10 Fun and Easy Guitar Riffs!
Riffs are actually more fun than solos: they are usually quite catchy, simple, and recognisable. They’re also a great first step for guitarists who want to start playing guitar solos. Riffs are traditionally only a few bars long and contain many repetitions. This list is made up of ten songs in no particular order that is very recognisable and easy!
Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
This very popular protest song against the Vietnam war has a very recognisable intro riff. It almost sounds like a countdown before the song starts. The riff may be eight bars long, but every bar only consists of two notes. Furthermore, the first four bars are repeated. The riff consists of a little slide to the right bass note, which will be followed up with a higher note. This will repeat itself on different frets four times and will be finished off with an extra bass note. The entire four bars will then repeat itself. It’s a very easy riff and the entire song is suitable for every guitarist! John Fogerty generally uses a Les Paul, such as the Eastman SB59/v or the Michael Kelly Patriot Instinct Bold.
Do I Wanna Know – Arctic Monkeys
One of the most popular modern riffs is Do I Wanna Know from Arctic Monkeys. The song – and predominantly the riff itself – partially received its fame with the popular tv show Peaky Blinders. The riff contains a lot of bass and sounds very tough. The entire riff is contained to the first three frets and the lower three strings, with the exception of two slides to the fifth string. As such, the entire riff can be played within one hand position with two easy slides. However, timing is vital for this riff, as it doesn’t coincide with the vocals or the drums. It is thus important to really practice the timing, regardless of how easy the notes are! At the time of recording, guitarist Jamie Cook mostly used Telecasters, such as the Fender Vintera '60s or the Michael Kelly 1950 Burl Burst.
Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes
One of the most popular melodies is the intro of Seven Nation Army from the White Stripes. It is also a very fun and easy riff to learn. The riff is very short and repeats itself a couple of times. The riff contains seven notes that are all on the same string. With the help of slides all notes will be easy to reach and repetition will be simple as well. It’s also definitely a fun song to play with others! Jack White, The White Stripes' guitarist, mostly used a JB Hutto Airline guitar. This guitar isn't available anymore and was very unique. The body was made of mahogany and it had two humbuckers. Great alternatives are the Stagg Silveray Special Deluxe or the Eastman Romeo LA.
Hold Back The River – James Bay
This fun and modern song has a recognisable and easy intro riff. The riff does consist out of double notes but with a little practice it’s still relatively easy to play. By using your index and middle finger and not using a plectrum the entire riff can be played with slides. The rest of the song only consists of three different chords meaning the entire song is fun and easy! James Bay mostly uses hollow-body guitars, such as the Ibanez AF55-TF or the Eastman AR403CED.
Always On The Run – Lenny Kravitz
This funky song from the rock legend Lenny Kravitz has a fun intro riff. It’s not the easiest riff on this list, considering the tempo is quite fast, but by first learning the riff at a slower pace it will be easier to eventually play it at the right tempo. All notes are on the three lowest strings and the riff consists of two bars that are repeated. Lenny Kravitz mostly uses Les Pauls. Great alternatives are the Stagg SEL-STD or the Michael Kelly Patriot Decree.
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones
This groundbreaking song has a recognisable intro. This intro riff is very easy, it consists of only three different notes that are repeated in a specific order. All notes can be played from the same hand position. Timing and articulation are very important with this riff though, especially considering the few amount of notes. Keitch Richards mostly uses Telecasters, such as the Fender 75th Anniversary Telecaster or the Fender Vintera '60s.
In The Hall Of The Mountain King – Edvard Grieg
This is a song nobody knows by name, but one that secretly everybody knows. In The Hall Of The Mountain King is a very popular melody that is easy to play on the guitar. The entire riff is contained to the first hand position on the neck, which makes the song a lot easier. The harder part of the song is that there are constant repetitions that are on a different note than the one before. As such, it’s important to memorise the song properly. Because this song wasn’t composed with a guitar, there isn’t a specific guitar to advise with this song.
I Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
This legendary song from this legendary band has a very recognisable intro riff. It’s a calm fingerpicking riff that introduces a certain emotion. The intro consists out of notes and chords. All notes are within the first hand position and it doesn’t contain any barre chords. The notes introduce the chords, and as such you need to prepare for the chords whilst playing the notes, especially considering finger placement. The intro consists of two parts that are repeated. David Gilmour's most used acoustic guitar is the Martin D-35. More affordable alternatives are the Martin DJR-10 or the Martin D-X1E.
Layla – Derek and the Dominoes
This may be one of the most popular intro riffs in the Rock ‘n Roll world, but it’s also quite easy to play. Don’t get us wrong, it’s one of the hardest on this list, but it’s definitely attainable. The entire intro is contained to two hand positions that are right next to each other. The notes are easy to play, although the tempo makes it a little harder. As such, it’s advisable to learn to riff slower first before playing it at the right tempo. Eric Clapton is known for his black Stratocaster. Great alternatives are the Squier Classic Vibe '70s or the Ibanez GSA60-BKN.
Redemption Song – Bob Marley
This beautiful song has a noticeable riff in the intro. It’s an acoustic song and the intro is thus also played with an acoustic guitar. All notes are played on the first three frets and the lowest three strings. Consequently, it can be played from one hand position. Moreover, it’s easy to transition from the riff into the chords. Marley mostly played Dreadnoughts, such as the Yamaha FGX800C or the Crafter D600 N.
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Fender Player Stratocaster - Silver
Fender
Fender was founded in 1946 by Clarence Leonidas ‘Leo’ Fender. Their first guitar, the Telecaster, became a huge success, and they started producing other similarly popular models, like the Stratocaster and the Precision Bass. Nowadays Fender has a huge assortment of different basses and guitars, with different sounds, colours, and prices, so that they have something for everyone. Consequently, they remain one of the most popular guitar brands today!
The Player Series
Fender developed the Player series specifically for beginning musicians and musicians with a relatively low budget. The Fender Player guitars and basses are made in Mexico and measure up to Fender’s American-made guitars quite well. The instruments are also very versatile and are even suited for recording and gigs. The Player guitars are thus more affordable versions of the popular Fender models. Consequently, they also feel and sound like a Fender guitar. However, the Player models are relatively standard, Fender did not add any unique modifications or special additions to the guitar. All models have Alnico pickups and are available in different colours.
The Player Stratocaster
The Player Stratocaster is a great Stratocaster that has all the characteristic of a Fender guitar. Consequently, the guitar has three Alnico single-coil pickups. Single-coil pickups are typical for a Stratocaster because they produce that legendary Rock ‘n Roll sound. However, single-coils are still very versatile, and they also sound amazing without any effects. The pickups can be adjusted with the five-way switch, the volume knob, and the two tone knobs. The guitar has an alder body and a maple neck. The neck has a satin finish which makes it comfortable to play. The satin finish makes it easy to slide through your hand and is ideal for guitarists who tend to get sweaty hands while playing. The fretboard is made of pau ferro, which is a sustainable alternative for rosewood. The Player Stratocaster is thus a proper Fender guitar for a low price!
Godin Stadium HT Havana Brown MN
Godin
Godin is a Canadian company who make professional and innovative guitars. Their guitars are relatively sustainable, as well. Almost all their wood comes from North-America, which means they don’t participate in the deforestation in South-America. Their guitars are made by hand by the best luthiers in Canada, which means they can guarantee high quality guitars.
Sound possibilities
The Stadium HT Havana Brown is a solid body guitar by Godin. The shape is based on the legendary Telecaster, although the Stadium is a little rounder. The guitar has two single-coil pickups, of which one is located in the metal of the bridge. The metal gives a different resonance which adds a lot of twang to the pickup. The neck pickup articulates quite well and has a vintage tone. The hardware is also of high quality. The saddles are even made of brass, which gives the guitar a warmer sound.
Materials
The body of the guitar is made of basswood. Basswood is a softwood with a great sustain. The neck and the fretboard are made of maple, which articulates well and has a neutral appearance. The colour of the body is inspired by acoustic guitars, which is why it has a dark wooden colour, but with a semi-gloss finish. What is also quite noticeable, is that the guitar doesn’t have a pickguard. Godin managed to hide all the wiring underneath the bridge and the control plate, which gives the guitar a professional and luxurious appearance. The Stadium HT Havana Brown is an amazing and unique guitar!
Godin Session HT Matte Black RN
Godin
Godin is a Canadian company who make professional and innovative guitars. Their guitars are relatively sustainable, as well. Almost all their wood comes from North-America, which means they don’t participate in the deforestation in South-America. Their guitars are made by hand by the best luthiers in Canada, which means they can guarantee high quality guitars.
Sound possibilities
The Session HT Matte Black RN is a beautiful solid body guitar. The shape is inspired by the legendary Stratocaster, although the Session HT has a round shape. Furthermore, the guitar has two single-coil pickups and a humbucker pickup, which means the guitar has many different sound options. The humbucker sounds warm and full, and will have less feedback. The Single-coil pickups will sound brighter and cleaner. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and by installing them on the same guitar, you’ll have all the different possibilities on one guitar. With the five way switch you can decide which pickups you want to use. The three pickups can be used individually, but also in different combinations.
Materials
The body of the Session HT is made of basswood. Basswood is a softwood and has a great sustain. The guitar has a maple neck and a laurel fretboard. This is a great combination and will be very comfortable to play. Furthermore, Godin also used the best materials for the hardware, meaning the bridge and the tuners are very stable and strong. Consequently the tuning stability of the guitar is great. Additionally the matte black finish of the guitar gives it a professional but interesting appearance. The Session HT is thus a great and professional guitar!
Fender Player Plus Nashville Telecaster - Opal Spark
Fender
Fender was founded in 1946 by Clarence Leonidas ‘Leo’ Fender. Their first guitar, the Telecaster, became a huge success, and they started producing other similarly popular models, like the Stratocaster and the Precision Bass. Nowadays Fender has a huge assortment of different basses and guitars, with different sounds, colours, and prices, so that they have something for everyone. Consequently, they remain one of the most popular guitar brands today!
The Player Series
Fender developed the Player series specifically for beginning musicians and musicians with a relatively low budget. The Fender Player guitars and basses are made in Mexico and measure up to Fender’s American-made guitars quite well. The instruments are also very versatile and are even suited for recording and gigs. The Player guitars are thus more affordable versions of the popular Fender models. Consequently, they also feel and sound like a Fender guitar. However, the Player models are relatively standard, Fender did not add any unique modifications or special additions to the guitar. All models have Alnico pickups and are available in different colours.
The Fender Player Plus Nashville Telecaster Opal Spark
The Player Plus Nashville in Opal Spark is a creative version of the legendary Telecaster. This Telecaster does indeed contain the typical Telecaster sound, like that beautiful warm twangy sound, but it also has a Stratocaster function. The tone knob has a push/pull system with which you can easily transform your Telecaster into a Stratocaster. Consequently this means you will have two guitars in one! Furthermore, all pickups have a no-hum system. Single-coil pickups are notorious for their humming sound. This is because single-coils do not have a magnetic circle which means they can pick up other signals. Fender wasn’t satisfied with this, so they developed no-hum single-coils, which are single-coil pickups that do not hum when they are being used, even with a lot of distortion and/or overdrive. Additionally, the guitar itself is also made of high quality materials. The guitar has an alder body and a maple neck. Alder is light yet strong and maple is insanely comfortable to play and has a classic look. This is complemented by the Opal Spark finish, which also gives the guitar a vintage appearance. The Fender Player Plus Nashville Telecaster is thus the ideal Telecaster for the versatile guitarist!
