10 Easy Iconic Guitar Riffs for Beginners

In this lesson, I’m teaching you 10 easy classic guitar riffs for beginners — fun, recognizable riffs you can start playing right away, even if you’re just getting started. We’ll kick things off with simple single-note versions, then I’ll show you how to level them up with power chords or the real way they’re played.

You’ll learn riffs from AC/DC, Nirvana, Black Sabbath, The White Stripes, and more — all great for building your skills while having a blast.

🎸 FREE Guitar Resources

Check out my full tutorials for each of these songs here:

Let me know in the comments which riff is your favorite — and what you'd like to see next!

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. The link above is an affiliate link, that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission on.

0:00 – Intro & Free Guitar Resources
2:02 – Smoke on the Water (Beginner Version + Real Way)
3:47 – Another One Bites the Dust (Bass Riff for Guitar)
4:52 – TNT (Beginner Single Note + Power Chords)
6:54 – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Beginner + Real Chords)
8:31 – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Simple Version + Power Chords)
11:52 – Seven Nation Army (Single Notes + Octave Options)
14:33 – Iron Man (Beginner Riff + Power Chords)
16:24 – Brain Stew (Simple Frets + Power Chord Switch)
17:56 – War Pigs (Iconic Riff with Power Chord Options)
20:10 – Final Thoughts & Free Guitar Courses

[MartyMusic]

I’ve got tons of FREE guitar resources waiting for you — a chord & scale book, lick packs, full beginner courses and more!

[carlandrewguina]

I plan to teach my baby sisters guitar, and your channel is at the top recommended for source material 🔥

[KBtoogood]

Some of my first songs I learned from your channel are on this list with Smells like Teen Spirit being the very first😃. Thanks for everything you do Marty!

[RDO-yv]

Oh Marty you're bringing back memories of sitting around with friends figuring this stuff out off of vinyl !" 🤘😝 your channel still rocks. It's always a pleasure

[brianrollins]

You’re the best Marty. Love and respect from New Hampshire.

[Mustaaardd]

Dear Mr.Marty! Ive been watching your videos for 6 years now without even owning a guitar because i find it fascinating.Please can you do a tutorial of any Glass Beams song 🤍
Best wishes

[KilbrideComedy]

Thanks for these videos. I've learned so much watching your channel.

[mizmij]

you should do this for a living. you are really good.

[cocomonte]

You’re the best, Marty. Will be adding some of these to my practice sessions!

[DmacTx]

Marty the Patron Saint of beginner guitarists 🙏👼😇

[Skid-vk]

rock on marty thanks for your lessons!

[marysalmon]

Yeah, wait until I can play like that. Awesome, thank you we’ll get to that video. I hope.

[JD_Red_Murphy]

I learned CCR songs from you and I never came back. The satisfaction… I don’t care if it’s same song over and over.

[LambdaRC]

i dont even own an electric guitar but still watching those tutorials so I don't loose a bet

[robinnewton]

I get so frustrated about learning. Thanks for both the simple & advanced techniques.

[AnthonyKariotis]

Hey Marty, Love the channel. Been looking around a lot lately for some tutourials on ocean alley's yellow mellow, couldn't find much on the song on the internet. Been mainly interested in the solo at the end which sounds really complex. Basically was just hoping you could drop a tutourial for the song on your channel.

[chrisreese]

I think I’m far passed beginner but I can show this to my friend whose a pianist who’s starting to play guitar

[GraesonProspero]

Can you please make a video on how to play "I will never love again" from the princess Bride

[Exxch]

Love these videos! Can do a tutorial for sweet and low by augustana please? If you know the song

[Phrockle]

You neeed to make a freebird guitar solo lesson🙏🙏🙏