How to Play Smoke on the Water on Guitar (Easy Tab)
Deep Purple
To play Smoke on the Water on guitar, follow the famous four-note pattern on one string in the tab below. Press each fret, pluck, and move to the next — the riff repeats in a loop. Start at half speed until the rhythm is locked in.
Step-by-step
- 1
Find the riff string
Our arrangement uses one string for the classic Smoke on the Water pattern.
- 2
Learn the four-note cell
The riff is built from a short repeating cell. Play it slowly until automatic.
- 3
Loop the pattern
Use the player to repeat the riff — timing matters more than speed.
- 4
Speed up
Gradually increase tempo. This is often the first rock riff beginners learn worldwide.
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 Smoke on the Water tab →
Similar easy guitar tabs
Frequently asked questions
Why is Smoke on the Water a beginner song?
The riff uses a simple repeating pattern on few frets — perfect for learning rhythm and fretting.
Is this the full Smoke on the Water tab?
This is a one-string beginner version of the iconic riff melody — easier than full multi-string tab.
More tips, common mistakes, and the same interactive player on the melody page.