[2026] Practice Songs for Metal Beginners: Learn the Basics of Metal Guitar!

crimsonX JAPAN

X Japan ~ Kurenai (Last Live 1997)

X JAPAN’s classic song “Kurenai” is often played on TV and elsewhere, and I think everyone knows the melody of the chorus.

However, when you actually try to play it, despite the seemingly manageable tempo, it features multiple complex riffs.

Including the arpeggiated intro and a guitar solo that feels just barely playable with effort, it’s perfect to tackle as a culmination of your practice.

(SIC)Slipknot

Slipknot – (Sic) (Audio)

Here’s an early classic from Slipknot: “(sic)” from their first album.

The lowest note is the so-called low B, which is the lowest string on a 7-string guitar.

If you want to reproduce it on a 6-string, you’ll need to use a thicker string and tune down two and a half steps.

The riff itself is very simple and easy to copy, though.

It’s an ideal practice piece for getting a feel for modern loud metal.

VixenBABYMETAL

BABYMETAL – Megitsune – Vixen (OFFICIAL)

BABYMETAL has now become a metal artist representing Japan.

While their backing “Kami Band” often gets the spotlight, this is one of their early popular songs.

The loud guitar riff is played on a 7-string guitar, and performing in such a low register requires a different sense of muting than regular tuning.

It’s a highly recommended track for practicing heavy low-end riffs.

Master Of PuppetsMetallica

Master Of Puppets

A classic practice piece for high-speed downpicking: Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” This song is often played live at an even faster tempo than the studio recording, and its sense of relentless drive comes from using downstrokes only rather than alternate picking.

It requires a slightly different degree of relaxation than fast alternate picking, but first, try challenging yourself to see how far you can play it.

Enter SandmanMetallica

Metallica: Enter Sandman (Official Music Video)

This is one of Metallica’s popular songs and a staple at their live shows, but when it was first released, people asked, “Is this really metal?” and it sparked debate.

Back then, it was rare for a thrash metal band to play such a groovy riff.

Precisely because of that, you could say the riff went on to greatly influence modern genres like metalcore.

If you only ever play metal, you tend to struggle with this kind of sticky, laid-back phrasing, so give it a try and see how it feels to play.

VengeanceYngwie Malmsteen

Vengeance

Yngwie Malmsteen, a leading figure in the genre known as “neoclassical metal,” which boldly incorporates classical elements into metal.

Among his songs, this one is highly recommended as a practice piece.

The intro phrase that weaves in the open 4th string is very useful, so it’s a technique you’ll want to master (note that it’s in half-step-down tuning!).

It’s also a treasure trove of classic classical phrases!

Tornado Of SoulsMegadeth

Tornado Of Souls

Megadeth’s “Tornado of Souls” is memorable for its razor-sharp intro riff woven with harmonics.

But we should also touch on Marty Friedman’s guitar solo—familiar to Japanese living rooms—that almost feels like enka.

In metal guitar solos, it’s not just about speed; sorrowful melodies that blend bending and vibrato—the so-called “weeping phrases”—are also key.

In this solo, Marty delivers a truly heartrending performance, and there’s a lot to learn from its powerful expressiveness.