Jimi Hendrix (1942 – 1970) performing at Madison Square Garden, New York City, 18th May 1969. (Photo by Walter Iooss Jr./Getty Images)
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Guitar music is a ubiquitous feature of popular music, seemingly growing louder and more influential with each passing decade. From the 1950s and 1960s, when blues and rock icons like B.B. King, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix burst on the scene, to the 1970s and 1980s, when some of the greatest hard-rock and heavy-metal bands dominated, guitar riffs have dominated songwriting for nearly70 years.
Let’s consider some of the innovative and ingenious guitar riffs, solos and memorable songs that are among the all-time greats.
Top Guitar Songs
What makes a guitar moment great often comes down to its lasting quality and enduring influence. Guitar music from the late 60s and 70s is often regarded so highly because the music from this time helped set the standards for how guitar music was written and recorded. Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour helped evolve rock music with their guitar playing, as did jazz-fusion soloists like Al Di Meola and George Benson. Guitar virtuosos in the 80s like Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Prince pushed it further.
When it comes to assembling a list of songs that feature some of the greatest guitar moments, I considered compositions with staying power, timeless songs that have influenced the guitar soundscape since they were released. In an effort to expand this list further, I included songs that exhibit masterful guitar work revered by guitar artists themselves.
35. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton (1974)
The finger-picking acoustic riffing heard on Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” has become synonymous with that iconic track. Guitarist Chip Young, who performed on the song, had a rich history recording with Parton, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, among others. Young’s approach to guitar-based songwriting has cemented him among the greatest session players, with songs like “Jolene” offering a glimpse of his signature brilliance.
34. “Killing In The Name” by Rage Against The Machine (1992)
When Rage Against The Machine hit the scene, there wasn’t another guitarist that sounded quite like Tom Morello. He filled band’s self-titled debut LP with loads of otherworldly guitar solos and unorthodox techniques. On the track “Killing In The Name,” Morello completely floored audiences with his ingenious use of effects in his soloing.
33. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles (1969)
The Beatles’ “Here Comes The Sun” hits like a warm blanket and a cup of infinite bliss. The joyful composition, written by George Harrison, is one of the most delightfully addicting acoustic songs ever created. As songwriters, The Beatles knew how to craft brilliant and unforgettable melodies, and “Here Comes The Sun” serves as another fine example of the band’s timelessness.
32. “How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths (1984)
The foreboding swagger heard on Johnny Marr’s tremolo riff off The Smiths’ “How Soon Is Now?” will resonate forever. It’s a song that brilliantly showcases the use of guitar effects and alluring dissonant chords. Marr is cherished among guitarists and alternative-rock fans for many reasons, including his unorthodox approach to the instrument, which is vividly transparent on this Smiths classic.
31. “Bleed” by Meshuggah (2008)
Meshuggah’s influence on modern heavy guitar music is often overlooked — the Swedish outfit single-handedly set the benchmark for the Djent guitar tone that resonates throughout modern metal today. The band’s seven-and-a-half-minute opus “Bleed” with its flawless drilling rhythm guitars, contributed to a lot of the band’s widespread appeal. Today, there are few bands that are even capable of pulling off a technical guitar masterpiece close to Meshuggah’s “Bleed.”
30. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police (1983)
“Every Breath You Take” is both the Police’s most popular song and one of the band’s most complex. The arpeggiated chorus drenched guitar riff that hypnotically plays throughout the song is one of the most inventive and technically challenging riffs in popular music. Sting’s soothing voice always sets up a song for success, but when it’s paired with the incredible guitar work of Andy Summers, it’s an all-time classic.
29. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (1991)
There aren’t many songs that are as identifiable after only the first second of guitar playing. Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” remains one of the most sensational guitar tracks ever written, and its continued adoration and influence isa testament to Kurt Cobain’s ingenious songwriting. Whether it’s the main riff, the two-note verse lead or Cobain’s electrifying solo, there several iconic guitar moments that make “Smells Like Teen Spirit” an all-time classic.
28. “Paint It, Black” by The Rolling Stones (1966)
The Rolling Stones produced lots of pioneering rock-guitar tracks, but “Paint It, Black” still stands as the most celebrated. Keith Richards’ alluring, jangly lead guitar paired with Brian Jones’ sitar performance sets the tone for a uniquely haunting, yet also uplifting aura. “Paint It, Black” is remarkably simple, but its engaging guitar hooks never loosen their tenacious grip during the three-and-half-minute song.
27. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears (1985)
80s pop had plenty of noteworthy guitar tracks, especially Tears For Fears’ memorable “Everybody Wants To Rule The World.” The main guitar riff brilliantly plays off of to the electrifying outro solo. Tears For Fears crafted one of the most cherished pop songs of the decade — a masterpiece in pop-guitar songwriting.
26. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac (1975)
The ethereal acoustic guitars of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” sound like waterfalls trickling down from heaven — wetting every corner of your brain. While it’s not the most complex guitar work, Lindsey Buckingham’s unique chord voicings and tender timbre have helped make “Landslide” still catchy after all of these years.
25. “Floods” by Pantera (1996)
With his masterly-crafted solos and remarkable sense of groove, Dimebag Darrell was the full package when it came to metal guitar playing. Nearly every one of his solos with Pantera was like capturing lightning in a bottle. However, Dimebag’s guitar work in “Floods” remains the epitome of his emotive, metal-blues guitar playing.
24. “Crazy On You” by Heart (1975)
From the galloping acoustic intro to the iconic six-note electric-guitar riff, Heart’s “Crazy On You” has so many memorable guitar moments. Guitarist Nancy Wilson has written a number of rock’s greatest riffs, but her work on “Crazy On You” shows off her eclectic influences, including folk, rock, disco and pop.
23. “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple (1972)
Deep Purple’s “Smoke On The Water” might be so familiar that its greatness gets overlooked. The fact that it has become such a staple in rock music and that it is still so often the first riff that many guitarists learn to play show how ahead of the curve Deep Purple was. Without being everyone’s guitar hero, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore managed to influence and inspire so many just with the ingenious riff he wrote for “Smoke On The Water.”
22. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath (1970)
Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” another riff that’s among the first new players learn on guitar, is monolithically heavy and catchy. It’s one of the most sensational power-chord-based riffs ever written by Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, who has plenty to his name. While Black Sabbath’s music typically appeals to metal audiences, given they were the pioneers of the genre, “Iron Man’s” anthemic qualities have made it stand out to mainstream audiences, putting it shoulder-to-shoulder with the greatest rock guitar songs.
21. “Affirmation” by George Benson (1976)
George Benson’s tasteful jazz shredding heard on “Affirmation” is impeccable. His in-the-pocket feel and poetic licks make this amalgamative jazz-fusion track an all-time great. There aren’t many guitarists that share Benson’s unique sense of phrasing and wickedly fast clean shredding. “Affirmation” might be the best track that showcases his remarkable attributes.
20. “No One Knows” by Queens of the Stone Age (2002)
The rhythmic prowess showcased on Queens of the Stone Age’s “No One Knows” has kept it a staple among 21st-century rock anthems. On top of it being a rather sophisticated riff, the addictive, hooky quality of this riff is why Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme is one of the best songwriters in the rock today.
19. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (1975)
Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the most enduring rock epics ever written. With its vocal arrangements and Brian May’s career-defining guitar work – including a solo most fans sing along to as if it were a chorus – Queen has been credited with crafting one of the greatest rock guitar moments.
18. “Scuttle Buttin’” by Stevie Ray Vaughan (1984)
As far as blues guitarists go, Stevie Ray Vaughan will always be in the conversation about the greatest ever. There are few blues guitarists who wield the same technical prowess and soulful phrasing that SRV had, and if there’s one song of his that showcased his best, it would be hard to argue against “Scuttle Buttin’.”
17. “Mr. Crowley” by Ozzy Osbourne (1980)
Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist Randy Rhoads, who died at age 25, managed to change the sonic landscape of metal guitar playing with his many solos and riffs from his short career. One of those solos is on Osbourne’s epic, “Mr. Crowley.” The nuances in Rhoads’ phrasing and sophisticated licks throughout this song still reign supreme over metal guitar solos heard today.
16. “Oye Como Va” by Santana (1970)
The groove and swagger that oozes from Santana’s guitar is second to none, and there’s no better track that showcases them than his anthemic hit, “Oye Como Va.” While there’s a long list of influential and iconic Santana tracks, the simplicity of “Oye Como Va’s” lead guitar hook is one of the primary reasons Santana is hailed as an irreplaceable guitar legend.
15.”Thunderstruck” by AC/DC (1990)
A guitar intro that echoes through the biggest sports stadiums across the globe is already self anointed as an all-time great. In truth, it’s nearly impossible to decide on the best Angus Young guitar riff or solo, as he’s written so many all-timers. However, “Thunderstruck” sets itself apart from others as one of the only AC/DC songs featuring a guitar lead in the intro, which happens to be one of the band’s most iconic intros, too.
14. “Layla” by Derek & The Dominos (1970)
Eric Clapton’s career has so many cherished guitar compositions, whether it’s from his early days in Cream or his solo career, that choosing one is a chore. But it is his short-lived band Derek & The Dominos that produced one of Clapton’s most sophisticated and memorable guitar pieces — “Layla.” From its unforgettable opening riff to its melancholic bridge section, the seven-minute track is one of the most revered guitar epics ever written.
13. “Mediterranean Sundance” by Al Di Meola (1977)
The dueling guitar epic between virtuosos Al Di Meola and flamenco legend Paco De Lucía is forever one of the most magical guitar compositions captured on tape. De Lucia’s traditional flamenco background mixed with Di Meola’s jazz and Latin influences offer a refreshing blend of styles, setting up “Mediterranean Sundance” to become a hit in the late 70s. To date, “Mediterranean Sundance” remains one of the most revered acoustic and flamenco inspired songs, and it’s a standout in both Di Meola and De Lucía’s discographies.
12. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (1987)
With possibly the most popular rock intro of all time, Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine” helped the Los Angeles hard-rock band become a global sensation. It’s one of their biggest songs and Slash’s guitar work, including the hair-raising solo midway through, is among the reasons why he’s regarded as one of the greatest rock guitarists of the 80s and beyond.
11. “Purple Rain” by Prince (1984)
As a songwriter and performer, Prince was untouchable. As a guitar player, he wrote some of the most electrifying solos of the 80s, as heard on “Purple Rain.” Part of what makes the solo on this song so memorable is Prince’s frenetic and enthusiastic playing. Few guitarists have been able to channel as much personality into their playing as Prince was able to. That’s why Prince will forever be one of a kind.
10. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica (1986)
Within the first 60 seconds, Metallica showcases some of the tightest full-throttle down-picked metal guitar playing ever recorded. Beyond the heavy riffs throughout this eight-and-a-half minute epic, guitarists James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett put on a clinic for impeccable and memorable metal guitar solos.
9. “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd (1979)
The glimmering sustain and effortless bends heard on David Gilmour’s solos have made him a cherished guitar hero. While there are a handful of Gilmour solos that one could argue are his all-time best, nothing quite hits with the passionate ferocity of his “Comfortably Numb” solo. Few guitarists can do so much with so few notes the way Gilmour does on this legendary track.
8. “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King (1969)
B.B. King’s version of the slow-grooving and haunting blues anthem “The Thrill Is Gone” remains one of the most essential blues songs ever recorded. King’s feel and precise delivery of his signature licks have made his version of the Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell track a blues standard for decades.
7. “Eruption” by Van Halen (1978)
Possibly the most iconic and influential shred guitar track ever written, Eddie Van Halen’s one-minute-and-forty-two-second guitar solo cemented him as a guitar god. Since its debut on Van Halen’s self-titled debut release in 1978, “Eruption” changed the soundscape of hard-rock guitar music. The following decade’s love affair with hair-metal and shred guitarists was a direct result of Eddie Van Halen’s brilliance showcased on this song.
6. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry (1959)
One of the most popular and influential rock n’ roll tracks, Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” is an early example of guitar music taking over the mainstream. Berry’s blend of blues with up-tempo rock n’ roll has kept audiences moving and grooving for nearly seven decades. The lead-guitar line in the intro has become synonymous with rock n’ roll and blues-rock music, and it opened the door for these genres to gain widespread popularity.
5. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits (1978)
Amalgamating rock-guitar leads with non-traditional technique heavily inspired by blues and country music, guitarist Mark Knopfler crafted one of the most riveting and technically sophisticated guitar anthems with “Sultans of Swing.” Dire Straits was never a band that stuck to conventional song structures, and the many guitar breaks and hooky leads in “Sultans of Swing” showcase that. The song’s climactic outro solo and the unique technical proficiency required to perform it has cemented the song as a staple of rock guitar.
4. “Cliffs Of Dover” (Live from Austin) by Eric Johnson (1988)
Few guitarists wield the same prowess that Eric Johnson has when it comes to ripping emotive, cascading pentatonic lead lines. Add his signature guitar tone, and Johnson’s “Cliffs Of Dover” easily establishes itself as one of the greatest guitar compositions ever. Furthermore, Johnson’s Live from Austin performance of this track stands as one of the most mesmerizing displays of shred guitar playing the world has experienced.
3. “Hotel California” by Eagles (1976)
From its hypnotizing intro to its climactic harmonized lead-guitar solo, “Hotel California” has long stood as one of the most revered guitar anthems. The song shows that music does not always have to play by the rules. Its six and a half minutes run time seemed too long for radio in the 70s and its unconventional yet instantly recognizable chord progression stands out. Guitarists Don Felder, Joe Walsh and Glenn Frey were operating on an entirely different musical plane from their contemporaries on “Hotel California.”
2. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix (1968)
There are countless Jimi Hendrix songs that revolutionized electric-guitar playing, but “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” forever remains one of Hendrix’s finest and most recognizable songs. The hypnotic intro embellished by Hendrix’s signature Wah-wah pedal is a sonic testament to what rock guitar is capable of evoking. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” has always been a foundational pillar in the story of rock and a monumental moment for guitar music.
1. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (1971)
There’s a reason Led Zeppelin’s magnum opus “Stairway to Heaven” has earned the reputation as the forbidden riff. Sure, it’s primarily because of the Wayne’s World movie, but with an opening that’s so profoundly captivating yet simple in its arpeggiated delivery, “Stairway to Heaven” has been the seemingly forbidden fruit that guitar fans have indulged for decades. “Stairway to Heaven” is simply an epic journey through all the best attributes of rock guitar playing, many of which Jimmy Page defined.
Bottom Line
The songs featured in this list each have a timeless quality and have influenced guitar music immensely. Many of these songs also feature guitar moments that exhibit masterful playing, highlighting the skill of the most dedicated and gifted guitarists. There are certainly other songs that one could argue should be included in this list, making a consideration of all-time great guitar songs so much fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are Easy Songs To Learn On Guitar?
Whether it’s a two-chord folk classic like America’s “A Horse With No Name,” or basic power-chord hits like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” there is a wide selection of songs that beginners can learn on guitar. It depends on your musical taste, but there’s a song for a every genre that you can start with.. Metallica’s classic pop-leaning ballad “Nothing Else Matters” is always a song complete newcomers to the instrument should try, at least the opening riff – it’s all open strings with no fretting required.
America’s “A Horse with No Name” is also a great beginner song, as it’s only two chords and has a fairly simple strumming pattern. The acoustic solo midway through is a bit complex, but apart from that it’s a great song all novice guitarists should try, especially those looking to get started on the acoustic guitar.
What Are Some Of The All-Time Best Guitar Solos?
Many of the songs featured in this article are famous for their guitar solos, particularly rock hits like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” Eric Johnson’s “Cliffs Of Dover” and Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page has a number of incredible guitar solos he’s written over his career, but “Stairway to Heaven” stands out as his best work. For Guns N’ Roses, Slash’s lead playing on “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is viewed in a similar regard.
Eric Johnson’s “Cliffs Of Dover” is easily his most famous piece, as the entire song is practically a 4 minute solo. The intro to this essential shred guitar track is most often what people recognize, and it’s become somewhat of a Mount Everest in the way thousands of aspiring guitarist attempt to learn this monolithic solo.
What Are Good Songs Played On Acoustic Guitar?
The world of acoustic guitar music dates back centuries and its relevance in pop culture hasn’t dwindled. Whether it’s songs from The Beatles, like “Here Comes The Sun” and “Blackbird,” or acoustic rock intros heard on Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Hearts “Crazy On You,” there have been a countless number of phenomenal songs written on the instrument.
These are certainly some of the most popularized acoustic recordings, but other acoustic masterpieces include “Entre Dos Aguas” by flamenco icon Paco De Lucía, as well as Lucía’s duet with Al Di Meola on “Mediterranean Sundance.” Acoustic guitar music has lots of variety between steel string and traditional classical and flamenco guitar. All of these different styles are still prominent today throughout modern music, though the steel string acoustic is most commonly used.
What Are Songs With Great Bass Guitar?
The bass guitar often gets overlooked for having a more rhythmic and groove oriented role in music. However, there are loads of iconic bass riffs and bass driven song that are universally acclaimed in modern music. Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” features one of the most popular bass riffs ever written, as does The Beatles’ “Come Together.”
Celebrated modern bass riffs include The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” though the original recording is actually a guitar running through a DigiTech Whammy pedal. The same is actually true for Tame Impala’s like-minded bass anthem, “The Less I Know The Better.” Most often people associate these songs with the bass guitar, as the riffs do function and sound as if they were the bass guitar in the arrangement.
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