Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - I Love Rock 'N Roll - Guitar Lesson

About I Love Rock 'N Roll

Few riffs in rock are as immediately recognisable as the opening of "I Love Rock 'N Roll," and the good news for guitarists is that it is genuinely approachable. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts built this track around a handful of power chords in E major, played in E Standard tuning at a steady 120 BPM, which gives you a comfortable, driving tempo to lock into. The core riff moves between E5, A5, and B5, and the challenge is less about fingering and more about getting that punchy, slightly aggressive attack: dig into the strings with your pick and keep your strumming hand tight so the chords feel punchy rather than loose. The Hard Rock feel here depends on rhythmic precision as much as tone, so if the riff-to-chord transition is tripping you up, use the Practice Toolbar to loop that section slowed down until the movement is automatic. Once the rhythm is solid, focus on matching the attitude in the dynamic swells leading into the chorus.

• The main riff is built from E5, A5, and B5 power chords in E Standard tuning, making it very accessible for players new to rock rhythm guitar.
• At 120 BPM the song sits at a moderate tempo, so focus on consistent pick attack and tight muting rather than speed.
• Looping the verse riff slowed down with the Practice Toolbar is a practical way to nail the rhythmic feel before bringing it up to full speed.