27 Best Metal Songs to Learn on Guitar: Master the Metal

27 Best Metal Songs to Learn on Guitar: Master the Metal

Grab your axes because we’re about to dive into the electrifying world of metal!

Here’s a finely tuned list of the 27 most iconic metal songs that every guitar aficionado should master. These tunes are certain to amplify your skills and rock your world!

Here are the best metal songs to learn on guitar that you can check out:

List Of Best Metal Songs to Learn on Guitar

Best metal songs to learn on guitar in a list format:

1. “Master of Puppets” – Metallica (Master of Puppets)

Dive into this absolute masterpiece from Metallica’s 1986 album, “Master of Puppets.” This song is a goldmine for those learning down picking and rhythm guitar, with a memorable solo to boot. Metallica’s gritty sound remains influential to this day.

2. “Painkiller” – Judas Priest (Painkiller)

From the iconic British metal band’s 1990 album, “Painkiller,” this song is a test in speed and precision, making it an ideal tune for shredding enthusiasts. “Painkiller” showcases Tipton and Downing’s impressive dual-guitar interplay.

3. “Crazy Train” – Ozzy Osbourne (Blizzard of Ozz)

Featured on Ozzy’s 1980 debut solo album “Blizzard of Ozz,” “Crazy Train” is well known for Randy Rhoads’ distinctive guitar riff. This song offers an excellent chance to practice those catchy, melodic solos that Rhoads helped pioneer.

4. “Fear of the Dark” – Iron Maiden (Fear of the Dark)

From Iron Maiden’s 1992 album “Fear of the Dark,” this song is iconic for its haunting intro riff and harmonized leads. The complexity of Iron Maiden’s three-guitar attack will challenge any budding metal guitarist.

5. “Symphony of Destruction” – Megadeth (Countdown to Extinction)

Off Megadeth’s 1992 album, “Countdown to Extinction,” this song showcases Dave Mustaine’s unique approach to rhythm guitar and soloing. The unforgettable main riff and intricate soloing make it a staple in metal guitar learning.

6. “Walk” – Pantera (Vulgar Display of Power)

From Pantera’s 1992 album “Vulgar Display of Power,” “Walk” is known for its bone-crushing riffs and Dimebag Darrell’s blazing solos. The song’s unique feel and groove make it a great piece for metal players to learn.

7. “War Pigs” – Black Sabbath (Paranoid)

This song from Black Sabbath’s 1970 album, “Paranoid,” is foundational in the genre of metal. Tony Iommi’s heavy riffs and use of power chords in “War Pigs” make it a classic choice for anyone wanting to learn metal guitar.

8. “Breaking the Law” – Judas Priest (British Steel)

Off their 1980 album “British Steel,” this song is an excellent example o

f the power of a great riff. “Breaking the Law” is a beginner-friendly track that still packs the punch of classic heavy metal.

9. “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” – Megadeth (Rust In Peace)

From Megadeth’s landmark 1990 album, “Rust in Peace,” “Holy Wars” offers an intricate mix of rhythm and lead techniques. This song provides an excellent opportunity to practice rapid riff changes and fast solos.

10. “Iron Man” – Black Sabbath (Paranoid)

From their 1970 album “Paranoid,” Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” provides a study in iconic heavy metal riffing. This song will help you master power chords and palm muting, two essential skills in metal guitar playing.

11. “Ace of Spades” – Motörhead (Ace of Spades)

From the 1980 album “Ace of Spades,” this song blends heavy metal and punk for a high-energy rock experience. Lemmy’s driving rhythm and “Fast” Eddie Clarke’s piercing

12. “Enter Sandman” – Metallica (Metallica)

Coming from Metallica’s 1991 self-titled album, also known as “The Black Album”, “Enter Sandman” has one of the most iconic intros in metal history. This song is a great practice piece for power chords, palm muting, and slide techniques.

13. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” – Iron Maiden (The Number of the Beast)

This legendary song from Iron Maiden’s 1982 album “The Number of the Beast” is a showcase of their iconic dual-guitar harmonies. Its variety of intricate riffs and solos will provide a great challenge to aspiring guitarists.

14. “Rainbow in the Dark” – Dio (Holy Diver)

From Dio’s 1983 album “Holy Diver,” “Rainbow in the Dark” is a staple of heavy metal. It combines catchy melodies with punchy power chords, and Vivian Campbell’s memorable solo will enhance your lead skills.

15. “Cowboys from Hell” – Pantera (Cowboys from Hell)

Coming from Pantera’s 1990 album of the same name, “Cowboys from Hell” offers fast-paced, aggressive riffs that will challenge your speed and precision. Dimebag Darrell’s unconventional style in this song is an invaluable lesson in crafting your unique sound.

16. “Raining Blood” – Slayer (Reign in Blood)

From Slayer’s groundbreaking 1986 album “Reign in Blood,” “Raining Blood” is a must-learn for those who love their metal fast and furious. This track offers a taste of Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman’s trademark chaotic soloing and precise riffing.

17. “Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple (Machine Head)

Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” from their 1972 album “Machine Head,” is known for its iconic opening riff. This track is a great entry point for beginners and is perfect for mastering string muting and bending techniques.

18. “Blackened” – Metallica (And Justice for All)

“Blackened,” from Metallica’s 1988 album “And Justice for All,” is a study in thrash metal riffing. The song offers fast palm-muted riffs and an array of solos and harmonies, making it an essential piece in a metal guitarist’s repertoire.

19. “Run to the Hills” – Iron Maiden (The Number of the Beast)

“Run to the Hills,” from Iron Maiden’s 1982 album “The Number of the Beast,” is an engaging mix of harmonized guitar lines and galloping rhythms. This song is a perfect illustration of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

20. “Creeping Death” – Metallica (Ride the Lightning)

From Metallica’s 1984 album “Ride the Lightning,” “Creeping Death” is known for its blend of melodic and heavy elements. It offers a variety of guitar techniques, including palm-muted rhythms, slides, and an unforgettable solo.

21. “Paranoid” – Black Sabbath (Paranoid)

From their 1970 album of the same name, Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” is a classic tune in the realm of heavy metal. It’s an ideal song for beginners, with its infectious main riff and simple yet effective solo.

22. “Angel of Death” – Slayer (Reign in Blood)

This track from Slayer’s 1986 album “Reign in Blood” is a full-on assault of thrash metal fury. The relentless riffs and solos in “Angel of Death” will push your technical abilities to the limit

23. “Tornado of Souls” – Megadeth (Rust In Peace)

From Megadeth’s highly revered 1990 album, “Rust in Peace,” “Tornado of Souls” is often celebrated for its solo, regarded as one of the greatest in metal history. It’s an excellent practice piece for understanding how to integrate melodies into high-speed solos.

24. “The Trooper” – Iron Maiden (Piece of Mind)

This classic tune from Iron Maiden’s 1983 album “Piece of Mind” has it all: galloping rhythms, harmonic guitar duels, and a catchy main riff. “The Trooper” is a staple in any aspiring metal guitarist’s learning repertoire.

25. “Back in Black” – AC/DC (Back in Black)

Off their 1980 album of the same name, AC/DC’s “Back in Black” is an excellent exercise in constructing memorable, driving rock rhythms. The song’s iconic power-chord riff and killer solo make it a must-learn for any aspiring rock or metal guitarist.

26. “Number of the Beast” – Iron Maiden (The Number of the Beast)

From Iron Maiden’s 1982 album “The Number of the Beast,” this song has everything from iconic riffs to fantastic solos. If you want to learn how to master harmonized lead lines and rapid-fire rhythm sections, this is the song to learn.

27. “Seek and Destroy” – Metallica (Kill ‘Em All)

Lastly, from Metallica’s debut 1983 album “Kill ‘Em All,” “Seek and Destroy” is a fantastic primer in thrash metal guitar playing. The song features everything from catchy, aggressive riffs to a bluesy solo, offering a perfect close to our list of 27 must-learn metal songs.

Fun Facts: Best Metal Songs to Learn on Guitar

“Master of Puppets” – Metallica

Did you know that “Master of Puppets” is considered one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time? Even more impressive, in 2016 it became the first metal recording to be selected for preservation in the U.S. Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

“Painkiller” – Judas Priest

“Painkiller” was the title track from Judas Priest’s 1990 album, marking a return to their heavier roots. Interestingly, the album was the first to feature Scott Travis on drums, whose double-kick drumming significantly contributed to the band’s revitalized sound.

“Crazy Train” – Ozzy Osbourne

“Crazy Train” is one of Ozzy’s most enduring classics, yet it was the band’s first single without Black Sabbath. The track was not an immediate hit, but its popularity grew over time, thanks to its memorable riff and its use in various media.

“Fear of the Dark” – Iron Maiden

“Fear of the Dark” has become a fan favorite and a staple of Iron Maiden’s live performances. It’s one of the few songs written entirely by vocalist Bruce Dickinson, and the subject matter – a fear of the dark – is a phobia Dickinson has admitted to having.

“Symphony of Destruction” – Megadeth

“Symphony of Destruction” is Megadeth’s most successful single, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The song’s political theme was a new direction for Megadeth, marking a departure from their earlier, more personal lyrics.

“Walk” – Pantera

Dimebag Darrell famously wrote the main riff to “Walk” during a soundcheck. The song’s title and lyrics were inspired by the band’s frustrations with people who treated them differently after they found success.

“Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” – Megadeth

“Holy Wars” was inspired by an incident where Dave Mustaine received death threats after dedicating a performance to “the cause of Ireland”. Unaware of the political implications, this experience sparked his interest in global conflicts, leading to this intricate song that discusses the horrors of war.

“Ace of Spades” – Motörhead

The “Ace of Spades” playing card is often associated with death, which fits with the song’s theme of living life on the edge. Despite its popularity, Lemmy Kilmister, Motörhead’s lead singer, reportedly grew to dislike the song due to its overexposure.

“Raining Blood” – Slayer

“Raining Blood” concludes with the sound of a thunderstorm that was created using a combination of drum effects and guitar feedback. The song has been covered by numerous artists, and its distinctive opening has been used in a variety of other media, from films to video games.

So, there you have it, metalheads and aspiring guitar gods. This list offers a high-voltage crash course into metal guitar. Dive in, get those fingers flying, and let your inner rockstar shine!

Thanks for reading.

TBone