How to Play Seven Nation Army on Guitar (Easy Tab)
The White Stripes
To play Seven Nation Army on guitar, use the low A string (5th string) and press frets 7, 7, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2 in order. Each number is a fret — press it with your left hand and pluck the string with your right. Start at half speed until the rhythm feels natural, then speed up to match the original riff.
Step-by-step
- 1
Tune and pick the A string
Tune your guitar to standard tuning. Play the 5th string (A) — that is the string for this riff. Mute other strings with your fretting hand so only the A string rings.
- 2
Learn the fret pattern
Press frets 7, 7, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2 in order. Hold each note briefly before moving to the next. The two 7s at the start are the same fret played twice.
- 3
Match the rhythm
The riff has a steady pulse — each fret gets roughly equal time. Use the interactive player below at 0.5× speed first, then bring it up to full tempo.
- 4
Loop the hook
Repeat the full line until your left hand moves between frets without looking. This is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs — a great first rock song.
Interactive tab — play along
Scroll horizontally to see upcoming notes
The easiest way to learn this song is on one string — follow the highlighted frets above. For the full melody page with extra tips, open the complete Seven Nation Army tab →
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Frequently asked questions
What string do you play Seven Nation Army on?
This beginner tab uses the 5th string (A). The original recording uses a lower register, but the A-string pattern is the easiest way to learn the melody on guitar.
How to play Seven Nation Army on guitar one string?
Follow frets 7, 7, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2 on a single string. Our interactive tab highlights each fret as it plays so you can practice at any speed.
Is Seven Nation Army easy for beginners?
Yes — it uses only seven frets on one string with a simple repeating rhythm. Most beginners recognize the riff within one practice session.
More tips, common mistakes, and the same interactive player on the melody page.