Heavy Metal Guitar Riffs
284 heavy metal riffs: loop any section, learn at your speed
Avenged Sevenfold - Hail to the King
Heavy palm-muted power chords defining metallic groove
Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
Defining heavy metal with distorted low-end power
Diamond Head - Am I Evil?
Galloping metal riff with infectious rhythmic drive
Ghost - Marks Of The Evil One
Haunting melodic intro with atmospheric heavy metal presence
Helloween - Forever And One
Melodic intro establishing the song's haunting atmosphere
Iron Maiden - Fear of the Dark
Haunting, atmospheric intro defines album's dark tone
Judas Priest - Breaking the Law
Iconic heavy metal power chord anthem riff
Megadeth - Trust
Crushing palm-muted riff defines album opener
Metallica - Am I Evil?
Menacing power chord foundation of metal classic
METALLICA - DEVIL'S DANCE
Heavy syncopated palm-muted groove machine
Ozzy Osbourne - Bark at the Moon
Iconic heavy metal riff with aggressive power chord rhythm
Pantera - I'm Broken
Heavy groovy palm-muted riff defines song
Saxon - 747
Heavy metal anthem with driving rhythmic power chord foundation
Skid Row - Quicksand Jesus
Fast, aggressive intro with heavy metal energy
Tokyo Blade - If Heaven Is Hell
Fast, aggressive metal riff with galloping rhythm
Avenged Sevenfold - Hail to the King
Melodic shredding with rapid chromatic passages
Black Sabbath - Iron Man
Iconic doom metal riff, heavy and hypnotic
Ghost - Marks Of The Evil One
Melodic heavy metal solo with rhythmic intensity
Helloween - Victim Of Fate 2
Galloping metal riff with crushing power chord foundation
Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast
Galloping double bass with haunting melodic line
Judas Priest - You've Got Another Thing Comin'
Galloping rhythm defines heavy metal perfection
Megadeth - Trust
Blazing speed and technical mastery showcase
Metallica - Enter Sandman
Iconic power chord riff defines heavy metal
METALLICA - DEVIL'S DANCE
Crushing groovy riff with heavy palm-muted rhythm
Ozzy Osbourne - Bark at the Moon
Iconic heavy metal riff with aggressive power chord rhythm
Pantera - I'm Broken
Dimebag's aggressive pentatonic shredding masterclass
Saxon - 747
Classic heavy metal power chord intro riff
Avenged Sevenfold - Hail to the King
Melodic shredding with harmonic minor pentatonic runs
Black Sabbath - Iron Man
Heavy, thunderous riff defining heavy metal
Helloween - Dr. Stein
Fast melodic shredding with precise note articulation
Iron Maiden - Prowler
Galloping rhythm defines classic heavy metal
Judas Priest - Painkiller
Blistering speed, iconic metal riff foundation
Megadeth - Trust
Fast, technical solo with rapid note sequences
Metallica - Enter Sandman
Iconic power chord riff defines heavy metal
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 2
Melodic clean intro Kirk Hammett signature
Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train
Iconic fast-paced metal riff with memorable melodic hook
Saxon - 747
Heavy galloping metal rhythm defining Saxon's sound
Black Sabbath - N.I.B.
Hypnotic descending bass riff defines heavy metal
Helloween - Forever And One
Blazing speed run defining power metal virtuosity
Iron Maiden - Run to the Hills
Galloping eighth notes defining heavy metal
Judas Priest - Painkiller
Blazing speed metal lead with relentless picking
Metallica - Enter Sandman
Iconic heavy metal riff with infectious groove
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 2
Haunting acoustic intro sets melancholic tone
Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train
Iconic fast-paced metal riff with memorable melodic hook
Saxon - 747
Driving heavy metal riff with rhythmic power chord intensity
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Pioneering heavy metal riff, simple yet devastating
Helloween - Forever And One
Rapid-fire melodic lick defining Helloween's power metal
Iron Maiden - Run to the Hills
Galloping melodic solo defining early metal
Judas Priest - Painkiller
Blistering speed metal lead with machine-gun precision
Metallica - Sad But True
Heavy, hypnotic riff defines dark metal masterpiece
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 2
Clean melodic interplay between Kirk and James
Ozzy Osbourne - Goodbye to Romance
Soaring melodic intro with classic metal sensibility
Saxon - 747
Driving heavy metal anthem with crushing power chord
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Pioneering heavy metal riff, simple yet devastating
Helloween - Power
Rapid galloping rhythm classic metal speed
Iron Maiden - The Trooper
Galloping rhythm, iconic Iron Maiden signature style
Judas Priest - You've Got Another Thing Comin'
Blazing speed metal solo defining classic heavy metal
Metallica - Sad But True
Heavy, hypnotic riff defines dark metal masterpiece
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 2
Melancholic clean guitar intro, atmospheric and emotive
Ozzy Osbourne - Hellraiser
Crushing heavy metal intro with precise palm-muted rhythm
Saxon - Crusader
Galloping metal rhythm with classic heavy metal drive
Black Sabbath - War Pigs
Heavy distorted power chords defining heavy metal
Helloween - The Dark Ride
Fast melodic shredding with technical precision
Iron Maiden - Wasted Years
Melodic galloping rhythm defines Maiden's signature sound
Metallica - 2x4
Heavy groovy palm-muted riff with driving rhythm
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 2
Haunting melodic intro, emotional foundation unforgiven
Ozzy Osbourne - Killer of Giants
Heavy, chugging palm-muted power chord foundation
Saxon - Princess Of The Night
Heavy metal galloping rhythm defines Saxon's sound
Black Sabbath - N.I.B.
Doom metal foundation with hypnotic ascending note pattern
Helloween - The Dark Ride
Galloping metal riff with rapid pick precision
Iron Maiden - Wasted Years
Melodic harmonic minor solo with classic metal phrasing
Metallica - Am I Evil?
Crushing heavy riff defines thrash metal aggression
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 3
Haunting acoustic intro establishes melancholic tone
Ozzy Osbourne - Miracle Man
Heavy, crushing power chord intro sets dark tone
Saxon - Strong Arm Of the Law
Galloping heavy metal riff, iconic Saxon opener
Black Sabbath - Neon Knights
Galloping metal riff with infectious rhythmic drive
Helloween - Your Turn
Fast melodic intro with classic metal precision
Iron Maiden - Brave New World Janick Gers's
Galloping melodic intro establishing epic metal atmosphere
Metallica - Bleeding Me
Heavy, crushing palm-muted riff with emotional weight
METALLICA - DEVIL'S DANCE
Explosive lead work defining Metallica's late-90s heaviness
Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
Haunting chromatic descent, instantly recognizable metal
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
Fuzzy, distorted metal classic defining heavy sound
Iron Maiden - Fear of the Dark
Haunting melodic solo with atmospheric minor key phrasing
Metallica - Bleeding Me
Melodic unison line with emotional clean guitar resolution
METALLICA - DEVIL'S DANCE
Thrash metal fury with precise rhythmic intensity
Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
Haunting chromatic descent, instantly recognizable metal
Black Sabbath - War Pigs
Heavy, dark, menacing riff defining heavy metal
Iron Maiden - Fear of the Dark
Blazing speed and melodic intensity define this solo
Metallica - Breadfan
Crushing palm-muted riff defines thrash metal intensity
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 2
Melodic solo with fluid bending and vibrato
Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
Haunting chromatic descent, instantly recognizable metal
Black Sabbath - N.I.B.
Hypnotic descending lines define heavy metal
Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast
Blazing speed, precision, metal perfection
Metallica - Breadfan
Heavy, churning riff with relentless rhythmic drive
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 3
Melodic Kirk Hammett solo intro establishing song mood
Ozzy Osbourne - No More Tears
Heavy, crushing power chord intro defines metal era
Iron Maiden - Number of the Beast
Blazing speed and precision defining metal soloing
Metallica - Breadfan
Heavy, driving rhythm with aggressive palm-muted chugging
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 3
Melodic solo with emotional depth and technical precision
Ozzy Osbourne - No More Tears
Heavy metal classic with thick, crushing tone
Iron Maiden - The Longest Day Dave Murray
Fast galloping rhythm with melodic lead overtones
Metallica - Don't Tread On Me
Aggressive palm-muted opening defines thrash metal
METALLICA - THE UNFORGIVEN 3
Melodic solo with emotional sustain and bending
Ozzy Osbourne - No More Tears
Heavy, crushing power chord riff defining track
Iron Maiden - The Trooper
Galloping rhythm defines Iron Maiden's signature sound
Metallica - Don't Tread On Me
Crushing palm-muted power chord intro riff
Ozzy Osbourne - Over the Mountain
Galloping metal riff with memorable ascending melody
Iron Maiden - The Trooper
Blazing speed and melodic intensity define this solo
Metallica - Don't Tread On Me
Heavy, aggressive power chord riff, pure metal
Ozzy Osbourne - Shot in the Dark
Heavy metal classic with driving rhythmic power chords
Metallica - Don't Tread On Me
Aggressive palm-muted power chord foundation riff
Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train
Iconic shredding solo, fast picking, classic metal
Metallica - Don't Tread On Me
Aggressive thrash metal riff with driving rhythm
Ozzy Osbourne - Hellraiser
Shredding solo with rapid scale runs and bends
Metallica - Enter Sandman
Melodic lead showcasing Kirk Hammett's signature style
Ozzy Osbourne - Killer of Giants
Shredding solo with rapid technical precision
Metallica - Enter Sandman
Iconic melodic solo with perfect rhythmic phrasing
Ozzy Osbourne - Miracle Man
Shredding metal solo with rapid note sequences
Metallica - Fixxxer
Funky syncopated groove with heavy muting
Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
Shredding classic showcasing precise speed and control
Metallica - Fixxxer
Heavy groove riff, palm-muted rhythmic foundation
Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
Shredding masterclass with fluid hammer-ons and pulls
Metallica - Fixxxer
Heavy groovy palm-muted riff defines song
Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
Shredding classic showcasing precise speed and control
Metallica - Fuel
Heavy palm-muted groove defining 90s metal
Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
Shredding masterclass with fluid hammer-ons and pulls
Metallica - Halo On Fire
Dual guitar intro with heavy rhythmic drive
Ozzy Osbourne - No More Tears
Zakk Wylde's soaring melodic shred masterpiece
Metallica - Halo On Fire
Clean outro showcasing melodic restraint and atmosphere
Ozzy Osbourne - Over the Mountain
Legendary shredding showcase defining eighties metal
Metallica - Hero Of The Day
Heavy groove opening Kirk's iconic melodic intro
Ozzy Osbourne - Shot in the Dark
Shredding solo with rapid note sequences and bends
Metallica - Hero Of The Day
Kirk Hammett's melodic lead intro showcasing vibrato
Metallica - Holier Than Thou
Aggressive palm-muted riff defines 90s metal
Metallica - Holier Than Thou
Aggressive palm-muted groove defines thrash metal
Metallica - Holier Than Thou
Aggressive palm-muted groove defines thrash metal
Metallica - I Disappear
Heavy chugging riff defines action movie anthem
Metallica - Inamorata
Heavy, driving intro with signature Metallica groove
Metallica - King Nothing
Heavy, groovy riff defines song's dark atmosphere
Metallica - King Nothing
Crushing palm-muted groove defines album era
Metallica - Lux Æterna
Hypnotic, repetitive riff with crushing rhythmic intensity
Metallica - Minus Human
Heavy grooved intro with crushing palm-muted power chords
Metallica - Minus Human
Heavy chugging riff with crushing rhythmic intensity
Metallica - Minus Human
Crushing heavy metal intro with aggressive palm-muted crunch
Metallica - Minus Human
Heavy distorted palm-muted crunch defines track
Metallica - My Friend of Misery
Heavy, syncopated groove with crushing palm-muted power chords
Metallica - No Leaf Clover
Delicate clean guitar opens heavy metal masterpiece
Metallica - No Leaf Clover
Heavy, rhythmic foundation of symphonic metal masterpiece
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
Elegant acoustic intro establishing melancholic emotional foundation
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
Emotional melodic solo with sustained bends
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
Elegant acoustic intro establishing melancholic emotional foundation
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
Iconic acoustic intro establishes song's emotional foundation
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
Haunting melodic solo with emotional depth and sustain
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters
Emotional melodic solo with sustained bends
Metallica - Of Wolf And Man
Aggressive palm-muted thrash metal power chord riff
Metallica - Sad But True
Heavy, crushing power chord riff with rhythmic precision
Metallica - The God That Failed
Heavy palm-muted groove with distinctive rhythmic tension
Metallica - The God That Failed
Heavy groove with crushing palm-muted power chords
Metallica - The God That Failed
Heavy, crushing groove with memorable progression
Metallica - The Outlaw Torn
Crushing heavy riff with haunting melodic undertones
Metallica - The Outlaw Torn
Heavy, crushing groove with palm-muted intensity
Metallica - The Struggle Within
Aggressive palm-muted opening with driving rhythm
Metallica - The Thing That Should Not Be
Haunting clean intro establishing dark atmospheric tone
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Haunting nylon intro establishing emotional foundation
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Haunting nylon intro establishing emotional foundation
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Haunting melodic intro defines metal masterpiece
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Haunting nylon intro establishing emotional foundation
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Haunting melodic intro defines metal masterpiece
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Haunting clean intro evolving into heavy distortion
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Rhythmic foundation beneath Kirk's lead solo
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Haunting nylon guitar intro, melodic and atmospheric
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Haunting nylon guitar intro outro passage
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Haunting nylon guitar intro, melodic and atmospheric
Metallica - Turn The Page
Haunting palm-muted groove defines acoustic reimagining
Metallica - Turn The Page
Haunting clean tone sets melancholic atmosphere
Metallica - Wasting My Hate
Heavy, grinding palm-muted power chord riff
Metallica - Wasting My Hate
Crushing heavy metal riff with tight rhythmic precision
Metallica - Wherever I May Roam
Hypnotic galloping rhythm defines metal classic
Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar
Heavy galloping rhythm with aggressive palm-muted crunch
Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar
Energetic solo with fast picking and melodic phrasing
Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar
Soaring dual-guitar harmony with classic metal aggression
Metallica - 2x4
Rapid-fire melodic solo with precise picking technique
Metallica - 2x4
Aggressive rhythmic solo with heavy distortion tone
Metallica - Am I Evil?
Blistering speed test for alternate picking mastery
Metallica - Am I Evil?
Blistering solo with aggressive alternate picking runs
Metallica - Bleeding Me
Melodic intro showcasing Kirk Hammett's fluid lead style
Metallica - Bleeding Me
Emotional, melodic solo with extended bending
Metallica - Breadfan
Fast, aggressive solo with technical precision
Metallica - Breadfan
Fast, aggressive solo with technical precision
Metallica - Don't Tread On Me
Aggressive thrash metal solo with rapid technical passages
Metallica - Dyers Eve
Fast, aggressive thrash metal picking pattern
Metallica - Dyers Eve
Thrash metal speed picking defining song opener
Metallica - Dyers Eve
Aggressive palm-muted thrash metal riff
Metallica - Dyers Eve
Blistering speed and technical thrash metal mastery
Metallica - Dyers Eve
Blistering speed, precision, thrash metal mastery
Metallica - Enter Sandman
Hendrix-inspired blues licks, live improvisation outro
Metallica - Fixxxer
Blazing lead work showcasing Kirk Hammett's technical prowess
Metallica - Fixxxer
Melodic shredding with harmonic minor pentatonic scales
Metallica - Fuel
Rapid-fire shredding showcasing Kirk Hammett's technical prowess
Metallica - Fuel
Explosive lead work defining 90s metal mastery
Metallica - Halo On Fire
Aggressive fast-paced metal solo with technical precision
Metallica - Halo On Fire
Kirk's fluid solo with melodic bending techniques
Metallica - Halo On Fire
Melodic solo over heavy rhythmic foundation
Metallica - Hero Of The Day
Melodic solo with dynamic phrasing and expression
Metallica - Holier Than Thou
Kirk's aggressive thrash metal lead technique showcase
Metallica - I Disappear
Kirk Hammett's explosive, melodic thrash metal intro
Metallica - I Disappear
Kirk Hammett's signature blazing speed solo
Metallica - I Disappear
Fast, aggressive solo with technical precision and speed
Metallica - King Nothing
Melodic shredding with Kirk Hammett's signature style
Metallica - Lux Æterna
Relentless thrash metal intensity with rapid picking
Metallica - Minus Human
Aggressive shredding with technical precision and speed
Metallica - My Friend of Misery
Scorching lead work over heavy groove foundation
Metallica - My Friend of Misery
Virtuosic lead work showcasing Kirk Hammett's technical prowess
Metallica - My Friend of Misery
Melodic solo with technical precision and emotion
Metallica - No Leaf Clover
Soaring melodic lines with fluid sweep picking
Metallica - Of Wolf And Man
Aggressive thrash metal solo with rapid note sequences
Metallica - Of Wolf And Man
Ferocious lead work with rapid picking patterns
Metallica - Orion
Melodic shredding showcase, pure instrumental mastery
Metallica - Orion
Shredding masterclass with blazing sweep arpeggios
Metallica - Orion
Melodic instrumental showcase with technical precision
Metallica - Orion
Melodic instrumental showcase of technical precision
Metallica - Orion
Melodic instrumental showcasing technical precision and dynamics
Metallica - Orion
Melodic instrumental showcasing technical precision and dynamics
Metallica - Orion
Intricate melodic lead with fast picking patterns
Metallica - Orion
Melodic instrumental lead with precise picking technique
Metallica - Orion
Soaring melodic masterpiece defining instrumental metal
Metallica - Orion
Melodic instrumental showcase of technical precision
Metallica - Orion
Shredding masterclass with fluid melodic phrasing
Metallica - Orion
Shredding masterclass with blazing sweep arpeggios
Metallica - Orion
Melodic instrumental showcase with technical precision
Metallica - Sad But True
Melodic heavy metal solo with sustained bends
Metallica - Sad But True
Heavy, crushing solo with iconic bending technique
Metallica - Sad But True
Haunting melodic solo over heavy riff foundation
Metallica - Sad But True
Melodic heavy metal solo with sustained bends
Metallica - Sad But True
Heavy, crushing solo with iconic bending technique
Metallica - Sad But True
Melodic solo with technical precision and emotional depth
Metallica - The Frayed Ends of Sanity
Thrash metal classic with memorable vocal hook
Metallica - The Frayed Ends of Sanity
Thrash metal speed and precision picking showcase
Metallica - The Frayed Ends of Sanity
Blazing speed pick assault Kirk Hammett signature
Metallica - The Frayed Ends of Sanity
Kirk Hammett's blazing solo, lightning-fast technical mastery
Metallica - The Frayed Ends of Sanity
Blazing speed metal masterclass with precise timing
Metallica - The Frayed Ends of Sanity
Blazing speed, technical precision, metal mastery
Metallica - The God That Failed
Melodic solo with fluid bending and sustained notes
Metallica - The God That Failed
Melodic solo showcasing James Hetfield's lead technique
Metallica - The Outlaw Torn
Melodic solo showcasing Kirk Hammett's technical prowess
Metallica - The Struggle Within
Fast, aggressive solo with melodic phrasing
Metallica - The Struggle Within
Fast, aggressive solo with technical precision
Metallica - The Thing That Should Not Be
Galloping thrash metal riff with crushing power
Metallica - The Thing That Should Not Be
Haunting melodic solo over crushing bridge riff
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Emotional, soaring Kirk Hammett signature lead solo
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Melodic solo with emotional depth and technical precision
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Melodic clean solo with emotional sustain and bends
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Emotional, soaring Kirk Hammett signature lead solo
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Melodic solo with emotional depth and technical precision
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Melodic clean solo with emotional sustain and bends
Metallica - The Unforgiven
Emotional, soaring Kirk Hammett signature lead solo
Metallica - The Unforgiven III
Melodic, flowing lead with precise picking technique
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Iconic octave harmonies defining Metallica's technical mastery
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Expressive bending technique with emotional depth
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Melodic harmonic minor masterpiece, technically demanding
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Haunting Spanish classical guitar masterpiece
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Haunting Spanish classical intro, emotional foundation
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Iconic octave harmonies defining Metallica's technical mastery
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Intricate melodic shuffling with precise timing
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Expressive bending technique with emotional depth
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Soaring melodic solo with fluid hammer-ons and pull-offs
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Fluid bending creates haunting melodic passage
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Soaring melodic solo showcasing Kirk Hammett's technical prowess
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Haunting Spanish classical guitar masterpiece
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Haunting octave melody defines instrumental metal masterpiece
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Intricate melodic interlude showcasing technical mastery
Metallica - To Live Is To Die
Melodic bending showcase Kirk Hammett signature style
Metallica - Turn The Page
Haunting melodic solo with emotional depth
Metallica - Turn The Page
Melodic Kirk Hammett solo with smooth legato passages
Metallica - Until It Sleeps
Melodic solo showcasing Kirk Hammett's expressive style
Metallica - Until It Sleeps
Melodic solo with blues-influenced bending techniques
Metallica - Wherever I May Roam
Galloping thrash metal riff with relentless tempo
Metallica - Wherever I May Roam
Hypnotic Eastern-influenced riff, Metallica's signature
Metallica - Wherever I May Roam
Kirk's virtuosic sweep-picked arpeggios showcase mastery
Metallica - Wherever I May Roam
Melodic solo showcasing Kirk Hammett's fluid style
Metallica - Wherever I May Roam
Hypnotic, intricate fingerpicking outro masterpiece
Metallica - Wherever I May Roam
Kirk Hammett's signature whammy bar bending mastery
Metallica - Wherever I May Roam
Galloping thrash metal riff with relentless tempo
Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar
Kirk Hammett's blazing harmonic minor solo masterpiece