Learn how to play "Smoke on The Water" by Deep Purple on the guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Smoke on The Water on the guitar. This iconic tune by Deep Purple is probably one of the most played guitar riffs of all time.

The Main Riff

We'll start with the main riff. This is the part of the song that is most recognizable and often the first thing people learn when they pick up this song. What's interesting is that many people learn the main riff and don't learn the rest of the song. But the rest of the song isn't very difficult at all. So, after you've finished learning the main riff, check out the rest of the song because it's fun to play and not tricky.

The Verse and the Chorus

Moving on to the verse, it's using a G and an F power chord. It's important to mute it after playing the sixth string, fifth string, and fourth string. In between the chords, it's just a case of relaxing the hand and the fingers. They're staying in position but then relaxing the pressure there, which helps make the mute happen.

The chorus uses a C power chord, an A flat power chord, and then a riff using similar notes to the little intro thing. Each note is played on the beat. So, have one, two, three, four, and then this riff.

A Bonus Trick

If you're feeling adventurous, I have a clever clogs thing you might want to check out. Once you've played the riff, the bass comes in doing continuous notes there. If you're using your fingers to pick the main riff, you can use your thumb to play that bass note and do them both at the same time. It takes a bit of practice, but it just fattens it up a bit. It's a fun thing to do.

Final Thoughts

I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun playing this tune. It really is probably one of the biggest guitar riffs of all time and definitely worth having in your repertoire. You know, if you're going to try and do it properly, just like the record, you're going to have to listen to the original recording a bunch of times because it's not just the right notes in the right place; it's getting the feel of it right.

Don't forget to check out the video, where we'll learn everything in detail. Rock on!

💡 Get verified chords, lyrics, and tabs for Smoke on The Water and loads of other song lessons! Try out JustinGuitarTabs for free!