12 Easy Riffs That Sound GREAT
These riffs sound AMAZING and are way easy to play with some practice. We've included a link to the song on YouTube as well as links to the TABS so you can get your practice in! Just make sure to practice without headphones at some point.
Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know
For a song released in 2011, this one really stands the test of time with it's bouncy lead line in the intro and chorus of the song. Click on the TAB link and scroll down to find this sweet high-stringed sound.
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/two-door-cinema-club/what-you-know-tabs-1047585
Drake - Passionfruit
This hit, released in 2018, is the R&B smash of our generation. This can be played many different ways, but that synth line is what can hit the heart with the right effects.
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/drake/passionfruit-chords-1966269
Band of Horses - The Funeral
This video with a wonky aspect ratio is from the olden days of YouTube. But it's a great guitar line to learn if you're looking for new picking exercises!
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/band-of-horses/the-funeral-tabs-357713
Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire
I remember how this song defined my 7th grade year. But what I remember even more is that WILD guitar line during the chorus that is sliding and bending all over the place. Check it out below!
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/kings-of-leon/sex-on-fire-tabs-740772
Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa
This track has some fun double stops and pull-offs that give it a real bouncy feel.
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/vampire-weekend/cape-cod-kwassa-kwassa-tabs-634563
The Killers - Mr. Brightside
I feel like most Americans attach this song to a defining moment in their life. Mine is suuuuuuper dramatic in my head, but this song stands the test of time! This one has some wild shapes in it, so start slow.
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-killers/mr-brightside-tabs-202653
Sublime - Pawn Shop
This beach punk classic has everything you need to get your soloing in, to become familiar with scales, and to get into a new genre!
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/sublime/pawn-shop-tabs-28318
The Arctic Monkeys - Why'd You Only Call Me When You’re High?
This guitar has a hint of distortion on it and when you reach the chorus, you get to hear the full scope of that lick that defines the chorus.
The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
A two piece band made this?? Unbelievable but really makes you believe anything is possible.
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-black-keys/lonely-boy-tabs-1121314
Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name
This hit is coming back to dominate the charts this year in the midst of social unrest. We demand justice for the lost lives of those killed by the police. BLM.
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/rage-against-the-machine/rage-against-the-machine-tabs-51169
Smashing Pumpkins - Today
This song took off in popularity after a Rockband release inspired 1,000's of guitarists.
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-smashing-pumpkins/today-tabs-175638
The White Stripes - Icky Thump
This song by the White Stripes would fight for their #1 most popular song. But this song incorporates distorted bagpipes so it gets the win from me.
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/the-white-stripes/icky-thump-tabs-529818
If you want to learn how to play songs a new way, check out our membership page! Happy jamming!