One-string guitar songs are a great way to learn how to play guitar. They sound fantastic, and you can play them in many genres. This makes one-string guitar songs perfect for musicians of all levels.
In this blog post, we have collected 50 one-string guitar songs that will challenge your skills while still being easy enough for beginners.
If you're not sure where to start with one-string music, check out these 50 tunes.
50 One String Song Guitar Songs of All Time
Shape of you — Ed Sheeran
The first one-string guitar song is Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You." It is an excellent example because it sounds just as good, if not better, on one string.
If you're a beginner, you can play it in standard tuning and use your index finger for the one string. You can play the shape of you on the A string on the 4th fret.
Thunderstruck — AC/DC
AC/DC's song "Thunderstruck" is an excellent choice if you want to learn how to play one-string guitar. This one-string riff is played in standard tuning and uses just your index finger on the B string.
Eye of the Tiger — The Survivor
Another famous one-string guitar song is The Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger." It is a six-string song, but you can play it as a one-string song by plucking the E string continuously. Add distortion and reverb for the best sound.
Clocks — Coldplay
The melody of Clocks by Coldplay is a great example of a one-string guitar song. You can play this iconic song on the G-string because it doesn't rely on other chords.
Perfect — Ed Sheeran
Released in 2017, Ed Sheeran's "Perfect" is one of the newer one-string guitar songs. This tune was a success and was top of the chat in many countries.
If you're looking for a challenge, try learning "Perfect" on one string by playing 4 notes on the G-string.
Boulevard of Broken Dreams — Green Day
The main riff of Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" has become iconic in pop culture, so it would be a shame not to learn how to play one-string guitar.
You can play this riff on the B major and the B string, making it perfect for standard tuning on the one string.
Another One Bites – The Dust Queen
This song fuses the 80s disco sound and rock guitar perfectly.
If you're looking for a one-string guitar song that will test your finger-picking skills, then this is the choice for you.
You can play this masterpiece on the lower E-string.
Billie Jean — Michael Jackson
"Billie Jean" is another iconic one-string guitar song by Michael Jackson. It has been covered many times, and it's easy to see why — the one-string riff is fun and easy to learn.
We Will Rock You, Queen
When people say one string is easy, a song like Queen's "We Will Rock You" always comes to mind. The one-string guitar riff is played in standard tuning, and it doesn't rely on any other chords, either. You can play this song on the G-string.
I Don't Want Miss A Thing, Aerosmith
Another great one-string song is "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith.
Released in 1998, the one-string riff is played in standard tuning, and it doesn't use any other chords. You can play the chorus easily on the B string.
Seven Nation Army — The White Stripes
Released in 2003, "Seven Nation Army" is one of the most famous one string guitar songs. The riff in this song is straightforward to play, and it's perfect for beginners. You can play it on the A string while repeating the 5 notes over and over again.
Paint It Black — The Rolling Stones
Paint it Black is a dark and exotic song of the 60s. It sounds completely different with a one-string guitar. You can play this riff on the E string because the original is complex for beginning guitarists.
All the Small Things — Blink 182
Another famous one string guitar song is Blink 182's "All the Small Things." It has a simple riff, and it doesn't use any other chords. This song can be played in one string by plucking the G-string.
R U Mine — Arctic Monkeys
Released in 2012, "R U Mine?" by Arctic Monkeys was a huge success. You can pick the A string to play this song but apply a fair amount of distortion to achieve better results.
Mamma Mia — ABBA
Mamma Mia by ABBA is another one-string guitar song that you can play in standard tuning. The original is a bit complex, but it's much easier to learn and play with a one-string guitar. You can play it by plucking the D-string on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th strings.
Dust In The Wind — Kansas
"Dust In The Wind" was released in 1977 by Kansas. Many artists have covered this song ever since. They made the original version for one-string guitar, and it's pretty simple to play on the B strings.
Pirates of the Caribbean Theme — John Williams
Another great one-string song is the theme of "Pirates of the Caribbean." It's a bit complex to play on a one-string guitar, but it sounds fantastic and unique, so you should add it to your repertoire. Play the main riff in standard tuning by picking the B string.
Satisfaction — The Rolling Stones
Another iconic one-string guitar song is the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction." Being one of the most iconic rock songs of all time, it's an excellent choice for beginners looking to play one-string guitar songs. The main riff in this song is played by picking the high E string.
Mission: Impossible Theme — Lalo Schifrin
Mission: Impossible is a famous TV show, and the theme song was made as a one-string guitar song. It's an excellent choice for beginners. You can play this song by picking the E string in standard tuning.
In The Shadows — The Rasmus
Released in 2003, this iconic song by The Rasmus is another excellent one-string guitar song. It has a cool riff, and it sounds fantastic when you play on the G-string in standard tuning.
The Day That Never Comes — Metallica
This iconic ballad and heavy metal song by Metallica is an excellent choice for a one-string guitar song. It has a catchy riff, and you can play it in standard tuning by picking the G String on the first position.
Summer Lovin' (Summer Nights) — Grease
If you're a beginner looking for an easy yet fun and easy to play one-string guitar song to play, Grease's "Summer Lovin'" is a perfect choice. It has a nice riff, and it sounds fantastic.
You can play it in standard tuning by picking the E String and applying some reverb and light distortion.
Roadhouse Blues — The Doors
This iconic blues rock and roll ballad is an excellent choice for a one-string guitar song. It has a catchy riff, and it sounds pretty good when you play it on a one-string guitar.
You can pick the lower E string in standard tuning and repeat it over and over again.
Bella Ciao — Manu Pilas
Although most people know this iconic song from the famous series "Money Heist," they don't know it is from the 19th century. It's a famous folk song, and it sounds excellent on one-string guitar. You can play it in standard tuning by picking the B String.
Iron Man — Black Sabbath
This iconic 1970 riff by Black Sabbath is another great one-string guitar song that's relatively easy to play. Both beginners and professionals can play this song on the A String in standard tuning.
I Love Rock N Roll — Joan Jett
This iconic Rock and Roll by Joan Jett is an excellent choice if you're a beginner. You can play it in standard tuning by picking the D String and applying some reverb. Even better, add some distortion.
Smoke On the Water — Deep Purple
This famous riff from the 70s by Deep Purple is another excellent choice for a one-string guitar song. Although the original song is played using power chords, you can play it on as a one-string song on the E-string in standard tuning.
Airbag — Radiohead
Released in 1997, this iconic song by Radiohead consists of three riffs, and it's an excellent choice for beginners. You can play it in standard tuning by picking the lower E string and playing open strings in between.
Newborn — Muse
Another excellent choice for beginners is Muse's "Newborn." It has a fantastic riff, and it sounds pretty cool when you play it on a one-string guitar. You can play it in standard tuning by picking the D String and applying some reverb.
Elevation — U2
Released in 2001 by the Irish band U2, this one-string guitar song is a great choice for beginners. You can play it in standard tuning by picking the A String and applying some distortion.
I Heard It Through The Grapevine — Creedence Clearwater Revival
Another iconic song by Creedence Clearwater Revival is "I Heard It Through The Grapevine." It sounds incredible when you play it on the D string. You can apply some distortion and reverb to make it sound even better.
Running Down a Dream — Tom Petty
This iconic riff is great for beginners looking for a fast-paced riff to play on one string. You can play this song in standard tuning on the E string. It sounds great when you apply distortion and some reverb to it.
Sunshine of Your Love — Cream
Released in 1967, this iconic riff by Cream is an excellent choice for beginners. It has a catchy rhythm, and it sounds cool when you play it on the D- string in standard tuning. Just add some reverb and distortion to make the song sound interesting.
Star Wars The Imperial March
You can play this iconic movie theme on the D string on the 4th fret. It's easy to play, thus a great fit for beginners, and it sounds fantastic when you add some distortion.
Happy — Pharrell Williams
This legendary song by Pharrell is a great choice for one-string guitar songs. You can play it in standard tuning on the A String. Apply plenty of reverb, light distortion, and delay to make it sound even better.
Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground — The White Stripes
Released in 2001 by The White Stripes, this song is iconic for one-string guitar songs. It sounds excellent on the E string in standard tuning. Add reverb to make it sound even better.
Lapdance — N.E.R.D
This iconic song by N.E.R.D is a great choice for beginners looking for a fun, funky riff to play on a one-string guitar. You can play this catchy riff on the E string. Ensure to play closer to the bridge to achieve the best sound.
Harry Potter Hedwig's Theme — John Williams
This one is a great choice for beginners looking for a slower song to play on a one-string guitar. The riff sounds fantastic, and it's pretty easy to play on the B string in standard tuning.
Misirlou — Dick Dale
This iconic song by Dick Dale is quite challenging to play on a one-string guitar, but its sound is so worth it. You can play this song in standard tuning on the E string. Add distortion and reverb to replicate the original sound.
New York City Cops — The Strokes
Released in 2001 by the indie rock band The Strokes, this song is a great choice for beginners looking for an iconic riff to play on a one-string guitar.
You can play it using standard tuning by stroking the E string. Add your favorite reverb, delay, and distortion to achieve a unique sound.
Peter Gunn Theme — Henry Mancini
If you're looking for a chill riff to play on a one-string guitar, this is a perfect choice. Peter Gunn's theme is one of the most iconic themes by Henry Mancini. It sounds fantastic when you play it in standard tuning on the E string.
Iron Man Black Sabbath
Released in 1971 by Black Sabbath, this one-string guitar song is a great choice for beginners who are looking for a fretless riff to play. You can play it in standard tuning on the A string or the 5th string. Add some reverb and distortion to make it sound amazing.
Viva La Vida by Coldplay
This is one of the most straightforward one-string guitar songs you can play. You should play closer to the bridge and add some reverb and light distortion to achieve the best sound. You should play this song in standard tuning.
All the Small Things Blink 18
This song is an excellent choice for one-string guitar songs because it sounds incredible when you play it on the G-string in standard tuning. This international sensation is great for beginners.
Du Hast by Rammstein
This metal song by Rammstein sounds fantastic when played on the A string. You can play it in standard tuning and apply plenty of distortion to make this riff sound awesome.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (Nursery Rhyme)
This iconic nursery song is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a soothing riff to play on a one-string guitar. This song has unlimited options. You can play this song on the high E-string, G-string, and D-string.
Titanic Theme
Released in 1997 by James Horner, this one-string guitar song is an excellent choice for beginners looking for an iconic riff to play on a one-string guitar. You can play it using standard tuning on the A string or the 5th string.
The Office Theme
Another great one-string guitar song is the Office theme song. Jay Ferguson wrote this masterpiece, and you can play this catchy melody on the G-string. Remember to add your favorite special effects like Reverb.
How far I'll go – Auli'i Cravalho
You can play this fantastic song on the upper E string. Play on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th frets to achieve better results by using your first and third fingers.
Game of Thrones Theme
The last song on our 50 one-string song list is the Game of Thrones theme, originally composed by Ramin Dhawadi. But unlike other easier-to-play options on the list, you need to be quick on the fretboard to play this song.
Official Opening Credits: Game of Thrones (HBO)
Conclusion
There you have it, 50 one string guitar songs of all time. I hope this article was inspiring, and it helps you kick-start your one-string career. Let us know which of these songs you like to play one-string guitar.
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