Generally, no, playing "Smoke on the Water" in a guitar store is highly discouraged and often considered a significant annoyance by staff and other customers.
The Unspoken Rule: Why Some Riffs Are Taboo
Guitar stores are places for musicians to explore new instruments, test gear, and make informed purchases. However, there's an unwritten rule among guitar enthusiasts and shop owners about certain "forbidden riffs." These are typically massive, iconic hits that have been overplayed to the point of becoming a nuisance when heard repeatedly in a confined retail space.
Why are certain riffs frowned upon?
- Extreme Overexposure: Songs like the foundational riff from "Smoke on the Water," "Stairway to Heaven," and "Sweet Child O' Mine" are instantly recognizable and have been played millions of times by aspiring guitarists. Shop staff hear these riffs all day, every day, leading to significant auditory fatigue.
- Lack of Originality: Playing these well-worn tunes often indicates a beginner's limited repertoire, and while admirable to learn, it doesn't showcase unique skill or the instrument's full potential.
- Disruption to Others: The repetitive nature of these riffs can be distracting and irritating for serious shoppers trying to focus on the nuances of an instrument's tone or for staff assisting other customers.
- Professional Courtesy: It's seen as a lack of consideration for the environment and the people who work there or are trying to concentrate.
What to Play Instead: Demonstrating Respect and Skill
Rather than defaulting to the overplayed "forbidden riffs," there are much better ways to test a guitar and make a positive impression. The goal is to evaluate the instrument's feel, tone, and playability, not to put on a concert.
Tips for Playing in a Guitar Store
- Keep it Brief: Play short, concise licks or passages.
- Focus on Assessment: Use scales, arpeggios, or various chord voicings to check the neck, fretwork, intonation, and pickups.
- Vary Your Dynamics: Test the guitar's response to different picking strengths.
- Be Mindful of Volume: Start quietly and only increase volume if necessary and appropriate for the environment.
- Consider Headphones: Many stores offer headphones for amps, allowing you to play without disturbing others.
- Explore Different Genres: If you want to show versatility, play a short blues lick, a jazz chord progression, or a piece of classical melody, but still keep it concise.
- Ask for Assistance: If you're unsure about the store's etiquette or need help with equipment, ask a staff member.
Recommended Approaches
| What Not to Play (Forbidden Riffs) | What to Play Instead (Recommended) |
|---|---|
| Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple) | Basic Major/Minor Scales |
| Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin) | Chromatic Exercises |
| Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N' Roses) | Arpeggios across the fretboard |
| Simple, repetitive open-string riffs | Chord Progressions (e.g., ii-V-I) |
| Single-note melodies to test clarity | |
| Your own original, short musical ideas |
By choosing to play less common or more technically focused material, you not only demonstrate respect for the store environment but also showcase your own musicality and seriousness as a guitarist.
