The following songs have been selected to highlight some of the best electric guitar songs from the 1980s. Each song includes links to tab, and wherever possible links to free audio versions of the song. A guideline for the difficulty of each song has been included. The assumption with these guidelines is beginner guitarists can play the ​basic essential open chords, F major, plus basic power chords. Difficulty assessments do not include the guitar solos.

01 of 24

Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams)

Album: Reckless, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

Although this one does briefly use a barre chord (B minor), the song primarily consists of open and power chords. Included is a simple sing-note riff that should provide a good, surmountable challenge for beginners. You’ll need to bone up on your palm muting to play this one well.

02 of 24

Money For Nothing (Dire Straits)

Album: Brothers In Arms, 1985Level of difficulty: Intermediate

There isn’t anything explicitly difficult with this song, but some of Mark Knopfler’s small chord shapes might just feel a little unusual to guitarists mostly familiar with power chords.

03 of 24

Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite For Destruction, 1987​Level of difficulty: Intermediate

The opening riff might tie beginner guitarist’s fingers in knots, but it’s a pretty good challenge. The tempo is slow, and the pattern is straightforward. Even some of Slash’s solo parts are fairly simple to play. The full guitar solo is clearly going to be out of reach for beginners.

04 of 24

Rock You Like a Hurricane (Scorpions)

Album: Love at First Sting, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

There are some pretty frenzied lead guitar parts happening throughout this song, but the chords underneath are straightforward power chords. If you are comfortable with power chords, this shouldn’t be much of a challenge.

05 of 24

Rock This Town (Stray Cats)

Album: Stray Cats, 1981

06 of 24

Legs (ZZ Top)

Album: Eliminator, 1983

07 of 24

Rebel Yell (Billy Idol)

Album: Rebel Yell, 1984Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Guitarist Steve Stevens has put together a pretty great guitar part for this song - he turned what could have easily been a basic power chord part into something more interesting. Listen closely to the recording to nail the rhythm pattern being played throughout the verse.

08 of 24

She Sells Sanctuary (The Cult)

album: Love, 1985Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

This should be fun for beginners to play - and not too difficult. The song’s main riff couples an open D string with various notes being played higher up on the G string. With a little work, beginners shouldn’t have a hard time with this one.

09 of 24

Photograph (Def Leppard)

Album: Pyromania, 1983

10 of 24

Another One Bites the Dust (Queen)

Album: The Game, 1980Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

There’s not much to this Queen hit in terms of guitar - it’s mostly a basis riff doubled for guitar. There is some brief funky rhythm playing from Brian May, but you can probably learn this one in under five minutes.

11 of 24

867-5309 / Jenny Jenny (Tommy Tutone)

Album: Tommy Tutone 2, 1981

12 of 24

Call Me (Blondie)

 For the movie “American Gigolo”, released as a single in1980

13 of 24

Eye Of The Tiger (Survivor)

Album: Eye of the Tiger, 1982

14 of 24

Paradise City (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite for Destruction, 1987

15 of 24

Back in Black (AC/DC)

Album: Back in Black, 1980

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Includes one of the most famous AC/DC riffs, and has a tricky timing on the bend and the last bar. 

16 of 24

I Love Rock and Roll (Joan Jett)

Album: I Love Rock and Roll, 1981

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

17 of 24

Jessie’s Girl (Rick Springfield)

 Album: Working Class Dog, 1981

18 of 24

La Bamba (Los Lobos)

Album:  La Bamba Soundtrack, 1987

19 of 24

Livin’ on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)

Album:  Slippery When Wet, 1986

20 of 24

Runnin’ Down a Dream (Tom Petty)

Album;  Full Moon Fever, 1989

21 of 24

Should I Stay or Should I Go (The Clash)

Album: Combat Rock (1982)

Level of Difficulty: Beginner

22 of 24

We’re Not Gonna Take It (Twisted Sister)

Album:  Stay Hungry, 1984

23 of 24

You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC)

 Album: Back in Black, 1980

24 of 24

Every Breath You Take (The Police)

Album: Synchronicity, 1983

Watch Now: How to Play Power Chords on a Guitar

The following songs have been selected to highlight some of the best electric guitar songs from the 1980s. Each song includes links to tab, and wherever possible links to free audio versions of the song. A guideline for the difficulty of each song has been included. The assumption with these guidelines is beginner guitarists can play the ​basic essential open chords, F major, plus basic power chords. Difficulty assessments do not include the guitar solos.

01 of 24

Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams)

Album: Reckless, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

Although this one does briefly use a barre chord (B minor), the song primarily consists of open and power chords. Included is a simple sing-note riff that should provide a good, surmountable challenge for beginners. You’ll need to bone up on your palm muting to play this one well.

02 of 24

Money For Nothing (Dire Straits)

Album: Brothers In Arms, 1985Level of difficulty: Intermediate

There isn’t anything explicitly difficult with this song, but some of Mark Knopfler’s small chord shapes might just feel a little unusual to guitarists mostly familiar with power chords.

03 of 24

Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite For Destruction, 1987​Level of difficulty: Intermediate

The opening riff might tie beginner guitarist’s fingers in knots, but it’s a pretty good challenge. The tempo is slow, and the pattern is straightforward. Even some of Slash’s solo parts are fairly simple to play. The full guitar solo is clearly going to be out of reach for beginners.

04 of 24

Rock You Like a Hurricane (Scorpions)

Album: Love at First Sting, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

There are some pretty frenzied lead guitar parts happening throughout this song, but the chords underneath are straightforward power chords. If you are comfortable with power chords, this shouldn’t be much of a challenge.

05 of 24

Rock This Town (Stray Cats)

Album: Stray Cats, 1981

06 of 24

Legs (ZZ Top)

Album: Eliminator, 1983

07 of 24

Rebel Yell (Billy Idol)

Album: Rebel Yell, 1984Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Guitarist Steve Stevens has put together a pretty great guitar part for this song - he turned what could have easily been a basic power chord part into something more interesting. Listen closely to the recording to nail the rhythm pattern being played throughout the verse.

08 of 24

She Sells Sanctuary (The Cult)

album: Love, 1985Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

This should be fun for beginners to play - and not too difficult. The song’s main riff couples an open D string with various notes being played higher up on the G string. With a little work, beginners shouldn’t have a hard time with this one.

09 of 24

Photograph (Def Leppard)

Album: Pyromania, 1983

10 of 24

Another One Bites the Dust (Queen)

Album: The Game, 1980Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

There’s not much to this Queen hit in terms of guitar - it’s mostly a basis riff doubled for guitar. There is some brief funky rhythm playing from Brian May, but you can probably learn this one in under five minutes.

11 of 24

867-5309 / Jenny Jenny (Tommy Tutone)

Album: Tommy Tutone 2, 1981

12 of 24

Call Me (Blondie)

 For the movie “American Gigolo”, released as a single in1980

13 of 24

Eye Of The Tiger (Survivor)

Album: Eye of the Tiger, 1982

14 of 24

Paradise City (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite for Destruction, 1987

15 of 24

Back in Black (AC/DC)

Album: Back in Black, 1980

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Includes one of the most famous AC/DC riffs, and has a tricky timing on the bend and the last bar. 

16 of 24

I Love Rock and Roll (Joan Jett)

Album: I Love Rock and Roll, 1981

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

17 of 24

Jessie’s Girl (Rick Springfield)

 Album: Working Class Dog, 1981

18 of 24

La Bamba (Los Lobos)

Album:  La Bamba Soundtrack, 1987

19 of 24

Livin’ on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)

Album:  Slippery When Wet, 1986

20 of 24

Runnin’ Down a Dream (Tom Petty)

Album;  Full Moon Fever, 1989

21 of 24

Should I Stay or Should I Go (The Clash)

Album: Combat Rock (1982)

Level of Difficulty: Beginner

22 of 24

We’re Not Gonna Take It (Twisted Sister)

Album:  Stay Hungry, 1984

23 of 24

You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC)

 Album: Back in Black, 1980

24 of 24

Every Breath You Take (The Police)

Album: Synchronicity, 1983

Watch Now: How to Play Power Chords on a Guitar

The following songs have been selected to highlight some of the best electric guitar songs from the 1980s. Each song includes links to tab, and wherever possible links to free audio versions of the song. A guideline for the difficulty of each song has been included. The assumption with these guidelines is beginner guitarists can play the ​basic essential open chords, F major, plus basic power chords. Difficulty assessments do not include the guitar solos.

01 of 24

Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams)

Album: Reckless, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

Although this one does briefly use a barre chord (B minor), the song primarily consists of open and power chords. Included is a simple sing-note riff that should provide a good, surmountable challenge for beginners. You’ll need to bone up on your palm muting to play this one well.

02 of 24

Money For Nothing (Dire Straits)

Album: Brothers In Arms, 1985Level of difficulty: Intermediate

There isn’t anything explicitly difficult with this song, but some of Mark Knopfler’s small chord shapes might just feel a little unusual to guitarists mostly familiar with power chords.

03 of 24

Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite For Destruction, 1987​Level of difficulty: Intermediate

The opening riff might tie beginner guitarist’s fingers in knots, but it’s a pretty good challenge. The tempo is slow, and the pattern is straightforward. Even some of Slash’s solo parts are fairly simple to play. The full guitar solo is clearly going to be out of reach for beginners.

04 of 24

Rock You Like a Hurricane (Scorpions)

Album: Love at First Sting, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

There are some pretty frenzied lead guitar parts happening throughout this song, but the chords underneath are straightforward power chords. If you are comfortable with power chords, this shouldn’t be much of a challenge.

05 of 24

Rock This Town (Stray Cats)

Album: Stray Cats, 1981

06 of 24

Legs (ZZ Top)

Album: Eliminator, 1983

07 of 24

Rebel Yell (Billy Idol)

Album: Rebel Yell, 1984Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Guitarist Steve Stevens has put together a pretty great guitar part for this song - he turned what could have easily been a basic power chord part into something more interesting. Listen closely to the recording to nail the rhythm pattern being played throughout the verse.

08 of 24

She Sells Sanctuary (The Cult)

album: Love, 1985Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

This should be fun for beginners to play - and not too difficult. The song’s main riff couples an open D string with various notes being played higher up on the G string. With a little work, beginners shouldn’t have a hard time with this one.

09 of 24

Photograph (Def Leppard)

Album: Pyromania, 1983

10 of 24

Another One Bites the Dust (Queen)

Album: The Game, 1980Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

There’s not much to this Queen hit in terms of guitar - it’s mostly a basis riff doubled for guitar. There is some brief funky rhythm playing from Brian May, but you can probably learn this one in under five minutes.

11 of 24

867-5309 / Jenny Jenny (Tommy Tutone)

Album: Tommy Tutone 2, 1981

12 of 24

Call Me (Blondie)

 For the movie “American Gigolo”, released as a single in1980

13 of 24

Eye Of The Tiger (Survivor)

Album: Eye of the Tiger, 1982

14 of 24

Paradise City (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite for Destruction, 1987

15 of 24

Back in Black (AC/DC)

Album: Back in Black, 1980

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Includes one of the most famous AC/DC riffs, and has a tricky timing on the bend and the last bar. 

16 of 24

I Love Rock and Roll (Joan Jett)

Album: I Love Rock and Roll, 1981

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

17 of 24

Jessie’s Girl (Rick Springfield)

 Album: Working Class Dog, 1981

18 of 24

La Bamba (Los Lobos)

Album:  La Bamba Soundtrack, 1987

19 of 24

Livin’ on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)

Album:  Slippery When Wet, 1986

20 of 24

Runnin’ Down a Dream (Tom Petty)

Album;  Full Moon Fever, 1989

21 of 24

Should I Stay or Should I Go (The Clash)

Album: Combat Rock (1982)

Level of Difficulty: Beginner

22 of 24

We’re Not Gonna Take It (Twisted Sister)

Album:  Stay Hungry, 1984

23 of 24

You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC)

 Album: Back in Black, 1980

24 of 24

Every Breath You Take (The Police)

Album: Synchronicity, 1983

Watch Now: How to Play Power Chords on a Guitar

The following songs have been selected to highlight some of the best electric guitar songs from the 1980s. Each song includes links to tab, and wherever possible links to free audio versions of the song. A guideline for the difficulty of each song has been included. The assumption with these guidelines is beginner guitarists can play the ​basic essential open chords, F major, plus basic power chords. Difficulty assessments do not include the guitar solos.

01 of 24

Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams)

Album: Reckless, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

Although this one does briefly use a barre chord (B minor), the song primarily consists of open and power chords. Included is a simple sing-note riff that should provide a good, surmountable challenge for beginners. You’ll need to bone up on your palm muting to play this one well.

02 of 24

Money For Nothing (Dire Straits)

Album: Brothers In Arms, 1985Level of difficulty: Intermediate

There isn’t anything explicitly difficult with this song, but some of Mark Knopfler’s small chord shapes might just feel a little unusual to guitarists mostly familiar with power chords.

03 of 24

Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite For Destruction, 1987​Level of difficulty: Intermediate

The opening riff might tie beginner guitarist’s fingers in knots, but it’s a pretty good challenge. The tempo is slow, and the pattern is straightforward. Even some of Slash’s solo parts are fairly simple to play. The full guitar solo is clearly going to be out of reach for beginners.

04 of 24

Rock You Like a Hurricane (Scorpions)

Album: Love at First Sting, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

There are some pretty frenzied lead guitar parts happening throughout this song, but the chords underneath are straightforward power chords. If you are comfortable with power chords, this shouldn’t be much of a challenge.

05 of 24

Rock This Town (Stray Cats)

Album: Stray Cats, 1981

06 of 24

Legs (ZZ Top)

Album: Eliminator, 1983

07 of 24

Rebel Yell (Billy Idol)

Album: Rebel Yell, 1984Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Guitarist Steve Stevens has put together a pretty great guitar part for this song - he turned what could have easily been a basic power chord part into something more interesting. Listen closely to the recording to nail the rhythm pattern being played throughout the verse.

08 of 24

She Sells Sanctuary (The Cult)

album: Love, 1985Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

This should be fun for beginners to play - and not too difficult. The song’s main riff couples an open D string with various notes being played higher up on the G string. With a little work, beginners shouldn’t have a hard time with this one.

09 of 24

Photograph (Def Leppard)

Album: Pyromania, 1983

10 of 24

Another One Bites the Dust (Queen)

Album: The Game, 1980Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

There’s not much to this Queen hit in terms of guitar - it’s mostly a basis riff doubled for guitar. There is some brief funky rhythm playing from Brian May, but you can probably learn this one in under five minutes.

11 of 24

867-5309 / Jenny Jenny (Tommy Tutone)

Album: Tommy Tutone 2, 1981

12 of 24

Call Me (Blondie)

 For the movie “American Gigolo”, released as a single in1980

13 of 24

Eye Of The Tiger (Survivor)

Album: Eye of the Tiger, 1982

14 of 24

Paradise City (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite for Destruction, 1987

15 of 24

Back in Black (AC/DC)

Album: Back in Black, 1980

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Includes one of the most famous AC/DC riffs, and has a tricky timing on the bend and the last bar. 

16 of 24

I Love Rock and Roll (Joan Jett)

Album: I Love Rock and Roll, 1981

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

17 of 24

Jessie’s Girl (Rick Springfield)

 Album: Working Class Dog, 1981

18 of 24

La Bamba (Los Lobos)

Album:  La Bamba Soundtrack, 1987

19 of 24

Livin’ on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)

Album:  Slippery When Wet, 1986

20 of 24

Runnin’ Down a Dream (Tom Petty)

Album;  Full Moon Fever, 1989

21 of 24

Should I Stay or Should I Go (The Clash)

Album: Combat Rock (1982)

Level of Difficulty: Beginner

22 of 24

We’re Not Gonna Take It (Twisted Sister)

Album:  Stay Hungry, 1984

23 of 24

You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC)

 Album: Back in Black, 1980

24 of 24

Every Breath You Take (The Police)

Album: Synchronicity, 1983

01 of 24

Summer of ‘69 (Bryan Adams)

Album: Reckless, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

01 of 24

01

of 24

Although this one does briefly use a barre chord (B minor), the song primarily consists of open and power chords. Included is a simple sing-note riff that should provide a good, surmountable challenge for beginners. You’ll need to bone up on your palm muting to play this one well.

02 of 24

Money For Nothing (Dire Straits)

Album: Brothers In Arms, 1985Level of difficulty: Intermediate

02 of 24

02

There isn’t anything explicitly difficult with this song, but some of Mark Knopfler’s small chord shapes might just feel a little unusual to guitarists mostly familiar with power chords.

03 of 24

Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite For Destruction, 1987​Level of difficulty: Intermediate

03 of 24

03

The opening riff might tie beginner guitarist’s fingers in knots, but it’s a pretty good challenge. The tempo is slow, and the pattern is straightforward. Even some of Slash’s solo parts are fairly simple to play. The full guitar solo is clearly going to be out of reach for beginners.

04 of 24

Rock You Like a Hurricane (Scorpions)

Album: Love at First Sting, 1984Level of difficulty: Beginner

04 of 24

04

There are some pretty frenzied lead guitar parts happening throughout this song, but the chords underneath are straightforward power chords. If you are comfortable with power chords, this shouldn’t be much of a challenge.

05 of 24

Rock This Town (Stray Cats)

Album: Stray Cats, 1981

05 of 24

05

06 of 24

Legs (ZZ Top)

Album: Eliminator, 1983

06 of 24

06

07 of 24

Rebel Yell (Billy Idol)

Album: Rebel Yell, 1984Level of difficulty: Intermediate

07 of 24

07

Guitarist Steve Stevens has put together a pretty great guitar part for this song - he turned what could have easily been a basic power chord part into something more interesting. Listen closely to the recording to nail the rhythm pattern being played throughout the verse.

08 of 24

She Sells Sanctuary (The Cult)

album: Love, 1985Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

08 of 24

08

This should be fun for beginners to play - and not too difficult. The song’s main riff couples an open D string with various notes being played higher up on the G string. With a little work, beginners shouldn’t have a hard time with this one.

09 of 24

Photograph (Def Leppard)

Album: Pyromania, 1983

09 of 24

09

10 of 24

Another One Bites the Dust (Queen)

Album: The Game, 1980Level of difficulty: Advanced Beginner

10 of 24

10

There’s not much to this Queen hit in terms of guitar - it’s mostly a basis riff doubled for guitar. There is some brief funky rhythm playing from Brian May, but you can probably learn this one in under five minutes.

11 of 24

867-5309 / Jenny Jenny (Tommy Tutone)

Album: Tommy Tutone 2, 1981

11 of 24

11

12 of 24

Call Me (Blondie)

 For the movie “American Gigolo”, released as a single in1980

12 of 24

12

13 of 24

Eye Of The Tiger (Survivor)

Album: Eye of the Tiger, 1982

13 of 24

13

14 of 24

Paradise City (Guns ‘N Roses)

Album: Appetite for Destruction, 1987

14 of 24

14

15 of 24

Back in Black (AC/DC)

Album: Back in Black, 1980

15 of 24

15

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Includes one of the most famous AC/DC riffs, and has a tricky timing on the bend and the last bar. 

16 of 24

I Love Rock and Roll (Joan Jett)

Album: I Love Rock and Roll, 1981

16 of 24

16

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

17 of 24

Jessie’s Girl (Rick Springfield)

 Album: Working Class Dog, 1981

17 of 24

17

18 of 24

La Bamba (Los Lobos)

Album:  La Bamba Soundtrack, 1987

18 of 24

18

19 of 24

Livin’ on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)

Album:  Slippery When Wet, 1986

19 of 24

19

20 of 24

Runnin’ Down a Dream (Tom Petty)

Album;  Full Moon Fever, 1989

20 of 24

20

21 of 24

Should I Stay or Should I Go (The Clash)

Album: Combat Rock (1982)

21 of 24

21

Level of Difficulty: Beginner

22 of 24

We’re Not Gonna Take It (Twisted Sister)

Album:  Stay Hungry, 1984

22 of 24

22

23 of 24

You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC)

 Album: Back in Black, 1980

23 of 24

23

24 of 24

Every Breath You Take (The Police)

Album: Synchronicity, 1983

24 of 24

24

Watch Now: How to Play Power Chords on a Guitar