30 Best Songs to Sharpen Your Guitar Skills: A Masterclass

Updated at: 21/03/2025

This isn't about a specific artist, band, or album, but rather a curated collection of songs designed to elevate your guitar playing. The goal is to provide a diverse range of musical styles and techniques, showcasing the breadth and depth of what's possible on the six-string. From the iconic grunge riffs that defined a generation, to the tight, precise rhythms that built legendary stadium anthems, and the sophisticated melodies that captivated listeners for decades, this selection offers something for every aspiring guitarist. We’ve chosen songs that demonstrate a spectrum of techniques – powerful power chords, intricate fingerpicking, and subtle, nuanced phrasing – all essential elements in a well-rounded guitarist’s skillset.

This list transcends genre boundaries, offering a journey through rock's rich history and diverse soundscapes. Whether you’re a beginner seeking foundational skills or a seasoned player looking to expand your repertoire, you'll find challenging yet rewarding pieces within. The aim is to celebrate the power of music to inspire and motivate, helping you unlock your full potential and find joy in the process of mastering this timeless instrument. It's about more than just learning chords and scales; it's about understanding musicality, feeling the rhythm, and ultimately, expressing yourself through music. Dive in and discover the songs that will ignite your passion and take your guitar playing to the next level.

1
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana
1991
Nevermind (Remastered)
2
Do I Wanna Know?
Arctic Monkeys
2013
AM
3
Thunderstruck
AC/DC
1990
The Razors Edge
4
Every Breath You Take
The Police
1983
Synchronicity (Remastered 2003)
5
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2000
Californication (Deluxe Edition)
6
Beat It
Michael Jackson
1982
Thriller
7
Creep
Radiohead
1992
Pablo Honey
8
Feel Good Inc
Gorillaz
2005
Demon Days
9
Enter Sandman
Metallica
1991
Metallica (Remastered)
10
Hotel California
The Eagles
1976
11
Comfortably Numb
Pink Floyd
1979
The Wall
12
Hallelujah
Jeff Buckley
1994
Grace
13
Satisfaction
The Rolling Stones
1965
Out Of Our Heads
14
When You Were Young
The Killers
2006
Sam's Town
15
Closing Time
Semisonic
1998
16
Free Fallin'
Tom Petty
1989
Full Moon Fever
17
Hysteria
Muse
2003
18
Barracuda
Heart
1977
Little Queen
19
Little Lion Man
Mumford , Sons
2009
20
Stricken
Disturbed
2005
Ten Thousand Fists
21
Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd
1974
Second Helping (Expanded Edition)
22
White Wedding
Billy Idol
1982
Billy Idol
23
Walk On the Wild Side
Lou Reed
1972
Transformer
24
She Moves in Her Own Way
The Kooks
2006
25
Crazy Train
Ozzy Osbourne
1980
Blizzard Of Ozz (40th Anniversary Expanded Edition)
26
Slide Away
Oasis
1994
27
Redemption Song
Bob Marley
1980
28
Black Magic Woman
Santana
1970
Supernatural (Remastered)
29
Pride and Joy
Stevie Ray Vaughan
1983
Texas Flood (Legacy Edition)
30
Play That Funky Music
Wild Cherry
1976
Wild Cherry