Deep Purple’s iconic song “Smoke on the Water” is an excellent piece to dissect for any budding guitarist. The song is widely known for its timeless opening guitar riff. The distinctive tune has an almost mythical status, using only four perfect fourths and a major third at the end.

The genius of this riff doesn’t necessarily lie in its complexity, but in its simplicity. It’s valuable for beginner guitarists as an easy-to-learn and incredibly recognizable tune. For more advanced players, it provides a brilliant way to experiment with tone, timing, and articulation. Every note must be played with precision and control to capture the essence of the iconic song. Overall, “Smoke on the Water” offers a simple yet effective exercise that can help guitarists unlock various expressions on their instrument.