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

Angel Of DeathSLAYER

Angel Of Death

It’s a song by the American band Slayer, known as one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal.

While its extreme lyrics have sometimes sparked backlash, it’s also hailed as a “masterpiece in the history of thrash metal.” Regardless of how one evaluates the song itself, it unquestionably demands considerable guitar technique.

At a blistering BPM of 210 and featuring twin guitars, even power chords require rapid changes and impeccably precise picking.

It may be a bit challenging to play purely for fun, but it’s a highly rewarding piece to tackle for improving your skills.

Still WaitingSUM41

Sum 41 – Still Waiting

A song by the Canadian rock band Sum 41.

Although short, it’s a fast-paced, full-bodied track, and the power chords in the chorus sound really cool.

Since it mainly features fundamental rock guitar techniques—an exchange of palm muting and power chords—it’s a great recommendation for those practicing guitar.

In the interlude, an octave technique is used where the fifth is muted from the power chord shape, but because the finger positioning is not much different from a power chord, it’s easy to play.

I Fought The LawThe Clash

The Clash – I Fought the Law (Official Video)

Alongside the Sex Pistols and The Damned, The Clash are hailed as one of the three great London punk bands, achieving success not only in their home country of the UK but also in the United States.

Their single “I Fought the Law,” released on February 29, 1988, is known as a classic rock song that has since been covered by numerous artists.

The power-chord riff heard in the intro, with its slide-driven groove, really amps up the energy.

With its catchy melody and ensemble that sticks in your head, it’s a number that makes you want to sing along.

Hard Rock HallelujahLordi

Lordi – Hard Rock Hallelujah

A number by the Finnish hard rock band Lordi, it was released as a single in 2006 and went on to win that year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

Lordi, influenced by the American rock band KISS, are also known for their strong commitment to costumes.

The overall vibe of this track also evokes KISS, with guitar sounds featuring riff work and tones reminiscent of American rock.

If you play it with an eye on an 8-beat feel in an ’80s style, it’ll be spot on.

VertigoU2

U2 – Vertigo (Official Music Video)

U2 is a rock band that holds the record for the most Grammy Awards won by an artist group and has enjoyed long-lasting popularity with a rock sound that evokes the atmosphere of their home country, Ireland.

Vertigo, the lead single from their 11th album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, is a track whose straightforward rock ensemble amps up the energy.

The guitar riff in the intro, which doubles the bass to add thickness, is simple—made up only of power chords—yet its choice of notes is brilliantly memorable.

It’s a stylish rock tune that was also featured in Apple’s iPod commercial.

Stand Up And ShoutDio

Stand Up And Shout

Dio is the band formed by Ronnie James Dio, the vocalist known for his work with Black Sabbath and Rainbow and highly regarded beyond the hard rock and heavy metal realms.

This is a track from their first album.

In the heyday of hard rock, the guitar naturally forms the core of the backing sound.

The backing is mainly an 8-beat pattern that builds by adding higher notes over a pedal tone, but because the tempo is fast, it may be far from a “just have fun playing it” situation to keep it solid.

In terms of feel, the song is close to Deep Purple’s Burn.

Breaking The LawJudas Priest

Judas Priest – Breaking The Law (Official Music Video)

When you think of Judas Priest, you might strongly associate them with heavy metal because they’re led by Rob Halford, the so-called “Metal God.” However, this song isn’t heavy at all, and if you like rock, it’s very approachable.

It runs about two and a half minutes, has no guitar solo, and while there are some simple single-note riffs in the backing, it’s mostly power-chord chugs and sustained chords.

It’s a song I recommend even to those who haven’t listened to much heavy metal.