The 1980s: A Timeline of Guitar Riffs

Special thanks to those who suggested songs to include in this one. I was bit overwhelmed by the idea of tackling this huge decade of guitar riffs and was putting it off for ages. Tried to include as many as possible but I'm sure there's plenty more great ones not featured here. Feel free to suggest others that you may have included.
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#1980s #guitar #rock
TRACKLISTING (dates taken from wikipedia)
1980 0:00
The Ramones - Do You Remember Rock ’n’ Roll Radio (04 February) 0:00
The Cure - A Forest (08 April) 0:08
Judas Priest - Breaking The Law (14 April) 0:13
Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell (21 April) 0:19
AC/DC - Back In Black (25 July) 0:28
Echo & The Bunnymen - The Puppet (14 September) 0:34
Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train (20 September) 0:40
Motorhead - Ace of Spades (07 October) 0:46
1981 0:49
Rush - Limelight (12 February) 0:49
Van Halen - Unchained (29 April) 0:57
Siouxsie And The Banshees - Spellbound (22 May) 1:04
The Rolling Stones - Start Me Up (14 August) 1:11
Queen & David Bowie- Under Pressure (26 October) 1:18
New Order - Dreams Never End (13 November) 1:22
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - I Love Rock ’n Roll (18 November) 1:29
Black Flag - Rise Above (05 December) 1:35
1982 1:39
Iron Maiden - Run To The Hills (12 February) 1:39
Asia - Heat Of The Moment (18 March) 1:46
The Beat - Save It For Later (02 April) 1:51
Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf (04 May) 1:59
The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go (14 May) 2:04
Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger (31 May) 2:09
George Thorogood & The Destroyers - Bad To The Bone (09 August) 2:16
Michael Jackson - Beat It (30 November) 2:21
1983 2:27
Def Leppard - Photograph (20 January) 2:27
U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday (28 February) 2:35
David Bowie - Let’s Dance (14 March) 2:40
ZZ Top - Sharp Dressed Man (23 March) 2:44
Iron Maiden - The Trooper (16 May) 2:50
The Police - Every Breath You Take (20 May) 2:56
Metallica - Seek & Destroy (25 July) 3:04
AC/DC - Nervous Shakedown (15 August) 3:11
1984 3:19
Van Halen - Panama (09 January) 3:19
Scorpions - Rock You Like A Hurricane (07 February) 3:26
Ratt - Round and Round (27 March) 3:31
Killing Joke - Eighties (?? April) 3:39
Twisted Sister - I Wanna Rock (10 May) 3:46
Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters (08 June) 3:55
Prince & The Revolution - Let’s Go Crazy (25 June) 4:01
U2 - Pride (In The Name Of Love) (01 October) 4:07
1985 4:16
The Smiths - How Soon Is Now? (28 January) 4:16
Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (13 May) 4:22
The Cult - She Sells Sanctuary (17 May) 4:30
Huey Lewis & The News - The Power Of Love (?? June) 4:37
The Replacements - Bastards Of Young (18 September) 4:42
Husker Du - Divide and Conquer (?? September) 4:49
Queen - One Vision (04 November) 4:55
The Jesus And Mary Chain - The Living End (18 November) 5:01
1986 5:07
Robert Palmer - Addicted To Love (?? February) 5:07
The Psychedelic Furs - Pretty In Pink (28 February) 5:16
Metallica - Master Of Puppets (03 March) 5:22
Crowded House - Don’t Dream It’s Over (01 August) 5:31
Bon Jovi - Livin’ On A Prayer (18 August) 5:37
Huey Lewis & The News - Hip To Be Square (20 August) 5:40
Slayer - Raining Blood (07 October) 5:47
Beastie Boys - No Sleep Till Brooklyn (15 November) 5:53
1987 6:00
U2 - Where The Streets Have No Name (09 March) 6:00
Whitesnake - Still Of The Night (21 March) 6:05
The Cure - Just Like Heaven (05 May) 6:10
Motley Crue - Girls, Girls, Girls (11 May) 6:17
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine (21 July) 6:23
Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me (03 August) 6:30
R.E.M - The One I Love (24 August) 6:39
INXS - New Sensation (12 October) 6:47
1988 6:53
Pixies - Bone Machine (21 March) 6:53
Poison - Nothin’ But A Good Time (06 April) 7:00
Jane’s Addiction - Mountain Song (23 August) 7:08
Metallica - One (07 September) 7:14
Dinosaur Jr. - Freak Scene (?? September) 7:21
Sonic Youth - Teen Age Riot (18 October) 7:28
Soundgarden - Flower (31 October) 7:34
The La’s - There She Goes (31 October) 7:42
1989 7:50
Pixies - Monkey Gone To Heaven (20 March) 7:50
Tom Petty - Runnin’ Down A Dream (24 April) 7:57
The Stone Roses - Waterfall (02 May) 8:03
Nirvana - About A Girl (15 June) 8:10
Aerosmith - Love In An Elevator (15 August) 8:15
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Knock Me Down (16 August) 8:23
Motley Crue - Kickstart My Heart (28 August) 8:30
Neil Young - Rockin’ In The Free World (02 October) 8:36

[@postpunk6947]

I think their undisputed masterpiece is "Hip to be Square", a song so catchy, most people probably don't listen to the lyrics. But they should, because it's not just about the pleasures of conformity, and the importance of trends, it's also a personal statement about the band itself. Hey Paul!

[@davidirvine4279]

Excuse me, I have to return some videotapes.

[@robertminnis3244]

🤣

[@фрактур]

Do you like Phil Collins? 😏

[@tomasfabianserrut466]

Impressive, very nice.

[@davidirvine4279]

@@фрактур Been a big Genesis fan, ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand, any of their work, too artsy, too intellectual .. It was on Duke, where, uh, Phil Collins presence became more apparent .. I think "Invisible Touch" is the group's undisputed masterpiece .. It's an epic meditation on intangibility .. at the same time it deepens and enriches the meaning of the proceeding three albums

[@yadavmohip117]

I love how you show the best of the different worlds of popular guitar music… alternative, rock, punk, metal… some were mainstream at the time and some were more deeper cuts. Awesome year by year highlights.

[@bloxsy_]

Thanks man.

[@danieldemoro2743]

Because he’s not pretentious like lots of these music snobs out there.

[@paulsandor3522]

Agree 100% My comment says basically the same thing

[@yadavmohip117]

@@danieldemoro2743 correct his content always grabbed me for that reson. Man I don’t listen to all these songs now but I know most of them and respect all of them in one way or the other so to see someone play them with this kind of precise honour is nothing but a joy

[@TimothyYshurakhuno]

@@danieldemoro2743 yeah i like that humble and chill vibe here

[@paulsandor3522]

As someone who loves all rock- everything from heavy metal to classic rock to punk to alternative to prog and pop- it's good to see Sabbath, Van Halen, The Smiths, Black Flag, Rush, Crowded House etc represented here. Eclectic and well played

[@bloxsy_]

Thanks mate! Yeah I tried to get a bit of everything in there.

[@coolbeans8435]

Dont forget Metallica!!❤️

[@paulsandor3522]

@@coolbeans8435 yes, he played too many favorites to mention them all

[@pvt_mtbl9516]

You forgot nirvana

[@paulsandor3522]

@@pvt_mtbl9516 yes, you're right. Actually, there are too many bands for me to list. That's why I love this channel so much!

[@postpunk6947]

Thank you for remember of "She Sells Sanctuary" and "How Soon is Now".

[@user-ym3ld5ut7b]

One of the more weirder things that happened was The Cult going from the Indie/goth/whatever they were to the hard rock sound they ended up doing .

[@postpunk6947]

@@user-ym3ld5ut7b yes feel same, but mine personal biggest wtf about The Cult is Ian singing with The Doors.

[@SteeeveO]

And for remembering Geordie Walker's contribution....

[@postpunk6947]

@@SteeeveO yes, i was wrote comment about how cool "Eighties" is

[@acoustic1688]

lets be real you wanted to flex the fender jag... wouldn't blame you

[@jpb1231000]

Butttt... You Could'a got A TELE!!!

[@vaocl]

@James Brown I used to think that

[@misakiyoshida]

@James Brown Straight up

[@serenitatis2191]

@James Brown volume knob is waaayy too close to the bridge for my taste

[@danejurus69]

Jaguars are overrated. Tele's are better.

[@scottyshot]

80s is really the golden age of riffs

[@daikirai285]

I think 90s is better

[@glitaldi]

You probably know it, but you are a fucking great guitarist, my friend. I've been watching you for a month or more and watching you playing made me playing guitar again after some years. Thank you for these masterpieces and inspiring me to do something I loved when I was younger. Greetings from Brazil!

[@bloxsy_]

Thanks! I really appreciate you watching.

[@stefanoaquino5158]

I like how you, unlike other youtubers, remember punk exist.

[@P-Bass_Pete]

I love that you included The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen, Siouxsie etc along with all the great rock riffs. So often everybody forgets how much of an influence British Post Punk and New Wave had on rock and roll music.

[@irfanindrianarsyah1013]

yes sir!

[@BudSchnelker]

@@irfanindrianarsyah1013 And great choices, "A Forest", "Spellbound", "Dreams Never End", "Save It For Later", etc. The variety in this entire video is spot on.

[@friendlychat34]

The inclusion of crowded house brought a smile to my face, thank you :)

[@_sizzler]

You are my favorite youtube guitarist. Yes, there are much more people on yt who can shred and tap all around at 1000bpm making songs unnecessarily overwhelming, but you can actually play and feel just like us, the common guitarists, i love your vids and sometimes i watch your hands and learn how to play that riff, what is really handy. And all of that precious playing without useless talking and face selling. This is the best guitar channel sorry for any grammar and syntax mistakes, i'm not a native English speaker

[@forksknivesstudios513]

You know something’s good when it starts with Ramones

[@chewycenter7690]

That you got The Puppet, How Soon is Now and Teen Age Riot in there alongside Def Leppard... Just wow!

[@sunangel-rivka]

That Jazzmaster is absolutely gorgeous 😍

[@junkhead_92]

1987 is one of the best years for rock.

[@codeling2552]

1988 too

[@josephgledhill7046]

yeah and 84, 85, and 86

[@fleshrags]

and 77. and 67.

[@Commonwealth96]

Hair metal had some of the most killer guitar riffs

[@matthewjdouglas6471]

Such a good guitar player. You have the best taste in music by a country mile.

[@TonyLeva]

Man I can’t help but miss rock from the 80s

[@theJ_.007]

Dude, the things I would give up to go back to the 80s..and to stay there forever

[@jkf9167]

Coulda definitely used Mudhoney - Touch Me I'm Sick, AC/DC - For Those About to Rock, Husker Du - Pink Turns to Blue, Fugazi - Waiting Room, and Van Halen - Hot For Teacher.

[@carissanami5824]

every time that guitar from Just Like Heaven kicks in, I don't know why, I always feel the butterflies in my stomach p.s. I hope you'll do 10 The Jesus and Mary Chain riffs! ✨

[@Simmo_Cars]

I’m so glad you added def leopards photograph in there! As well as nervous shakedown, two very overlooked songs in my opinion! Good job!

[@bloxsy_]

Thanks! Very underrated, I agree.

[@nnikaa3]

One time I heard photograph in my dream

[@fuzzcous]

A decade of catchy riffs. Nice selection 👍

[@andykennard9458]

Much respect for including the Replacements

[@Robv93]

LOVE the fact that you put Divide and Conquer in there. Seriously underrated riff from a seriously underrated band

[@geordiedog1749]

Husker Du - “underrated”? Nah. I know where you’re coming from but I’d say that they have plenty plenty kudos. For once, somebody really genuinely good gets credit I reckon. D and C is in my top five of all time. What. A. Fucking. Riff.

[@jkf9167]

@@geordiedog1749 the whole song is that riff, and each verse is better than the last. My favorite Huskers song.

[@geordiedog1749]

@@jkf9167 Probably in my top three fave songs of all time if I’m honest!

[@Tom-en3ms]

That Jaguar can do everything! Nice video.

[@StarWarsMeg]

Major respect for adding each date as time-stamps! 🤘Love the vids!

[@bloxsy_]

Thanks!

[@jasonsheets2694]

That is a gorgeous SG you used for the Back in Black riff.

[@ahmadbani1452]

This probably the most riffs you've put in one video. Keep it up!

[@zepmarq]

That was an awesome trip down memory lane for this Gen Xer. Thanx! 😎

[@boxtrot6435]

Hey if you ever do one on 90s riff here's some songs I'd recommend Who was in my room last night? - Buthole Surfers Galaxie - Blind Melon Land of Sunshine - Faith No More Regular John - Queens of the Stone Age Sleep Now in the fire - Rage Against The Machine Ween - Buckingham Green

[@mathewcribb1227]

You hit it out of the park with this one can't wait for the 90's 🤘🤘🤘

[@aziziabdrahman7756]

Love this video. The 80s really did have some of the greatest riffs in rock music history.

[@briantwiss9078]

I was getting worried there wouldn’t be any love for the Replacements for a second.

[@sectiongang]

This is incredible. I know all these songs. Perfect playing and perfect re-creation of the guitar songs.

[@diggigada2427]

This is my playlist of songs I need to learn

[@TheAcContreras]

i never thought you'll add INXS! thank youuuuu, such an underated band!

[@FranklyNorman]

Great job on How Soon Is Now!

[@jamesstafford5564]

Awesome variety!! Would love to learn most of these licks. I know a few.

[@richardtravassos7484]

Well done, amazing, every riff perfect played, and interesting list of the 80s music 👏👏

[@bloxsy_]

Thank you.

[@joecoolgamin7704]

80s riffs blow the 90s out of the water

[@atticusruiz2844]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@LevinsThe]

Ok boomer

[@venomagent76]

Absolutely!

[@henryfinman6176]

I've noticed his tones have also gotten better over time

[@mitchellwood4133]

So many essentials. Very cool

[@kapr4s]

4:43 finally some The Replacements apreciation

[@Vanjoy]

Dude your tone is really good

[@jchabo82]

This is literally me in my room in the 90's. Lol!

[@Brandon-bh7pj]

My god this video is bloody good!! Love the riffs man's. You kill it!!

[@neilarnold9662]

Awesome video, every riff sounds spot on

[@jcivantos]

Husker Du and Huey Lewis on the same video. Wow.

[@alexacdc1578]

So happy that you played Nervous Shakedown. Very underrated song from AC/DC

[@GeneralYee123]

I like that you include more underground stuff in here to and not just a bunch of hair metal

[@RCAnderson42]

Ugh, such good variety!

[@jpezzy-3653]

Great riff playing, cool to see the Black Jaguar getting some love and attention this video

[@jimwoods2123]

That was just fun to watch you play... Also watch the Black Sabbath stuff.. now I'm going to put down my phone and go play some guitar myself.

[@raywt3237]

You nailed the Edge's sound - Pride sounded particularly ace!

[@ireallyshouldntbehereltd7814]

Jesus, that riff from The English Beat is bloody hard to play! And he nailed it. I'm going to listen to it now!

[@alexhammer4521]

Gotta do the 90s man!

[@titusvaginus418]

Idk why I didn’t expect rush but I got Fucken lit when I heard it.

[@bananamancoolguy7670]

lots of great ones there, but props for throwing in The Cult

[@byron6507]

bro i got an ad for something right before the under pressure riff and the song had under pressure in it lol

[@jables1able]

I love this, but I really miss your Fender Cyclone!

[@OtavioFesoares]

Your tone is so bassy. I love it.

[@CoolBreeze_Year2024]

Brilliant!

[@nathanielh786]

brilliant. thanks.

[@duvan-solis]

Give a heart, my friend. Then, I shall past the legend of you video for generations. (Jk, but I like how you include the Cure often, thought it's "often" just a forest what I see each time)

[@ragnadrabinowitz7629]

wow! any list that includes divide and conquer by husker du is aces in my book!

[@musicminute2004]

Awesome!

[@Fury325Fan]

2:35 THANK YOU

[@Fury325Fan]

4:08 THIS GUY GETS IT

[@Fury325Fan]

6:00 THIS GUY GETS IT

[@edmundblackaddercoc8522]

I remember music press saying in early 90's that the 80's was the worst for music😂😂

[@billh4121]

Nice work!

[@abraham0981]

4:31 imo, the best song of V-Rock

[@jislandcover47]

Jajaja gta vice city

[@davidgriffith3938]

Nice job, even using the correct tuning when applicable.

[@mrturtle3083]

After watching this video i realised that 80s is the best decade of guitar music or at least riffs. Almost every singe genre got their sunshine. Metallica collaborated with David bowie and made huge hits as well as AC/DC, Joan Jett released a few albums, Michael released Thriller and Bad and Grunge made their prelude to 90s In this decade was written so many good riffs that any guitarist know like: Where is My Mind? Back in Black, Crazy Train, Master of Puppets. Also i think Bleach has the best riffs out of other albums in Nirvana

[@blackbeansmatter1280]

Right out of the gates from 1980, Iron Maiden had some killer riffs.

[@dark-sf1qc]

( 90s , 00s ) please 🤘🎸

[@MelShibson]

Unchained is so badass. I think Ratt tried to recreate it on Round and Round.

[@MatthewvanR.music.]

Cool that there is dino jr. In this

[@brockkeayes9671]

Nice

[@ringtail1401]

Best looking guitar I've ever seen

[@g-devil8030]

Nice tank you. Pur bonheur

[@rebeldetail6134]

Great job man!!!

[@bloxsy_]

Thanks man!

[@rebeldetail6134]

@@bloxsy_ im an 80s guitarist so u know I love all that stuff and u played it well cheers man!!$

[@mattthecatar]

Really great! Greatings from argentina. I think that i would made a Spotify playlist. This songs rock!!!

[@jarrodhroberson]

High school was so long ago!

[@scary_fu]

that black jag is the goth machine

[@TheReelblack]

very good some riffs are easy to notice

[@johncecilia4517]

Great video and playing What rig are you playing though?

[@TheZvook]

🔥👏

[@blue-tb2fd]

8:03 Thank you for introducing me to The Stone Roses... wow

[@ytb460]

The first album is the dogs. The second took too long and John was high. Ian Browns solo stuff is good. He did a song with Noel Gallagher. John did the Seahorses which weren't great. Mani played with Primal Scream. They reformed and played did some new music that was ok. Fools gold is still maybe the best song.

[@danielblake1537]

A great one for 1987' could have been something off, practically the album that created the sub-genre Death Metal from the band Death with their 1987' album "Scream Bloody Gore" like their single "Zombie Ritual" or "Denial Of Life" but great vid regardless!

[@SnoW-wc2rw]

Rock n Roll Radio LETS GO!!!

[@MrFrankles7]

A friend at work asked me what the 80's guitar sound was, I said a black strat with a chorus pedal so very close

[@AustinGigstead]

Nice video

[@bloxsy_]

Thank you.

[@theplanetruth]

How many can I name????? I’m an 80s kid. Love this!!!!!

[@diegogomez6835]

5:40 "Hey Paul"

[@Rhettroizms]

3:46 This mans a true goofy goober 🥜🤘

[@treblam2]

Well done, I missed Fugazi

[@bkh0525]

She Sells Sanctuary might be the best song of the entire decade!

[@marcoesposito8753]

3:45 I'M A GOOFY GOOBER

[@marekfarsky6026]

Mohlo by byť takýchto videí viac

[@ltte7799]

Dude, your forgot about KISS in the 80s. Your forgot about I Love It Loud (1982), Lick It Up (1983), Heaven's On Fire (1984), Tears Are Falling (1985) and Crazy Crazy Nights (1987). Those were some classic riffs man. They rolled on MTV. You also forgot about Megadeth like Peace Sells (1986) and In My Darkest Hour (1988). Great playing by the way. Love that The Clash palm muting.