Heavy metal is a genre that has captivated guitarists with its powerful riffs, intricate solos, and intense energy. Learning heavy metal songs on the guitar can be an exciting and rewarding experience for players of all levels. This article explores the ten best heavy metal songs to learn on guitar, offering a variety of techniques and styles that showcase the genre’s diversity and complexity. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or an advanced player seeking new challenges, these songs will provide ample opportunities to hone your skills and rock out.
10 Best Heavy Metal Songs to Learn on Guitar
1. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath
“Iron Man” is one of the most iconic heavy metal songs of all time, and it’s a great starting point for any aspiring metal guitarist. The song’s main riff is simple yet powerful, making it accessible for beginners while still providing a sense of accomplishment.
Key Features:
Main Riff: The riff is based on power chords and can be played with minimal finger movement.
Solo: The solo is relatively straightforward, focusing on bending and vibrato techniques.
Tempo: Moderate, making it easy to follow and practice along with the track.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
It’s instantly recognizable and a staple in any metal guitarist’s repertoire.
The song introduces essential heavy metal techniques like palm muting and power chords.
It helps build confidence with its easy-to-follow structure.
2. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica
“Master of Puppets” is a must-learn for any metal guitarist, showcasing Metallica’s signature thrash metal style. The song features fast-paced riffs, complex rhythms, and a memorable solo.
Key Features:
Riffs: The down-picked, galloping riffs are a workout for your picking hand.
Rhythms: The song has multiple rhythm changes, providing a good challenge for timing and coordination.
Solo: The solo includes fast runs, alternate picking, and sweep picking techniques.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
It enhances your speed and precision with intricate picking patterns.
The song’s complexity helps improve your overall musicality and sense of timing.
It’s a crowd favorite, perfect for performances and jam sessions.
3. “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne
Featuring the legendary Randy Rhoads on guitar, “Crazy Train” is a classic heavy metal anthem. The song combines catchy riffs with a technical solo, making it a favorite among guitarists.
Key Features:
Main Riff: The riff is based on a minor pentatonic scale, with added chromatic notes for flair.
Solo: The solo is a showcase of Rhoads’ virtuosity, including tapping, legato, and fast alternate picking.
Structure: The song follows a verse-chorus format, making it easy to learn and memorize.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
It introduces essential lead guitar techniques used in heavy metal.
The song’s structure helps develop your ability to play in different sections seamlessly.
It’s a timeless track that resonates with metal fans of all ages.
4. “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead
“Ace of Spades” is a high-energy track that captures the raw, aggressive spirit of heavy metal. Lemmy Kilmister’s driving bass lines and fast-paced riffs make it a thrilling song to learn on guitar.
Key Features:
Riff: The main riff is fast and repetitive, requiring tight synchronization between both hands.
Rhythm: The song is played at a brisk tempo, challenging your endurance and speed.
Solo: The solo is relatively short but includes fast licks and bends.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
It helps improve your speed and stamina with its relentless pace.
The riff’s simplicity makes it accessible while still providing a challenge.
It’s a perfect song for building confidence in playing high-energy metal.
5. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple
Although often considered hard rock, “Smoke on the Water” has a riff that is quintessentially metal. The song’s simplicity and iconic status make it an essential piece for any guitarist.
Key Features:
Riff: The riff is based on power chords and is played using a combination of fretted notes and open strings.
Solo: The solo is melodic and accessible, focusing on phrasing and expression rather than speed.
Structure: The song’s straightforward structure makes it easy to learn and play along.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
The riff is one of the most recognizable in rock history, making it a crowd-pleaser.
It introduces basic techniques like power chords and simple soloing.
It’s a great confidence booster for beginners and a fun piece for experienced players.
6. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
Another classic from Black Sabbath, “Paranoid” is a fast-paced, riff-driven song that’s perfect for developing your metal guitar skills. Its straightforward structure and memorable riffs make it a favorite for guitarists.
Key Features:
Riff: The main riff is simple yet effective, based on power chords and played at a fast tempo.
Solo: The solo includes fast runs and bends, providing a good challenge for intermediate players.
Rhythm: The song’s driving rhythm helps improve timing and coordination.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
It’s a staple of the heavy metal genre and a must-know for any metal guitarist.
The fast tempo helps build speed and accuracy in your playing.
It’s a fun and energetic song that’s perfect for jamming with others.
7. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden’s “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is an epic heavy metal track with intricate riffs and harmonized guitar parts. The song’s complexity and dynamic structure make it a rewarding challenge for guitarists.
Key Features:
Riffs: The song features multiple riffs, including harmonized parts that require precise timing.
Solo: The solos are fast and melodic, incorporating techniques like alternate picking and legato.
Structure: The song’s dynamic changes and length provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
It introduces advanced techniques and concepts, such as harmonized guitar parts.
The song’s length and structure help improve your stamina and endurance.
It’s a powerful and emotionally charged track that’s highly rewarding to play.
8. “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden
Another Iron Maiden classic, “The Trooper” is known for its galloping rhythm and twin guitar harmonies. The song’s energetic riffs and solos make it a favorite among metal guitarists.
Key Features:
Riff: The main riff is played using galloping rhythms, challenging your picking hand.
Harmony: The song features harmonized guitar parts, requiring precise coordination with other players.
Solo: The solos are fast and intricate, incorporating alternate picking and legato techniques.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
It helps develop your rhythm and timing with its galloping riff.
The harmonized parts provide a fun challenge and improve your ability to play with others.
The solos offer a good workout for your lead guitar skills.
9. “Raining Blood” by Slayer
“Raining Blood” is a thrash metal masterpiece that showcases Slayer’s aggressive style. The song’s fast riffs and intense solos make it a challenging but rewarding piece to learn.
Key Features:
Riffs: The song features fast, tremolo-picked riffs that require precision and speed.
Rhythm: The song’s complex rhythms and changes challenge your timing and coordination.
Solo: The solos are chaotic and fast, incorporating techniques like tapping and whammy bar dives.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
It pushes your speed and precision to the limit with its fast riffs.
The song’s complexity helps improve your overall musicality and technical skills.
It’s a high-energy track that’s perfect for showcasing your abilities.
10. “One” by Metallica
“One” is a Metallica classic that combines clean, melodic passages with heavy, fast-paced sections. The song’s dynamic range and technical demands make it a comprehensive learning experience for guitarists.
Key Features:
Clean Intro: The song begins with a clean, arpeggiated intro that requires precise fingerpicking.
Heavy Riffs: The heavy sections feature fast, down-picked riffs and palm muting.
Solo: The solo includes fast alternate picking, tapping, and legato techniques.
Why It’s Great to Learn:
It offers a mix of clean and distorted playing, improving your versatility.
The fast sections help build speed and accuracy in your playing.
The song’s dynamic changes provide a comprehensive learning experience.
See Also: Do Metal Guitarists Use Chords?
Conclusion
Learning heavy metal songs on guitar is a thrilling and fulfilling journey that offers numerous benefits for guitarists of all skill levels. The ten songs listed above provide a diverse range of techniques and styles that encapsulate the essence of heavy metal. From the iconic riffs of Black Sabbath to the intricate solos of Iron Maiden, these tracks will help you develop your technical skills, improve your timing, and enhance your overall musicality. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or an advanced player seeking new challenges, these songs will provide the perfect platform to rock out and master the art of heavy metal guitar.
