Smoke on the Water Tabs

Guitars players who would love to be able to pull out one of the most recognizable riffs in rock and roll history should be thrilled to find great Smoke on the Water tabs. With the help of this article and a little practice, you'll soon be doing your best Ritchie Blackmore impression while you dazzle your friends.

History of a Great Riff

Smoke on the Water is the best-known song by the English rock band Deep Purple, and it has become one of the most canonized rock songs ever written. Simple, solid, bluesy and heavy, the opening riff of this classic just oozes rock and roll attitude. Originally released in 1972 on the album Machine Head, the four chord distorted guitar riff follows a basic blues scale and is eventually doubled by a heavily distorted Hammond organ playing the same line as the guitar. This layered approach to the recording is responsible for the riff's leaden sound.

A great piece of songwriting all the way around, Smoke on the Water tells an equally heavy true story about a casino in Switzerland that burned to the ground. Deep Purple was supposed to begin recording a record at the casino the next day, but the fire changed their plans. The tragedy also destroyed all of the equipment of the band Frank Zappa and The Mother's of Invention, making it an expensive accident for the early 1970s' rock scene.

Where to Find Smoke on the Water Tabs

Whether you're a guitar player or a bassist, this site has you covered. The information below will take you to where you need to be to get your riff on!

Guitar Tabs

For this song, you'll definitely want an electric guitar and an amplifier that has a distortion setting in order to get the proper sound.

• Guitare Tab – A simple, clean and well-designed guitar tab site, Guitare Tab has a complete version of Smoke on the Water that included the verses, chorus, opening riff and even the guitar solo.

• Fret Play – A very detailed transcription can be found at Fret Play. What is unique about this transcription is that it is reprinted from the magazine Guitar For the Practicing Musician. The notes that accompany the transcription are very informative, and all the symbols that are used are explained in detail at the beginning of the tablature transcription.

• Guitar Music Tabs – The transcription of Smoke on the Water at Guitar Music Tabs is very detailed, and also includes the song's lyrics in case you are interested in singing along. This site is well organized, and the tablature is very easy to read.

Bass Tabs

The information below is specifically for the bassist who would love to learn this classic song as well.

• Bass Masta – Bass Masta is ground zero for bassists. Specifically designed and oriented towards the low-end guitarists of the world, this excellent site features a very accurate transcription of Smoke on the Water for the bass guitar.

• Fret Play – In addition to their excellent guitar tabs, Fret Play also serves bassists. Another excellent transcription of Smoke on the Water can be found here.

Tab Books

For those of you who like your tablature the old fashioned way, in book form, the following information may be of use to you.

• Deep Purple – Greatest Hits – This volume contains nine classic Deep Purple tracks including Smoke on the Water. The book also features complete transcriptions for every instrument and vocals.

Now You're Ready to Tune Up Your Guitars

With the Smoke on the Water tabs above and a guitar, you'll be ready to bring to life one of the classic rock and roll riffs of all time. Make sure you dial in a good, heavy distorted tone and have fun!

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