Guitar Tricks That Appear More Complex Than They Actually Are

Are you a beginner guitarist searching for pieces that sound impressive but are surprisingly easy to learn? Or are you an experienced player curious about techniques that might be more straightforward than they seem?

This article delves into some guitar tricks that might sound more complicated than they actually are. We will explore popular riffs and techniques that could impress any guitarist, whether you are just starting to pick up the instrument or are a seasoned pro looking to keep things fresh.

Popular Riffs That Sound Complex, But Aren't

Many guitarists knowand even playfamous riffs that sound much more complicated than their complexity suggests. Consider classics like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Seven Nation Army,” “Teen Spirit,” “Layla,” “Losing My Religion,” and “Dust in the Wind.” These songs are known for their iconic riffs, which might seem challenging at first but, with practice, can be mastered by any guitarist.

Great riffs often catch the ear, creating lasting impressions. However, it's one thing to recognize a simple riff and another to create one. There are, however, riffs that are both enticing and uncomplicated. These riffs are so simple that they can stump opponents, leaving seasoned players intrigued and engaged in a fun conversation.

Let's dive into some of these seemingly complex licks that are surprisingly easy:

“Stairway to Heaven” Chord Progression: The iconic opening riff of “Stairway to Heaven” might sound intricate upon first listen, but it's simply a C power chord followed by an A power chord. The gospel-style opening is surprisingly straightforward. “Seven Nation Army” Rim Shot: The drum rhythm and guitar part on this song are deceptively simple. The guitar part is just a rhythmic tapping of the strings, creating the distinctive sound. “Layla” Riff: Eric Clapton's signature opening riff in “Layla” is built on a simple three-note pattern that repeats throughout the song. Once you break it down, it's not nearly as complex as it first appears.

The Fascination of Easy-to-Hard Tricks

Some guitar techniques are particularly captivating because they look difficult but are actually relatively simple. Let's explore a few such techniques:

Finger Tapping

Pinch Tapping: Often considered a complex technique, pinch tapping, also known as tap and strum, can be surprisingly easy once you master a few simple steps. It involves picking a string with the thumb and tapping it with the pick of the same hand. Watch this video to see how it's done:

Hammers-on and Pull-offs: These techniques might appear daunting, but they are fundamental to many solos and fills. Hammers-on involve placing the fretting finger on the string and then letting it drop to play the note. Pull-offs are the reverse, where you lift the finger away from the string. Both can make your playing sound intricate without requiring advanced skill:

Apogee Scales and Licks

Apogee Scales: Many guitarists find sweep picking and apogee scales challenging, but once you get the hang of the technique, they become effortlessly cool. Yngwie Malmsteen, known for his sweeping style, uses these techniques in his solos. Watch this video to learn more:

Common Guitar Techniques That Appear Difficult

Despite their simplicity, certain guitar techniques can be particularly challenging for beginners and can take time to master. Here are a few examples:

Pinch Harmonics: While pinch harmonics can add a lot of flair to solos, they don't have to be hard. With practice, you can achieve the distinctive sound by combining a muted string with a quick pick attack. Here's a video to show you how: Pull-offs: Another technique that sounds challenging but is relatively straightforward. Just hit a note and pull off with the finger alone. This adds a dynamic flair to solos and can sound difficult when placed in context but is actually quite simple to learn. Watch this video: Hammer-ons and Pull-offs with One Hand: Often seen as a complex maneuver, hammer-ons and pull-offs with one hand are actually straightforward. A simple solo I do in this style involves repetitive triplets with moving positions that, once mastered, are easy to play. Here's a video example to help you:

By exploring these techniques, you can expand your skills and impress your fellow guitarists with tricks that are not only impressive but also surprisingly easy to learn. Happy playing!