Unleash Your Inner Rockstar: 27 Best Songs for Air Guitar

Updated at: 05/12/2024

The raw power of rock and roll has always inspired primal, physical responses, and few activities embody that better than air guitar. This isn't just about mimicking guitar solos; it's about embodying the energy and emotion of the music itself. To celebrate the enduring spirit of rock and the countless hours spent passionately air-guitaring in bedrooms and concert venues worldwide, we've compiled a list of songs guaranteed to unleash your inner rock god. These aren't just catchy tunes; they're anthems that have defined generations, from the epic, soaring ballads that demand a full-bodied performance to the blistering riffs that beg to be channeled through imaginary six-strings. Think of the iconic guitar work, the unforgettable melodies, the sheer unadulterated rock energy—all perfectly designed to ignite your performance.

This carefully curated selection delves into the heart of what makes rock and roll so compelling. It showcases the masterful guitar work of legends, the songwriting prowess that created unforgettable anthems, and the timeless appeal that transcends generations. Whether you're a seasoned air guitar veteran or a curious newcomer, this list offers a journey through some of rock’s most electrifying moments, promising an experience as exhilarating as the music itself. Prepare to unleash your inner rock star and experience the unparalleled joy of letting loose to these timeless classics. You'll rediscover the magic of a perfectly executed power chord, the rush of an extended solo, and the pure catharsis of expressing yourself through the ultimate air guitar performance.

Unleash Your Inner Rockstar: 27 Best Songs for Air Guitar
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. November Rain Guns N' Roses Use Your Illusion I 2B+
2. Sweet Child O' Mine Guns N' Roses Appetite For Destruction 2B+
3. Thunderstruck AC/DC The Razors Edge 1B+
4. Back In Black AC/DC Back In Black 1B+
5. Paradise City Guns N' Roses Appetite For Destruction 830M+
6. Hotel California Eagles Hotel California (2013 Remaster) 410M+
7. Highway to Hell AC/DC Highway to Hell 359M+

1. November Rain (Guns N' Roses)

Guns N' Roses' "November Rain" is an epic power ballad tailor-made for air guitar virtuosos. Its extended instrumental sections, featuring Slash's iconic, soaring guitar solo, are perfect for mimicking windmill moves and other flamboyant displays. The song's dynamic structure—a slow build punctuated by powerful crescendos—allows for a gradual increase in air guitar intensity, culminating in a final, explosive release. Repetitive riffs provide ample opportunity for headbanging and power chord strikes, while the extended solo offers a chance to showcase more technically advanced air-shredding. While not beginner-friendly, the song’s clear structure and memorable melodies make it a rewarding challenge for intermediate air guitarists. The overall energy level, though predominantly melancholic, builds to moments of intense, exhilarating rock, perfect for a fully committed performance.

November Rain is a power ballad so epic that it demands being air guitared to, but if you need to take a break, check out 18 best songs Faith No More for more '90s rock anthems that will have you shredding in no time.
November Rain - Guns N' Roses

2. Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N' Roses)

Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine" is a bar rock anthem perfectly suited for air guitar enthusiasts. The instantly recognizable opening riff, a masterclass in melodic simplicity, begs for a dramatic headbang and power chord strikes. Slash's legendary solo provides ample opportunity for epic windmill action and impressive fretboard simulations. The song's structure, with its dynamic build-ups and powerful chorus, allows for a gradual increase in air guitar intensity, culminating in a final, triumphant flourish. While technically achievable for beginners, more advanced air guitarists can showcase their skills during the solo's intricate phrasing. This high-energy classic is an undeniably iconic track that translates seamlessly to a full-bodied, crowd-pleasing performance. Its enduring popularity, cemented by its place in popular culture, makes it a must-have addition to any bar rock air guitar playlist.

For those nostalgic nights out at your local watering hole, you'll find plenty of inspiration in OUR_37 best bar rock music playlist songs , a curated collection of 37 classic bar rock anthems.
Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses

3. Thunderstruck (AC/DC - 1990)

Experience the electrifying power of AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" This high-energy anthem is tailor-made for air guitar virtuosos. The instantly recognizable opening riff, a relentless pulse of pure rock, begs for enthusiastic headbanging and power chord strikes. The song's structure builds momentum perfectly, leading to a killer guitar solo ideal for epic windmill action and other shredding moves. While technically challenging for convincing air-guitar mastery, even beginners can nail the main riff, making it accessible and fun for all skill levels. "Thunderstruck" is a full-body workout of rock and roll attitude, ensuring an unforgettable air guitar performance.

Thunderstruck - AC/DC

4. Back In Black (Back In Black)

AC/DC's "Back in Black" explodes onto the scene with an instantly recognizable, powerful riff—perfect for launching into a ferocious air guitar solo. The song's relentless energy, punctuated by Angus Young's iconic, bluesy riffs and soaring solos, makes it a high-energy anthem ideal for a full-body performance. Beginners can easily mimic the repetitive main riff, building momentum with each repetition, while more advanced air guitarists can tackle the complex, sustained notes of the solos, incorporating plenty of headbanging and power chord poses. The song's structure, with its slow build and explosive choruses, allows for a gradual intensity increase, culminating in a final, triumphant air-shredding climax. From start to finish, "Back in Black" is a timeless classic that begs to be played, and replayed, air guitar style.

If rock ballads aren't your thing, AC/DC's "Back in Black" from 1980 is a perfect choice for air guitar. This song is a classic for a reason, with its catchy riffs and hard-rocking sound. For more great '80s tracks, check out Top 30 Essential Tracks from The Jam: Their Best Hits.
Back In Black - AC/DC

5. Paradise City (1987)

Sharing the stadium-sized energy of classic rock anthems like AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" and Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll," Guns N' Roses' "Paradise City" is a powerhouse of air guitar potential. Its iconic opening riff immediately begs for a dramatic, sustained power chord pose, while the soaring guitar solo provides ample opportunity for windmill action and other virtuosic displays. The song’s dynamic structure—a slow build-up culminating in a frenetic chorus—allows for a gradual increase in intensity, perfectly mirroring the emotional arc of the music. Relatively straightforward, yet incredibly satisfying, "Paradise City" offers a beginner-friendly yet exhilarating air guitar experience, making it a perfect addition to any 80s rock playlist.

If you're looking for 80's bar anthems that will make you want to grab an air guitar and join the band, check out our List of 30 80's bar music playlist songs for 30 more head-banging hits from the golden age of rock.
Paradise City - Guns N' Roses
  • Hotel California
    6

    Hotel California

    Eagles

    1976

    Hotel California (2013 Remaster)

  • Highway to Hell
    7

    Highway to Hell

    AC/DC

    1979

    Highway to Hell

  • You Shook Me All Night Long
    8

    You Shook Me All Night Long

    AC/DC

    1980

    Back In Black

  • T.N.T
    9

    T.N.T

    AC/DC

    1975

    High Voltage

  • Whole Lotta Love
    10

    Whole Lotta Love

    Led Zeppelin

    1969

    Led Zeppelin II (1994 Remaster)

  • Stairway to Heaven
    11

    Stairway to Heaven

    Led Zeppelin

    1971

    Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)

  • War Pigs
    12

    War Pigs

    Black Sabbath

    1970

    Paranoid (Remaster)

  • Sweet Home Alabama
    13

    Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    1974

    Second Helping (Expanded Edition)

  • Run to the Hills
    14

    Run to the Hills

    Iron Maiden

    1982

    The Number of the Beast (2015 Remaster)

  • Rock You Like A Hurricane
    15

    Rock You Like A Hurricane

    Scorpions

    1984

    Love At First Sting

  • Another Brick in the Wall
    16

    Another Brick in the Wall

    Pink Floyd

    1979

  • Black Dog
    17

    Black Dog

    Led Zeppelin

    1971

    Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)

  • Crazy Train
    18

    Crazy Train

    Ozzy Osbourne

    1980

    Blizzard Of Ozz (40th Anniversary Expanded Edition)

  • Born To Be Wild
    19

    Born To Be Wild

    Steppenwolf

    1968

    Steppenwolf

  • Ace of Spades
    20

    Ace of Spades

    Motörhead

    1980

    Ace of Spades (Expanded Edition)

  • Rock And Roll All Nite
    21

    Rock And Roll All Nite

    KISS

    1975

    Dressed To Kill

  • Free Bird
    22

    Free Bird

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    1973

    Pronounced' Leh-'Nerd 'Skin-'Nerd

  • Ride The Lightning
    23

    Ride The Lightning

    Metallica

    1984

    Ride The Lightning (Deluxe Remaster)

  • Layla
    24

    Layla

    Derek and the Dominos

    1970

  • Smoke On The Water
    25

    Smoke On The Water

    Deep Purple

    1972

    Machine Head

  • For Those About to Rock
    26

    For Those About to Rock

    AC/DC

    1979

    For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

  • Iron Man
    27

    Iron Man

    Black Sabbath

    1970

    Paranoid (Remaster)