Difficulty Level
Beginner to intermediate
Nothing Else Matters is a great song for beginner guitarists. The chords are basic, and the song isn’t overly fast.
If you can keep up with the tempo, you should be able to play this song. However, the introduction may be difficult for beginners. There are some hammer-on techniques and pull-offs that can be tricky.
The solo will also be a challenge for beginners and will take some serious practice. Players that are intermediate will find it a bit easier, but will still require a good amount of practice.
This song can be played on an acoustic or electric guitar. You can also find the right amp settings here.
Purify
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ca721d_Vdts%3F
| Album | St. Anger |
| Tuning | C G C F A D |
| Tabs | View Purify Tabs Here |
“Purify” offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into Metallica’s “St. Anger” era. With its drop C tuning, the song exudes a heaviness that’s both visceral and emotive. The 3/4 simple meter in the verses sets it apart, offering a rhythmic variation that’s refreshingly unconventional. This track is a reflection of Metallica’s willingness to push boundaries, even if it meant polarizing fans.
The album’s distinct snare sound and the absence of traditional guitar solos make “Purify” a unique listening experience. For guitarists, this song is an invitation to experience a different facet of Metallica’s musical identity. The bass on “St. Anger” was actually performed by producer Bob Rock. This is due to Jason Newsted’s earlier departure (Rob Trujillo didn’t join as bassist until the album was already finished).
Fade To Black
Fade to Black is the first power ballad by Metallica, and it was released in 1984 as a part of their second album Ride the Lightning. The entire band participated in the writing of the song, including their late bassist Cliff Burton.
As Lars explained later, he and James were obsessed with death at the moment, and the main theme of the song is suicide. It has an intro on the acoustic guitar, and it gets progressively heavier.
Near the end of the song, there is a solo that found its way to many lists about the best guitar solos of all time. Over the years, it became a part of nearly every live performance, and everyone loves hearing it.
2. Enter Sandman
Featured in the album Metallica released in 1991, this heavy metal tune is probably the most famous track of the group.
With strong aggressive distorted chords, Enter Sandman has become a metal anthem.
Composed on Em, the track begins with a chorus effect in the intro and a repetitive riff that builds by adding small variations and slowly getting more and more distorted as the song progresses.
The main riff is played towards the end of the intro and consists of the distorted line on Em but adds a palm-muted power chord fill playing G5 – F#5 – G5 – F#5.
The verse is quite simple, consisting of a palm-muted F5 chord hit just once and then an E5.
This progression is played three times and the final sections of the verse include the same power chord fill that is played in the main riff.
Once in the pre-chorus, the guitar plays a variation of the main riff, but instead of being on Em, it is on F#m.
This line is played three times and ends with an F#5 that leads you into the chorus.
This section is made up of power chords and riffs, it plays F#5 – C5 – B5 three times, adding an E5 in the last one and then a fill on Em.
It continues with the same progression that was played once with the riff on Em as well, but this time it ends with G5 – F#5 – G5 – F#5 as in the main riff.
The last parts are the interlude, which consists of the intro riff played eight times and the pre-chorus riff played seven times, and the solo.
As mentioned in Nothing Else Matters, the solos can be the most difficult challenge in a Metallica song, and this is no exception.
Be prepared to play fast melodic lines with bendings, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and, of course, distortion.
The solos in this song use a wah pedal effect but don’t worry if you don’t have one, you can play it and it will still sound amazing!
The Shortest Straw
https://youtube.com/watch?v=dV0gYlhZbhA%3F
| Album | …And Justice For All |
| Tuning | E A D G B E |
| Tabs | View The Shortest Straw Tabs Here |
“The Shortest Straw” kicks off with a distinctively staccato intro. It’s built around some simple but heavy power chord progressions. However, its thrash groove, characterized by a sliding guitar riff, adds a layer of complexity. The chromatic progression further showcases the band’s ability to weave intricate patterns into their music. Aspiring guitarists might find the solo challenging, but it’s a rewarding endeavor for those who master it.
“…And Justice For All” marked a pivotal moment in Metallica’s career. The album’s tracks, including “The Shortest Straw,” displayed a heightened level of musical intricacy compared to their previous releases. At its debut, it quickly became their best-selling record, a clear indication of its widespread appeal. Critics too recognized the band’s growth, lauding the album for its depth and sophistication.
72 Seasons
https://youtube.com/watch?v=mVepX6D5t3Q%3F
| Album | 72 Seasons |
| Tuning | E A D G B E |
| Tabs | View 72 Seasons Tabs Here |
“72 Seasons” is a tribute to Metallica’s deep-rooted thrash metal heritage. The song’s dynamic shifts from rapid to steady tempos are masterfully executed, interspersed with atmospheric breakdowns. As the title track of their 2023 album, it signifies a remarkable resurgence for the band. The track boasts impeccable lyrics, resonant vocals, and stellar instrumentation, highlighting Metallica’s unmatched musical prowess.
The album “72 Seasons,” released in 2023, is a monumental piece with a duration extending beyond an hour. Metallica’s promotional tour for the album was a grand spectacle featuring a plethora of guest appearances. Among the most notable was the inclusion of a reformed Pantera, exciting metal fans across the world. This latest work solidifies Metallica’s esteemed position in the annals of metal history.
Bleeding Me
Bleeding Me is a song from Metallica’s 1997 album called Load. It was never released as a single, but it was part of the S&M performance. It is also one of the rare songs that feature the Hammond organ.
Many people believe that the song is about addiction and people struggling with it, but Jason said that it is about someone going through mental torture. The song alternates between slow and faster parts, and it can be so much fun to play.
James explained that during the Load era, he wanted to stop drinking, and he struggled with it for so long. The song is about bleeding out all bad things in your life, and “pushing to stay with something better.”
Fixxxer
https://youtube.com/watch?v=TURKX4Y9MVE%3F
| Album | Reload |
| Tuning | Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb |
| Tabs | View Fixxxer Tabs Here |
“Fixxxer” is a unique auditory experience, beginning with a gradual fade-in that sets a moody atmosphere. The song’s doom metal undertones are evident, creating a dark and immersive soundscape. Metallica’s experimentation with the delay guitar effect in this track adds a distinctive layer to its composition. That’s not an effect they otherwise use a lot.
As the song progresses, the energy surges, culminating in a crescendo towards the end. The slide guitar solo, while straightforward, complements the song’s overall vibe, making it a memorable conclusion to “Reload.”
While “Reload” garnered mixed reactions from critics, it remains a significant chapter in Metallica’s discography. It was their last album of the 90s. “Fixxxer,” as the closing track, encapsulates the album’s essence, blending traditional Metallica elements with fresh experimental sounds.
FAQs
What is the easiest Metallica song to play on guitar?
We’ve included all of the easiest Metallica songs you can play on your guitar in our guide above. All of the tracks we listed here are ideal for beginners because they use simple chords and strumming patterns that should be basic enough for a novice to master. These tracks will also help you learn more skills that will help you become a better all-round guitarist.
What is the easiest metal song to play?
If you are interested in playing other tracks from this genre that aren’t Metallica’s songs then check out our guide for easy metal songs on guitar. This is a similar guide to the one above that gives you an in-depth look at some of the most popular metal songs with tutorials so that you can play them easily as a beginner guitarist.
Too Far Gone
https://youtube.com/watch?v=9v7vo_MUL4I%3F
| Album | 72 Seasons |
| Tuning | E A D G B E |
| Tabs | View Too Far Gone Tabs Here |
“Too Far Gone” is a masterful blend of aggression and melody, a hallmark of Metallica’s evolving sound. While the riffs may seem straightforward, they pave the way for a challenging solo, which you can learn with practice. The rapid alternate picking further elevates the track, making it stand out among the others on the album. It’s an underrated track on arguably Metallica’s best album since their self-titled, and possibly even since “Ride the Lightning.”
The thematic depth of “72 Seasons” is evident in tracks like “Too Far Gone.” The album goes into the intricacies of aging, juxtaposing it with the innocence and memories of childhood. This song, in particular, seems to echo the sentiment of cherishing past moments while confronting the present’s complexities.
Frantic
https://youtube.com/watch?v=XBeCHKLh2Ro%3F
| Album | St. Anger |
| Tuning | C G C F A D |
| Tabs | View Frantic Tabs Here |
“Frantic,” from Metallica’s “St. Anger” album, features a guitar tone reminiscent of bands like Queens of the Stone Age. This song dives deep into the theme of addiction, a poignant subject that’s unfortunately relatable to many. James Hetfield’s vocals are particularly notable here, as he briefly employs a screaming technique, a rarity in his vocal performances. The song’s music video further amplifies its impact, featuring a dramatic car crash that leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
“St. Anger” is known for its experimental recording techniques, setting it apart from other Metallica works. This album marked a pivotal moment for the band, as they veered back towards a more aggressive sound. Say what you will about “St. Anger,” but “Frantic” embodies the raw energy and emotion that Metallica is renowned for.
The Memory Remains
https://youtube.com/watch?v=tZk4m4S_ke0%3F
| Album | Reload |
| Tuning | Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb |
| Tabs | View The Memory Remains Tabs Here |
“The Memory Remains” exudes a stoner/doom ambiance, setting it apart from Metallica’s more energetic tracks. The song’s main riffs create a haunting atmosphere that’s further intensified by the vocal harmonization.
Marianne Faithfull’s guest vocals add a distinctive touch, her voice weaving dramatically with the instrumentation. The track concludes with a unique vocal performance, leaving a lingering impression on the listener. It may be jarring to some casual listeners. But Metallica never shied away from surprising people.
While “Reload” came out just a year after its predecessor, it exemplified Metallica’s relentless drive to produce music. “The Memory Remains” reflects the band’s ability to collaborate with artists from different genres and produce something extraordinary. This fusion of styles and the band’s adaptability are among their many unique strengths.
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
Another song from Master of Puppets is Welcome Home (Sanitarium). The song was inspired by the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey. The song is written from the perspective of a patient locked up in a sanitarium.
Besides powerful lyrics, the song is incredible for playing as well. It starts quite slow, almost as a ballad. But as the song progresses it builds up tempo, and more distortion. The end of the song offers lightning-fast solos with a lot of tremolo picking.
It is a great way to learn since the first part of the song can be quite easy to play but it gets more challenging as the song goes on.
Shoot Me Again
https://youtube.com/watch?v=mZUf54dHVQY%3F
| Album | St. Anger |
| Tuning | C G C F A D |
| Tabs | View Shoot Me Again Tabs Here |
“Shoot Me Again” is a divisive track in Metallica’s catalog, with some fans considering it their least favorite. The song exudes a manic and chaotic aura, a stark departure from the band’s traditional sound. James Hetfield’s rare screaming vocals add to the song’s raw intensity, while the guitar work remains minimalistic. The track’s hardcore punk influence is palpable, adding a fresh dimension to the Metallica sound.
The backdrop of “St. Anger” is fascinating, as it was released amidst Metallica’s highly publicized dispute with Napster. This tumultuous period might have influenced the raw and unfiltered emotion evident in “Shoot Me Again.” The song, as polarizing as it is, pushes the band’s sonic limits. And it’s pretty easy to learn on guitar.
Shoot Me Again
Shoot Me Again is the seventh song on St. Anger, and it perfectly captures the entire album. One of the controversial topics at the time was drum sound and the absence of solos. On one hand, people criticized how drums sounded like empty cans, while on the other, they praised lack of solos, ballads, and pop influences.
The entire album is brutal and direct, and you either love it or hate it. There is no in-between. Shoot Me Again is a song that many claim was inspired by Metallica’s battle with Napster. The band sued the company for copyright infringement and how they allowed users to share their songs peer-to-peer.
As a result, the chorus says “shoot me again, I ain’t dead yet” which symbolizes how they are still standing after all that has happened.
Halo On Fire
https://youtube.com/watch?v=nTY_G6JM_7o%3F
| Album | Hardwired… To Self-Destruct |
| Tuning | E A D G B E |
| Tabs | View Halo On Fire Tabs Here |
“Halo On Fire,” from Metallica’s tenth studio album “Hardwired… To Self-Destruct,” is a masterclass in blending different tempos and moods. The song commences with a slow to mid-tempo rhythm, enveloping listeners in its melancholic embrace. Its apocalyptic chorus riffs, reminiscent of doom metal, add a haunting depth to the composition. As the track progresses, there’s a noticeable shift in energy, with the pace intensifying.
The “Hardwired… To Self-Destruct” album occupies a special place in the band’s discography. Drummer Lars Ulrich notably stated that it’s the album he has “the fewest issues with.” This sentiment speaks volumes about the album’s quality and cohesiveness. “Halo On Fire,” with its intricate layering and emotive resonance, exemplifies the album’s brilliance and Metallica’s enduring artistry.
Escape
https://youtube.com/watch?v=2k_aW1g0Z48%3F
| Album | Ride the Lightning |
| Tuning | E A D G B E |
| Tabs | View Escape Tabs Here |
“Escape” is a criminally underrated track from Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” album. Despite its captivating riffs, intriguing chord progressions, and memorable vocal melodies, the song is rarely (if ever) played live. James Hetfield’s reported dislike of the track might be a reason, but for many fans, it’s a favorite. The fact that it was written in the studio proves the band’s exceptional creativity. It’s been covered by hardcore legends Hatebreed and French metal luminaries Gojira.
Around this period, John Bush, known for his work with Armored Saint and Anthrax, declined an offer to join the band. Apparently, James Hetfield wanted to focus on rhythm guitar. But thanks to John Bush turning the offer down, we get to hear great Hetfield performances like this one. When students ask me for easy metal guitar songs to practice, this is one I often recommend to them.
The House Jack Built
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OhPMELgn3Fw%3F
| Album | Load |
| Tuning | Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb |
| Tabs | View The House Jack Built Tabs Here |
“The House Jack Built” is one of the moodier tracks from “Load.” Its deliberate pace, combined with the weight of its riffs, creates an atmosphere that’s both haunting and immersive. The song’s sonic landscape is further enriched by the use of flange and wah guitar effects, adding layers of texture.
“Load” as an album marked a notable shift for Metallica, both in terms of image and musical direction. The lyrics ventured into more socially conscious themes than normal for them, reflecting the band’s evolving perspectives. The music press made a big fuss over Metallica’s new look and sound during this time. But the band had been subtly integrating elements of classic rock and country into their music for years prior. “Load” was a natural progression more so than a radical departure in a lot of ways.
2×4
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yKnD3zLBQow%3F
| Album | Load |
| Tuning | Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb |
| Tabs | View 2×4 Tabs Here |
“2×4” is a track that captures the essence of Metallica’s exploration into new territories. The song’s foundation is built on straightforward riffs, which, while simple, are undeniably catchy. As track two on “Load,” it sets the tone for the album, with James Hetfield delivering a memorable vocal performance.
The “Load” album itself is a significant chapter in Metallica’s storied career. With its expansive duration, it holds the distinction of being their lengthiest album. Another notable aspect of “Load” is its introduction of the Eb standard tuning, a departure from their previous works. This change in tuning brought a fresh dimension to their music. The album, while a departure from their earlier thrash metal roots, highlighted Metallica’s adaptability and their commitment to musical growth.
Hit The Lights
Hit the Lights is a song from Metallica’s first album Kill ‘Em All. It was a song that dates back to Hetfield’s old band Leather Charm. They recorded the song with James on vocals, and it was one of two original songs they performed on their first gig.
The song was based on the previous version that was never finished which Hetfield and Hugh Tarner wrote. Hit the Lights starts with a drums fading in, and it’s played at 160 bpm. The main riff is played with 16th notes, and it is hard to play.
And if you consider that playing Metallica means playing downstrokes only, you can imagine how difficult it actually is.
Enter Sandman
| Album | Metallica (The Black Album) |
| Tuning | E A D G B E |
| Tabs | View Enter Sandman Tabs Here |
“Enter Sandman,” from the iconic “Black Album,” is arguably one of Metallica’s most recognizable tracks. Centered on E minor, the song frequently shifts up to F sharp. This adds a sense of unease that complements its nightmarish theme. The main hook’s blue note, a diminished 5th, adds a touch of bluesy darkness, making the riff unforgettable. This song, with its standard tuning, is a must-learn for budding guitarists due to its catchy riffs and iconic status.
Upon its release, “Enter Sandman” skyrocketed in popularity, becoming an anthem for rock enthusiasts worldwide. The song’s success wasn’t just due to its catchy riffs. Its thematic depth, exploring childhood fears and nightmares, resonated with many. For guitarists, mastering this track is mastering a piece of rock history.
The Unforgiven
The Unforgiven is another song from the Black Album, and it only shows its popularity and how impactful it was. The song is a power ballad, and it was written by Hetfield, Hammett, and Ulrich.
Interestingly, the horn you can hear in the intro was taken from the movie The Unforgiven, and it was reversed so they could hide the original source. The song deals with struggles, and internal fights against people who try to subjugate.
Over the years, The Unforgiven managed to stay among the most popular songs by Metallica, and they often played it live. It has an intro on the acoustic guitar and then goes into a heavier verse. It’s fun to play, and it is not as difficult as some other songs on the list.
Nothing Else Matters Guitar Chords with Lyrics
If you want to work on the intro, you can find the tabs here. Otherwise, you can find the Metallica chord progressions for the bulk of the song below.
Verse 1
So close no matter how far
Couldn’t be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters
Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don’t just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know
Verse 2
Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don’t just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know
Verse 3
So close no matter how far
Couldn’t be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
No nothing else matters
We also have Metallica’s Master of Puppets chords here!
Master of Puppets
Every metalhead is a fan of Master of Puppets because it has everything that you want from a song. There are powerful lyrics, a stunning solo, and the main riff that makes you want to pick up your guitar and start jamming. Metallica has played this song live the most out of any song they have ever recorded.
The song was released on the album of the same name in 1986 and Master of Puppets is talking to us about drugs. It shows how quickly drugs can change your life and how they will cause you to lose control so that eventually you become a puppet.
The most exciting part for any guitarist, no matter what skill level, is the spider riff. This is featured at the beginning of the song. There’s also a lot of downpicking so you will need to be familiar with this playing technique if you want to master this track.
All Nightmare Long
All Nightmare Long is the song from Death Magnetic which was Metallica’s ninth album. One of the unique things about the song is that it’s in drop D tuning, which isn’t something that old school fans are used to.
The song was released in 2008, and it was followed by a video directed by Roboshobo. Interestingly, the video shows an alternate history shown in a form of a mockumentary. The lyrics are inspired by H. P. Lovecraft and his Cthulhu mythos. More precisely about Hounds of Tindalos that are incorporated into the whole mythos.
The song is fast, filled with riffs, and fun to play. Needless to say, you’ll need to warm up your right hand to play this correctly.
Now That We’re Dead
https://youtube.com/watch?v=0Xu9-IC4GLw%3F
| Album | Hardwired… To Self-Destruct |
| Tuning | E A D G B E |
| Tabs | View Now That We’re Dead Tabs Here |
Kicking off with a captivating drum pattern, “Now That We’re Dead” immediately grabs the listener’s attention. The anthemic and melodic chorus stands out. It’s a heavy riff with a catchy hook, and ultimately a memorable piece in their vast and colorful discography. Metallica even delivered a powerful performance of the song on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
“Hardwired… To Self-Destruct” serves as Metallica’s tenth studio album. The over 70-minute long record proves their enduring relevance to metal and modern music in general. Garnering positive reviews, the album demonstrates the band’s commitment to producing quality music, even decades into their career. “Now That We’re Dead” is a shining example of their continued prowess and significance in the ever-evolving world of music.
The Memory Remains
The song is a lead single from Reload, and it was released in 1997. James believed that Marianne Faithfull could add that special something to the song, and he wasn’t wrong. Marianne did an incredible job setting up the whole eerie vibe of the song.
The primary theme of the song is about an artist who slowly loses fame which makes them go insane. For some reason, the song was never popular on their shows even though it was a success. It might be due to the fact that Jason Newstead disliked it.
If you are one of many people who love the song, the good news is that it’s not that hard to play. At least compared to their other songs.
Creeping Death
Creeping Death was released as a single in 1984 and on Ride the Lightning. The song was written from the Angel of Death’s perspective, and it is set in ancient Egypt. As you can probably guess, the song was heavily inspired (or based) on the Bible, and the Book of Exodus.
It talks about the Plagues of Egypt, and Kirk Hammett wrote the main riff when he was only sixteen years old. The song managed to reach the first place (on some lists) as Metallica’s best song. Creeping Death is usually among the top ten, and they often played it live.
The main inspiration for the song was the movie The Ten Commandments and the band decided to write the song about the plagues.
One
https://youtube.com/watch?v=2DwZzHimUlU%3F
| Album | …And Justice For All |
| Tuning | E A D G B E |
| Tabs | View One Tabs Here |
“One” from Metallica’s “…And Justice For All” album is a masterclass in dynamic songwriting. Known for its haunting music video and iconic double-bass drumming, the song starts in B minor, setting a somber tone. As it progresses, there’s a beautiful modulation to D mixolydian, displaying the band’s ability to seamlessly transition between scales. This modulation doesn’t just serve a musical purpose; it narratively shifts the song’s mood, preparing listeners for the impending intensity.
The bridge of “One” serves as a musical turning point, leading to the song’s explosive climax. By the end, the song transitions into E phrygian, culminating in a heavy rhythm that’s become emblematic of Metallica’s sound. For guitarists, the song’s standard tuning and diverse range of techniques make it essential to learn. While the song is rather easy, it does have a very challenging guitar solo.
Enter Sandman
Next up on our list of easy Metallica songs from the same album as Nothing Else Matters was Enter Sandman – the lead single from that album. The main theme of the song was written about a child’s nightmare and Hetfield was the one who originally penned the lyrics. The single Enter Sandman achieved platinum status in the US with more than one million copies sold.
Enter Sandman has music that was also written by Hetfield along with Kirk, Hammet and Ulrich. They said that the main power chords and riff featured in the track were inspired by Soundgarden. It’s easily one of the most popular Metallica songs out there today and the album was also a popular one too.
In the last part of the Enter Sandman song, there is a bedtime prayer included which is titled Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. The last part of Enter Sandman finishes off with a version of Hush Little Baby done in true James Hetfield style.