Seven Nation Army is one of the White Stripes’ best-known songs, featuring an instantly recognisable bass note riff that is easy to learn on guitar. This makes it an excellent song for new guitarists looking to expand their repertoire.
This song utilizes power chords as its foundation. Furthermore, there is a two chord bridge at the end of each verse as well as an interlude between verse two and three.
Guitar Riff
A guitar riff is the cornerstone of music. It establishes the musical theme and serves as a supporting riff for soloists. Seven Nation Army from The White Stripes stands out for this reason, with its easy yet catchy descending riff becoming one of the most recognized sounds from this decade and contributing to Jack White becoming an acknowledged modern electric guitarist hero. If you are just beginning your guitar playing career, Seven Nation Army makes for an excellent introduction as its simple tune can easily be internalized and learned.
Learning a riff requires patience and practice; by working at it every day, it will eventually become easy for you to play. Listening to it multiple times may also help with memorizing it and improving timing; additionally it would be helpful if a metronome were used while practicing this riff.
Bass Riff
The bass riff that starts this song is straightforward to learn and fits seamlessly with its rhythm. Use a metronome or drum machine to fine-tune your timing!
This riff also uses a power chord, a two-finger chord often used for loud, fast songs. Power chords can be learned quickly if they’re unfamiliar and are essential skills for any guitarist.
Jack White used his DigiTech Whammy pedal to drop the bass note an octave for this song, creating an unnerved tone that stands in stark contrast with vocals and other instruments in the track. However, you can play this riff just as easily using standard tuning; all it requires is more finger movement across fretboard. Experiment both versions to determine what feels best to you!
Power Chords
Power chords are a staple in rock music, especially when combined with distortion. Their simple shapes make them easy to play up and down the fretboard; making these chords ideal for beginning musicians as only two fingers and comfortable fretting positions are needed to play them effectively.
Rock You Like A Hurricane by AC/DC features a catchy rhythmic riff featuring three standard power chords moved around as staccatos, and Whole Lotta Rosie by the Kinks also employs power chords in an interesting manner with interesting chord movements and palm mutes for transitions.
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes is an iconic song that employs power chords, known to nearly everyone on earth and featuring an easily learnable riff. Joan Jett’s Crimson And Clover from her classic riot grrrl period can also provide excellent practice with power chords; you can practice bending strings using middle and index finger as you play these power chords!
Guitar Solo
This song boasts an unforgettable guitar solo that perfectly complements its sound. Although challenging at times due to going high up the neck, once mastered it sounds amazing! Furthermore, practicing string bending – an integral component of lead playing and something you should strive to perfect as often as possible – provides another opportunity to gain experience and become better lead guitarist.
This song’s main riff and chords should not prove too difficult for beginner guitarists, although its heavy use of power chords and drop D tuning may present challenges to beginners.
This song boasts a catchy and unforgettable guitar riff that most can recognize, while its main solo is not too complex either, showing how an effective solo doesn’t have to involve any uncontrolled string bends – in fact, often more impressive for listeners is an aesthetically-pleasing approach that utilizes careful consideration than excessive shredding.