Okay, so you want to play some System of a Down (SOAD) on guitar? Great choice!
Their songs are chaotic, heavy, and honestly, just plain fun to mess around with. The good news? Not all of their stuff is as hard as it sounds.
I’ve put together a list of 10 easy SOAD songs to play on guitar that definitely pack a punch. Ready? Let’s go 😉
10 Easy System Of A Down Songs – List + Video Lessons
1. Aerials
Starting with a classic because, duh, „Aerials” is the song. The intro riff is iconic, super simple, and it hooks you right away. It’s one of those songs where you feel like you’re doing something complex, but spoiler: you’re not. The best part? The whole thing moves at a nice, chill pace, so you won’t feel rushed.
- Why it’s easy: Slow tempo, repetitive riffs. No solos, no stress.
- My advice: Focus on getting the dynamics right. Play the intro soft and the chorus loud—it makes you sound like you know what you’re doing. 😉
Looking for more tunes to play? Check out this list of songs by Pearl Jam!
2. Toxicity
This one hits different. „Toxicity” has a dreamy, open-string intro that’s ridiculously satisfying to play. The verses are all about rhythm, which makes it great practice for beginners. Sure, the bridge is a little spicy, but hey, you can fake it until you make it, right?
- Why it’s easy: The riffs use a lot of open strings, so there’s less finger stretching.
- Fun fact: You’ll need Drop C tuning for this one—it’s like standard, but cooler. 🙂
- Pro tip: Add some distortion to make it sound extra beefy. No distortion? Borrow your friend’s amp.
3. Lonely Day
Ah, the emo ballad of SOAD’s discography. „Lonely Day” is a slower, sadder song, but it’s perfect for practicing fingerpicking. The arpeggios are super repetitive (in a good way), and the chords are beginner-friendly. Play it on acoustic for maximum “sad vibes.”
- Why it’s easy: Slow tempo and no weird chord shapes.
- Hot tip: Capo on the 2nd fret gets you closer to the original sound, but you can skip it if you’re feeling rebellious.
- Challenge: Nail the picking pattern, and you’re golden.
[Check out tabs for Lonely Day]
4. Chop Suey!
I know what you’re thinking. „Chop Suey!? Easy!?!” Relax. I’m not saying you’ll master the whole thing today. But the intro riff? Totally doable. The verses are repetitive, too, so you can actually hang with this song if you break it down piece by piece. And let’s be real—everyone loves hearing this one.
- Why it’s easy: The intro and verse riffs are straightforward once you slow them down.
- Tip: Don’t even look at the solo right now. Just pretend it doesn’t exist for a while. 😉
[Check out tabs for Chop Suey!]
5. Sugar
This is the song for when you just want to smash power chords and go nuts. „Sugar” is all about energy and attitude, so don’t overthink it. The main riff is dead simple, and it’s honestly just a ton of fun to play. Warning: your neighbors might hate you.
- Why it’s easy: Power chords. Lots and lots of power chords.
- Pro move: Palm muting makes the riffs sound heavier, so give that a try.
6. Spiders
„Spiders” is a slower, creepier track, which makes it perfect for practicing timing and tone. The intro riff is simple but so atmospheric, and it’s one of those songs that sounds way harder than it actually is. Just don’t forget to switch up your tone between the clean and distorted sections.
- Why it’s easy: Slow tempo, simple chord progressions.
- Pro tip: Nailing the intro is half the battle—it’s what people remember.
You may also like: 15 Easy Foo Fighters Songs.
7. BYOB
Okay, I’ll admit it—this one’s fast. But don’t panic! The main riff is super repetitive, and the verse sections are easier than you think. Just focus on keeping up with the rhythm, and don’t stress if you can’t match the tempo right away. This one’s all about practice.
- Why it’s easy: The riff patterns are simple—it’s the speed that’s the challenge.
- Fun fact: BYOB stands for „Bring Your Own Bombs.” Classic SOAD humor. 😉
- My advice: Just enjoy the chaos. It’s half the fun.
8. Radio/Video
This song is SOAD at their quirkiest. It’s got a bouncy rhythm, simple strumming patterns, and even a random reggae section because… why not? It’s not as heavy as some of their other tracks, so it’s great for when you want to keep things light and fun.
- Why it’s easy: Straightforward chords and minimal changes.
- Tip: Lean into the playful vibe—this isn’t a “serious face” kind of song. 🙂
[Check out tabs for Radio/Video]
9. Holy Mountains
This is one of SOAD’s slower epics, which means it’s perfect for beginners. The intro is clean and simple, while the heavier sections stick to basic power chords. It’s dramatic, emotional, and sounds way harder than it is.
- Why it’s easy: The tempo is slow, and the chord changes are easy to follow.
- Pro tip: Start with a clean tone, then bring in the distortion when the song picks up. It’s all about contrast.
[Check out tabs for Holy Mountains]
10. Hypnotize
Rounding things out with „Hypnotize.” This song has a catchy intro riff that’s super easy to learn, and the rest of the song follows a similar structure. It’s melodic, fun, and perfect for beginners who want something a little lighter.
- Why it’s easy: Repetitive riffs and a moderate tempo.
- Hot tip: Fingerpick the intro for extra style points. 😉
[Check out tabs for Hypnotize]
Can’t get enough of fat riffs? Try out these easy Drop D songs!
FAQs
1. Are SOAD songs beginner-friendly?
Yes! Many of their riffs are built on simple power chords, repetitive patterns, and easy-to-learn structures. Perfect for getting started.
2. Do I need special tuning?
Yep, most SOAD songs are in Drop C tuning. Google it—it’s easier than you think.
3. How long will it take to learn these songs?
Depends on your skill level. Some, like „Aerials,” can be learned in a day. Others, like „Chop Suey!,” might take longer. No rush.
4. Can I play these on acoustic?
Sure! Songs like „Lonely Day” and „Spiders” sound great on acoustic. Heavy tracks might lose some punch, though.
Final Thoughts
SOAD songs are just fun. They’re heavy, weird, and full of energy, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to play. Start with the simpler tracks like „Aerials” or „Lonely Day,” and work your way up. Take your time, don’t stress, and most importantly—have fun. The chaos is part of the experience. 🎸
