simple power chords. Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” is another accessible option, with a slow, memorable riff that gives you time to focus on clear chord changes. Start at a comfortable pace, mute any strings you do not mean to play, and build up speed once the chords sound clean.
Can I play metal songs on a standard-tuned guitar?
Yes, you can play many metal songs on a standard-tuned guitar, including beginner-friendly riffs by bands such as Black Sabbath and Judas Priest. Some songs use lower tunings, so they may not sound exactly like the recording in standard tuning. You can either choose songs written in standard tuning, use a simplified arrangement, or retune your guitar if needed. Check the tuning before you start, and use a tuner to make sure your strings are set correctly.
What guitar techniques should I learn to play easy metal songs?
To play easy metal songs on guitar, start by learning power chords, palm muting and steady alternate or down-picking. Practise changing chords cleanly and keeping time with a metronome, as tight rhythm is key to a heavy sound. As you gain confidence, work on simple riffs, slides and bends, building speed gradually while keeping each note clear.
How can I practise metal riffs if I’m a beginner?
If you’re a beginner, start with a short riff and practise it slowly, one note or phrase at a time. Use a metronome to keep a steady beat, and only increase the tempo when you can play the notes clearly and comfortably. Focus on relaxed picking, accurate fretting and clean palm muting, then gradually join the phrases together. Short, regular practice sessions are more effective than rushing through the whole song.
Do I need a distortion pedal to play metal songs on guitar?
No, you don’t need a distortion pedal to start learning metal songs on guitar. Many practice amps and modelling apps include a built-in high-gain setting, and you can use these to get a heavier sound. A distortion pedal can offer more control over your tone, but it’s optional: focus first on playing the riffs cleanly and keeping your timing steady.