TOP 10 BEATLES RIFFS RANKED

In this episode I rank the Top 10 Beatles riffs!
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[@sammmy4495]

Here Comes the Sun is the most powerful, positive pieces of music ever written.

[@tampatel7657]

And George did it on acid.

[@juliecurran9884]

Agree.I love it ❤

[@FeatherineTardForLife]

Mr blue sky is probably the happiest song

[@rbnh9827]

My favorite riffs that were not in this list: 1. Ticket to ride 2. Revolution 3. I want you (she's so heavy)

[@baddleacks4128]

i want you is (so heavily) underrated

[@BumblebeeElectron]

I want you (she's so heavy) would have been my number one pick. The way those two guitar lines interlink and push and pull each other and cycle around into infinity… is genius.

[@chrisc7265]

when he said "great use of distortion" I was sure it was gonna be I Want You

[@pepy1704]

Revolution riff is from Pee Wee Crayton song Do Unto Others, so is not an “original” riff from The Beatles

[@50Something]

I just learned I want you (She's so heavy), it's tricky to play!

[@NelsonStJames]

It's incredible to believe that one group in such a relatively short time composed so many iconic songs.

[@TheBatugan77]

Yep. In 1970, John hit 30. Ringo & Paul were 28, George just 26. Mind boggling. Paul also wrote World Without Love for Peter and Gordon.

[@meearo]

Maybe they didn't...

[@joshdotjpeg04]

Six years. Just SIX YEARS.

[@renemonroy214]

@@joshdotjpeg04 and they were kinda crazy young for that kind of achievement. Yet, then John wrote more outstanding pieces alone. Unbelievable.

[@luisfd70]

@@TheBatugan77 Ringo 30.

[@marcoapdias]

When I hear someone saying that the Beatles are overestimated because their songs are too simple, my answer is "that's why they are geniuses: they make complex and intricate melodies and harmonies sound simple and catchy". This video is the perfect example of it.

[@Sword-Shield]

Spot on...if it was simple and easy then anyone could do it. Think its simple and easy to do?... Just give it a try and duplicate it note for note and then get back with me ! 🤔🤣🤣👏👏👏👍🎸🎸✌💯

[@MikeDrasher]

Perfect stated!

[@johnabbottphotography]

You just read my mind while I was listening to this. I've been bought up to think that Beatle's songs were simplistic. This video destroys that notion. ESPECIALLY given the trash that's out there today.

[@thomaskittock2866]

I forget who said it, but your comment reminds me of a quote that says... "Anyone can make the simple sound complicated, but making the complicated sound simple is genius." I'm sure I butchered that, but I believe it's the heart of the intention.

[@victorwilburn8588]

These people confuse familiar and iconic with simple. Plus, the question of whether a song is simple is very much secondary to whether it is effective.

[@JonMichaelDeShazer]

I love this video so much. I lost my dad to cancer 12 years ago this month (he was just 55) and was an avid Beatles fan and guitar player for more than 40 years. Some of these riffs you played I haven't heard played since he died. Even though it was 12 years ago, all of these emotions come flooding back and brought me to tears thinking of him.

[@AS-ne4zv]

That’s the power of music and the power of your dad. Sorry for your loss. Enjoy the music and enjoy the good memories.

[@mamymimma]

❤️

[@edwinhicks926]

Your Father had great musical taste. He obviously had a profound impact on your life.

[@dgallodgallo]

we should all be so lucky to be remembered by our loved ones the way your dad and his music are remembered by you!!

[@tomcusack884]

I like the opening riff of Day Tripper so much it's the ring tone on my cell phone. Many times when my phone rings in a store or restaurant or wherever I am some people comment that it's one of their favorite Beatle songs. Recently a middle-aged gal came up to me when the phone stopped ringing and said, 'Got a good reason.' I replied, 'For taking the easy way out.' We both laughed. Amusing.

[@sess122]

The opening riff in "Drive My Car" is also worth mentioning here. Of course, they had so many that were "iconic", including those you played here, Rick.

[@jackconnolly2665]

I assumed it would be #1 but it is probably #1 on a best intros list.

[@Gottenhimfella]

@@jackconnolly2665 Confirmed

[@palfers1]

Wow. I just said the same thing LOL.

[@Prof.ArnonPalty]

Respect, Otis' version...

[@RedDogMamaHD]

I love when you post Beatles videos. Regarding #7 In my Life I ... More: The initials are engraved in our wedding rings. My husband passed away nearly 3 years ago. We would have celebrated our 51st Anniversary this year.

[@Nero3335]

Beautiful, and my condolences.

[@RedDogMamaHD]

@@Nero3335 Thank you 😘

[@RedDogMamaHD]

@@converter42 😘

[@Parc_Ferme]

My condolences, however I think you should celebrate 48 years of something many seeks and never reach: true love. You both are lucky for had found each other. A huge virtual hug!

[@brentnoury7626]

When my dad passed, the reverend knew how to play In my life and Blackbird. He played them so well and even now it's tough to listen to those songs but on occasion when I do, they are so beautiful it's like special moment and treat for the soul. Especially In my life maybe the best song ever written.

[@hball6695]

10 riffs is not enough...I could have watched for an hour, easily. The Beatles were the soundtrack of my adolescence and I will be forever grateful.

[@jimsanders4412]

Could not agree more!!👍😄

[@spleen7266]

They were the soundtrack of my adolescence too - and that was in the late 80s... because the beatles' music was simply better than the stuff of the late 80s

[@pleaseenteraname1103]

You could easily do a top 50 and even then that would be very difficult.

[@sylviaroberts8103]

Beautifully put.

[@Sherwoody]

10 riffs, 50 riffs, 100 riffs, the Beatles created some of the most memorable music ever. A local station used to do a Beatles A to Y (not Z) and we’d know every song.

[@richgl31]

100% agree with Here Comes the Sun. The first day of warmth and sun each year - that melody begins to play in my head…. it’s as aligned a melody can get with what it is describing. Perfection.

[@keithbaxter6066]

I Want You (She's So Heavy) is hypnotic. The riff in Help going into each verse shows Harrison had some chops.

[@stevehoran5595]

There's no good breakdown of that on KZbin. I think the single line stuff is in drop D tuning but how do you play the arpeggio part?

[@dennisberceles7387]

Excuse me, it's John who played the riffs on his song "I Want You (She's So Heavy)", not George..

[@keithbaxter6066]

@@dennisberceles7387 I was specifically talking about the arpeggiated part that leads in the chorus. If Lennon played that part too, well, Lennon proved his mettle with the rhythm part on All My Loving.

[@stevehoran5595]

@@keithbaxter6066 That riff in I Feel Fine is all John and it's pretty hard to play, as I think Rick pointed out in this clip. Also, in I Got A Feeling, John has his pinky on A on the high E string all through that A to Asus riff. That takes endurance. :-)

[@stevehoran5595]

@@dennisberceles7387 John plays the lead guitar part during the I Want You section. I think George and John played the arpeggiated She's So Heavy part together. Keith was talking about the fast arpeggios in Help! which are played by George.

[@martinhorodrigues5532]

I'm brazilian and I've heard beatle's songs through all my life and I'm sure I'll still be hearing them... "when I get older loosing my hair, many years from now"!❤

[@marcriley6015]

I agree with George on "If I Needed Someone". It's an addicting song with a hypnotic vibe.

[@alanshepherd4304]

Always loved 'If I Needed Someone' 😁🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@fordjc11]

Tom Petty did a nice rendition of this song on the George Harrison Memorial Concert/Album

[@fbt25]

Yes. Oddly, it has always sounded way ahead of its time for me, like an 80's song (maybe because lots of iconic bands in the 80's used Rickenbackers).

[@bassmaster1953]

"The Beatles are the reason I started playing guitar." This may be the most repeated statement in music history.

[@thoof2001]

Not to mention all the the drummers who, like me, say 'I was inspired by Ringo'!

[@raoulduke344]

@@thoof2001 Ringo's son, Zach Starkey, is a fantastic drummer too. I saw him when he was playing with Oasis around 2005 and he was brilliant.

[@donnewton415]

@Leandro Bremer Remember: No Beatles, probably no Slash. Certainly most of the British groups who were trying to emulate them wouldn't exist. Need to just remember that what passed for music prior to the Beatles was pretty vanilla.

[@OldMusicGuy99]

So true. I started taking guitar lessons when I was 10 and I was okay, but not enthused about it. Six months later the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and that was it. I remember trying not to appear too enthused watching it because my mom was freaking out over their hair and I was afraid that if I enjoyed it too much she'd make dad turn to another channel.

[@bassmaster1953]

@@OldMusicGuy99 If we had not had to 2 TV's, I may have missed it.

[@miguelangie]

The Beatles have always been my number 1 band. Before I studied music, and after that. I love music by many other artists, but no matter what, everytime I revisit The Beatles I get that Oh my God feeling. There's no one like them. That level of creativity, that sound they also worked on in the studio, those lyrics, their musicianship... not to say their humbleness and humanity too...

[@mrtank7401]

Same for me, it just rings in my head all day and never goes away. It’s such a good feeling and I love it so much

[@Thadmotor1044]

Sgt Peppers lead the greatest musical explosion and creativity of all time

[@Aristipp-ng5fu]

somewhat exaggerated

[@NickPilmeyer]

As a young musician I was such a fan of Lennon, for his rebelliousness and his lyrics. Then as I started studying music I found out that McCartney was really the most masterful musician out of all of them. Now I would actually say Harrison is my favorite Beatle because so many of the best Beatles tracks are Harrison songs!

[@hw343434]

This list is almost entirely John Lennon riffs/songs with one Harrison and 2 McCartney contributions. John was the riffmaster

[@theju3939]

@@hw343434isn't a hard day's night riff written by George Harrison?

[@strathman7501]

@@hw343434 Three McCartneys, I believe, as the Lucy In The Sky mellotron intro was his.

[@NickPilmeyer]

I'm not necessarily talking about riffs here, but some more George classics are of course: While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Something, Taxman and the abovementioned Here Comes the Sun. All instant classics.

[@mritsme9901]

Didn’t McCartney write the intro to taxman? I know he played lead on it.

[@mbcarlson]

So many good ones! “Hey Bulldog” is also a super cool riff that really rocks.

[@nabooster]

I was gonna say the same!

[@jacobocastrorodriguez6286]

Same here

[@sinatra222]

Hey Bulldog and Dig A Pony should have both made the top-10 IMHO.

[@Steven-jj5tn]

Same here.

[@maggieo]

@@sinatra222 Seconded!

[@ridethelightning7979]

0:50 And Your Bird Can Sing 1:16 Blackbird 1:57 Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds 2:42 In My Life 3:20 Norwegian Wood 3:50 Because 4:30 Day Tripper 5:26 Paperback Writer 5:57 I Feel Fine 6:24 Here Comes The Sun

[@John_Hazeldene]

No Dear Prudence?

[@judithweiss6727]

Where is Ticket to Ride?

[@A.Briggs628]

What? No Revolution? John Lennon’s opening riff? Omg! I’m out!

[@inwoodliver]

Love it

[@isaganicasis7549]

Very nice presentation.

[@JimValko8008]

I've been hearing these songs for 50-plus years and I still get an emotional jolt when I hear them. Music is magic.

[@polytheneprentiss1534]

Same! I started tearing up when they played Because. 😢 you’re so right - music is magic - for the soul 😊

[@rubbersole79]

Beatle music shure is.

[@fordjc11]

Yep. Ditto hear.

[@johnmeeks6113]

Same here im 71 yo and when I hear the Beatles my heart jumps with joy . The way their songs are broken down tells me the Beatles are more than just another band from liver pool . I will loved them always and in my funeral I want the Beatles song played : good night : as I'm being toward into my final resting place ..

[@lostreb]

@@johnmeeks6113 I'm fortunate enough to be several years older than you, but I comment to ask you a simple question. Were you like me?? I "never" thought I'd live to be 30, much less almost 80!!! When I reached 30, I almost went into depression because "I could no longer be trusted!!" Remember the "You can't trust anyone over 30!?!?!?!?" Thank you for the memories!!! (My 40th was spent in a Halo Vest with a Shattered C-2, but my 50th??? Let's just say when my date was twirling her bra on her index finger!?!?!?! I knew it was gonna be a Great Night!!! Makes me happy I lived to be over 30!!) I listen to Early Beatles all day, every day, well, when the opportunity presents!

[@georgelucas2571]

“If I Needed Someone” has one of the most memorable Beatles riffs. It’s such an underrated George song.

[@danielpa7785]

The Maker! :) But indeed, I think many if not most of George's songs are great fun to play on guitar.

[@adelbouafia2751]

absolutely

[@MrFrankles7]

Early REM must have listened to it a lot

[@mitchweissman5045]

Agreed

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

IIRC it was written after the Beatles spent time visiting The Byrds, and there's a definite Roger McGuinn feel to it. Great song.

[@robertrussell6864]

You cannot underestimate the influence thatThe Beatles had on my generation during the sixties. The music that they made was without the question ground breaking and also much of it was fantastically well written, extremely well performed and beautifully produced. They are without comparison during that period.

[@rogerstone3068]

I suspect you meant 'overestimate'.

[@jeffwatts1126]

They influenced many generations. Im the generation after you, teen in the 70's. The Beatles were our worlds. I work in film so I work with a lot of kids, 20s and younger, and you'd be surprised how many know each and every Beatle song I throw at them, lyrics and all

[@daf827]

Keith Richards gets a lot of recognition for being one of the great riff masters, but George deserves more acknowledgement than he receives for his riffs, the memorability and musicality of which are nicely explained in this video. Thank you, Rick, for giving George his due.

[@anamercado331]

George Harrison came up with the riff (bass and guitar) for "Drive my Car". He wanted a Motown feel for the song.

[@CANNIMAGINE]

Just hearing you guys playing these riffs show how brilliant the Beatles were. Yes, I am also a huge Beatles fan...

[@davehinz4598]

I love that you can hear George dropping his pick against the pickguard in Here Comes The Sun. Such an honest and real recording.

[@staceandrew1585]

I've always felt that "Here Comes the Sun" was when someone was coming down from tripping the whole night. Ahhh here it comes, and it's all right. I feel like ice is slowly melting.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

Holy cow! Rick and Pat should do an album of instrumental Beatles covers!!! These riffs were terrific!!

[@jimvandemoter6961]

I got into my first real band in the summer of 1966 and one of the first songs we learned was "Day Tripper." I just turned 14 years old and I was one of the coolest kids around because I could play it. It was a big step for me. I'm 70 years old now and I still play, and I still know "Day Tripper."

[@amazeddude1780]

Harrison did some excellent work while in the Beatles, but his development as a slide guitarist throughout his solo career was just extraordinary. Not to mention his contributions to the Traveling Wilburys- sad to reflect that Bob and Jeff are the sole remaining members of that supergroup.

[@jbrisby]

Any time Bob and Jeff want to get together with Elton and Clapton, I'd be down.

[@LucaTalkinBout]

Agreed, big fan of Harrison’s slide guitar here

[@stevesheldon8616]

@@jbrisby Now that would be something. Of course, George was the guy who brought them all together and made it work. Still, one can dream.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Jim Keltner is still alive. For some reason he was never included in the fame part of the Wilburys but he's credited as Buster Wilbury on their DVD.

[@amitabhhajela681]

What are some good songs featuring his slide playing?

[@acleverley]

This could have easily been a Top 20 list. I find myself constantly amazed by the breadth and depth of music The Beatles came up with in such a short period of time.

[@frumexicano4112]

Top 20?? I disagree. It should have been Top 50!

[@johnmelvin3612]

The Beatles channel on Sirius XM does a Beatles Top 100. My first thought was “really….100?”. Yup, and they were all great!

[@word67]

Nice choices and nice playing you two. As soon as you started to describe "in My life" verbally I knew what was coming. It's too easy to name a Beatles song ( well if you are my age) after three notes or sometimes even one chord -- but being absolutely sure after a verbal description.... well. I remember Judy Collins singing "In My Life" at the Newport folk festival ( guessing '1967) Breathtaking. I was pretty young, Judy Coillins brought everything to it, but I remember thinking what a great and beautiful song. If any song I've ever heard can tear my heart out -- that's it.

[@WardCarroll]

“Paperback Writer” with the capo has kind of a “Mrs. Robinson” vibe. Good lineup, guys!

[@mike60510]

Paperback writer one of the best two chord songs ever.

[@citoante]

From all of the songs they use day tripper and paperback writer. I understand if you use one of those, but both? Kinda lame.

[@jacobbolland7544]

@@citoante make your own list kid 🤣 day tripper consistently cited as one of the best riffs in rock and roll history and yeah paperback writer is a basic structure but still an awesome riff

[@TomSpurlock]

Ward, I bet you listened to the Beatles while flying F14s, right?

[@stevesheldon8616]

Ah, that's a good comp.

[@zetectic7968]

Back in the day I was going on holiday to Wales with schoolfriends. We had driven overnight. As we crested a wooded hill we could see across the valley with a thick layer of mist rising above the river to the ridge beyond. The Sun was just starting to peek out into the sky & "here comes the sun" began on the cassette player - perfect timing.

[@realitycheck4960]

It's incredible how quickly their guitar playing advanced within a few years in the sixties.

[@michaellewchuk8272]

I always say the thing I love about the Beatles is that they are an example of evolution in real time. They progressed so far, so quickly that it's a marvel to behold all these years later.

[@hijmestoffels5171]

The Beatles have written 194 songs. At least 150 of them are masterpieces. This video illustrates the songwriting genius of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison.

[@pifko87]

194 released songs. I imagine most of those they thought were just not good enough to release are still better than most of the music produced since.

[@hijmestoffels5171]

@@pifko87 Like ‘Let It Be’. According to some people a somewhat disappointing Beatles-album (not according to me!), it is still much better than any album by almost any other artist.

[@6699sanchez]

A lot of songs written by the Beatles were left out of albums because they were unfinished, orfor one reason or another, and found their way into solo albums released after the Beatles split. All Things Must Pass, Jealous Guy, Another Day...

[@frostyvr9805]

@@hijmestoffels5171 I wouldn’t go that far but it is a great album

[@scubarojo]

A few albums of the "worst" 44 songs, would still be better than most of the crap put out today.

[@petercharles4846]

Your ability to play these songs so beautifully and send us back to a time when the Beatles created some of the greatest music ever gives me such memories of my favorites. Beatles melodies are part of so many people.

[@stephentyler4352]

When you two were playing In My Life, I was feeling big time chills up and down my spine. There is something incredibly special about that song. Every time I hear Magical Mystery Tour it helps me forget about all my anxieties and depression for a moment. It is truly remarkable! I think it has to do with Paul’s voice, Ringo’s percussive aggression and the horns. What a song for the ages.

[@sidgysoho1960]

There is indeed something " special " about that song. As I eluded to on my posted comment it is the greatest rock song as decided by a body of musicians the world over. My personal fave is " Norwegian Wood " but I digress. The most widely " recognized " tune in the world is " Echo Beach " by Martha and the Muffins. A fine Canadian institution in itself. We have to remember that there are people judging who were born after we were. But good call on the feeling and sentiment of the song. John really hit the nail on the head with that one.

[@damien1352]

'In my life' was Cynthia Lennon's favourite song of the Beatles, primarily because it was probably about her.

[@ruagod]

I'm surprised "Eight Days a Week" didn't make the list, but after listening to it again, it's really just the opening and closing riffs that come to mind. I certainly can't argue with your choices. Rick, I wonder if you'd consider doing a video about Paul's bass playing. He has an amazing ability to play intricate, melodic bass parts while singing lead. You don't have to look very hard to find a good example of this: "I Saw Her Standing There", the first song on their first British LP, Please Please Me.

[@rogerstone3068]

I think a true measure of the greatness of this body of work is that if you said to Rick, OK, take away those ten - what else is there? He'd have no trouble re-making this video with ten other songs. And then you could do it again. And they'd still be world-beating, iconic, unforgettable songs.

[@danielholmqvist2713]

And your bird can sing has one of the best riffs but maybe my all time favorite harmony part too, at the second chorus. "You tell me that you heard every sound there is...!"

[@douglasoliveiraperdigao5415]

Yes!

[@herbnichols]

LOVE seeing and hearing my friends Rick and Pat playing and not ribbing each other for 8 minutes! I believe Paul uses the back of his index finger for the offbeats on Blackbird. A weird technique (kind of strumming a single string) but contributes to the uniqueness.

[@dwb468]

Eric, I fell in love with the Beatles twice, the first time was 1975 when I discovered my cousin’s Red & Blue albums, the second was the late 80s when a friend performed an amazing cover of Blackbird. That song is sublime on multiple levels.

[@dondubia5896]

The Beatles were the Mozart of the 20th Century. Making 2 or 3 albums a year with such timeless music was more special than even they recognized at the time.

[@raimundwessinger9700]

nobody ever did that, even FZ was remaining in old ideas althoug he was (very) open minded. But the beatles nailed it.....

[@paulsawtell3991]

Don't be silly; they were a pop group that's all.

[@maxthornton9500]

@@paulsawtell3991 Maybe they started as one, but youd struggle to call albums like revolver, sgt peppers and mmt just pop

[@oderchannel426]

@@paulsawtell3991 and Mozart was just a classical composer. Your point?

[@GinEric84]

No. They were not.

[@PM-fs2eg]

Ever since I was a little kid "Here comes the Sun" has made me super emotional whenever I hear it. It's just so so beautiful...I think I want it to be played at my funeral actually.

[@jhamler1]

Yes. There's something about those opening notes and the tuning and the progression or whatever... It makes me smile/cry all at once like no other song.

[@timothypatrickmurphy7118]

Heartfelt Brother...

[@darlenegriffith6186]

As soon as Rick and his friend started the countdown, I kept waiting for them to play Here Comes the Sun. I'm so glad they made it their number one Beatles guitar riff. That would be my choice as well. This song invokes so many memories and feelings inside of me. It has such positive energy that I can't help but feel joyful whenever I hear it.

[@dalemartell8639]

One of the best times of my life was when I was in my early 20,s playing rec hockey in Canada. Our team was called the Canada Midnight Suns and we came onto the ice to Here Comes the Sun. Good times. Good memories.

[@thesteelgator]

One of my best friends played this riff (well, played and sung the whole first verse actually) at his wedding as his wife-to-be was walking down the aisle. Ever since, I cannot hear this song and not think of that. Such a beautiful moment.

[@Kaffeebaum]

Would've loved to see Helter Skelter on this, but the Beatles just have too many great songs

[@benjaminsnell3393]

While my guitar gently weeps too

[@duanewilson3941]

@@benjaminsnell3393 Michelle has a great guitar intro. The list goes on and on.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@benjaminsnell3393 I think of that more as a "progression" than a riff but I totally agree that it rules though and is one of the funnest songs ever to just literally jam on. Clapton was in a special place musically when he recorded that.

[@SpitfireRoad]

I totally enjoyed you two playing these bits together being friends for so long. This demonstration of friendship between musicians is uncommon today. I hope every musician has a friend like this.

[@brianc1701]

Can't believe "And I Love Her" did not make this list! Beautiful, elegant, simple.

[@Williamottelucas]

Indeed

[@duanewilson3941]

It wasn't in the intro like most of these but "till there was you" had a killer guitar melody/solo in it as well.

[@sup9542]

One of the best examples of how adding a few notes can completely change a song. Still would have been a great song without it, but that riff is the first thing you think of when you think of the song. Paul cites that all the time as an example of how great George was.

[@kkjhn41]

@@duanewilson3941 It doesn't qualify because it's not a Beatles song. it's a cover of a song from the musical The Music Man that was written by Meridith Wilson in 1950.

[@riverwalker2173]

Mother's Nature's Son🤌 Just sayin🤨

[@vagabond197979]

I don't know why it still surprises me that after years of listening to the Beatles they can still blow me away in new ways every so often.

[@rogerbanana5670]

Ha ha ha

[@johnmeeks6113]

Yes indeed !

[@jacquismith3277]

I thoroughly agree. It's exciting.

[@LeoJSmerkin]

In the day we took them for granted Now we recognise the cosmic genius

[@BullittHilts]

Great video! It’s practically impossible to limit the Beatles to a top 10 riffs list but I love the selection! Thank God for the Beatles - timeless music - such a gift.

[@thebookofeli849]

The Beatles are the reason I started playing guitar. The very first riff I learned was Day Tripper. The first solo I learned was Paul's solo Taxman. My goal was and still is to basically learn every Beatles song on almost every instrument.

[@DoctorJohnSmith9]

Day Tripper was also my first. I was proud as heck finding the notes on my own and putting them all together.

[@ronrumsey3205]

My first was I Should've Known Better. Tying to nail that C to G to C to G rhythm with open chords almost killed me!

[@jltrem]

The Beatles were the reason myself and 3 million other teen aged boys picked up guitars in 1964.

[@Vivi_9]

My favourite riff is in the chorus of Helter Skelter.. badass riff that basically created metal

[@yukas1ngas]

Taxman solo?? I love it but the first solo??! LOL

[@LeeFred78]

So glad you have "Here Comes the Sun" as your #1 riff. I would love to watch the two of you play it from beginning to end. One of my favorite versions of the song is when George and Pete Ham played it during the Concert for Bangladesh. RIP to both Pete and George.

[@powpowpro]

Pete Ham and George absolutely rip that song, to the measure, every note, live in the Bangladesh show.

[@w.art.2620]

Hi… George with Paul Simon 👍🏼

[@jacquismith3277]

Yes, it's a great version and, yes, RIP George and Pete.

[@gman-zl3vm]

Almost impossible to contain it to just 10 but, I was hoping to hear "Hey Bulldog" in there. Also, the number of Lennon songs in this Top 10 is a testament to his genius.

[@kassidylingenfelter9665]

“In my Life” is probably my favorite Beatles song, primarily because of the amazing depth and humble awareness of the lyrics

[@laudarevsonhunt]

And written by a 25 year old John

[@sourisvoleur4854]

@@laudarevsonhunt That always floors me to think about -- he was so young yet the song is so wise.

[@lylemays100]

In my younger years I used to claim to anyone that would listen that "In My Life" was meant by John to be ironic. I now know how wrong I was. Oh well, I was going through a nasty divorce at the time...

[@deut3168]

I can't disagree. Just hearing a collection of Beatles tunes is a treat.

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

Also, the intro to Across the Universe. Another classic ( and tricky to play ) Beatles riff.

[@FionaEm]

So many great Beatles riffs - don't know how you sorted through them! I'd put Something and Birthday in there - but I agree that Here Comes the Sun is a worthy winner!

[@gtrdoc911]

The Beatles are the soundtrack of my life. What great comfort to hear that beautiful music.

[@christophertolmie6572]

My Top 10 Favorite Beatles Guitar Riffs 1. In My Life (2:52 - 3:19) 2. Now And Then 3. Get Back 4. Run For Your Life 5. Blackbird (1:34 - 1:55) 6. Rocky Racoon 7. Her Majesty 8. Please Please Me 9. Love Me Do 10. Because (4:01 - 4:29)

[@marksanzone4948]

Absolutely, melodically beautiful and entertaining. A time never to be repeated. Glad to have been privileged to enjoy their shared genius! Very well done, Rick and teammate.

[@coinraker6497]

"I Feel Fine" immediately came to mind when I saw the title. Also has some of my favorite drumming by Ringo.

[@stevenwolf8434]

Love Ringo's drumming on I feel fine.

[@MrLuigiFercotti]

Read that Lennon had been kicking that song around for a while, then just him and Ringo worked on it finally clicked. Ringo's drumming is perfect for the mood of the song.

[@billace90]

Excellent. Here Comes the Sun is definitely the number one!

[@COMama]

Underscores that George Harrison could more than hold his own when it came to writing wonderful songs!

[@ThymeKeeper]

When Paul plays Blackbird live he has introduced it by saying "No matter how you're playing this, you're doing it wrong." :D

[@jeffcole2860]

Hilarious!

[@jamesslick4790]

I guarantee that when I play it....It's wrong. But THAT applies to almost ANYTHING I play. 😜

[@RockandRollWoman]

He still needs therapy for poor self-esteem.

[@thesilvershining]

The cheeky bastard, I adore him, lol.

[@danlee2475]

Probably because you’re not playing it left-handed!

[@maccuadra8454]

I started when I was young with metal and with the years as I matured, I realized the greatness of the Beatles.

[@cdjruski]

same here

[@DaveTaste]

Innit

[@TheSinnical]

Same here

[@slavaukraini404]

Metal is a bit slow for me.

[@yagilhenkin1682]

@@cdjruski 2

[@Hillbilly973]

Just magic! I am your age Rick, and there was a time, in the 80s and 90s, when there were a lot of questions as to whether the Beatles could actually play their instruments well. I do not have any ability to play anything, but i always knew their talent had become under appreciated. You, surely, have put these notions to bed. Thank you.

[@relicofgold]

They are the perfect, ultimate, example of why you should not know music theory or how to read music. They did not know what you "should" play, what sequences you "should" play, rather, they played what sounded great to them, unhindered, unchained of convention and expectations. Simply, the best rock music ever created.

[@acefox1]

Good list! Don’t know how you get this down to just 10. For iconic guitar riffs I probably would have gone with Taxman and Birthday. Those are both unbelievably kick-ass and iconic riffs.

[@engineer909]

The Beatles were a great ‘riff’ band. Some of them are so simple but so great! There will never be another band that comes close to them. All that music within 8 years, incredible

[@doodledangernoodle2517]

Beatles, Stones and the Kinks are the three kings of 60s riffs

[@andersonandrade6336]

Listening to all those beautiful songs and thinking… I can’t believe they won’t include Here Comes the Sun… I couldn’t agree more 😊

[@kuyaAriel23]

It made think that George Harrison was in different dimension when it comes to writing a song.. His "Here comes the sun" and "Something" are definitely of the greatest songs in modern music.

[@bryanstarkweather]

You know, I've been a studio musician for a long time, and I played for a lot of tributes, and I have to agree with this. Using isolated tracks, sheet music, and some other resources, these two songs absolutely blew my mind. With something, the stuff in the foreground that seems like you're hearing a lot is really not that much, but the stuff in the background that you don't really hear is a lot. Also, the amount of detail that goes into here comes the Sun is astounding. The fact that the Moog synthesizer is changing settings a lot, and there's even a few little rifts for some sort of organ or something that only happen in maybe one or two spots in the song, and then there's that little mellotron flute part in the middle. Replicating this stuff live is very difficult.

[@ScarletVoodoo]

@@bryanstarkweather I totally agree. When you listen to the song it all kind of washes over you and those little details can get lost. I've been listening to a lot of isolated tracks lately as well. Genius stuff from George.

[@MorinWeb1]

There is a Dutch band called The Analogues that play entire Beatles albums and they sound exactly like the recordings. They are absolutely amazing. Look for their videos on this site.

[@MorinWeb1]

@@bryanstarkweathercheck out The Analogues, a Dutch band that play entire Beatles albums live and they sound exactly like the record. They are amazing

[@addictedtoguitars4948]

A couple of guys in their 20s came up with all these great parts that still hold up more than half a century later. Imagine if John had lived, they would have reunited at some point and given the world even more.

[@duanewilson3941]

Imagine what tickets to that concert would cost?

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

I miss John 😢. I stayed home from school the day after he was shot and cried.

[@WilliamTankersley-h8p]

Great choices , wonderfully done. Thank you too Rick helping out .

[@TomStrahle]

I Feel Fine is a great one and I couldn't believe how hard it was to get down at first. The Beatles were great players even early on. Honorable mention for me would be Hey Bulldog. I think with Blackbird, like Yesterday, Paul is brushing the strings with his nails, like the folk singers of the 50's and 60's. John Mayer used a similar technique in Stop This Train. I taught both Yesterday and Blackbird wrong for decades, more like a classical guitar piece with classical technique, until I learned Stop This Train and realized, "wait that's what Paul did." Sometimes I think Radiohead is constantly trying to re-write Because. Amazing harmonies.

[@keithdf2001]

Hey Bulldog had some of my favorite playing of their entire catalog.

[@jonathanoneill8011]

So true about Radiohead! 😂 I never made the connection to “Because,” but it’s right there!

[@jack002tuber]

Hey Bullfrog is the most underappreciated Beatle song ever.

[@johnparkes9597]

Yep, I had that on my list. Ticket to Ride too?

[@SarJam07]

I was expecting "I Feel Fine" too.

[@harrypsihoyos]

"Girl", "Michelle", "All My Loving" and "I've Just Seen A Face" are in my list for sure.

[@jbrisby]

Twist and Shout.

[@harrypsihoyos]

@@jbrisby It's a cover!

[@roberttine5081]

What a great time to have been listening to music. I am so glad to have been part of the era

[@VMBFV]

But "Girl" and "All My Loving" have no riffs. If you mean great solos, I'm with you.

[@harrypsihoyos]

@@VMBFV Of course these songs have riffs, the verse and chorus riffs.

[@mbrltrpress]

Oh man, just hearing that Here Comes The Sun riff at the end of such a great video filled my heart with warmth. Thank you.

[@billjohn4132]

Ty, yes it was a good ending guys!

[@concretebuilding]

Ticket to Ride is one of those songs I'd love to see covered by you. A little sad that it didn't get put in this video, but even if it gets demonitized at some point, would also like to see a "What makes this song great" for it. That song starts off with the riff everyone knows, but what I really, really love about it (and the song as a whole) is how it encapsulates the whole train-going experience, especially when it comes to UK trains. The opening riff is a bit melancholic, and also at the same time gives the kind of atmosphere you'd expect from a UK train station. It plants you in a setting, and few other Beatles songs do the same.

[@grahamnunn8998]

I love your interpretation elfbee but I believe the original inspiration had more to do with STDs and a note from the doctor giving you the all clear! Still, an awesome riff. It sounds huge on a 12 string and you feel a little guilty because it is so simple!

[@concretebuilding]

@@grahamnunn8998 I'll admit here I hadn't exactly done much research on the song (or of this topic in particular) but now that I have, it seems we're having almost the same debate over who was right, McCartney or Lennon. This one's weird, the more you look into it, the thicker the plot gets.

[@johnjarvis2346]

Great List! Literally almost ANY Beatle song qualifies...but my vote is for the greatest one chord intro of all time....Hard Days Night!

[@russmartin4189]

Can't be reproduced because it isn't one chord, but a mixture, and then turning it up as it faded out.

[@rogerbanana5670]

Nah...all I've got to do!

[@noonetime8478]

"If I Needed Someone' has a very interesting intto riff too. And also Drive My Car

[@Djasler576]

Mother Nature’s Son is one that seems to always be overlooked. Took about twice as long for me to learn that one compared to Blackbird! McCartney really knew his way around the acoustic guitar

[@mikemcconville2495]

And it came from Paul just noodling

[@beaufreeman700]

MNS is a true gem...I'm trying to learn to play it too!!

[@arnesaknussemm2427]

Indeed he does and very few people can play blackbird correct. He doesn’t finger pick the incidental notes but rather brushes the strings.

[@mrfester42]

... and he still does!

[@hapahapahappy]

Mother nature's son really is amazing

[@RedAndtheBlackRocker]

I'm 58 and grew up with The Beatles. I absolutely love them and alway have. Greatest band EVER. But I go through phases. I can only hear so much now without having to put them on the shelf for a bit. But then I'll come back at some point and just dive in and go crazy listening to tons of it all over again, for the zillionth time. Since watching Get Back I'm up to my ears again now and loving it. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. LOVE.

[@mickavellian]

SO THATS 64?? WHAT A COINCIDENCE

[@michaelscott356]

@@mickavellian IT is... But HE'S NOT.. So, doesn't count!

[@michaelscott356]

And in FACT, I'm SEVENTY FOUR, so, Ten Years After (right there with Alvn Lee!) 😉

[@Kyakid]

I love how you guys are so synced up.

[@RichAdams21]

Love this episode, guys. One thing I think people forget about The Beatles is the years they spent playing gig after gig after gig, honing their skills. By the time Brian Epstein signed them to Parlophone, they were well-seasoned players ready to unleash their genius on the world. They had genius, yes, but it needed to be cultivated. They evolved before our eyes & ears from "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to "Abbey Road" in just a few years but the foundation was those years playing all those gigs in Hamburg, The Cavern and other spots in the Isles. The value of paying your dues and developing your talent through live performance has gotten somewhat lost as a lot of artists want stardom immediately without doing the work to achieve the talent level necessary to warrant that stardom.

[@edthesaxplayer8450]

So true. One thing I think people forget about The Beatles is the years they spent playing gig after gig after gig, honing their skills. Probably yhe greatest teacher.

[@edmondlau511]

I think it was 8 hours a night for months at a time. It’s also how they managed to bond not only as a band but also as friends. When you spend so much time around people, you either grow closer or want to grow further apart. They ended up growing apart but that was inevitable with the weight of the world on their shoulders.

[@Leightym]

I can't "like" this comment enough.

[@fenestrapain]

Totally agree. For this reason, I think one of the only current artists with staying power right now is Doja cat. She was in the game for yearssss really grinding and practicing and honing. She went viral (a few times) sure, but then she hit us with wave after wave of talent that she’d already been working on.

[@SigMaQuint]

I was expecting "Come together", but I think "Here comes the sun" is a really good choice. I have always liked that song.

[@jimsanders4412]

The melody and vocal harmony in “Because” still, to this day, are so emotionally moving. I can’t think of any other song that I feel that with. Brilliant. Genius.

[@tedb1015]

They each sang their part 3 times

[@gregorycox4085]

I believe the song is a lift off of a classical piece with lyrics put to it. Yoko introduced John to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata in 1969. Yoko is a classically trained musician.

[@topgazza]

Makes me emotional hearing and watching this video Rick. I was born in the early 50s so in the UK The Beatles were my life. You could have picked any 10 of their songs. They were unique. But the ten you chose were just great

[@veecamp7088]

They're music just makes life Fun any time!

[@bjs7442]

I am of the same vintage and apart from their riffs they rewrote what was possible. Truly groundbreaking. Just listen to Eleanor Rigby written in a minor key and their use of cellos. Released as the B side to Yellow Submarine.

[@IanJamesMcKelvey]

There are so many great songs in The Beatle's catalogue, and all of your choices belong in the "top 10 riffs". I think that the opening of "Michelle" is also very iconic and a recognizable riff! What makes all of these riffs so undeniably so good, is that they are always a joy to listen to - I still never get tired of the riffs and melodies that they created, though it's over 50 years (almost 60!) since they came out.

[@fiddleandfart]

Yeah, where did all those years go? My teenage years coincided with the rise and rise of The Beatles - every new release anticipated as an EVENT! What would they come up with next? I don't think today's pop-pickers, so diverse and fragmented - with "records" streamed rather than bought over the counter, and carried excitedly home, to put on your record-player, and place that needle, can ever quite feel the way we did through the Sixties, and beyond!

[@Gottenhimfella]

It strikes me that almost all Beatles songs (and all the great ones) establish a "mood" right from the very opening bars. And it's generally a compelling and distinctive mood. They were hardly ever formulaic in the slightest degree.

[@mrbob4u495]

The first riff I ever learned was "Day Tripper." I was 14. Now in my 70's I am trying to relearn the guitar after 50+ years of being silent. Oh how I wish I still had those calluses. On an another note, no matter my mood, I can find a Beatles song to fit my feelings. Been this way my whole life.

[@efficiencygaming3494]

These are all awesome picks, but the Beatles have too many good riffs to fit on a top-10 list. Here are some of my favorites: "Rain" (Paperback Writer B-side): One of my absolute favorites. That guitar is so deep and satisfying, it's perfect. "Birthday" (White Album): Such an iconic riff. You'll be craving cake every time you hear it. "I Want You (She's So Heavy)" (Abbey Road): It's a very long song, but the guitar work makes up for it, especially during the instrumental section. "Polythene Pam" (Abbey Road): A highly underrated song with great guitar work by George. "Doctor Robert" (Revolver): A relatively simple, yet fun and catchy riff that hardly gets old. "Run For Your Life" (Rubber Soul): For as dark and unpleasant the lyrics are, the contrastingly upbeat, catchy guitar riff makes this song strangely fun to listen to.

[@matrobnew]

Very interesting list. Rain -- absolutely, but it needs to be heavily-distorted electric even more than the A-side, Paperback. Birthday -- iconic as hell but IMO maybe too simple for this list. I Want You -- my fav Beatles song bar none, but it's almost too many different riffs or pieces; I assume you mean either the very intro or the super-long outro, but the latter is two counterposed melodies so not sure that's a riff. Pam -- well hell yeah, esp the transition to Bathroom Window; but like so much of Abbey Road, the composition structure is almost beyond riffs at that point (I kinda thought 'Because' was standing in for all the killer guitar work on Abbey -- otherwise I mean might as well just play that whole album straight through [including Octopus] and that's your top 20)

[@philipschwartz5465]

A couple of my favorite riffs that immediately come to mind: “And your bird can sing” off Revolver and the country “What goes on” off Rubber Soul. But … so many to choose from.

[@alandoane9168]

#1 literally brought me to tears. For the choice, for the playing of it, for the transcendent wonder of that song, one of the greatest in human history. Well done, guys.

[@marksanzone4948]

Amen...amen...amen!!!

[@natalyamartirosyan]

Isn’t it amazing how this song actually makes you feel every time you hear those first notes - warm rays of sun glazing your skin in the morning or after a long day inside? I swear I close my eyes and warmth and excitement overwhelm me. Probably the most uplifting Beatles’ song.

[@brinsonharris9816]

One of their absolute best-George’s writing & guitar work, some of Ringo’s epic fills…one of the songs I point to when I run into “what’s so great about The Beatles” types.

[@misterwombat]

I've always loved "Norwegian Wood." The Buddy Rich Big Band did a surprisingly spot-on swing version of it.

[@jackiepenner-lourdes3374]

I just heard the Sergio Mendes version from 1966 and really loved it.

[@chilipeet4610]

Have you heard Fretkillr's version?

[@jackiepenner-lourdes3374]

@@chilipeet4610 really nice version and a good find. I’ll have to listen to more of his covers.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Totally unrelated to The Beatles but if you want to hear a really funny thing look up the Buddy Rich Tapes. Then look up Seinfeld Talks About The Buddy Rich Tapes. You can thank me later. LOL!

[@chilipeet4610]

@@jackiepenner-lourdes3374 he's a gem

[@lostreb]

I'm older than both of you (having been fortunate enough to be on this great planet well over 3/4 of a century now), so I was playing Beach Boys long before The Beatles appeared (and captured not only what Brian thought was the Beach Boys place as the #1 group, but the world!!!). Of course you wouldn't mention a riff with the simplicity of the intro that George added at the beginning of "And I Love Her." That, to me is one of the greatest improvised spur of the moment riffs when the recording producers demanded an intro. The simplicity set up the whole song!! You "did" at least include one of my favorites. I'm an "EARLY" (Early = "Beatles BEGINNING") Beatles follower. Sgt Peppers was the last Beatles Album I actually loved every cut on the album. And it was albums when I started this venture back in the 50's (piano and organ, today, they call it "Keyboards.") and started teaching myself guitar in 1962 (3 months before Rick was even born) on a 3'rd hand-me-down Harmony Arch-Top (which when I got it was nothing but a body with the neck still attached. Went into a music store and said, "What do I need to make this functional where I can learn how to play it and I want a couple of chord books." What I did to make that guitar easier and better to play I learned years later is called a "Setup!!" I lived in a Rural, OK...Country with Ranches, not just Farms...area.). My first Strat, which I also purchased in 1962 (in early November) cost $ 325.00 Plus 4% tax, and I was totally P*$$ed off it was 4% because it had just doubled!!!! And...There were "no deals" because I was lucky to get the one I got!! You see, Christmas was approaching (which is why it is easy to remember it was early November, actually the first weekend in November in 1962, weekend because it was 150 miles to the nearest music store that had a Strat in stock) and even then there was a demand for Christmas presents which music stores used to their advantage, even in 1962!!! Please understand and forgive this walk back down Memory Lane. Hopefully some of All Y'All Young Whippersnappers (an attempt at levity), since there aren't a lot of players still around my age and older that will definitely know and have lived where I started, might at least smile or appreciate it. I feel fortunate with my Arthritis and Corneal problems to still be fortunate enough to play. Some days are better than others. But, I do still love playing.

[@polytheneprentiss1534]

I love that they used the acoustic guitars on this. Just shows that the Beatles music is very versatile and timeless. When they played “Because” I actually got a little teary-eyed 😢 “Blackbird” sounded Perfect! 👍🏻

[@davidh.8798]

Including a riff you know might demonetise you is admirable. Appreciated.

[@UltraD52]

I also had: Ticket To Ride, Lady Madonna, Hey Bulldog, If I Needed Someone and Dear Prudence

[@victorwilburn8588]

I just recently learned to play Norwegian Wood and I could play it for hours. Very satisfying to play, and a good exercise for intermixing melody and chords. I try to play it in such a way that minimizes fingers moving from the D shape so that I can cleanly come back to the chord strum. So many of the riffs on this list are wildly creative and original. Another one I've been digging on recently (since watching "Get Back") is Lennon's guitar riff on "I've Got A Feeling". Nothing harmonically sophisticated -- just alternating A and D arpeggios, but the atypical way he voices the chords to minimize left hand movement and keep the high A at the top of the riff for both chords is perfect.

[@wmcrosbyesq]

Norwegian Wood is so iconic that the great Japanese novelist, Haruki Murakami named one of his most important novels after it. In the novel an orchestral performance of the song serves the same role as the Madeleine and Tea serve for Proust in In Search of Lost Time since the song was the favorite song of a lost love.

[@sdrc92126]

Literally the second song I learned on the guitar (after Suzanne).

[@weezadam]

Agree, I love that riff

[@nickshields1011]

I drop the E strings to D to let notes ring out. Love playing it that way.

[@nccomfort1]

@@nickshields1011 Same! It's great in Drop D or Double Drop D

[@GregKleist]

Glad to see GH get some love and recognition in your #1 riff. What a riff... what a song!

[@louiswalker2640]

I believe you nailed the list, but boy oh boy, so many to go through and your videos of the Beatles music only enhances what they brought to popular music and the direction rock and roll took!

[@jakubbielak7273]

My favourite Beatles riff is from Hey Bulldog.

[@davidmcinnis8979]

As a riff by itself, or as a motif? "I Want You/She's So Heavy" That is a study in in itself. If you've already done it, I apolgize for being late to the party.

[@tomb4575]

You can tell the influence of The California Sound had on The Beatles in The Help, Revolver, Rubber Soul period. I find interesting that many. of the riffs are on "quiet" acostic tunes rather than electric opening statement riffs.

[@yesspazsmith9895]

My personal fav riffs (maybe an honorable mention) are "She Said She Said" and "And Your Bird Can Sing."

[@ziggystardog]

I think it’s a testament to Ringo Starr that the drum fills and beats that accompanied many of these came first to my mind rather than the lyrics and other parts.

[@victorwilburn8588]

Like his incredibly original and tasteful part in "In My Life".

[@CasperLD]

Ringo was a great underestimated drummer.