Rush's Top 10 Guitar Riffs

In this episode of classic rock riff reviews, we go through the Rush catalog!! Wow! What an amazing band and portfolio of riffs! And beyond the riffs, Rush created an incredibly diverse and ever-changing legacy of music. You often forget the fact that they were merely a trio!
Since Rush had so many amazing riffs and multi-riff songs, I limited myself to songs that start off with only guitar! Here is a countdown of the most rocking intro guitar riffs by Rush!
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#Rush
#CarlBaldassarre
#AlexLifeson

[@Subatomic_Glue]

Alex Lifeson is so under appreciated. He is an all time great.

[@matthew4694]

Thank you for using the correct and appropriate term to describe this legendary guitarist and his place alongside the greats. Under-appreciated: frequently. Underrated: never!

[@timsears951]

sorry but Alex is hardly under appreciated ..

[@ImYourOverlord]

He's gained a great deal of appreciation during the last 20 years or so, at least :)

[@matthew4694]

@@timsears951 My take is similar to Billy Corgan's comments in the RUSH documentary, "Beyond the Lighted Stage". I think the band is revered by fans for thier catalog and highly respected by players for thier immense talent and artistic integrity. However, Alex in particular is rarely name-checked in the list of all-time great guitar players in quite the same way Neil is mentioned (rightfully so) alongside the best drummers. I feel the band itself is also under appreciated in the same context, begging a definition of criteria. Were they influential and groundbreaking? Did they leave a distinct legacy and have a lasting cultural impact? I think you can make a strong case either way. I personally think they released some of the very best albums across multiple genres; particularly Progressive Rock (2112). Hard Rock (Moving Pictures), and New Wave/Alternative (Signals, GUP, & Power Windows). I'm biased though... I think everyone should adore them (individually and collectively) as much as I do.

[@timsears951]

@@matthew4694 absolutely love RUSH .

[@OzziesRobots]

Jimmy Page singled out Rush as one of the up & coming bands that impressed him in the 70"s . Once again Jimmy was ahead of the curve 🎸

[@MusicMotivator]

That's likely because many of the early riffs are so heavily Zep/Page derived. I mean Working Man is really is a drawn out Communication Breakdown. Finding my Way is Rock n Roll etc. Don't get me wrong at all- these are the best influences to have!!

[@zososhep]

Geddy Lee in an interview said they would play Zeppelin tunes during sound check to get their levels!

[@jasont9907]

He was right talent knows talent

[@mthomas1973]

You are correct. He also cited Little Feat as his favorite band in a 1975 interview

[@russpennekamp5149]

@@MusicMotivator, and just compare the main riff from "What You're Doing" with the main riff from "Heartbreaker".

[@brentscott5359]

What made Rush stand out were three things. One, they never took themselves seriously. Two, they were best friends until the end. And number three, perhaps the most important, the writing credits were shared equally. Everyone knew Neil was the principal lyricist but they all contributed in some way. That in and of itself prevented any tension that may have risen. Being top tier musicians didn't hurt either.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Man! That’s a great comment and so wonderful!!

[@davebasch5995]

"Three things"......Alex, Geddy, and Neil!!!

[@Reggie-The-Dog]

I wouldn't say they never took themselves seriously.

[@GizmoBeach]

I'd say they took themselves VERY seriously. They might be OK to talk to in the right setting (if they started a conversation with YOU and not the other way around) but you don't just magically become that phenomenal by accident. Peart even took lessons from a much admired and respected jazz drummer to reinvent his playing long after Peart was established as an incredible rock drummer. But the years they spent on the road and playing so many shows before nearly having to call it quits in after 1975 before 2112 dropped? John Rutsey knew all about those long road trips and struggling to get noticed outside of Canada; he had to leave for health reasons as much as family ones because of the work involved. Oh they damned-well took themselves seriously.

[@vegashdrider]

The older I get the more I appreciate the genius of Alex Lifeson

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Same!

[@Reggie-The-Dog]

Me too.

[@debilarge]

Alex Lifeson deserves all the love!!! He’s genius and gets less recognition of the 3.

[@swhoover1]

Will never stop listening to Rush, one of the most increadible trios ever. Absolute legends that sounded even better live, magical! Thanks Carl

[@clockworkangel4026]

Is anyone else's brain automatically adding in the killer drum and bass lines? Lol (Especially on Bastille Day!) Great video. You should follow up with an 80's list. 😁

[@jppagetoo]

No but I sang Geddy's "Yeah, oh yeah!" on Finding My Way.

[@UnderSprayedWhiteSkies]

To think that most rock guitarists can't create one memorable, time-tested riff, AL did it repeatedly for decades.

[@adam6057]

This should have been a top 50, you could go all day playing Alex's best stuff

[@magashred]

Don't forget the "Alex Lifeson Chord"! An F# bar chord with the open B and high e strings sounding out.

[@nicholassmith479]

The beginning Chords to Hemispheres is a good example 👍🏻

[@katiegrundle9900]

ya the hemispheres chord

[@johnbatinovic6593]

What's the Xanadu chord ? E , B (w/open strings), A (w/open strings), G (w/open strings)

[@dad1432]

​@@johnbatinovic6593Yes, same finger position, different frets.

[@nickpruitt7276]

La Villa Strangiato probably deserves it's own video. That may have been Lifeson's best work early on.

[@SAY.8.18]

THE BEST!

[@TheErik249]

DUDE! Now your covering my alltime fav. Huge lifetime RUSH fan. Thank Carl!

[@Markothunder]

Awesome! Mr. Rick Beato should do his own "Top 10 Rush Riffs" video someday🙂

[@billjones7580]

Fantastic selection. Thinking in their more 'modern' era, I kind of also like the guitar intro to Show Don't Tell

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Yep

[@mthomas1973]

Presto has some really great guitar work

[@jpm1897]

Thx! Enjoyed this! I can think of so many other great worthy openings for a follow up top 10! Red Sector A, Time stand Still, Distant Early Warning, YYZ, Show Don’t Tell………I’ll hang up now!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

:)))

[@bruins1itall]

Awesome video! Alex is such a monster! Rush is still the best and always will be! R.I.P. professor! 🍺🥃🇨🇦

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Amen!

[@DanGarrett23]

Working Man was what got me hooked on the band! Loved them all way through their journey! Awesome job, btw!

[@mthomas1973]

You bring back early memories for me when I was first learning guitar and trying to play all these riffs note for note

[@liquidsolids9415]

Lots of fun and great tone, as usual. Thanks, Carl!

[@RaymondBCrisp]

It's not really a riff, more of a shred, but that intro to La Villa Strangiato is a masterpiece! But actually, now that I think about it, the opening riff after the solo is pretty kickass too!

[@josephferrarese4579]

Thanks so much Carl. You do a great job nailing tone. I appreciate you giving Rush some love. Keep up the great work!

[@MrRMB1]

Great choices, all of them!! Enjoyed this video!

[@WCGaming18228]

Excellent video Carl! Love Rush.

[@s.ri.1020]

So many to choose from. Great list. Great playing.

[@widewailcorduroy7278]

Great list! I might put "Analog Kid" in there somewhere, but I can't argue with your choices.

[@tmcool]

Thank you. I'd have put AK at No. 1. Dude probably can't play it. LOL

[@ImYourOverlord]

Progressive Rock is a highly respectable genre, often brilliant in its musical complexity when applied tastefully.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Check out my progressive rock music at carlbaldassarremusic.com

[@frenchyfrenchy4424]

As a Canadian and a Rush fan, proud of both, I want to thank you for this segment, watched a bunch of your Zep analyses and enjoyed them immensely and, ounce again, it's the way that you seem to enjoy sharing your knowledge that pulled me in, a good human being, hope to be able to buy you a beer and converse with you some day, I will definitely look at your website, God Bless!!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@jondiven96]

Great List ! Well done !

[@terrys8690]

great choices! and excellent work.

[@brianhahn3296]

Great vid and love Rush , like your choice of bands

[@ImYourOverlord]

Alex's riffs and chords are so unusual that it's difficult for me to follow. I handle many more Rush songs on bass than on guitar, and not that many in their vast catalog at that :)

[@oscar35575]

Fantastic as always Carl.

[@saintbrando]

Amazing! Canada’s finest. 🙌🏻

[@GeoZero]

LOVE the videos - great playing, tone, description of licks... has it all!! Falling in love again with so many great songs I grew up with as a fan and guitarist. Thanks for the video!!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you so much!!

[@elldr]

Rip rockin’ walk down rush memory lane. They played more than once at my high school and we just stood and marvelled, even the chicks from our sister school were into it. Nice 10 sir, you could have chosen 10 different and it would have still been great stuff

[@ericpont9053]

Loved this video.....thank you....

[@MB-en3do]

Great selection of riffs! Rush has so many to choose from.

[@safiramusica]

You are amazing and with a lot of class! Love your channel!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@nicholassmith479]

Great top 10. Brings back a lot of memories Alex’s music.

[@ashjessjack]

Completely agree with your # 1 pick and the guitar in the middle of Working Man is one of the most epic of all rock bands!

[@cjk5115]

Great list, Carl! As others have said, it's tough to pick just 10 from Rush, but you've done an admirable job. Thank you for showing some love for Finding My Way and What You're Doing, too.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Finding my Way is way trickier to play than most of all the other riffs. The timing is warped and most people miss the tritone on the first pull off. It is such a passionate riff!!

[@hwy1310]

Great choices!

[@harrysteeletreo1]

great video... my first time ever seeing any of yours. I like your style, no bullcrap, no un-needed words, right to the point! yes, I subscribed!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Yeah!

[@Skypie61]

Love Carl. Great playing and great facials...lol. But seriously, great breakdowns👍🎸🎵🎶🎼

[@k_viss]

came here expecting to comment "how could you leave off What You're Doing??" glad I didn't have to! What a monster track that is Alex is so underrated a total legend

[@rareform6747]

We see your really enjoying yourself ! Love the double ..

[@klinkokos67]

Epic and Goosebumps all the way! The list was suiting my Rush-favorite list too... I play the guitar and one of my fav's to play is among others "Anthem" and "A Passage to Bangkok" :) -tnx for sharing Carl. -KK from Norway!

[@skyemoz6559]

Great vid. So many to choose from the early records. I remember learning so many of their songs when I was learning guitar. Finding my Way was a great one Really helped my playing immensely 👍

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

It’s the hardest for me to play by far.

[@robsgarage4746]

love Rush. Great lesson(s) on the intro riffs.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thanks!

[@trav_mill]

Well done again, good sir!

[@edwardziff3274]

Alex, EVH, DIMEBAG, never depended on the pentatonic scales. They played crazy creative riffs. That's why they are great. Their rhythms and leads almost made no sense ...but they did. All so different from most other artists.

[@jesseserna8424]

My favorite rock band was Rush at one concert I was in 3rd center (Geddy was 20ft from us) row 2 nd encore and they played my favorite song (the whole arena was waiting for it ) “Red Barchetta “the whole arena went wild 1982 Oklahoma City ,

[@ramoncranert8177]

I appreciate your showcasing of these indispensable Alex Lifeson riffs and your use of the word "penultimate." 🤔🧐😜🎓🎸

[@MrSaleendriver]

Fantastic Carl! Very nice technique & talent ! Thought I was listening to Alex !One of my favorite bands that I have listened to for more than 40 years!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!!

[@chrisgroom4707]

Alex Lifeson. Eddie Van Halen was asked once how it felt being the greatest guitar player. His response was go ask Alex Lifeson.

[@stevenrwilson181]

Those were very nice things to say About the band. Thank you from another fan

[@bryanfarless9579]

Well done sir, thank you.

[@Russpng]

So much stuff to choose from - I could watch this all day. Something for Nothing has a pretty good intro too, but so do almost all of their songs.

[@MusicMotivator]

Thanks for doing this Carl! Now I don't have to do my video! LOL This is the quintessential vid and you are one hell of a player, teacher and video producer.

[@jackcase9009]

no idea how you have so little subscribers. Great player and great videos!!

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

Love your stuff! Subbed.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Yay! Thank you!

[@delliv5451]

Absolutely brilliant. Rush were an amazing band. R. I. P. Neal Pear NP...

[@rush2124u2]

That Rocked, very well done

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@aparise1]

Thanks Carl, I know I was one of prob many that asked and hoped you would do this! I remember as a kid when I first started playing, my guitar instructor after every lesson would always let me play a tape of something I wanted to learn. I played A Passage to Bangkok and within minutes he was showing me a simple way that I could play the riff on the low E. Thanks again....been subscribed for awhile now! Keep up the great work!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@giuseppebayma76]

​​@@CarlBaldassarreMusic wow unusual model of Gibson Les Paul, with Standard body and Headstock and ebony fretboard and Custom style fret markers. Very cool.💗

[@jackkitchen737]

You put together a great video here. You really know your RUSH. You have a new subscriber.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!!!!!!

[@modernguitarist1992]

This is great. Great video. "The Analog Kid" also deserves a strong mention.

[@maxsambucca2502]

I'm surprised I haven't seen you on line till a couple days ago, I love your band riffs and you play so well, I just started playing a few years ago and I love the guitar, we are the same age rockers and we love the same classic rock , you're RUSH riffs were great and I was happy to see working man as #1, also my favorite and one I learned to play now. Love the Black Sabbath riffs you played. How about some Judas Priest or Thin Lizzy? Rock on ! Great videos and great background!

[@pauljams6565]

Alex Lifeson is one of my all time FAVORITES‼️🎶👍

[@matthewoconnell114]

As a kid who grew up in Buffalo in the 70’s I loved all of these songs. I think Rush, while popular, is an under appreciated band. I picked up guitar in my mid 50’s and listening to your list I want to play every one of these riffs! In some ways, they are very Zepplin/Stones like in that they are so iconic. While a 12-string riff, I would put Closer to the Heart on an honorable mention list somewhere. Love what you do! Thank you Carl!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@cissmjg]

Sorry if this comes off snarky but the name of the song is "The Spirit of Radio" not "Spirit of the Radio" ... pet peeve of mine. Otherwise awesome video. And to echo many others here ... "La Villa Strangiato" is a masterwork and probably deserves its own video. 😀

[@brandonessick775]

Thanks Carl!

[@blake70505]

Wow, I'm really glad I found your channel. I am enjoying your approach to music composition with the perfect amount of "nerdy musician" that really appeals to my nerdy musician side. Alex Lifeson strikes me as the kind of musician that would shred on the weekends while spending the weekdays in the jazz band room in the band Hall during college. Imagine my surprise after a few videos that I realized your relation to one of my other favorite KZbinr who speaks on one my my other passions. Keep the great content coming!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Hmmm…maybe my son Teddy?

[@blake70505]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic Yes sir. I enjoy his content as well. I've purchased several watches from his store.

[@prippsguld]

Loved this! You made it easy on yourself not picking Lifesons many fantastic riffs ”inside” the songs. To many to choose from? ;) . Sometimes it’s just a 15 sec passage in a song but so good. Thank you

[@prippsguld]

Oh and loved you picks.

[@rgalbert63]

Thank you!

[@randyhenderson6166]

Thank you, Carl, for pronouncing Neil's name correctly! Fun video!!

[@profkeenan]

I'm the biggest Rush dude ever. However, Carl's list is so much better than I would have come up with. What a wonderful, killer, original list. I knew it was going to be different when Limelight and Spirit were so early. Really, really nice list.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I’m glad you appreciated it!

[@katiegrundle9900]

no, cygnux x 1 with the opening off time riff after the feedback in the beginning. thats my favorite. iconic shit right there

[@G1llmanBlacklg00n]

Definitely agree with your number 1. Working Man is one of my favorites to play!

[@Sean_Farmer]

I'm guessing you already had this in the works when I asked to cover some of Alex's guitar work in a previous video. Great stuff Carl!

[@aafjeyakubu5124]

I had the occasion to meet Alex Lifeson a few weeks ago. Super nice chap.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I wish I could meet him!

[@daveconley2601]

Loved your picks, definitely memorable. One little thing, which probably is only a thing for us lifelong Rush aficionados: Riff 7 is The Spirit of Radio, not The Spirit of The Radio. Sure, most folks do call it the former, but given Neil’s wordsmithing, it does change the perspective ever so slightly. Thanks for your breakdowns, though - enjoyed it!

[@manolodelgado3689]

I cringed when I hear the THE.

[@cmtemoacirsilva]

Great vídeo!! Very well done!! Congrats!! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@Dmunson3]

Excellent

[@funkilus]

Well Played! Great Choice, You've covered one era really well. Would love it if you did a top 5 era wise! Thank you! Loved your emotion over technique video as well.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you! I’d love to do another Rush episode!

[@simongaskill]

I completely agree. This might be the best list of Rushs greatest riffs. Great playing btw

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!!!!

[@sbadolian]

This channel is going to blow up!!!!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

May it be so!

[@Sheistmeister]

Glad limelight was one of your 10 Carl Fantastic 👍

[@brentheathersimons7042]

I'm not even a guitar player (bassist, Geddy is my hero! :))and I enjoyed this video! :) Very well done! Alex is soooooo underrated! Best wishes- Brent, VT

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Amen to that!

[@johnkennedy3970]

so glad you got finding my way and working man in there. my two faves.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Finding my way is the hardest to play for me!!

[@stevencancel1727]

Glad you added songs from early albums my fav Always thought the clean Plexi tones on those early albums were inspiring!

[@willisleonard2135]

Thumbs up Carl…..you are the man

[@dshockley01]

That Les Paul sounds great! Really dialed in. Very cool video idea. Would like to see Xanadu and Red Barchetta as possible considerations for future vids. Alex has so many great riffs. Every album is a master class in guitar evolution. Sound, chops, emotion and his attack and speed variance is timeless.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

You’re sooo right!

[@demonicturtle3999]

Xanadu has an interesting intro riff, and a bunch of other awesome following riffs.

[@kph1034]

Great work recreating those fantastic Riffs. Just wanted Neil and Geddy to kick in and finish the tracks 😁

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I know!!

[@ImYourOverlord]

Hooray for Rush!!!

[@robertwhite7071]

Always!

[@markgriffin5889]

Nice job here, Carl. But Working Man? Nah. Give me Spirit of Radio every time. All hail Rush!

[@manuelmontiel5418]

Thanks so Much for posting these riffs , the first three albums are my favorites. I saw them tour 2112 album shortly after its release . In Toledo Ohio Sports Arena , every time I see the snowy background of the Fly by Night cover it reminds me of the moons reflection on the snow the night of that concert.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Awesome memory!

[@lonecedarfarm]

Well done.

[@kevinbrady6075]

Love rock,love Rush!

[@bernardosl5546]

Direto do Brasil, obrigado. I Love Rush.

[@paulwilkinson8308]

Awesome! And you even pronounced Peart correctly! (The 1st time) Bonus points for you

[@gregoryguitars6291]

You're the coolest. Nice use of the word penultimate. And pronunciation of Peart

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

You’ve made my day!!!!!

[@SA-tr5lv]

Perfectly done exploration of a band that transcends.