This riff from the signature tune by AC/DC is written
in the key of E. It begins with a simple E-D-A chord progression with
a lead fill built off of the E pentatonic minor (you can learn more
about scales and chord progressions in the GuitarAlliance
Member's Only site). The lead fill may take a little practice to
get up to speed. The riff ends with a "walk-up" on the low
E string while alternating with the B note on the 2nd fret of the A
string. This part requires a little bit of flexibilty in your fingers.
Sweet Child O' Mine
This is the primary riff from "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns
N' Roses. It's a little tricky to get down at first because there is
a lot of string skipping. If you are having trouble with it, you may
want to play it along with a metronome with the tempo turned way down.
In the recorded version it is played at 120 beats per minute (bpm).
The riff itself is written from the D major scale. To play this riff
along with the Guns N' Roses recorded version, you'll have to tune down
1/2 step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb).
Tears In Heaven
Eric Clapton wrote this song in memory of his son who died tragically.
He plays it on a guitar with nylon strings. Use your thumb to pick the
bass notes on the bottom strings.
Come As You Are
The Nirvana recording of this song is tuned down 1 full step (D-G-C-F-A-D)
and uses a flanger as an effect. It's really easy to play!
Panama
This song appeared on the Van Halen album 1984. It's a classic Eddie
Van Halen riff that still sounds fresh today. Eddie tunes down 1/2 a
step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb) for this one as he does for most songs.
