Whether youâre just starting to learn how to play the guitar or have a few years under your belt, learning a new rock song is always fun. Whatâs great about rock music is that a lot of the time, the guitar riffs arenât all that hard to play however they sound great and are perfect for impressing your friends.
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There are literally hundreds of easy rock songs to choose from however I wanted to narrow this list down to what I personally believe are some of the best and easiest rock songs to learn and play. A lot of these songs use power chords. If you arenât yet familiar with these types of chord shapes, I would recommend checking out our power chords article to learn more before you dive into the song list.
For each song, Iâve included a link to a video lesson on YouTube but if you prefer to learn a new song by tab, Iâd highly recommend using Guitar Pro tabs.
This list is in no particular order so feel free to jump in wherever. Pick a song you like, and start learning how to play it with one of the options provided.
Rock on!
27 Best Easy Rock Guitar Songs
1. âSmoke On The Waterâ By Deep Purple
Smoke On The Water was released in 1972 and is one of Deep Purpleâs most famous songs. The song is about a fire at the Montreux Casino, which was started by someone setting off a flare gun during a concert by Frank Zappa. The casino was destroyed in the fire, and the song pays tribute to the event. Smoke On The Water is widely considered to be one of the greatest rock songs of all time, and it has been covered by many other artists. The song has also been used in countless movies and TV shows, cementing its place in pop culture history.
2. âStart Me Upâ By The Rolling Stones
âStart Me Upâ is a song by the English rock band The Rolling Stones. It was released as the lead single from their 1981 album Tattoo You. The song was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number seven in the United Kingdom. In 2002, âStart Me Upâ was ranked number four on Rolling Stoneâs list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
3. âSeven Nation Armyâ By The White Stripes
Seven Nation Army is a song by American rock duo The White Stripes. It was released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Elephant, in 2003. The songâs distinctive riff was created by accident when lead singer Jack White was fooling around with a new fuzz pedal and accidentally hit the wrong switch. Despite its unpolished origin, the songâs raw energy and simple yet catchy melody made it an instant classic.
4. âT.N.Tâ By AC/DC
One of the most iconic and enduring rock bands of all time, AC/DC has been thrilling audiences for over four decades with their high-energy live shows and hard-hitting songs. One of the bandâs most popular tracks is âTNT,â a driving, adrenaline-fueled anthem that has become a staple of their live set.
5. âIron Manâ By Black Sabbath
Iron Man is a song by Black Sabbath, released on their 1968 album Paranoid. The song is about a man who is transformed into an iron-clad superhero after a nuclear bomb explodes. The lyrics were written by Geezer Butler, and the music was composed by Tony Iommi. Iron Man was one of Black Sabbathâs most popular songs, and it has been covered by many other artists. The song has been used in various media, including the Marvel Comics character of the same name.
6. âSmells Like Teen Spiritâ By Nirvana
One of the most iconic songs of the 1990s, âSmells Like Teen Spiritâ put Nirvana on the map and changed the face of rock music forever. Written by Kurt Cobain, the song was inspired by the teenage angst and rebellion of his generation. The song is a perfect storm of angsty lyrics, grungy guitars, and driving drums that come together to create a truly captivating listening experience. Itâs no wonder that the song has gone on to become one of the most popular and well-loved songs of all time.
7. â(I Canât Get No) Satisfactionâ By The Rolling Stones
(I Canât Get No) Satisfactionâ was released by the Rolling Stones in 1965. The song was an instant success, reaching the top of the charts in both the US and UK. With its catchy hooks and iconic opening riff, âSatisfactionâ epitomized the sound of the Stones and helped to cement their status as one of the worldâs greatest rock bands.
Read Next: 20 Easy Guitar Pop Songs (From Classic to Modern Hits)
8. âSunshine of Your Loveâ By Cream
If youâre looking for a song that perfectly encapsulates the sound and feel of the late 1960s, you need look no further than âSunshine of Your Loveâ by Cream. Released in 1967, the song features a simple, yet catchy guitar riff that sets the stage for the rest of the track. The lyrics, which were written by Pete Brown, are full of optimism and hope, providing a perfect counterpoint to the dark and turbulent times in which they were written. The song also features one of the most iconic bass lines of all time, courtesy of Jack Bruce. Overall, âSunshine of Your Loveâ is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the spirit of the late 1960s.
9. âI Love Rock and Rollâ By Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Few songs are as instantly recognizable as âI Love Rock and Roll.â The simple, catchy riff and Joan Jettâs powerhouse vocals have made it a staple of classic rock radio for decades. But what many people donât know is that the song was actually written by a British artist named Alan Merrill. Merrill had previously had some success with his band, The Arrows, but he was struggling to make ends meet when he wrote âI Love Rock and Roll.â
10. âWhole Lotta Loveâ By Led Zeppelin
âWhole Lotta Loveâ is a song by Led Zeppelin that appeared on their 1969 album Led Zeppelin II. âWhole Lotta Loveâ is one of Led Zeppelinâs most well-known and popular songs. The opening riff, which is played by guitarist Jimmy Page, is often cited as one of the greatest rock riffs of all time.
11. âCocaineâ By Eric Clapton
One of the most iconic songs of the late 20th century, âCocaineâ by Eric Clapton has been covered by a wide range of artists. The original version of the song was recorded in 1977, and it quickly became a hit. However, it was the live version of the song, which was recorded in 1981, that truly made it a classic. The live version features a more upbeat tempo and a catchy guitar riff that have helped to make it one of the most popular live performances ever.
12. âBeverly Hillsâ By Weezer
âBeverly Hillsâ is a song by the American rock band Weezer. The song was released as the second single from the bandâs fifth studio album, Make Believe. The song was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 2006 Grammy Awards. âBeverly Hillsâ is a power-pop and pop-punk song with glam rock influences.
13. âWild Thingâ By The Troggs
Released in 1966, âWild Thingâ is a song that was written by Chip Taylor and popularized by the English rock band The Troggs. The song is known for its catchy hook and simple, yet effective lyrics. The Troggs didnât intend for the song to be a hit, but it quickly rose to the top of the charts thanks to its infectious energy and reworked arrangement.
14. âBlitzkrieg Bopâ By Ramones
âBlitzkrieg Bopâ by the Ramones is one of the most iconic punk songs of all time. With its fast, aggressive tempo and simple, catchy lyrics, the song perfectly embodies the DIY spirit of punk rock. The song became an instant classic when it was released in 1976, and it has been covered by countless other artists over the years. Despite its popularity, âBlitzkrieg Bopâ is actually one of the Ramonesâ simplest songs â something that only adds to its charm. Whether youâre a diehard punk fan or simply a lover of great music, âBlitzkrieg Bopâ is a song that everyone can enjoy.
15. âBorn In The U.S.Aâ By Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteenâs âBorn In The U.S.Aâ is an iconic American song that celebrates the strength and resilience of the American people. The song was released in 1984, at a time when the United States was facing economic challenges and social unrest. Despite these difficulties, Springsteenâs optimistic lyrics portray America as a land of opportunity where anything is possible. The song quickly became a national anthem, and its message of hope and determination resonates with people to this day. âBorn In The U.S.Aâ is a reminder that we are bound together by our shared values, and we will never give up on our dreams of a better tomorrow. Thanks, Bruce!
16. âCherry Bombâ By John Mellencamp
âCherry Bombâ is one of John Mellencampâs most well-known and popular songs. The song was released in 1987, on Mellencampâs album The Lonesome Jubilee. âCherry Bombâ is a rocking tune with a catchy melody and clever lyrics. The song is about young love and reminiscing those times. âCherry Bombâ is a fun, upbeat song that always gets people singing along. Itâs no wonder that the song has become one of Mellencampâs signature tunes.
Read Next: Top 50+ Easy Guitar Songs â BEST List For Beginners
17. âYou Really Got Meâ By The Kinks
The Kinksâ song âYou Really Got Meâ is a classic of the British Invasion era. With its driving beat and catchy riff, the song helped to define the sound of early rock and roll. The song was originally released in 1964, but it was re-recorded in 1968 and became a hit all over again. Despite its vintage sound, âYou Really Got Meâ still sounds fresh today. Itâs been covered by numerous artists, including Van Halen, who took the song to new heights with their signature hard-rock style. Whether youâre a fan of the original or the cover, thereâs no denying that âYou Really Got Meâ is a timeless rock anthem.
18. âRunninâ Down a Dreamâ By Tom Petty
âRunninâ Down a Dreamâ is a song by Tom Petty, released in 1989. The song is about Pettyâs own dreams of success, and how he was able to achieve them despite the odds. The song is positive and uplifting, with a driving rock sound. It is a song about hope, about never giving up on your dreams. And that is why it resonates with so many people. It is a reminder that anything is possible if you just keep running after your dreams.
19. âAll Along the Watchtowerâ By Jimi Hendrix
âAll Along the Watchtowerâ is a song written by Bob Dylan and recorded by Jimi Hendrix. The song was originally released on Dylanâs 1967 album John Wesley Harding, and it has been covered by a number of artists since then. Hendrixâs version of the song, which was released as a single in 1968, is widely considered to be one of the best and most influential cover versions ever recorded. Featuring a distinctive guitar sound and unique arrangement, Hendrixâs âAll Along the Watchtowerâ stands as one of his most iconic recordings.
20. âSimple Manâ By Lynyrd Skynyrd
Released in 1973, âSimple Manâ is a southern rock classic from the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd. The song struck a chord with many listeners, and its message of independence and self-reliance is as relevant today as it was over 40 years ago. The bandâs straightforward delivery and down-to-earth lyrics have helped to make âSimple Manâ one of the most enduring songs in their catalog. It is a timeless anthem for anyone who has ever dreamed of living a simple life.
21. âShould I Stay Or Should I Goâ By The Clash
Though it was released over thirty years ago, The Clashâs song âShould I Stay or Should I Goâ continues to resonate with listeners. The lyrics, which deal with the uncertainty of a relationship, speak to a universal feeling of doubt and indecision. The songâs catchy melody and simple guitar riff add to its appeal, making it one of the bandâs most popular tracks. Though it is often seen as a break-up anthem, âShould I Stay or Should I Goâ can just as easily be interpreted as a song about any major life decision.
22. âAmerican Idiotâ By Green Day
âAmerican Idiotâ is a song by the American punk rock band Green Day. It was released as the lead single from their seventh studio album of the same name on September 21, 2004. The song strongly criticizes the policies of the George W. Bush administration and the mainstream media. It quickly became a political anthem for the anti-war movement and rose to popularity after being featured in several high-profile news stories.
23. âSteady As She Goesâ By The Raconteurs
âSteady As She Goesâ is a song by The Raconteurs, released as the first single from their album Broken Boy Soldiers. The song was written by Jack White and Brendan Benson, and features a heavy blues rock sound. The song was praised for its catchy hook and energetic performance, and it became an instant classic. âSteady As She Goesâ is a perfect example of The Raconteursâ unique brand of rock and roll, and it remains one of their most popular songs.
Read Next: 50+ Legendary 12 Bar Blues Songs â The Essential List
24. â20th Century Boyâ By T. Rex
â20th Century Boyâ is a song by British rock band T. Rex, released as a single in 1973. The song was one of the bandâs last hits before frontman Marc Bolanâs untimely death in 1977. It was also used in the 1996 film Velvet Goldmine, which helped to reintroduce Bolanâs music to a new generation. The song is an anthemic ode to the glam rockera lifestyle of sex, drugs, and rock ânâ roll. Bolanâs distinctive vocals and catchy guitar hooks helped make â20th Century Boyâ a timeless classic.
25. âHair Of The Dogâ By Nazareth
âHair of the Dogâ is a song by the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth, released as the lead single from their 1975 album of the same name. The song was written by Nazareth guitarist Manny Charlton and vocalist Dan McCafferty, and has become one of the bandâs most popular and well-known songs. The song has been praised for its catchy riff and McCaffertyâs powerful vocal performance. It has been included on several lists of the best easy rock guitar songs just like this one.
26. âYouâve Got Another Thing Cominââ By Judas Priest
Released in 1982, âYouâve Got Another Thing Cominââ is a heavy metal classic by British band Judas Priest. The song opens with a simple, yet effective guitar riff that immediately grabs the listenerâs attention. The riff is then joined by the rest of the instruments, creating a wall of sound that is both powerful and catchy. The lyrics, which deal with standing up to adversity, are delivered with passion and energy by frontman Rob Halford. Overall, âYouâve Got Another Thing Cominââ is a quintessential metal song that remains popular to this day.
27. âLick It Upâ By Kiss
âLick It Upâ is a song by the American rock band Kiss, released as the lead single from their 1983 album of the same name. The song was written by Paul Stanley and Vinnie Vincent, and it reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. âLick It Upâ was the first Kiss single to feature new lead guitarist Vincent, who replaced Ace Frehley in 1982. âLick It Upâ remains one of Kissâ most popular songs, and it continues to be performed live by the band today.
27 Easy Rock Guitar Songs [Infographic]
Summary
Hopefully, you enjoyed this list of easy rock songs and it has inspired you to learn a few of them. If youâve felt that these songs are just a bit too easy for you, you might need to take it up a notch and learn some more challenging songs. In that case, Iâd recommend checking out our list of Top 25 Hard Guitar Songs â A List for Aspiring Virtuosos or 10 Extremely Challenging Guitar Solos to Learn. Finding new songs to play can sometimes be challenging so whether youâre just practicing or looking for a few songs to play at your next open mic, this list should have you covered.
If you think I may have missed any great easy rock songs in the list above, donât forget to leave a comment below. Let us know what your favorite easy rock song is!
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