[2025] Classic and modern Western hits with badass power chords: from timeless standards to recent favorites

Whole Lotta LoveLed Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love (Official Music Video)

This is the opening track of Led Zeppelin’s second album, released in 1969 by the legendary British rock band.

The guitar riff built around a roaring E power chord from the intro leaves an unforgettable impact the moment you hear it.

Its simple yet earth-crawling heaviness gives the entire song an overwhelming power.

The catharsis when the riff returns after the dreamlike middle section is exceptional.

Robert Plant’s searing cries evoke an eruption of irrepressible affection, fiercely shaking the listener’s soul.

Iron ManBlack Sabbath

BLACK SABBATH – “Iron Man” from The End (Live Video)

One of the famous songs by Black Sabbath, the British rock band formed by Ozzy Osbourne and often called the pioneers of heavy metal.

Guitarist Tony Iommi was one of the people who popularized the use of power chords.

While power chords are commonly played as three-note shapes—root + fifth + octave root—Tony often used a simpler two-note shape of root + fifth, which used to be called a “fifth chord.” By reducing it to two notes, he was able to incorporate extensive left-hand slides and other techniques, leading to Tony’s distinctive riff-making style.

Stacy’s MomFountains of Wayne

Fountains Of Wayne – Stacy’s Mom (Official Music Video)

This is a smash hit released in 2003 by the American power-pop band Fountains of Wayne.

From the intro, the palm-muted power chords are irresistibly catchy and stick in your head.

The exhilarating riff is said to be an homage to The Cars, who influenced the songwriter.

Simple as it is, it gives the entire track a refreshing sense of drive.

The lyrics depict the bittersweet fantasies of a boy infatuated with his friend Stacy’s mom.

His ulterior motive—using excuses like “Can I come over after school?” just to see her—rides atop the bright, crisp guitar sound, turning it into an irresistibly endearing story.

You Really Got MeThe Kinks

The Kinks – You Really Got Me (Official Audio)

When it comes to the original power chord in rock history, it’s this song! It’s a revolutionary number released in 1964 by the legendary British band The Kinks.

The gritty, aggressive guitar tone—said to have been created when guitarist Dave Davies slashed his amp’s speaker—is downright iconic.

And yet, riding atop that ferocious sound are lyrics that confess an utterly straightforward, helpless love: “I’m completely crazy about you.” That uncontrollable, impulsive feeling fuses with the simple yet powerful riff and seems to pierce straight into the listener’s heart.

The intense sound and the pure lyrics—this seemingly unbalanced mix works together perfectly.

Anarchy In The UKSEX PISTOLS

Sex Pistols – Anarchy In The UK

This is the debut single by the Sex Pistols, a quintessential London punk band whose short-lived career had a massive impact on both the music scene and fashion—they were a truly charismatic presence.

For many people, this is the first song that comes to mind when they think of London punk.

Punk itself was an antithesis to “technical playing,” and the riff can be played almost entirely with power chords; there’s also a single-note guitar solo that’s extremely simple, making it a very approachable song for beginner guitarists.

Molly’s ChambersKings Of Leon

Kings Of Leon – Molly’s Chambers (VIDEO)

This is a powerful number bursting with garage rock energy that marked the beginning of the American rock band Kings of Leon’s career.

The source of the song’s coolness is its ultra-simple riff that relentlessly pounds out an F-sharp power chord! The palm-muted, tightly chugging riff leaves a searing impression that sticks in your head after just one listen.

The title “Molly’s Chambers” is said to be an old slang term meaning “brothel.” Combined with the lyrics’ worldview, it brilliantly conveys the restless urgency and dangerous allure of youth.

Crank out that wild riff on guitar and your spirits are guaranteed to soar!

RumbleLink Wray

Link Wray – Rumble [HQ – Best Version]

This is a legendary instrumental track by American guitarist Link Wray—one that could be said to have changed the history of rock guitar.

Despite having no lyrics, its brutally aggressive sound was thought to “encourage juvenile delinquency,” and there are stories that many radio stations banned it from airplay.

The distorted tone—said to have been created by poking holes in the speaker with a pencil—and the groove pounded out by just a few simple power chords are the very essence of “Rumble,” like a gang fight.

Some even say this song marks the birth of the power chord.

It’s a masterpiece, so beginners on guitar should definitely try learning it!