20 Easy Metal Guitar Riffs for Beginners

Metal guitar riffs are like the heartbeats of the genre. They drive the energy, set the tone, and can make even the most stoic listener want to headbang. If you’re a beginner itching to get those fingers moving on the fretboard, you’re in the right place. We’re going through 20 easy metal guitar riffs that will not only get you started but will also make you feel like a metal god in the making.

1. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple

Let’s kick things off with a classic that even your grandma might recognize. “Smoke on the Water” is often the first riff many guitarists learn. It’s simple, iconic, and captures the essence of rock that borders on metal. The riff is all about power chords and is played on the G and D strings.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Start with a G power chord.
• Move to a Bb power chord.
• Then to C and back to G.

The beauty of this riff lies in its simplicity, making it a great starting point for any newbie. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any jam session.

2. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath

“Iron Man” is another cornerstone of metal and an absolute must-learn for beginners. The riff is heavy, slow, and powerful—perfect for getting a feel for metal’s rhythmic nature. The intro riff primarily uses the E and A strings, making it easy to remember and play.

Steps to nail this riff:

• Start with the open low E string.
• Play the second fret on the A string.
• Move to the fifth fret on the same string.

These simple movements make “Iron Man” a fantastic exercise for finger positioning and timing.

3. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica

If you haven’t heard “Enter Sandman,” you might want to check your playlist. This Metallica classic has a riff that’s both infectious and straightforward. The main riff is based around the E minor pentatonic scale and involves a bit of palm muting, which is a staple in metal guitar playing.

Here’s how you can play it:

• Start with an open low E string, palm mute it.
• Follow with the 7th fret on the A string.
• Then, play the 5th fret on the D string.

The riff switches between muted and open notes, giving it a dynamic sound that’s fun to play.

4. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath

Another gem from Black Sabbath, “Paranoid” is driven by a fast-paced riff that’s perfect for practicing your alternate picking. It’s straightforward, but keeping up with the tempo can be a bit challenging for beginners.

To play this riff:

• Begin on the 7th fret of the A string.
• Move to the 9th fret on the same string.
• End with the 7th fret on the D string.

It’s a good workout for your picking hand and helps build speed over time.

5. “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest

Judas Priest is a band synonymous with metal, and “Breaking the Law” is a quintessential metal anthem. The riff is catchy and relatively easy, perfect for beginners who want to build confidence.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Start with an open A string.
• Move to the 2nd fret on the D string.
• Then to the 4th fret on the same string.

It’s a repetitive riff that will help you get comfortable with switching between strings.

6. “Seek & Destroy” by Metallica

Metallica makes another appearance with “Seek & Destroy.” This riff is slightly more complex but still manageable for beginners. It incorporates power chords and a bit of sliding.

To play it:

• Begin with a B power chord.
• Slide down to an A power chord.
• Incorporate a G power chord.

This riff is great for practicing power chord transitions and gives you a taste of Metallica’s aggressive style.

7. “Symphony of Destruction” by Megadeth

Megadeth’s “Symphony of Destruction” offers a riff that’s both heavy and straightforward. It’s a great exercise for precision and timing, with a bit of palm muting thrown in for good measure.

Follow these steps:

• Start on the 7th fret of the E string.
• Move to the 5th fret on the same string.
• Incorporate palm muting on the open E string.

It’s a powerful riff that captures the essence of thrash metal.

8. “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” by Megadeth

Another Megadeth masterpiece, “Holy Wars” is a bit more challenging due to its fast pace. However, the main riff is repetitive and can help build speed and accuracy.

Here’s the gist:

• Start on the open E string.
• Play the 2nd fret on the A string.
• Move to the 4th fret on the same string.

It’s a great way to practice alternate picking at higher speeds.

9. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple

While we’ve already mentioned this iconic riff, it deserves another nod. It’s that good. Once you master the basic version, you can experiment with variations and add your twist. The simplicity of the riff allows for creative expression, making it a fun playground for beginners and seasoned players alike.

10. “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne

Randy Rhoads’ riff in “Crazy Train” is legendary. While the intro might seem a bit daunting, the main riff is an excellent practice for finger dexterity and rhythm.

To play it:

• Start on the 2nd fret of the A string.
• Move to the 4th and 5th frets on the same string.
• Incorporate the 2nd fret on the D string.

It’s a dynamic riff that requires precise finger placement and timing, but once you get it down, it feels incredibly satisfying.

11. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses

This classic riff is not only recognizable but also a great exercise in alternate picking and finger coordination. It’s a bit more intricate than the previous riffs but still accessible for beginners.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Start on the 12th fret of the D string.
• Move to the 14th fret on the G string.
• Incorporate the 15th fret on the B string.

Breaking it down into smaller sections can help you master the riff without feeling overwhelmed.

12. “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks (or Van Halen)

Whether you prefer the original by The Kinks or Van Halen’s cover, this riff is a must-learn. It’s simple, catchy, and an excellent introduction to power chords.

Here’s how to play it:

• Start with an E power chord.
• Move to a D power chord.
• Finish with a C power chord.

This riff is all about the rhythm, so focus on keeping your strumming hand steady.

13. “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream

Eric Clapton’s riff in “Sunshine of Your Love” is a bluesy classic that transitions well into metal. It’s a great exercise in timing and finger positioning.

Here’s the rundown:

• Start on the 12th fret of the D string.
• Move to the 10th fret on the same string.
• End with the 12th fret on the A string.

Once you’ve got the hang of it, try adding some vibrato for extra flair.

14. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

Though not traditionally metal, the riff from “Seven Nation Army” has a heavy vibe that fits right in. It’s simple, repetitive, and incredibly fun to play.

To get it down:

• Start on the 7th fret of the A string.
• Move to the 5th fret on the same string.
• Finish on the 3rd fret of the E string.

The simplicity of this riff makes it perfect for beginners and a great way to practice using a pick.

15. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin

Jimmy Page’s riff in “Whole Lotta Love” is iconic. It’s a fantastic introduction to syncopated rhythms and sliding techniques.

Here’s how to play it:

• Start with an open E string.
• Slide from the 3rd to the 5th fret on the A string.
• Finish on the 3rd fret of the D string.

Once you’ve got the basic riff down, try experimenting with some of the variations heard in the song.

16. “Walk” by Pantera

Dimebag Darrell’s riff in “Walk” is a beast. It’s heavy, rhythmic, and a perfect practice for palm muting. Though it can be a bit tricky, it’s a rewarding riff to master.

To play it:

• Start on the 7th fret of the D string.
• Move to the 5th fret on the same string.
• Incorporate palm muting on the open A string.

The key is to keep the palm muting consistent while accentuating the fretted notes.

17. “Back in Black” by AC/DC

Though AC/DC is more rock than metal, the riff in “Back in Black” is a great exercise in timing and rhythm. It’s straightforward and fun to play.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Start on the 2nd fret of the D string.
• Move to the 4th fret on the same string.
• Incorporate the 2nd fret on the G string.

Focus on keeping your strumming hand relaxed for a smooth, steady rhythm.

18. “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine

The riff in “Killing in the Name” is repetitive and rhythmic, making it an excellent practice for timing and precision. It’s simple but powerful.

Here’s how to play it:

• Start on the 7th fret of the A string.
• Move to the 5th fret on the same string.
• Finish on the 7th fret of the D string.

This riff is all about the groove, so focus on keeping it tight and precise.

19. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Metallica

Another iconic Metallica riff, “For Whom the Bell Tolls” is slower and less complex, making it perfect for beginners. It’s a great exercise in power chords and timing.

To play it:

• Start with an open E power chord.
• Move to a G power chord.
• Finish with a D power chord.

Focus on keeping the transitions smooth and the power chords clean.

20. “Raining Blood” by Slayer

Last but not least, Slayer’s “Raining Blood” provides a taste of thrash metal. While the riff is fast, it’s repetitive and manageable with some practice.

Here’s the gist:

• Start with an open E string.
• Move to the 3rd fret on the same string.
• Finish on the 2nd fret of the A string.

It’s a fantastic way to practice alternate picking at faster speeds.

Final Thoughts

These riffs offer a great starting point for any aspiring metal guitarist. They range from classic to modern, giving you a taste of different styles and techniques. If you’re looking to take your playing to the next level, consider checking out Riffhard. We offer lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists, providing you with the tools and guidance to refine your skills. Happy riffing!