So, you’ve heard of Metallica, right? I mean, who hasn’t? You’ve probably even tried to play some of their songs. But let’s be real, some of them can feel like finger-breaking challenges if you’re not a pro.
But what if I told you not all of them are tough?
Turns out, there’s a bunch of Metallica songs that are actually pretty easy to play—even for beginners. You don’t need to be Kirk Hammett to get through these 😉
15 Easy Metallica Songs To Play On Guitar (+Video Lessons & Tabs)
1. “Enter Sandman”
Okay, this one’s a no-brainer. Everyone knows “Enter Sandman.” That riff? It’s iconic, and honestly, pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
It’s just a few power chords. Nothing too crazy. But somehow, it sounds like you’re playing something way harder. You’ll feel like you’re playing to a packed arena, even if it’s just your bedroom.
Check out tabs to “Enter Sandman”
2. “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
Man, this song sounds huge live, right? But don’t worry—it’s super slow and heavy, which means it’s easy to learn.
The riff? It’s one of those headbanger kind of riffs, slow and steady. You could probably learn this one in like, a day or two. And the crowd will love it if you ever play it for anyone.
Check out tabs to “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
3. “Sad But True”
If you want to feel like a beast, this is the track for you. “Sad But True” is so heavy, and guess what? It’s dead simple too. The main riff moves at a snail’s pace, so you’ve got time to focus on getting that heavy chugging sound right.
This song is from the Black Album, which is basically a must-learn for any Metallica fan. And IMO, it’s one of those songs that sounds killer even when you’re still a beginner.
Check out tabs to “Sad But True”
Looking for more cool tunes to play? Have a look on these easy RHCP songs!
4. “The Unforgiven”
“The Unforgiven” is one of those songs that sounds all deep and emotional, but the truth? It’s not hard to play at all.
The main riff is clean, haunting, and a great intro to fingerpicking for beginners. And the best part is, the chord changes are pretty straightforward, so you can focus more on feeling the song, instead of worrying about complicated techniques.
Who wouldn’t want to get lost in this tune?
Check out tabs to “The Unforgiven”
5. “Nothing Else Matters”
Here’s another softer side of Metallica. “Nothing Else Matters” is a huge hit, and the best part? The fingerpicking pattern looks tricky but really isn’t.
Once you’ve got that down, you can pretty much zone out and enjoy playing one of the band’s most beautiful ballads. Plus, let’s be honest—it’s one of those songs that makes you look more impressive than you actually are. 😉
Check out tabs to “Nothing Else Matters”
6. “Seek & Destroy”
Okay, let’s get a little more thrashy, but not too much. “Seek & Destroy” is a classic, and it sounds fast, but the riffs are repetitive and totally manageable.
You can nail the main riff with just a few power chords, and the rest of the song kinda follows suit. It’s one of those tracks where you can let loose and have fun. Just don’t try to play it at full speed right away—or do, but good luck with that.
Check out tabs to “Seek & Destroy”
7. “Harvester of Sorrow”
Despite the title sounding like something you need to be a guitar wizard to play, it’s actually pretty simple. It’s all about big, heavy riffs that anyone can handle, even if you’re a beginner.
The slower tempo helps a lot, so you can focus on getting the rhythm right. Plus, it just sounds so dark and cool when you’re playing it. Makes you feel kinda invincible, you know?
Check out tabs to “Harvester of Sorrow”
8. “The Memory Remains”
I love this one. It’s catchy, repetitive, and honestly? Super easy to play. The main riff has this groove that makes it fun, and you can get into it without even thinking too hard.
This one’s from the Reload album, and IMO, it’s one of those songs that sticks with you. And don’t pretend you’re not humming along to that “na-na-na” part with Marianne Faithfull. 😆
Check out tabs to “The Memory Remains”
9. “Fade to Black”
This song’s got everything. Clean parts, heavy parts, emotional parts—it’s got it all. But the best thing? The clean intro riff is super simple.
The transition from soft to heavy is what makes this song so cool to play. It gives you a taste of both sides of Metallica without making your fingers cry. And it’ll sound epic no matter where you are, from your bedroom to a stage.
Check out tabs to “Fade to Black”
10. “Creeping Death”
Okay, let’s pick things up again. “Creeping Death” sounds harder than it is (spoiler: it’s not). The main riff is all about rhythm and power chords, so if you can keep time, you’ve got this.
Yes, it’s fast, but nothing too fancy. Once you get into the groove, you’ll be rocking in no time. Plus, there’s something about this song that just feels cool to play, like you’re part of something bigger.
Check out tabs to “Creeping Death”
11. “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”
This one’s got everything: a haunting intro, powerful riffs, and it’s a fan favorite. The clean picking in the verses is actually pretty straightforward, and when it gets heavier, you’ll be able to handle it with no problem.
It’s all about balance, and “Sanitarium” delivers. You’ll look and feel like a pro, even if you’re still learning. What more could you ask for?
Check out tabs to “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)”
12. “Whiskey in the Jar”
Okay, so this one’s a cover, but who cares? It’s Metallica’s take on an Irish classic, and it’s super fun to play. The riff is repetitive and easy, and once you’ve got it down, you can pretty much jam through the whole song.
It’s perfect for parties or just chilling with your guitar. Plus, it’s got that cool, laid-back vibe that makes you feel like a rock star without having to overthink it.
Check out tabs to “Whiskey in the Jar”
13. “Fuel”
Fuel is fast and fun. The riff is punchy but not too complicated, and the whole song has this energy that’s just awesome to play. It’s one of those tracks that makes you wanna play a little faster, a little louder, and maybe drive a little too fast (but let’s not do that, okay?).
If you’re looking for a high-energy jam, this is it. And for more energy jams, you can also have a look on these easy Foo Fighters tunes!
14. “Hero of the Day”
This track is more on the melodic side, which makes it easy to pick up. It starts off soft with some nice clean picking, but don’t get too comfortable—it kicks into gear in the chorus with some heavier riffs that are still beginner-friendly.
It’s a good balance of chill and rock, making it great for anyone still getting the hang of switching from soft to heavy.
Check out tabs to “Hero of the Day”
15. “The Four Horsemen”
You might think this one’s gonna be a shred fest, but the rhythm parts are super manageable. It’s all about simple power chords and a fast tempo, but once you get into the groove, it feels natural.
Plus, it’s from Kill ‘Em All, so you know it’s one of their early thrash masterpieces. Playing this one gives you some serious street cred.
Check out tabs to “The Four Horsemen”
FAQ
1. Are Metallica songs hard to play on guitar?
Not all of them! While some Metallica tracks are definitely challenging, especially the solos, many of their songs have simple riffs that even beginners can handle. If you focus on rhythm guitar, you’ll find plenty of songs that are surprisingly easy to play.
2. Do I need to play fast to play Metallica songs?
Not necessarily. While Metallica is known for some fast and aggressive riffs, songs like “Sad But True” and “Nothing Else Matters” are much slower and easier to manage. You can still sound great without needing lightning-fast fingers.
3. Should I use a distortion pedal to play Metallica?
Yes, distortion helps capture that heavy metal sound. Metallica songs typically use a thick, crunchy tone, so a distortion pedal (or an amp with good distortion settings) will definitely help you nail the vibe. That said, you can practice the songs clean, especially the intros!
4. Do I need to know power chords to play Metallica?
Absolutely! Power chords are a huge part of Metallica’s rhythm guitar work. But don’t worry—power chords are really simple to learn and are perfect for beginners looking to play rock and metal.
5. What guitar tuning does Metallica use?
Most of Metallica’s songs are in standard tuning (EADGBE), but some tracks like “Sad But True” are played in drop D or other alternate tunings. Make sure to check the tuning before you start playing a song. If you’re into Drop D, check out this list of 10 easy Drop D tunes!
6. What’s a good Metallica song for total beginners?
If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend “Enter Sandman” or “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Both of these songs have simple, repetitive riffs that are perfect for getting the feel of playing Metallica without getting overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, Metallica isn’t just about crazy solos and insane speed. There are a lot of songs in their catalog that are totally playable, even if you’re still learning.
I’m sure you’ll learn some of these easy Metallica songs fairly quickly!
Grab your guitar, crank up the amp, and get ready to melt some faces—even if it’s just your own. 🎸
