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

Du HastRAMMSTEIN

Rammstein – Du Hast (Official 4K Video)

This is a track from the German rock band Rammstein’s 1997 album “Sehnsucht,” which was also released as a single.

The band is known for extreme themes—such as sexual abuse—and live performances featuring flamethrowers, and this song is equally intense in sound.

The guitar part is almost entirely a chugging, crunchy riff, with many sections where the guitar drops out altogether.

It’s the kind of song where the vibe is hard to replicate, but it may help to focus all your energy on playing that riff with absolute concentration.

Bulls On ParadeRage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine – Bulls On Parade (Official HD Video)

Also known as mixture rock or alternative metal, this is a song by Rage Against the Machine that exudes a unique presence with its aggressive, rap-style lyrics.

Matching the band’s songs and vocal style in impact, guitarist Tom Morello’s approach is innovative; in this track, the interlude features tricky playing that sounds like record scratching.

The backing is primarily simple power chords, so if you lock in tightly with the rhythm section, you’ll create a powerful groove.

LinoleumNOFX

Linoleum

This is the opening track from NOFX’s 1994 album Punk in Drublic, by a band that’s considered a pioneer of so-called “melo-core,” or melodic hardcore.

With its fast tempo, poppy melodies, harmonies, and short 2:10 runtime, it’s packed with everything that screams “this is melo-core.” If you like bands like Japan’s 10-FEET, this track will be right up your alley.

Performance-wise, there’s nothing particularly difficult here, so focus on the groove.

Aim for a slightly scooped sound that isn’t harsh, and use a high-output amp like a Marshall to crank the presence—playing it with energy will capture the vibe.

A New LevelPantera

A New Level

A track from the American heavy metal band Pantera’s sixth album, “Vulgar Display of Power.” Following the success of their previous album, “Cowboys from Hell,” guitarist Dimebag Darrell, in particular, drew attention as a new guitar hero.

His riff work is especially stunning—massive like a heavy tank yet sharply chopped—and while his sound design and approach to harmonics are distinctive, what stands out first is his right-hand picking speed; it sounds controlled more by quickness than by force.

In contrast to the weighty riffing, the flowing guitar solo also seems like a rewarding challenge for guitarists.

American IdiotGreen Day

Green Day – American Idiot [Official Music Video] [4K Upgrade]

Among Green Day’s many hit songs, this one ranks among the most well-known.

Released in 2004, it served as both the title track and the opening number of the hugely successful album of the same name.

Lyrically, it carried a hint of anger—reflecting the band’s criticism of the administration at the time—so it’s not just their trademark “unbridled brightness.” That said, there’s no need to tense up when playing the guitar; relax and strum those power chords.

Green Day’s other songs aren’t particularly difficult either, making them perfect for beginners to start learning guitar.

(SIC)Slipknot

Slipknot – (Sic) (Audio)

A song from Slipknot’s 1999 debut album, by the band also known for having a large lineup with each member wearing a different mask during performances.

While it’s hard to pin them down to a single genre, what’s consistent is their ferocious intensity.

There are parts that use single-note riffs and tricky techniques, but basically, you’ll want to hammer out an unrelentingly heavy straight 8-beat—as if swinging a scythe.

Not in a sloppy way, but with everyone lining up the moment of the downward strike.

The Beautiful PeopleMarilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson – The Beautiful People

The lead single from the second album by Marilyn Manson, the American rock band with a cult following.

Known for their provocative visuals, lyrics, and sound, this track is also quite aggressive.

The guitar tone has a very heavy low end, and it likely makes extensive use of power chords by barring the 4th to 6th strings with a single finger in drop D tuning.

With the intense distortion, achieving clear dynamics through muting—using both the right and left hands—will be key to playing the guitar parts effectively.