50 Easy One String Guitar Songs for Absolute Beginners

Are you just picking up the guitar and feeling overwhelmed by complex chords? You aren't alone. The secret to building confidence and finger dexterity lies in easy songs you can play on one string.

Believe it or not, some of the most iconic riffs in music history—from classic rock anthems to movie themes—are built on single-note melodies that can be played on just the Low E or High E string.

In this guide, we dive deep into 50 legendary melodies. We won’t just tell you the notes; we’ll explore the history, the artists, and the stories behind the music that changed the world. Grab your guitar, pick a string, and let’s start playing.

The Rock & Metal Titans

Famous Rock Riffs on One String You Must Know. These riffs defined generations. They are heavy, punchy, and perfect for the Low E string.

1. Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple

The Riff: Arguably the most famous guitar riff of all time. It is the "ABC" of rock guitar.

The Artist & Style: Deep Purple pioneered heavy metal and modern hard rock with a mix of classical scales and blues power. Ritchie Blackmore’s style is precise and aggressive.

 Backstory: The song documents a real fire at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland in 1971. The band watched the smoke drift over Lake Geneva after a flare gun fired by a fan during a Frank Zappa concert burned the venue down.

• Notable Hits: Highway Star, Child in Time.

2. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

The Riff: A glitchy, low-end march that became a global stadium anthem.

The Artist & Style: Jack White is known for garage rock minimalism—stripping music down to raw emotion.

Backstory: Jack White actually wrote this riff during a soundcheck in Melbourne. He famously saved it in case he was ever asked to write a James Bond theme.

He wasn't asked (at the time), so he released it with the White Stripes. The "bass" sound is actually a semi-acoustic guitar pitched down an octave.

• Notable Hits: Fell in Love with a Girl, Blue Orchid.

3. Iron Man – Black Sabbath

The Riff: A dark, ominous bending of the string that signals impending doom.

The Artist & Style: Tony Iommi is the godfather of Heavy Metal. After losing his fingertips in a factory accident, he down-tuned his guitar, creating a looser, heavier sound that defined the genre.

Backstory: Upon hearing the riff, vocalist Ozzy Osbourne remarked that it sounded like "a big iron bloke walking about." The lyrics are a sci-fi tragedy about a time traveler turned into steel, ignored by the people he tried to save.

• Notable Hits: Paranoid, War Pigs.

4. Sunshine of Your Love – Cream

The Riff: A blues-rock descent that utilizes the chromatic scale.

The Artist & Style: A supergroup featuring Eric Clapton. They blended psychedelic rock with hard blues. Clapton's "Woman Tone" (rolling off the tone knob) is iconic here.

Backstory: Bassist Jack Bruce wrote the riff after attending a Jimi Hendrix concert at the Saville Theatre in London in 1967. He was inspired by Hendrix's playing style and went home to write this tribute to the developing psychedelic scene.

• Notable Hits: White Room, Crossroads.

5. Running Down a Dream – Tom Petty

The Riff: A driving, descending E-string riff that creates a sense of motion.

The Artist & Style: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers represent the heart of American Heartland Rock.

Backstory: This song is a tribute to the open road. The riff was actually written by Mike Campbell (guitarist), who experimented with time signatures before settling on this driving 4/4 beat that makes you feel like you're driving on a highway.

• Notable Hits: Free Fallin', Mary Jane's Last Dance.

6. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

The Riff: A staccato, chugging rhythm essential for practicing picking hand stamina.

The Artist & Style: The epitome of 80s Arena Rock—big drums, big guitars, and soaring vocals.

Backstory: Sylvester Stallone wanted Queen’s "Another One Bites the Dust" for Rocky III, but Queen refused the rights. Stallone then tapped Survivor, asking for something with a "pulse." The result was a Grammy-winning cultural phenomenon.

• Notable Hits: Burning Heart, The Search Is Over.

7. Roadhouse Blues – The Doors

The Riff: A fast, shuffling blues riff usually played on the open E string.

The Artist & Style: The Doors mixed rock with jazz, spoken word poetry, and blues. Jim Morrison’s shaman-like persona drove their mystique.

Backstory: A staple of classic rock radio, this track was recorded live in the studio. The line "Woke up this morning and I got myself a beer" became one of the most quoted opening lyrics in rock history.

• Notable Hits: Light My Fire, Riders on the Storm.

8. Another One Bites the Dust – Queen

The Riff: A funk-disco bass line that translates perfectly to the low E guitar string.

The Artist & Style: Queen defied genres, moving from opera to disco to heavy metal.

Backstory: Bassist John Deacon wrote this track after spending time with the band Chic. Initially, the band didn't want to release it as a single, but Michael Jackson (a fan of the band) convinced Freddie Mercury that it would be a massive hit. He was right.

• Notable Hits: Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You.

9. Wild Thing – The Troggs

The Riff: Basic power chords that can be simplified to single root notes on the E string.

The Artist & Style: British Invasion rock. The Troggs influenced the punk movement with their simple, aggressive, and raw sound.

Backstory: Written by Chip Taylor, this song became the prototype for garage rock. Jimi Hendrix famously burned his guitar on stage at the Monterey Pop Festival after playing a chaotic cover of this song.

• Notable Hits: Love Is All Around.

10. Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin

The Riff: A simple, heavy, blues-based riff relying on rhythm and pause.

The Artist & Style: Jimmy Page’s production techniques and riff-writing made Zeppelin the biggest band of the 70s.

Backstory: While credited to the band, the lyrics draw heavily from Willie Dixon’s "You Need Love." This track was the anchor of Led Zeppelin II and introduced the world to the "heavy" guitar sound that would influence Aerosmith and Guns N' Roses.

• Notable Hits: Stairway to Heaven, Kashmir.

11. TNT – AC/DC (Simple Riff)

The Riff: The definition of "less is more." Punctuated open E notes followed by power chords.

The Artist & Style: AC/DC creates high-voltage rock and roll. Malcolm and Angus Young built a career on three chords and massive volume.

Backstory: "TNT" captures the rebellious spirit of Bon Scott era AC/DC. The chanting "Oi! Oi! Oi!" in the background was improvised by the production crew in the studio because the band felt the track needed more gang-vocal energy.

• Notable Hits: Back in Black, Highway to Hell.

Modern Hits, Indie & Alternative

From the 90s to today, these songs prove that catchy melodies don't need to be complicated.

12. Viva La Vida – Coldplay

The Melody: A string-orchestra melody that translates beautifully to the high E string.

The Artist & Style: Coldplay evolved from post-Britpop acoustic rock to global synth-pop giants.

Backstory: The title means "Long Live Life," inspired by a painting by Frida Kahlo. The song is written from the perspective of a deposed king reflecting on his lost kingdom. It was the first song by a British group to reach #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in over a decade.

• Notable Hits: Yellow, Fix You.

13. Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Green Day

The Melody: The vocal melody line is distinct and easy to replicate on a single string.

The Artist & Style: Pop-punk icons who matured into writing rock operas. Billie Joe Armstrong is known for catchy, down-picked riffs.

Backstory: Part of the American Idiot concept album. The song describes the feeling of loneliness and disillusionment. The tremolo effect on the guitar intro is iconic, inspired by the "spaghetti western" sound.

• Notable Hits: Basket Case, American Idiot.

14. Elevation – U2

The Riff: Uses a pedal effect, but the core notes are a simple, sliding blues scale.

The Artist & Style: The Edge (U2’s guitarist) is the master of delay effects and minimalist playing. He proves you don't need to play fast to sound huge.

Backstory: Designed to be a live concert opener, this track helped U2 reclaim their rock roots in the early 2000s. The "Whoo-hoo" hook was specifically written to get stadium crowds involved instantly.

• Notable Hits: With or Without You, Sunday Bloody Sunday.

15. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran

The Melody: A marimba-inspired riff that works great on the B or G string.

The Artist & Style: The king of the loop pedal. Sheeran blends acoustic singer-songwriter vibes with pop and R&B.

Backstory: Originally written with Rihanna in mind, Sheeran decided to keep it for himself. It became the most streamed song on Spotify for years. The melody uses a pentatonic scale, making it very "ear-friendly" and easy to play.

• Notable Hits: Thinking Out Loud, Perfect.

16. Clocks – Coldplay

The Melody: An arpeggio piano riff that can be adapted to a linear guitar melody.

The Artist & Style: (See entry #12).

Backstory: Chris Martin wrote this riff late one night and almost threw it away. The band’s manager heard it and insisted they include it on the album A Rush of Blood to the Head. It went on to win Record of the Year at the Grammys.

• Notable Hits: The Scientist.

17. Airbag – Radiohead

The Riff: An angular, slightly dissonant riff that opens their masterpiece album.

The Artist & Style: Radiohead are the pioneers of Art Rock, constantly shifting from guitar rock to electronic experimentation.

Backstory: The song was inspired by an accident where Thom Yorke’s life was saved by an airbag. The guitar riff by Jonny Greenwood mimics the mechanical, jerky feeling of technology and survival.

• Notable Hits: Creep, Karma Police.

18. Faded – Alan Walker

The Melody: A haunting, slow electronic melody perfect for beginners practicing sustain.

The Artist & Style: Norwegian DJ and producer known for his masked identity and atmospheric EDM.

Backstory: Originally an instrumental track called "Fade," the vocal version exploded globally. It’s a prime example of how a simple four-chord progression and a slow melody can create deep emotional impact.

• Notable Hits: Alone, Spectre.

19. She’s Lost Control – Joy Division

The Riff: A mechanical, repetitive bass-line played on guitar that defines Post-Punk.

The Artist & Style: Joy Division created the "Gothic" sound with Ian Curtis’s baritone voice and Peter Hook’s high-register bass lines.

Backstory: The song is about a woman Ian Curtis knew who suffered from epilepsy (a condition Curtis also had). The repetitive, drum-like guitar playing mimics the loss of physical control during a seizure.

• Notable Hits: Love Will Tear Us Apart.

20. Come As You Are – Nirvana

The Riff: A watery, chorus-drenched riff played on the low E and A strings (can be adapted to one).

The Artist & Style: The band that brought Grunge to the mainstream. Kurt Cobain prioritized melody and emotion over technical skill.

Backstory: Cobain used a "Small Clone" chorus pedal to get the underwater sound. The lyrics are contradictory ("Take your time, hurry up"), reflecting the confusion of the Generation X youth.

• Notable Hits: Smells Like Teen Spirit, Lithium.

21. KT Tunstall – Black Horse and the Cherry Tree

The Riff: A percussive, mute-heavy riff with a "Bo Diddley" beat.

The Artist & Style: Scottish singer-songwriter who became famous for her solo live loop-pedal performances.

Backstory: Tunstall broke through after a mesmerizing performance of this song on Later... with Jools Holland where she built the entire track live using just her guitar and a pedal. It’s a lesson in rhythm and timing.

• Notable Hits: Suddenly I See.

22. The Man Who Sold The World – David Bowie (and Nirvana)

The Riff: A circular, hypnotic riff that sounds exotic and mysterious.

The Artist & Style: David Bowie, the chameleon of rock. This era was his "hard rock" phase.

Backstory: While Bowie wrote it, many beginners know it from Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged cover. The riff uses notes outside the standard minor scale, giving it a sci-fi, otherworldly feel suitable for Bowie’s lyrics about identity.

• Notable Hits: Space Oddity, Heroes.

23. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones

The Riff: Three notes that changed the world. Fuzz-heavy and rhythmic.

The Artist & Style: The "Bad Boys" of rock and roll, rooted deeply in American Blues.

Backstory: Keith Richards recorded this riff on a cassette tape in his sleep. He woke up, found the tape, and heard 2 minutes of the riff followed by 40 minutes of snoring. He originally intended it to be a horn section line, not a guitar riff.

• Notable Hits: Paint It Black, Gimme Shelter.

Iconic Movie & TV Themes

These melodies are deeply ingrained in pop culture, making them easy to learn by ear.

24. Hedwig’s Theme (Harry Potter)

The Melody: Magical, eerie, and chromatic.

The Composer: John Williams, the master of cinematic leitmotifs.

Context: The celesta-driven melody represents the Wizarding World. Playing this on a single string requires careful finger placement to capture the "magical" half-step intervals.

25. Mission: Impossible Theme

The Riff: A 5/4 time signature masterpiece. Fast, driving, and tense.

The Composer: Lalo Schifrin.

Context: Schifrin famously said the rhythm comes from Morse Code for "M.I." (dash-dash-dot-dot). It’s an excellent exercise for alternate picking on a single string.

26. Peter Gunn Theme

The Riff: A relentless, driving E-string boogie.

The Artist: Henry Mancini (famously covered by Duane Eddy and The Art of Noise).

Context: Originally for a detective TV show, this riff is the grandfather of the "spy guitar" sound. It teaches steady, unwavering rhythm.

27. Pirates of the Caribbean Theme (He's a Pirate)

The Melody: A grandiose, waltz-like rhythm that turns into an action march.

The Composer: Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt.

Context: This track, "He's a Pirate," captures the swashbuckling energy of Captain Jack Sparrow. It requires speed and precision on the high strings.

28. Star Wars Imperial March

The Melody: Strong, militaristic, and ominous.

The Composer: John Williams.

Context: Darth Vader’s theme. The melody is powerful because it emphasizes strong downbeats. It’s perfect for practicing distinct, heavy picking.

29. Grease – Summer Nights

The Melody: A bouncy, storytelling pop melody.

Context: From the 1978 musical Grease. The melody follows the vocal line "Tell me more, tell me more." It’s a great exercise in rhythmic phrasing on the guitar.

30. The Office Theme

The Melody: Cheerful, melodic, and slightly nostalgic.

Context: The piano melody translates well to the guitar. It’s instantly recognizable and a great party trick for friends who love the show.

31. Darth Vader Theme (Star Wars)

(Note: This is the same as the Imperial March, item #28. Use this slot to practice the lower octave version on the Low E string for a menacing sound).

32. Misirlou – Dick Dale & The Del Tones

The Riff: Extremely fast tremolo picking on the Low E string.

The Artist & Style: The King of Surf Guitar. Dick Dale worked with Leo Fender to create amplifiers that could handle his volume.

Backstory: A traditional Eastern Mediterranean folk song adapted into a surf-rock frenzy. It became globally famous again in the 90s thanks to the opening scene of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.

Classics, Soul & Folk

Timeless melodies that help build the foundation of pitch and finger placement.

33. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

The Melody: The first song many musicians learn.

Why play it? It teaches the relationship between the open string and the frets, and the concept of intervals (Root to Fifth).

34. Marvin Gaye – I Heard It Through the Grapevine

The Riff: A slinky, mysterious soul motif.

The Artist & Style: The Prince of Soul. Motown legend.

Backstory: This song is a masterclass in tension. The intro riff sets a paranoid, suspicious mood before the vocals even start. Creedence Clearwater Revival also did a famous version with a extended jam.

35. Mary Had a Little Lamb (Easy Melody)

The Melody: Three notes, endless value.

Why play it? Stevie Ray Vaughan notably played a blues-rock version of this. It proves that even a nursery rhyme can rock if you have the right attitude.

36. Dust in the Wind – Kansas (Melody Line)

The Melody: While the original is a complex fingerpicking pattern, the vocal melody is simple and melancholic.

The Artist: Kansas mixed British prog-rock complexity with American heartland boogie.

Context: A philosophical song about the impermanence of life. Playing the vocal melody on one string helps beginners learn to "sing" with their guitar.

Variation Challenges & Alternate Positions

To master the fretboard, you must learn to play the same songs in different places. This section covers variations of the hits above.

37. Black Horse and the Cherry Tree (Different Version)

Challenge: Try playing the bass line on the Low E string while muting the strings to create a percussive "thump," mimicking the acoustic loop pedal technique.

38. Seven Nation Army (Alternate String Version)

Challenge: Play the riff on the A string instead of the Low E. The tension is higher, and the tone is tighter, which is better for clean electric tones.

39. Another One Bites the Dust (Alternate E String Riff)

Challenge: Focus strictly on the rhythm. Use "Palm Muting" (resting your hand near the bridge) on the E string to get that thumpy, percussive bass sound of the original.

40. Sunshine of Your Love (Alternate String Riff)

Challenge: Play this starting on the 12th fret of the D string. This is where Clapton often plays it to get the "Woman Tone"—thick, creamy, and sustaining.

41. Iron Man (Alternate Position)

Challenge: Play the riff using only power chords (Root and 5th) on the A and D strings, sliding between positions. This transitions you from one-string playing to full chord playing.

42. Running Down a Dream (Simplified)

Challenge: Remove the hammer-ons and pull-offs. Play every note with a strict down-up-down-up alternate picking motion to build speed.

43. Hedwig’s Theme (Alternate String Pattern)

Challenge: Play this on the B string instead of the High E. The slightly thicker string gives the melody a warmer, more mysterious flute-like quality.

44. Smoke on the Water (Alternate Riffs)

Challenge: The original is actually played as "double stops" (two strings plucked at once). Try playing the melody on the D and G strings simultaneously to hear the real Blackmore sound.

45. Star Wars Main Theme (Melody on Single String)

Challenge: Unlike the Imperial March, the Main Theme soars. Play this on the High E string, moving high up the fretboard (past the 12th fret) to mimic the trumpet section.

46. Mission Impossible (Simplified)

Challenge: Focus on the timing. Count "1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2, 1-2." Playing this on the Low E string is a great workout for your pinky finger.

47. Shape of You (Alternate Riff Pattern)

Challenge: Add a "slap" on your guitar body between the notes to mimic the beat while playing the melody line.

48. Clocks (Alternate Simplified Melody)

Challenge: Convert the piano arpeggios into a linear scale. This is excellent for learning the Mixolydian mode, which Coldplay uses frequently.

49. Mamma Mia – ABBA

The Melody: A marimba-like hook that is catchy and rhythmic.

Context: ABBA’s pop genius lies in simple, repeatable hooks. Playing this helps you lock into a groovy, disco timing.

50. I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

The Riff: A stomping, clap-along anthem.

The Artist: Joan Jett is the Queen of Rock.

Context: Originally by The Arrows, Jett made it famous. The riff is distinct because it leaves space for the vocal "Hey!" It teaches you that silence is just as important as the notes you play.

Conclusion: Your One-String Journey Starts Here

Mastering these easy songs on one string is the first step toward guitar greatness. Whether you are channeling the darkness of Black Sabbath or the pop genius of Ed Sheeran, remember that every guitar hero started with a single note.

Ready to take the next step? Pick three songs from this list, master them this week, and you’ll find your fingers moving faster and your timing getting tighter. Happy playing!