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.