One String Guitar Songs- A Guide by Zager Guitars

Get ready to unleash your inner rockstar and embark on a wild, exhilarating guitar extravaganza! Buckle up because today I’ve got something special in store for you. 

Picture this: over 30 mind-blowingly easy one-string guitar songs that will have you strumming and jamming in no time. We’re talking about iconic riffs and catchy choruses that will make your heart skip a beat, all played using just a single string! No need to wait around for years of practice to tackle your favorite tunes.

 With this fantastic collection, you’ll shred like a pro faster than you can say, “Rock on”! So, grab your air guitar and get ready to experience a musical adventure.

Get ready to rock the house down with these electrifying one-string wonders. Let’s dive in and unleash the musical magic waiting to burst out of you! Are you ready to rock? Let’s do this!

1. Paint It Black By The Rolling Stones

Prepare yourself for a gritty and haunting ballad from the legendary Rolling Stones. “Paint It Black,” featured on their 1966 album Aftermath, delves into the depths of loss and despair following the sudden departure of a beloved figure. What makes this track genuinely distinctive is its infusion of exotic sounds, highlighted by the mesmerizing sitar performance courtesy of multi-talented musician Brian Jones.

With a staggering eleven-week chart domination, “Paint It Black” became a sensational hit, inspiring numerous covers by renowned artists who couldn’t resist its allure.

If you’re a guitar virtuoso seeking a challenge, the original version beckons with its exciting array of techniques like alternate picking, hammer-ons, open chords, pull-offs, and string skipping. However, there’s a more straightforward route to conquer the famous riff that still captures its essence. Just grab hold of the first or high E string, and you’ll be on your way.

Are you feeling like taking a bit of an adventure? Opt for the low E or sixth string to infuse a bassy resonance into your rendition.

2. I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing By Aerosmith

Penned by the talented Diane Warren and immortalized by the iconic rock band Aerosmith for the blockbuster film Armageddon in 1998, “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” stands tall as a mesmerizing power ballad.

While this timeless anthem may pose a challenge for beginners, don’t worry, it showcases a blend of complex chords and advanced guitar techniques, such as intricate fingerpicking patterns.

However, there is a way for guitarists of all skill levels to capture a semblance of the original melody. Prepare to unleash your inner musician as we focus on the B string for this rendition.

3. We Will Rock You By Queen
   

Be blown away by the timeless appeal of Queen’s iconic anthem, “We Will Rock You“! This electrifying track transcends generations, captivating listeners of all ages with its awesomeness. The anthemic beat is so universally fantastic that resisting the urge to stomp and clap along is impossible.

Now, let’s dive into the exciting world of playing the vocal melody of the chorus on a single string. You have two options: either the A string or the G string. To make things easier, we’ve provided tabs demonstrating playing using the G string.

4. Smells Like Teen Spirit By Nirvana
   

Regarding iconic guitar riffs, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana reigns supreme. Its unforgettable and incredibly catchy melody has become deeply ingrained in the consciousness of guitar enthusiasts everywhere, to the point where it can sometimes be seen as clichéd.

The song’s driving force lies in Krist Novoselic’s legendary bass line, perfectly harmonious with Kurt Cobain’s explosive guitar playing and raw vocals. Cobain kicks things off with the famous riff that is surprisingly simple to replicate using a single string. As with many one-string interpretations, you’ll rely on the thickest string, the low E, to bring this iconic riff to life.

It’s no wonder that “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a favorite among beginners exploring the world of one-string guitar songs.

5. Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground By The White Stripes

Ready to be captivated by yet another sensational riff from The White Stripes? This is tailor-made for novice guitarists and played using just a single string. It’s simple yet incredibly effective!

“Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground” from The White Stripes’ 2001 album, White Blood Cells, is a guitar-driven masterpiece with emotionally charged lyrics that delve into the aftermath of a broken relationship. It showcases The White Stripes at their rawest and most authentic.

While we were drawn to the track’s haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics, Jack White’s mesmerizing guitar riffs powered by his trusty fuzz pedal truly mesmerized us. The simplest of these riffs is the intro, where a touch of distortion brings the low E string to life.

With just a single string and a hint of distortion, you’ll master the magnetic riff that sets the stage for “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground.” Get ready to immerse yourself in a melodious experience that showcases the brilliance of Jack White’s guitar prowess.

6. Elevation By U2

This piece, in particular, had a chokehold grip on the rock industry: U2. This Grammy-winning single, “Elevation,” features an irresistible solo by the legendary guitar virtuoso known as ‘The Edge.’ Trust us, this is a solo you won’t want to miss learning!

To conquer this epic solo, you must acquaint yourself with tremolo picking. This technique involves lightning-fast alternate picking at breakneck speed. It may feel challenging initially, but fear not—practice makes perfect. Once you’ve understood tremolo picking, follow the linked tabs to the solo section and dive right in!

Feel the adrenaline rush as you master the intricate melodies and let your fingers fly across the strings. With determination and practice, you’ll soon find yourself effortlessly replicating ‘The Edge’s’ signature sound.

7. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Some of the most delightful and catchy nursery rhymes can be played using just one string. One such gem is the beloved English lullaby, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

Originally penned as a poem by Jane Taylor in the early 19th century, these enchanting lyrics were later set to the familiar French melody, “Ah! Vous dirai-je, maman.”

For young guitarists, this tune is an absolute delight to play, as all the magic happens on a single string—the high E string. Online tabs showcase alternate single-string versions utilizing the G or D string. Choose the one that resonates best with you and brings the intro riff to life most pleasingly.

Let your guitar be your guiding star as you embark on a musical journey that will bring smiles and joy to everyone who listens. So grab your guitar, pick your favorite string, and let the magic begin!

8. Du Hast By Rammstein

Get ready to headbang to the hard-hitting “Du Hast” riffs by the prominent Neue Deutsche Härte and industrial metal band Rammstein. And here’s the best part: some of these intense riffs can be replicated using a single string! Are you as pumped as we are?

“Du Hast” theme song stands tall as one of Rammstein’s biggest hits, and it is the most successful German-language track on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart. If you’re unfamiliar with the band, chances are you’ve encountered this powerful anthem as part of the Matrix Trilogy’s unforgettable soundtrack.

The guitars are tuned to drop D in the original recording, delivering a bone-shattering tone. However, don’t worry if you prefer to stick with standard tuning, as it still produces an incredible sound that will get your adrenaline pumping.

Whether you choose drop D or standard tuning, get ready to ignite the stage with the thunderous energy of Rammstein’s iconic riffage. Grab your guitar, tune those strings, and prepare for a headbanging experience!

9. All The Small Things Blink 182
   

cc IMDb

Ready to rock out with three simple power chords, a touch of palm muting, and some distortion as you delve into the fantastic world of Blink 182’s pop-punk track? And if that sounds a bit overwhelming, fear not! You can kickstart your journey with this song by playing the verse vocal melody on a single string.

“All the Small Things” skyrocketed to international fame upon its release and remains Blink 182’s most successful composition. This infectious power-pop anthem secured a spot on Rolling Stone’s esteemed “100 Greatest Pop Songs” list and even made it into the 2010 book “1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die.” This massively popular tune was invented using the G string.

With your guitar and the G string as your guide, let the catchy and infectious energy transport you to a world of pure pop-punk bliss.

10. Bella Ciao (Money Heist) By Manu Pilas
    

Let’s take a minute and appreciate what a masterpiece Money Heist truly was, and hey, let’s not forget about “Bella Ciao,” which had the whole world wrapped around its beat. While it may seem like a modern creation, this captivating masterpiece has its roots in the sad history of 19th-century North Italy.

Originally a protest folk song sung by rice paddy field workers, it was a powerful voice against the appalling working conditions they endured. Later on, during the Italian Civil War, it transformed into an anthem of resistance against fascism, adopted by the Italian Resistance.

The modern allure of this evocative melody indeed took off when Manu Pilas adapted it for the influential Spanish crime web series. Despite its popularity, the identity of the original writer remains a mystery, adding an air of intrigue to its allure.

Whether you play it on a single string – B or combine E and B strings, the choice is yours. Let your taste and skill guide you as you dive into the enchanting world of this timeless tune.

11. Thunderstruck By AC/DC
    

Let’s look into the iconic brother duo Angus and Malcolm Young’s music from AC/DC. Their influence has reverberated through generations of musicians, inspiring countless guitarists worldwide. Now, it’s your turn to learn one of their legendary riffs: the electrifying opening riff of “Thunderstruck” from AC/DC’s 1990 album, The Razors Edge.

This only one-string riff presents a rare opportunity for absolute beginners to tackle a doable yet impressive piece from the legendary duo. It consists of two parts, and the provided tabs will guide you through the first one. It’s worth noting that Angus Young, in his signature style, used hammer-ons and pull-offs for this riff, entirely skipping the right hand. However, as a beginner, start by mastering alternate picking for a solid foundation is recommended.

Let Angus and Malcolm Young’s energy and virtuosity fuel your musical aspirations. With dedicated practice and a determination to master alternate picking, you’ll soon be rocking out to one of AC/DC’s most iconic riffs. So grab your guitar, crank up the volume, and let the power of “Thunderstruck” propel you into a world of rock and roll greatness!

12. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams By Green Day
    

We are calling all ’90s kids! Let the wave of nostalgic high school memories as we dive into the captivating Green Day track that will tug at your heartstrings. Penned by frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is a melodic punk masterpiece that strikes a chord and evokes emotions. No wonder this song became an immense success, selling over 5 million copies.

While Green Day’s signature song may seem complex, certain parts, especially the lead, can be played on a single string. The guitar solo, in particular, is quite accessible, but mastering the timing is critical to capturing the essence of the original recording. Our advice? Utilize a metronome during practice sessions and take the time to familiarize yourself with the specific part we’re referring to before diving in. This is one of those easy one-string guitar songs that will instantly resonate with almost everyone who hears it.

As you strum that single string and channel your inner Green Day, you’ll be transported back to those bittersweet high school moments, and the emotions will flow freely. So, grab your guitar, listen closely, and let the timeless magic of “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” captivate your soul and unleash a flood of musical memories.

13. Another One Bites The Dust By Queen
    

Released in 1980, “Another One Bites the Dust” is a hit that ticks all the boxes of a memorable and relatable song. This gem was crafted by the band’s talented bassist, John Deacon, and his brilliance shines through every note. Let’s groove along to the iconic bass riff using just the top bass string of your guitar.

The infectious energy of “Another One Bites the Dust” has made it a staple in sports events and a featured track in various TV shows and movies. Its adrenaline-pumping vibe will get you moving and captivate your musical senses. You’ll rely on the mighty low E string to recreate the beloved bassline. Pay close attention to the timing, as the bassline incorporates 16th-note phrasing. While it may pose a slight challenge for beginners, a little practice will have you nailing it in no time.

The funky bassline transports you to a land of musical euphoria as you embrace the rhythmic energy of this timeless classic. So grab your guitar, focus on that low E string, and prepare to rock out like never before!

14. Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground By The White Stripes
    

From The White Stripes’ 2001 album, “White Blood Cells,” comes the guitar-driven composition “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground.” This track showcases the raw essence of the garage rock duo, with poignant lyrics that delve into the depths of a broken relationship.

While captivated by this song’s melody and heartfelt lyrics, Jack White’s fuzz pedal-powered guitar riffs held our attention. Among them, the simplest one is the intro, played with a touch of distortion on the low E string.

Wrap the raw energy of The White Stripes around you and let the simplicity and efficiency of this one-string riff propel you into a world of musical excitement.

15. Lapdance By N.E.R.D
16. 

Get ready to add an incredibly catchy and beginner-friendly riff to your repertoire with “Lapdance” by N.E.R.D. This track features a variation that’s easy to play and hooks you instantly. You’ll use the low E string to navigate the intro and verse sections.

To capture the twangy essence of the original recording, try picking the string closer to the bridge. If you’re using an electric guitar, the bridge pickup will help you achieve a more authentic sound. We’ve included the music video and tabs to give you a visual reference and enhance your understanding.

With its playability and catchiness, this song is bound to become a favorite in your repertoire. So grab your guitar, find that sweet spot near the bridge, and prepare to unleash the twangy goodness of N.E.R.D’s “Lapdance”!

About Us

Zager Guitars is a family-owned third-generation guitar builder building guitars in Lincoln, Nebraska, since 1902. Zager is rated in the top 5% of all guitar brands and has been featured in Time Magazine, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, and a multitude of national and international news media. Zager also donates over $1M in guitars to children and public schools nationally, more than any other acoustic guitar maker.

To achieve the levels of playability that Zager guitars deliver, it requires a “precision build.” This means computer-controlled milling, laser-guided cutting, and robotic sanding and finish application. Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars uses the robotic building on their most expensive models because a computer build is always more precise than a hand build. 

Zager does one thing differently, though. Where Taylor keeps their machines in Mexico and the US, we keep ours in Indonesia, where wood and materials for guitar building are 50% lower in price. This way, you receive a guitar with the most cutting-edge technology available today for $3000 instead of $6000-$10,000.

Denny Zager Guitar Learning Lesson Guide

Look at the best guitar players in the world; they have one thing in common. They play guitar by ear. Since 1969 Denny Zager’s taught millions of people to play guitar using his internationally acclaimed “Play-By-Ear” guitar method that shows you how to tap into that part of your brain scientists say we rarely use “Play-By-Ear” as the pros do. The Zager Guitar Lesson Library allows you to learn guitar using a revolutionary guitar chord show system one-on-one with an actual guitar master.

Denny regularly adds new material to his library, so there’s always something new and exciting to learn. For 2016 he’s expanding his library to over 150 hours of streaming lessons with over 10,000 Easy Play guitar tabs and hundreds of his patented guitar and song arrangements, making this the world’s most extensive guitar lesson library.

FAQs

What Songs Can You Play On One String?

Playing songs on a single string can be a fun way to learn melodies on a guitar. Some popular shortened versions include the iconic riff of;

1. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple: 0-3-5-0-3-6-5
2. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes: 7-7-10-7-5
3. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath: 0-3-5-6-6-5-3
4. “Happy Birthday”: 0-0-2-0-5-4-0
5. “Jingle Bells”: 3-3-3-5-0-3-2-2-3-3-3-5-0-3-2-2-3-3-3-12-12-10-7

What is The Smallest String on the Guitar Called?

The smallest string on a guitar is called the high E string. It is the thinnest and highest-pitched string when the guitar is in standard tuning. The high E string is usually located closest to the ground when the guitar is held in a playing position.