![[2026] Practice Songs for Metal Beginners: Learn the Basics of Metal Guitar!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/L397TWLwrUU/maxresdefault.webp)
You’ve gotten into metal and picked up the guitar, but as you’d expect, so many songs demand advanced techniques—and you’re getting bored of running the same practice licks over and over.
If you’re a guitarist who wants to break out of the beginner stage, this article introduces classic tracks that are relatively easy to play while letting you savor the essence of metal! Even if fully nailing every part is tough, just learning the simple riffs can be really satisfying, and small breakthroughs often lead to big results.
From timeless staples and the hard rock that laid the foundation of metal to 2000s-and-beyond metalcore, make these iconic riffs your own!
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[2026] Practice Songs for Metal Beginners: Learn the Basics of Metal Guitar! (1–10)
Breaking The LawJudas Priest
A classic practice song for beginner metal guitarists has long been Judas Priest’s legendary track “Breaking the Law.” Setting aside the slightly laughable music video, the catchy intro that you can’t help but hum and the varied backing—not just chugging along with palm muting—are the key points.
There’s no guitar solo either, making it perfect as a “first metal song you can play all the way through.”
DualitySlipknot
It’s a Slipknot track known for its striking shift from a quiet beginning to an explosive burst.
What I’d love for you to try with this song is the simple yet massive guitar riff in drop B tuning.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get a heavy sound out of their guitar.
You might also enjoy playing it with the mindset of channeling the intense inner turmoil expressed in the lyrics into your sound.
The track was released in May 2004 ahead of the classic album “Vol.
3: (The Subliminal Verses).” It’s also featured in games like Madden NFL 10, so many of you might find it familiar.
Slipknot has plenty of technically challenging songs, but even just learning the riff from this one will bring you a step closer to their playing style!
The TrooperIron Maiden
One of the classic go-to riffs in metal is the guitar riff that repeats the “dun-dun-ka, dun-dun-ka” phrase.
A band whose trademark is that riff is the legendary metal act Iron Maiden.
You can hear it throughout their song The Trooper.
Another highlight is the intro phrase: it sounds simple, but it’s actually tricky to play without losing the rhythm.
Fear of the DarkIron Maiden
The development where a melodious guitar phrase emerging from silence suddenly transforms into a dramatic heavy metal sound is truly breathtaking.
This work, which portrays a primal fear of the dark, is said to have been inspired by experiences the band’s founder, Steve Harris, had in the old house where he lived as a child.
Released in May 1992, the song is the title track of the masterpiece Fear of the Dark, which topped the UK Albums Chart.
In recent years, it also drew attention for its collaboration with the game Dead by Daylight.
From quiet arpeggios to powerful riffs and twin-guitar harmonies, it distills the best of metal, making it perfect for guitar practice.
Why not start by mastering the striking opening riff and savor the sense of accomplishment?
Hunting High and LowStratovarius
This is a popular song by Stratovarius, a metal band representing Finland.
The intro melody is handled by the keyboard, and the guitar backing isn’t particularly difficult overall.
The clean-tone chord strumming in the A section and the guitar solo aren’t very challenging either, making it a great choice for practice.
Once you get used to it, you might even try copying the keyboard phrases.
Iron ManBlack Sabbath
A song by Black Sabbath, known as pioneers of heavy metal and influential to countless bands.
The inspiration came when Ozzy Osbourne, hearing the riff Tony Iommi played in response to the drum rhythm, described it as “like an iron giant walking.” The tragedy of a man from the future who becomes a body of steel, loses his voice, and takes revenge on humanity is perfectly depicted by the heavy, rolling guitar riff.
The track appears on the classic 1970 album Paranoid and was also used over the end credits of the 2008 film Iron Man.
Its simple, memorable riff is perfect for anyone who wants to express metal’s heft on guitar, and mastering it is sure to deliver a great sense of accomplishment.
Back in BlackAC/DC
If you play rock guitar, this is an absolute must.
It’s a quintessential track by Australia’s proud rock band AC/DC—indispensable when talking about the band’s history.
It embodies their resolve as they rose like a phoenix after the tragedy of their vocalist’s sudden death.
The lyrics are more than a tribute; they honor the departed and deliver a powerful message about carrying their spirit forward into the future, striking straight at the heart.
Released on the July 1980 album Back in Black, the song has sold over 50 million copies worldwide.
You’ve probably heard it, as it was used symbolically in the film Iron Man.
The intro guitar riff is simple and easy to remember, and just playing it is guaranteed to make you feel like a hero.