How to Practice Smoke on the Water
Deep Purple's 'Smoke on the Water' has the most-learned guitar riff in rock history. Every guitarist who ever picked up the instrument has tried this riff. It's the universal entry point to rock guitar.
Song Details
- Key
- Gm
- Tempo
- 112 BPM
- Time
- 4/4
- Style
- boom-chuck
Structure
What to Focus On
The four-note iconic main riff (G-Bb-C, G-Bb-C#-C, G-Bb-C-Bb-G in fourths). Steady rock rhythm. Confident vocal delivery.
Practice Tips
- 1
The riff is the song. Master it cleanly before adding anything else.
- 2
It's traditionally played in fourths (two-note power chords). Don't try to play it as single notes — that misses the texture.
- 3
The verse rhythm and the chorus rhythm are the same. Once you have the riff, the song is yours.
Why This Song
It's the most-played first guitar riff. Every guitarist learns it eventually.
Practice Smoke on the Water Daily
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