The Top 50 Intermediate Electric Guitar Songs

Table of Contents

studentofguitar-woman playing intermediate electric guitar songs

Ready to rock your way through intermediate electric guitar songs?

You’ve come to the right place!

Tackling songs at this level is a fantastic way to level up your guitar skills and dive into the vast world of music.

We’ve handpicked the top 50 intermediate electric guitar songs from various genres, boasting iconic riffs, impressive solos, and a range of techniques to challenge and inspire you.

As you explore these tunes, you’ll sharpen your playing abilities and develop a greater appreciation for the electric guitar’s incredible versatility.

So, strap on your guitar, and let’s amp up the fun on this exciting journey of musical growth and discovery!

And if you are looking for a Spotify playlist of these songs, we’ve got it for you:

1. “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream

Sunshine of Your Love (Full Song Lesson & Cover) W/ TAB

“Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream guitar tab

This classic riff-driven song features a catchy bluesy groove, making it an excellent choice for intermediate players looking to expand their blues-rock repertoire.

Focus on mastering the main riff and incorporating some vibrato for added style.

2. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses

Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine - Guitar Tab (remake) | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses guitar tab

Known for its memorable opening riff and powerful solos, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” will challenge intermediate players with finger dexterity and string skipping.

The mix of arpeggios, bends, and slides will help you build your foundation in rock guitar techniques.

Practice the intro riff slowly and gradually increase the speed.

3. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin - Black Dog - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin guitar tab

Featuring a syncopated riff and a mix of power chords and single notes, “Black Dog” requires precision and timing.

Concentrate on the rhythm and practice with a metronome to improve your accuracy.

4. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits

Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits guitar tab

Mark Knopfler’s fingerpicking style on this classic track makes it a perfect challenge for intermediate players.

The song features intricate riffs and solos, offering ample opportunities to develop your picking and fretting techniques.

5. “Californication” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers | Fingerstyle Guitar | TAB + Chords + Lyrics

“Californication” by Red Hot Chili Peppers guitar tab

This moody, melodic song features arpeggiated chords and a catchy solo.

Practice the chord changes and solo slowly, then gradually increase the tempo.

6. “Hotel California” by Eagles

“Hotel California” by Eagles guitar tab

Known for its iconic solos and harmonized guitar parts, “Hotel California” will challenge intermediate players with its mix of fingerpicking and lead guitar techniques.

Break the song down into sections and practice each piece individually.

7. “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under the Bridge - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers guitar tab

In this Red Hot Chili Peppers classic, John Frusciante’s melodic guitar style shines through.

The song’s clean and funky riffs, as well as its furious solos, make it ideal for intermediate players wishing to expand their repertoire.

8. “Layla” by Derek and The Dominos

Eric Clapton / Derek & the Dominos - Layla (Electric) - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Layla” by Derek and The Dominos guitar tab

Eric Clapton’s masterpiece, “Layla,” is a fantastic tune for intermediate players to learn.

The song’s iconic opening riff, powerful chords, and expressive solos will help you sharpen your blues-rock chops.

Work on nailing the main riff and injecting your own personality into the solos.

9. “Alive” by Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam - Alive - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial | Donner DST-400

“Alive” by Pearl Jam guitar tab

Alive” showcases Mike McCready’s tasteful guitar work and offers intermediate players a chance to delve into the world of grunge.

Concentrate on the main riff’s rhythm and divide the solo into smaller portions for easier rehearsal.

10. “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix guitar tab

“Purple Haze,” with its distinctive entrance riff and unique chord structures, will push intermediate players to think beyond the box.

Pay attention to the subtleties of Hendrix’s playing and try out alternative ways.

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11. “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult

Play Along to Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult | Lead and Rhythm Guitar Lesson / Cover

“Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Öyster Cult guitar tab

This song features a mesmerizing riff and a solo with exciting phrasing.

Intermediate players can work on maintaining the groove and practice the solo in smaller segments to improve their phrasing skills.

12. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana

Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana guitar tab

With its iconic power chord progression and energetic solo, this song is perfect for intermediate players looking to dive into grunge.

Focus on the dynamics of the power chords and experiment with the solo’s effects.

13. “Back in Black” by AC/DC

AC/DC - Back in Black - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Back in Black” by AC/DC guitar tab

This hard rock anthem features a driving riff and a melodic solo.

Intermediate players can focus on playing the riff with precision and building up speed gradually for the solo.

14. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica

Metallica - Enter Sandman - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Enter Sandman” by Metallica guitar tab

With its catchy main riff and fast-paced solo, “Enter Sandman” provides a great opportunity for intermediate players to practice their palm muting and alternate picking techniques.

Break down the solo into smaller parts for easier learning.

15. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin guitar tab

Arguably one of the most famous rock songs ever, “Stairway to Heaven” offers a mix of acoustic and electric guitar parts that intermediate players can sink their teeth into.

Jimmy Page’s intricate fingerpicking and memorable solo will help you develop your technique and phrasing.

Practice the intro slowly and work on adding expression to the solo.

16. “Day Tripper” by The Beatles

Day Tripper - The Beatles | guitar tab easy

“Day Tripper” by The Beatles guitar tab

“Day Tripper” is an excellent tune for intermediate players wishing to enhance their rhythm and lead guitar skills, with a catchy, syncopated main riff and a melodic solo.

Concentrate on the main riff’s timing and practice the solo at a comfortable tempo.

17. “Black Magic Woman” by Santana

BLACK MAGIC WOMAN - Guitar intro solo lesson with tabs - Carlos Santana - (fast and slow version )

“Black Magic Woman” by Santana guitar tab

This sultry, Latin-influenced song features a smooth, melodic solo that intermediate players can use to work on their phrasing and bending techniques.

Pay attention to Santana’s signature vibrato and try to emulate it.

18. “Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie

Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie - Guitar Cover/Lesson + TAB || Electric & Acoustic Guitar Playthrough

“Ziggy Stardust” by David Bowie guitar tab

With its memorable riffs and melodic guitar lines, “Ziggy Stardust” is perfect for intermediate players looking to expand their glam rock repertoire.

Concentrate on the rhythm and chord changes, and practice the lead lines slowly.

19. “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden - The Trooper - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“The Trooper” by Iron Maiden guitar tab

This heavy metal classic features fast-paced riffs and harmonized guitar parts that will challenge intermediate players.

Work on alternate picking and palm muting, and break down the harmonized sections into smaller portions for easier practice.

20. “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd guitar tab

Known for its iconic guitar solos, “Comfortably Numb” is an excellent song for intermediate players to develop their soloing skills.

Focus on the dynamics and phrasing of the solos, and practice each in smaller sections.

21. “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie

Rebel Rebel Guitarra Cover Tablatura David Bowie

“Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie guitar tab

Featuring a catchy main riff and a simple but effective solo, “Rebel Rebel” is perfect for intermediate players looking to improve their glam rock skills.

Concentrate on playing the riff precisely and adding some flair to the solo.

22. “Cocaine” by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton: Cocaine - Guitar Solo with Tabs

“Cocaine” by Eric Clapton guitar tab

With its driving rhythm and bluesy solo, “Cocaine” is a great song for intermediate players to develop their blues-rock chops.

Focus on the dynamics of the main riff and practice the solo at a comfortable tempo.

Check out this Fender Artist Series Eric Clapton Stratocaster on Guitar Center:

23. “La Grange” by ZZ Top

ZZ Top - La Grange - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial | Donner

“La Grange” by ZZ Top guitar tab

This blues-rock staple features a groovy main riff and a tasteful solo.

Intermediate players can work on mastering the main riff and applying proper dynamics while also focusing on the phrasing and timing of the solo.

24. “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots

Stone Temple Pilots - Plush (Guitar Cover) (Play Along Tabs In Video)

“Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots guitar tab

This grunge-era classic features Dean DeLeo’s melodic guitar work and is a great choice for intermediate musicians.

“Plush” includes a variety of chord progressions and lead lines to help you enhance your playing dynamics.

Focus on the riff’s dynamics and the solo’s chord transitions.

25. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC

AC/DC - Highway to Hell - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Highway to Hell” by AC/DC guitar tab

With its driving rhythm and catchy solo, “Highway to Hell” is an excellent song for intermediate players to develop their hard rock chops.

The song’s driving rhythm and Angus Young’s signature licks will improve your sense of timing and articulation.

Practice the main riff precisely, and break down the solo into smaller sections for easier learning.

26. “Creep” by Radiohead

Creep - Radiohead | Fingerstyle Guitar | TAB + Chords + Lyrics

“Creep” by Radiohead guitar tab

Known for its haunting arpeggiated chords and dynamic changes, “Creep” is an excellent song for intermediate players to work on fingerpicking and chord progression skills.

Pay attention to the dynamics and chord transitions.

27. “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits

Dire Straits - Money for Nothing - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits guitar tab

Featuring a signature fingerpicked intro riff and a melodic solo, “Money for Nothing” is a great song for intermediate players looking to improve their fingerpicking technique and lead guitar skills.

Focus on the unique picking pattern and practice the solo at a comfortable tempo.

28. “Barracuda” by Heart

Barracuda - Heart - Guitar + Bass TABS Lesson

“Barracuda” by Heart guitar tab

With its galloping rhythm and intricate guitar parts, “Barracuda” challenges intermediate players to develop their hard rock skills.

Concentrate on the timing of the main riff and practice the harmonized sections slowly.

29. “Tom Sawyer” by Rush

Tom Sawyer - RUSH - Guitar + Bass TABS Lesson

“Tom Sawyer” by Rush guitar tab

This progressive rock classic features complex riffs and time signature changes, providing an excellent opportunity for intermediate players to improve their technical skills.

Break down the song into smaller sections and practice each part with a metronome.

30. “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” by Van Halen

Ain't Talkin' 'bout love Guitar Tab by Abraham Myers and Joey McNew #vanhalen #guitartab #evh

“Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” by Van Halen guitar tab

With its iconic palm-muted riff and melodic solo, “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” is perfect for intermediate players developing their hard rock techniques.

Focus on the palm muting and work on the solo’s phrasing and timing.

31. “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks

You Really Got Me - The Kinks | guitar tab easy

“You Really Got Me” by The Kinks guitar tab

This early rock classic features a driving riff and a simple but effective solo.

Intermediate players can work on maintaining the groove and adding some flair to the solo.

32. “Everlong” by Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters - Everlong - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Everlong” by Foo Fighters guitar tab

“Everlong” is a wonderful song for intermediate musicians to strengthen their alternative rock skills, thanks to its powerful rhythm and catchy guitar lines.

Concentrate on the primary riff’s rhythm and timing, and divide the solo into smaller portions.

33. “I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick

I Want You To Want Me by Cheap Trick - Guitar Lesson

“I Want You to Want Me” by Cheap Trick guitar tab

“I Want You to Want Me” is ideal for intermediate players wishing to enhance their power pop repertoire, with a catchy riff and a melodic solo.

Concentrate on the main riff’s precision and timing, and rehearse the solo at a comfortable tempo.

34. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses

Guns N' Roses - Knockin' on Heaven's Door - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N’ Roses guitar tab

This hard rock version of Bob Dylan’s classic has a powerful solo that intermediate guitarists can use to hone their soloing abilities.

Concentrate on the solo’s phrasing and dynamics, and rehearse it in smaller portions.

35. “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top

SHARP DRESSED MAN 🎸 ZZ TOP (INTRO RIFF + TAB)

“Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top guitar tab

“Sharp Dressed Man” is a great song for intermediate musicians who want to hone their blues-rock skills.

Concentrate on the timing of the main riff and the phrasing and bends in the solo.

36. “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest

JUDAS PRIEST - Breaking the law [GUITAR COVER + TAB]

“Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest guitar tab

This heavy metal classic features a driving riff and a melodic solo that will challenge intermediate players to improve their metal techniques.

Concentrate on the palm-muted rhythm and break down the solo into smaller sections for easier practice.

37. “Run to You” by Bryan Adams

“Run to You” by Bryan Adams guitar tab

“Run to You” is a wonderful tune for intermediate players wishing to broaden their rock repertoire, thanks to its catchy main riff and melodic solo.

Concentrate on the main riff’s timing and practice the solo at a comfortable tempo.

38. “Message in a Bottle” by The Police

THE POLICE - Message in a Bottle [GUITAR COVER + TAB]

“Message in a Bottle” by The Police guitar tab

Known for its intricate arpeggiated chords and memorable lead lines, “Message in a Bottle” is an excellent song for intermediate players to develop fingerpicking and lead guitar skills.

Pay attention to the chord transitions and practice the lead lines slowly.

39. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin guitar tab

This hard rock classic has a driving riff and a wah-wah-infused solo, making it ideal for intermediate musicians to hone their rhythm and lead skills.

During the solo, focus on the timing of the main riff and experiment with the wah-wah pedal.

40. “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan - Pride and Joy - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan guitar tab

A blues-rock classic, “Pride and Joy,” is an essential track for intermediate players wanting to develop their blues chops.

The song’s shuffle rhythm and signature licks will help you master essential blues techniques like bends, slides, and double stops.

Focus on the rhythm and timing of the main riff, and practice the solo’s bends and vibrato.

41. “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne guitar tab

Randy Rhoads’ iconic riffs and solos on “Crazy Train” make it an excellent choice for intermediate guitarists exploring heavy metal.

The song’s galloping rhythm and challenging solos will test your picking accuracy and speed.

Work on the palm-muted rhythm and break down the solo into smaller sections for easier practice.

42. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

Seven Nation Army (Cover With Tab)

“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes guitar tab

With its memorable bass-driven riff and simple but effective solo, “Seven Nation Army” is perfect for intermediate players looking to improve their alternative rock skills.

Focus on the timing and dynamics of the main riff and practice the solo at a comfortable tempo.

43. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath - Paranoid - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“Paranoid” by Black Sabbath guitar tab

This heavy metal classic features a driving riff and a melodic solo that will challenge intermediate players to improve their metal techniques.

With its driving rhythm and iconic riffs, “Paranoid” is one of the fantastic intermediate electric guitar songs for guitarists looking to dive into heavy metal.

Concentrate on the palm-muted rhythm and break down the solo into smaller sections for more straightforward practice.

44. “Roxanne” by The Police

Roxanne (Cover With Tab)

“Roxanne” by The Police guitar tab

Known for its syncopated rhythm and catchy lead lines, “Roxanne” is an excellent song for intermediate players to develop their rhythm and lead guitar skills.

Focus on the timing of the main riff and practice the lead lines slowly.

45. “More Than a Feeling” by Boston

Boston - More Than a Feeling - Guitar Tab | Lesson | Cover | Tutorial

“More Than a Feeling” by Boston guitar tab

Featuring a melodic intro riff and an iconic solo, “More Than a Feeling” is perfect for intermediate players looking to expand their classic rock repertoire.

Pay attention to the chord transitions in the intro and practice the solo at a comfortable tempo.

46. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden (Guitar Lesson + Tab)

“Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden guitar tab

With its haunting chord progression and melodic solo, “Black Hole Sun” is a great song for intermediate players looking to improve their grunge techniques.

Focus on the dynamics of the chords and work on the phrasing of the solo.

47. “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine

Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name - Guitar Tab | Drop D | Lesson | Cover |Tutorial

“Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine guitar tab

“Killing in the Name” is perfect for intermediate players experimenting with alternative metal techniques, featuring a driving riff and a unique, effects-laden solo.

Focus on the aggressive rhythm and work on incorporating the wah-wah pedal during the solo.

48. “Limelight” by Rush

#1. RUSH - "Limelight": rhythm guitar + tab LIVE

“Limelight” by Rush guitar tab

With its intricate riffs and melodic solo, “Limelight” is a great song for intermediate players to develop their progressive rock chops.

Break down the piece into smaller sections and practice each part with a metronome to ensure proper timing.

49. “Yellow Ledbetter” by Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam - Yellow Ledbetter intro (slow + Play Along Tab)

“Yellow Ledbetter” by Pearl Jam guitar tab

Featuring Hendrix-inspired riffs and a soulful solo, “Yellow Ledbetter” is an excellent track for intermediate players to learn.

This Pearl Jam tune will help you improve your chord embellishments and string-bending techniques.

50. “Snow (Hey Oh)” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

RHCP - Snow (hey oh) (Guitar lesson with TAB)

“Snow (Hey Oh)” by Red Hot Chili Peppers guitar tab

John Frusciante’s rapid-fire chord changes in “Snow (Hey Oh)” make it a challenging yet rewarding piece for intermediate players.

The song’s clean, syncopated rhythm will test your fretting hand dexterity.

Unveiling The Intermediate Electric Guitar Songs: Selection Criteria and Benefits

Discovering the perfect intermediate electric guitar songs can be a game-changer for players looking to expand their skills and explore new musical genres.

Key criteria for selecting intermediate electric guitar songs:

Difficulty Level

  • Challenging enough to help players grow, yet not overly complicated.
  • Catchy riffs, melodic solos, and interesting techniques.
  • Accessible to players with some experience.

Variety

  • Encompass different musical genres for diverse tastes and exploration.
  • Rock, blues, metal, and alternative.
  • Develop a well-rounded skill set and maintain engaging practice sessions.

Availability Of Tutorials

  • Ensure easy access to step-by-step instructions and practice videos.
  • Enhance learning experience for intermediate electric guitar songs.

Mastering the Art of Intermediate Electric Guitar Songs

Set Achievable Goals

Setting realistic goals for yourself is crucial when working on intermediate electric guitar songs.

Break the songs into smaller sections, and focus on mastering each part before moving on to the next.

Remember, progress takes time, so be patient and enjoy the journey.

Prioritize Technique

As you progress to more complicated guitar playing, maintaining proper technique becomes increasingly crucial.

To play successfully and efficiently, pay attention to the accuracy of your picking hand, finger positioning, and general posture.

Investigate Diverse Genres

The universe of intermediate electric guitar music is large and varied.

Explore several genres to broaden your musical knowledge and increase your versatility as a guitarist.

The top 50 list has something for everyone, from classic rock to blues, alternative, and beyond.

Practice Regularly

Consistency is key when it comes to developing your guitar skills.

Aim to practice daily, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.

Regular practice will help you internalize new techniques and build muscle memory, making your playing more fluid and natural.

Learn From Others

Learning from fellow musicians is one of the best ways to grow as a guitarist.

Join online forums, attend local jam sessions, or enroll in a guitar class to connect with others who share your passion.

You can also read our blogs to discover new things about the guitar world.

You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn from these things.

Experiment With Gear

Feel free to experiment with different guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals to find the perfect combination that suits your style and sound.

Intermediate Electric Guitar Songs: Conclusion

There you have it, the Top 50 Intermediate Electric Guitar Songs that will help you develop your playing skills across various genres.

Remember to practice the songs slowly and focus on techniques, timing, and dynamics.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process!

Got your favorite song or genre that you love to play on your guitar?

Share it in the comment section to if you think it should be on our best intermediate electrical guitar songs list!

And if you enjoyed this list, you may also enjoy our top acoustic guitar love songs list or our advanced guitar songs list too!

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