TOP 20 ELECTRIC GUITAR INTROS OF ALL TIME

[@RickBeato]

For those non-musicians that have written to me you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate Or you can become a member of the Beato Club. My Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.

[@jeffmutrie227]

Voodoo chile Jimi

[@Chase-zf7ey]

Number 7 needs more cowbell

[@oldplucker1]

Actually the most recognised riff is the intro written by Hank Marvin, to Apache played on that famous fiesta red stratocaster. Even children under 10 recognise that one. Hank wrote the intro because Jerry Lordan had not written an intro. Apache grew in status even more when recorded by the Incredible Bongo Band and became the Anthem that fuelled Hip Hop itself. Virtually all the top rock guitarists including Brian May, David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Tony Iommi and most others played that riff and Apache and other Shadows numbers in the beginning of their careers. They all say how much Hank Marvins guitar style influenced them. Hank Marvin is the most influential guitarist of all time and even influenced Hendrix.

[@greggburke7796]

I don't know...I think that number 7 needed more cowbell.

[@bluarcher5941]

I admire your knowledge and abilities as a player, Rick...I still think you should have included "Dance With Me" in your acoustic intros, though...I'm just sayin'.

[@tomchristensen6625]

For all companies or producers that are blocking Rick, you’ve lost your way. This is a celebration of great music. Not a rip.

[@keironwright6947]

Absolutely a lot of these clips remind me of music I loved in my youth and have been encouraged to buy them for my playlists

[@sebaszwarc6028]

Sooner or later KZbin is doomed because of this

[@red5llaw]

AMEN Tom!! 100% AGREED.

[@ifensler]

@@GroovingDrums but you have to be dumb to think KZbin doesn't censor people...

[@geoffrobinson]

I think part of the problem may be (I'm not an expert) that if you don't defend your copyrights you lose the right to defend them when you want to.

[@griffa00]

20. Limelight - Rush 0:38 19. Day Tripper - The Beatles 1:12 18. Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas 1:46 17. Sunshine Of Your Love - Cream 2:26 16. Money For Nothing - Dire Straits 2:52 15. Aqualung - Jethro Tull 3:22 14. Do You Feel Like We Do - Peter Frampton 3:53 13. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love - Van Halen 4:42 12. Iron Man - Black Sabbath 5:20 11. Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden 5:39 10. Enter Sandman - Metallica 6:15 9. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd 6:40 8. Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple 7:18 7. Don't Fear The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult 7:46 6. Start Me Up - The Rolling Stones 8:20 5. Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix 8:55 4. Heartbreaker - Led Zeppelin 9:47 3. Back In Black - AC/DC 10:16 2. Layla - Eric Clapton 10:48 1. Hard Days Night - The Beatles 14:17 [Honorable Mentions] Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones 11:29 Long Cool Woman - The Hollies 11:37 Hells Bells - AC/DC 11:53 Josie - Steely Dan 12:05 Message In A Bottle - The Police 12:21 Walk This Way - Aerosmith 12:37 Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix 12:48 Spoonman - Soundgarden 12:56 Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana 13:05 Everlong - Foo Fighters 13:17 Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses 13:49

[@RichM3000]

* Carry On Wayward Son

[@griffa00]

@@RichM3000 Fixed!

[@jukelol5907]

Linus S the real hero

[@ffnick26]

You're doing God's work here.

[@The333Wanderer]

Linus S p

[@CaseyAQuarles]

Considering the impact and weight of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" (one of rhe most important riffs in rock history), it really needs to be mentioned

[@mathewunderwood2714]

It should have been number 1

[@dylanbarnes6620]

@@mathewunderwood2714definitely not number one lol

[@jameschristenbury2625]

Also, I think Gimme Shelter is the most iconic Rolling Stones intro ever

[@AngelFloresOchoa]

That riff is even in space and yes I knew he'd leave it out

[@mancrow5689]

He probably couldn't play it lol... 😂😂 So many artists struggle to play that intro the way Chuck plays it...

[@Conixcomix]

Wow thanks for including my rendition of Sweet Child O' Mine at 13:50! I'm flattered!

[@3dsman]

LMFAO

[@christoph.schneider]

Best KZbin comment ever.

[@bertieschoice216]

LOL. That was hilarious.

[@marcokollmann8157]

ROFL

[@nanookrubsit]

LMAO

[@Pat14922]

This guy has more guitars than I have plates.

[@danielmccarten4357]

You need more than two?

[@ethanaddams7137]

this deserves more likes

[@danielscarfo3230]

He has more guitars then I have Pics.

[@red5llaw]

Pete he has more Guitars than I have hairs on TOP of my head!!

[@Pat14922]

@@red5llaw me too mate, and by some margin

[@rodionraskolnikov2281]

0:37 limelight rush 1:13 day tripper the Beatles 1:46 carry on my wayward son kansas 2:26 sunshine of your love cream 2:52 money for nothing dire straits 3:23 aqualung jethro Tull 3:54 do you feel like we do Peter frampton 4:42 ain’t talkin bout love van halen (RIP) 5:21 ejshyshtshsgyBdhahdyabhznah 5:40 black hole sun soundgarden 6:16 enter sandman metallica 6:40 sweet home Alabama lynyrd Skynrd 7:19 smoke on the water deep purple 7:45 don’t fear the reaper blue oyster cult

[@rockygraziano2339]

I’d settle for your top 20 of just Metallica!

[@ohdarn693]

I didn't recognize the eat sht song.

[@cowboypatriot1200]

Why can't he say Black Sabbath , Ozzy Osbourne or Iron Man ?

[@brody4589]

​@@cowboypatriot1200crazy copyright

[@MrTruthAddict]

@@cowboypatriot1200 because his wife is a hebe

[@StevenBishop-c9r]

'Saturday's Alright For Fighting'--you know you are in for a rocking good tune that never lets up

[@TheLateBoyScout]

I love that we can all recognize Sweet Child O Mine even when it’s intentionally played wrong. Iconic.

[@sixstringmadness6426]

Same as iron man

[@akmadsen]

I kinda liked this version better. Mostly out of spite, but also because it was hilarious.

[@alexanderrichards8196]

What did axl have a problem with it?

[@Iansco1]

@@alexanderrichards8196 Notorious blockers

[@mengiaboy]

This comment is BLOCKED! lol

[@UnderStoryProd]

This video is a Guitar Center employees living nightmare.

[@ThorneyedWT]

Sweet Child playing here was certainly inspired by someone Rick heard in guitar shop.

[@nazliuz]

🤣

[@Newzchspy]

That's OK, is Guitar Center still in business? Just asking.

[@McDuffin]

I believe you just issued a challenge to the viewers of this channel.

[@chrisclermont456]

Sweet Child O'Mine was funny AF!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@carldavis7309]

Crazy Train is one of the most recognized electric guitar riffs of all time and should be high on this list.

[@MrVincemims]

And bark at the moon both. Guy is just old.

[@redzwestisbest]

He explained why.. On these lists he often just picks 1 of the better parts for artists/bands that could 5/6 on the list.

[@redzwestisbest]

Also - he sometimes wont pick if they block the vid

[@MrVincemims]

@@redzwestisbest he had one on the list that was blocked, and he played enough for us to know what it was and explained that it was blocked, so that is an invalid comment.

[@lowestcommonDenomanator]

@@redzwestisbest i absolutely hate that, how many people are missing out on classic songs they wouldn’t otherwise hear because the record label blocks any covers or videos with it in it? Classic rock is dying as it is and this isn’t helping :(

[@MrStickman666]

Don’t you think that this man deserves some sort of Award for all the musical performances and interviews and breaking down of songs he does. When I first saw him on KZbin I wouldn’t watch him for 2 weeks so I could binge watch his videos on the weekends. Thank you Rick Beato. And he does this for us for free.

[@johnmat4678]

Award? He makes a lot of money off these videos. Think he does it for the good of all? Oh, you have a lot to learn.

[@no_hyperbole_xone]

agreed, and he is very knowledgable

[@redflamered]

Intro to Johnny B Goode should definitely be number one. It set the stage for everything. Cannot believe its not even on the list.

[@summerlakephotog8239]

Yup, we forget 50s Rock n’ Roll. The Ventures for instance pioneered the concept of electric guitar riffs.

[@rychier6994]

Agreed, chuck berry perfected and made the template for rock n roll to come...

[@gregriddle3042]

Johnny B Goode has been the corner stone for many a riff that makes other riffs including it’s own, great!

[@komodosp]

Have to agree, it's almost a crime it's not included!

[@naowaratyooktanun2068]

Johnny B Goode is described as the national anthem of rock and roll.

[@aitken1965]

Rock ‘n Roll demands a Top 100 Electric Guitar Intros at the very least. My #1 Electric Guitar intro will forever be Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode. That intro changed my life when I first heard it at 11 years old.

[@jcaseymiller]

Right I forgot that one.

[@raymondpetherick3214]

Absolutely

[@Biffatheriffa]

Before I read your comment I've just made one of my own saying the same !!! changed my life forever !!! There must be 000's of us out here in cyberland that feel the same !!!

[@djffe8597]

Well it’s not the coolest or the hippest but it’s definitely the freaking most famous guitar lick ever played

[@bartallen6849]

Such an iconic intro

[@drewstar76]

Can’t you hear me knocking, is the greatest rock electric intro ever

[@Skully-l1g]

That's exactly what I wrote it should have been number one

[@JimNunn-gm6mu]

Got on here to say that

[@garyjensen-i2x]

Absolutely!

[@johnshields6852]

This guy is amazing, the way he breaks down songs and sounds is very clever, he also plays multiple instruments, I was a musician back in the day and it's impressive what Rick does on his channel. Thank you.

[@alandalaku719]

I would've mentioned "Misirlou" by Dick Dale and I'm really surprised not to see the intro riff that TRULY defined rock and roll guitar, "Johnny B. Goode."

[@danieldoherty5002]

Not including Johnny B Goode was simply a mistake. Just wrong. He has to realize that.

[@ChristerGilbert]

I kept waiting for Johnny B Goode and Since I've Been Loving You.

[@bkrbyex4339]

Rest in peace...surf music King..he will be missed.

[@danielguardiola3698]

Or CANT YOU HEAR ME FUCKING KNOCKING greatest guitar intro of all time

[@rticle15]

I dont know from the Dick Dale tune but Johnny B Goode is the beginning of real rock guitar, imo.

[@MazterofPuppetz]

Voodoo Chile with the wah. That would have been my Hendrix pick. The opening is just so iconic. Thought that was where he was going when he pulled out the wah.

[@bipbipletucha]

Me too!

[@chrisclermont456]

Agree

[@richardhawley8041]

Gave you a like just for not calling it Voodoo Child

[@leepicpizza]

Richard Hawley but voodoo Chile wasn’t the song with the wah intro he’s thinking of voodoo child (slight return) same album similar name totally different song

[@j.jonasjettison7332]

Mmm that chile sounds pretty good

[@HSMiyamoto]

"You Really Got Me" by The Kinks, from 1964, should be here because it was one of the first time deliberately distorted guitar was allowed on a record. In fact, because the song pre-dates the fuzz box, its sound was created by deliberately slicing the speaker of a guitar amp. The song went straight to the U.K. #1, and changed rock forever. It is even the basis of a great sequence in "Pirate Radio" (U.S. title) that dramatizes the impact of song across all classes in Britain.

[@Sergesouszero]

Your'e absolutely right! You Really Got Me should have on been that list.

[@imkluu]

Its historic impact aside, it is really pretty simplistic, not that some of the others aren't, as well.

[@HSMiyamoto]

@@imkluu As soon as you said that, I thought of the intro to "Purple Haze." Eight half notes, two pitches. "You Really Got Me" starts with five notes and two pitches, but the fourth is syncopated. Plus there is a rest after the five note phrase. However, both are great intros to great songs.

[@HSMiyamoto]

@The King I assume you are talking about "Rumble." Are you sure? I thought it was all done with reverb and maybe overdriving the input.

[@RyanPage-ym7oy]

I bet nobody’s touched your fuzz box since 1964

[@midlwestern3237]

Rick, can we get a video tour of every guitar you own and why you chose it? I'd honestly like to hear about each one.

[@busch028]

Under the Bridge Spirit of Radio Thunderstruck Snow (hey oh) Castles Made of Sand Johnny B Goode La Bamba Runnin Down a Dream Mean Street Ziggy Stardust Welcome to the Jungle

[@BryceRogers_]

All awesome picks

[@PEACHES.47]

Kickstart my heart

[@michaelyoung890]

Gnr Mr. Brownstone.

[@sergioperez1375]

THANKS BRO

[@sebchamp1775]

And immigrant song and i was made for lovin you

[@christianrose2233]

Whenever I’m having a bad day, and I come home and see that rick beato uploaded a video, it changes everything around and reminds me of how amazing music is! Rock on Rick 🤘

[@shawny6997]

"Crazy Train" deserves a spot on the list.

[@jaymzb.1713]

Although Rick, I & U obviously know that Randy Rhoads was an awesome guitarist and innovator who was way ahead of his time, I disagree with your opinion on this. Crazy Train shouldn't be on here for the following reasons. The intro starts with a BASS guitar plus sound effects. Also it DEFINITELY would be blocked & for the very same reason that Iron Man was only played in a funny, messed up way. I do think that Flying High Again or Suicide Solution would be appropriate here, but then Sharon O. would probably totally flip out over it. Peace

[@sillyman1709]

Crazy Train starts with demonic laughter, then bass, then drums, then guitar.

[@adamjg4]

Spur sound effect too.

[@jesskoffman]

Unbelievable intro on crazy train, though can't technically be an electric guitar intro. Ozzy got in there with Sabbath but Rhoades needed one in there too.

[@KeeperOfPoops]

Since they're blockers, if you play that it'll get taken down

[@Julius_Paul]

Heat Of The Moment may not be a top 20 but it was certainly an extremely recognizable and iconic guitar intro.

[@emtdad8821]

Was thinking Lay it Down by Ratt...

[@SM-vw7pl]

It all started with Johnny B. Goode!!! House of the Rising Sun Helter Skelter Sunday Bloody Sunday Rebel Rebel Running with the Devil Brown Sugar Crazy Train I Can't Explain Paranoid (?) Spirit of the Radio (?) Under the Bridge

[@myworstenemy680]

Great call on Johnny B. Goode! That had a Huge influence on electric guitar players and rock music, and it did start it all. There are Way too many great guitar intros for a top 20 list. I agree with all your selections.

[@BatDroppings]

Agree on all of those! Johnny B Goode for sure!

[@brian_b34]

SM'77 beautiful list

[@JosephWheeler14]

A couple of those aren't guitar intros but agree with the rest

[@shaunlynch7786]

Needed Audioslave Show me how to live...

[@andrewsaunders307]

I still say “Thunderstruck” AC/DC is one of the best guitar intro’s out there!

[@TheGDOTPRODUCTIONS]

BY FAR! Also, Hot For Teacher - Van Halen

[@GunsNRoosendael]

YES AND ITS VERY ELECTRIC

[@conorjakobsen288]

At least he did Ironman by Black Sabbath

[@conorjakobsen288]

And Back in Black

[@aidanrocha2043]

TheGDOTPRODUCTIONS thats more of a drum intro aint it?

[@strongfilm]

Way too focused on Classic Rock, that he forgot the mother of guitar intros, and the only possible #1: Johnny B Goode

[@allenellis5287]

Johnny B. Goode: good call. That's an unmistakable intro.

[@Handsome_Handful]

There's no buts about it; Johnny B. Goode HAS to be #1. It's what started rock and roll.

[@paulsundell346]

Totally agree.

[@dr.bunterhidenbrobruh5502]

True!

[@Slider6294]

It's the only one of these songs literally playing in outer space. :)

[@JohnShields-xx1yk]

A teen in the 1970's, amazing music and songs coming out seemingly everyday. Great video.

[@Adam-jm6sw]

This guy looks like a rock n roll Anthony Bourdain

[@yepper1165]

I couldn't put my finger on it. You nailed it!

[@debragoforth2460]

First time I saw this, I thought when did Anthony B start playing guitar!!!

[@davidwarnke5990]

Yeah except he is still alive

[@grantsmith1655]

David Warnke yeah he's less dead

[@homesic2894]

Dude

[@SurfCityHawaii]

Idiots (blockers) don't realize Rick is doing a great job of PROMOTING their music for FREE!

[@markdrum2392]

There's something about expensive neck ties that cuts off circulation to the brain. That's assuming that music execs have brains. A big leap for sure.

[@samvincent8184]

I play Seal on Alexa often becase Rick did what makes this song great. My kids hear that song all the time now and will be fans. Artists should totally allow Rick to (re)introduce these songs.

[@vincentanguoni8938]

I was thinking the same. Doesn't make sense

[@atticum]

@MR.CLAW97 Define "need"... Those bands do not actually "need" the promoting, but they get even more viewers from channels like this, thus more income. I like watching these kind of videos, and get to know new bands I didn't know about, and also go back to bands I know but haven't listened to for a long while. Peace :)

[@robertf.sellarole1182]

No doubt. Why the monetary selfishness? (Idiots) is putting it mildly. Rick's promoting your songs you dummies!!

[@BibleExposition2022]

"House of the Rising Sun" is the most recognized electric guitar intro of all time. Growing up in the Vietnam War in Vietnam as a youngster, I already came across the song & never will forget it. It still is the most recognizable song around the world this day. You actually can sing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of the song.

[@cooper_patto]

Vietnam = fortunate son??

[@svyt]

Yeah, when he said "this was the first song my generation learned on guitar," I though of "House..." and not "Smoke...", but I realized, oh I guess that was a slightly earlier generation...

[@tenzing2090]

House of the rising sun is a gem 😍

[@frankdux5693]

Nah, it's smoke on the water. Even my 3 year old can play it on his plastic fisher price guitar

[@keithcampbell7820]

To many to pick from. But that’s truth. 👊

[@Zarathustra-H-]

I'm honestly a little shocked that Chuck Berry's Johhny B. Goode didn't make the list. That intro is beyond iconic. Also, Dick Dales Misirlou is shockingly absent. Another one of the most iconic guitar intros of all time.

[@DrVonNostrand]

We're not ready yet but our kids...

[@jaymattocks3125]

Came here for this comment

[@emmaturtle]

Both of those, but particularly Misirlou, definitely rated at LEAST an honorable mention, agreed.

[@dashiellsisson9263]

Little wing is a better intro than any of the other Hendrix songs he brought up, also Panama, Cliffs of Dover, Sails of Charon all would be on my rock intro list.

[@greatloverofmusic1]

You read my mind wondering where Johnny B. Goode was. Chuck Berry was the first Rock-n-Roll guitarist in my view.

[@robertpowell2883]

I just want to have a beer with this dude and talk about Pink Floyd... And the Doors... And Led Zeppelin...

[@ryleyney2633]

And AIC

[@zenon459]

I'm a beatles fan, so that would be fun for me too

[@gabrielesimone1372]

And Peter Frampton

[@loggytm6214]

I definitely think Coming back to life has one of the best intro guitar solos

[@jomama5186]

I agree. It is so fun to hear live in te same room as you. I had a friend I'd go hang out with on my lunch break and bring lunch and he'd play guitar for me. It was great trade.

[@aer0886]

Can't believe johnny b goode by Chuck Berry isn't on here, I mean it's one of the first iconic electric guitar intros and solos for that matter.

[@RaginMoose100]

I was literally just going to comment this and then I read yours. It's literally what started all these amazing riffs!!! The True King Of Rock N Roll, Chuck Berry!!!

[@donaldhoot6386]

Nobody wins all the time! Sorry! Boohoo!

[@yoursola]

I KNOW!!!!!!!!

[@sidewalksurferXX]

Chuck Berry was a rock guitarist?

[@egads2]

Actually the Father Of Rock...Elvis was The King.

[@mikeheidt-vt5hi]

I can't believe you didn't include the best, most important, original guitar intro of all time! The intro of intros that all guitar intros have sprung from. The singularity, the big bang of rock and roll, where and when it all started! ALL OF IT! Chuck Berry, Johnny B. Goode!

[@cliftonlandis]

The intro to Under the Bridge is what sold that entire band.

[@talastra]

Sold, or sold out? "Give it away now" was much more attractive to me.

[@pedromendes1703]

The thoughest guitar part I have ever learned to play. Very good to strenghten that left hand

[@jorgy1470]

They were already big?

[@thatthingthatisaid65]

@@pedromendes1703 The descending bass runs between the intro chords gets me. That and Blackbird.

[@juanmoreno2416]

@@thatthingthatisaid65 Snow anyone?

[@projam7534]

Fun fact: Eric Clapton didn’t write the riff from sunshine of your love, it was cream’s bassist Jack Bruce that wrote it after attending a jimi Hendrix experience concert

[@RelicOnMaui]

I wonder how much influence Felix Paalardi had on The Cream’s arrangements

[@Ernesto87]

Really? I didn't know that

[@petermilkey9408]

I"m almost certain that the Layla riff is Duane Allman's. Sorry Slowhand

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

@@petermilkey9408 I never cared for that version. The slow one is OK.

[@thomasisrael1636]

"Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2 "You Really Got Me" (The Kinks or Van Halen would suffice) "Revolution" by the Beatles

[@Thestargazer56]

Highway To Hell AC/DC And Mississippi Queen Mountain

[@christiancevallos9820]

or helter skelter

[@mesyoup.3zy]

Bro the Van Halen version of that song is really bad

[@linda_guitar8869]

A friend told me about your KZbin channel tonight, so I looked you up and chose this video as the first one to watch. I LOVED it! And there were a few intros on your list that I've never played. So I'm going to go back and watch it again, with guitar in hand, and learn the intro to "Josie", and whichever others I don't already know. I love that you included "Hell's Bells"! I have fond memories of playing that song outside in my backyard, at top volume, when I was 18. 😅

[@pedromachado007l5]

One song that could also be on the list is Heart's "Barracuda", the intro is amazing

[@MrJacobThrall]

Amen to that.

[@crwdfwtx]

Hundred percent

[@dsfg2444]

Isnt the intro bass?

[@Israel-jr5ks]

@@dsfg2444 nope, the intro is played with muted guitar strings

[@gumbygreeneye3655]

I sat through the unfortunate Trolls 2 movie with my 9 and 10 year old daughters at the cinema in a grump only to proudly beam as they recognised it at the end of the movie to say “Dad! That’s Barracuda!” Awesome dad moment.

[@TheTropicotonic13]

I'd like to add Ram Jam's "Black Betty" to this list. That opening riff is just INSANELY GOOD!

[@mankokennewick5802]

Fuuccck, black Betty was practically a movement when I was in high school, awesome tune.

[@rs232killer]

It is awesome. Might be kinda hard to get very far with one guitar.

[@carljansevanrensburg2440]

100% correct. They belong on the list

[@stefets]

Starting with Rush ensures the quality of this video.

[@sbentsen2714]

stefets2112 absolutely 👌🏼

[@JTTTTT850]

Apparently not

[@ahtoka7008]

Too bad he didn’t put The Spirit of Radio on this list...

[@charlesmoore456]

I would have loved for him to try Analog Kid.

[@MarkSmith-dx3cd]

Was Spirit of radio on there. I kind of rushed through it all

[@MrMisterChiliPepper88]

Under the bridge intro is extremely recognizable and unique sounding to and it is one of my absolute favorites

[@johnjones3813]

This list is sorely lacking late 80s and 90s songs.

[@trixie898989]

Rick, you're killing me 😄It's almost 2:30 am and I'm binge watching your videos. I can't believe I haven't discovered you until now. LOVE your videos.

[@Jurassic_Fart]

Dude same except for me it’s 3am

[@bbondsie2]

Dang me too

[@JoelMBarr-hh7vs]

Actually - this sounds exactly like my nights right now. God help me when I get your guitar lessons one. Lord. Who needs sleep?

[@majortom9973]

Same here at 4am😅

[@ronaldlogan7983]

Rick is the man

[@tinyb69]

I was rooting for Funk #49 to make the list. Such a great riff. Actually, Joe has a bunch of great opening riffs.

[@phillipgohorns]

tiny b HA!! I played Funk 49 at Guitar Center last week. 😄

[@edbertoli1]

Joe da man!

[@RU-HDD-4-HVN]

Okay good call!!! That riff is amazing no doubt!!!

[@seantheturtle1060]

My band and I make surf rock and other kinds of music , we would love to hear some feedback

[@3dsman]

While I knew it wouldn't make the list because it doesn't have a lot of 'complexity' to it, Rocky Mountain Way immediately came to mind as one of the most iconic OMG moments for a guitar intro. Hell yeah on Funk 49!!!

[@woodwork5574]

When you said One Chord for number one I knew right away what it was.Great video as usual.

[@jmsclbwmn]

Jason Morrow Same here. My wife laughed at me.

[@alfabet_1-2-33]

Same

[@jerrymammoser1509]

“..and it’s a delightful little ditty called ‘A Hard Day’s Night’”!! That was ultra-cool, having this as number 1!

[@rickmb66]

I thought "The Spirit of Radio" would make it for Rush. Iconic for sure. Listening to this stirs my memory of so many more!

[@vashusan1984]

I think of that and YYZ, although limelight is a great choice as well, just doesn't scream RUSH as much as YYZ for me.

[@bobespirit2112]

And the original bad-ass intro - Working Man

[@DavidIwinski]

@@bobespirit2112 old school!

[@RB-YWGLGA]

Josh Triplett agree, Josh, but not on a top-20 electric guitar intro list.

[@WinByTKo]

YYZ made his list for drum intros.

[@Shoeg4zer]

The first 4 seconds of "You Really Got Me" by the Kinks would be my addition.

[@jamesp57867]

Yes. Or Revolution by the Beatles

[@pmfnr]

Some Honorable Mentions House of the Rising Son Mr Tambourine Man Slow Death Have Love Will Travel When Doves Cry Rebel Rebel Johnny B Goode Brown Eyed Girl Mary Jane's Last Dance Wild Thing I'll Be Around Hey Hey, My My Voodoo Child Hate to Say I Told You So Offend in Every Way Psychotic Reaction Dirty Water In The City Three Girl Rhumba Gimme Danger Come As You Are Original Love This Charming Man Stay With Me (The Dictators) Should I Stay Or Should I Go

[@brandonhill2183]

@Derek Charette so what

[@starjunkie5328]

@Derek Charette They may be old AF, but you wouldnt have the new and newer ones without the pioneers. If you're a true player, such as myself, it's very easy to pick up on that. How styles progress over time. It's a beautiful thing!

[@gcensing6351]

@Derek Charette Old as in the days when they still made music?

[@lukecapria8925]

Great list, but I believe there are two that should really be on it. 1. Lonely is the Night - Billy Squier 2. Spirit In the Sky - Norman Greenbaum If you haven’t already, they would both be great “What makes this song great.” Love the channel.

[@sandipbiswas766]

5:20 Iron Man: Black Sabbath I can't believe they are notorious blockers. I really wanted Mr. Rick to do videos about Black Sabbath. Geezer Butler, the bassist, made me start playing my first instrument I've played, the bass.

[@mr.heiopei6493]

Sandip Biswas I‘m new to this channel, can you tell me what‘s the problem with Black Sabbath?

[@nizargnr2516]

@@mr.heiopei6493 Seems like they easily block your videos even if you just use a little part of one of their music

[@Kalentros]

$20 says it's not the band but Sharon who's the blocker.

[@sandipbiswas766]

@@Kalentros Very likely.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" deserves at least an honorable mention. Iconic riff.

[@digitalbrand5510]

Whammy Bard probably the most licensed song of the bunch other than Yesterday

[@stevehartkopf9114]

Truth

[@chrisclermont456]

Agree

[@distantgalaxymusic1447]

Much more than The Hollies

[@seanrobbins6176]

Yep! Without a doubt!

[@JeffMenendezRealtor]

Limelight is what came to mind when I saw the KZbin notification for this video. Fitting it would be the first song on the vid.

[@Trapper50cal]

I thought he should have gone with Working Man, myself.

[@bothellkenmore]

For some reason I thought "Working Man". I decided to scroll down and some say Spirit of Radio too. I like the go with the 1st thing your brain spits out game :)

[@emilepronovost8609]

Yeah it needs more Prog song like The Spirit of Radio or Siberian Khatru 👌

[@deckofcards87]

'Money' - Pink Floyd 'Barracuda' - Heart 'Hotel California' - Eagles 'China Grove' - Doobie Brothers Some of my favorites that I think could be in the top 10.

[@matthewbartlett3442]

He put money on a bass into

[@richardtebbs8071]

Technically, money's introduced is a cash register, failing that it's a bass line

[@D33Lux]

Hotel California might be #1 on my list. Great mention.

[@stripey1404]

Honestly, you could do a top 20 for each decade.

[@DavidOmaha1]

That's worth thinking about!

[@ML-er4on]

You beat me to it!

[@lolaa2200]

actually not denying the last 3 one could have been a good start on that

[@Ausgal48]

Steely Dan’s ‘Reeling in the Years’ is a personal fav of mine.

[@stevenmoule2236]

So glad someone mentioned that song has several riffs along the same line within it.Aint music grand!

[@kennet7837]

Jimi Hendrix - "Little Wing" Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Fortunate Son" Steve Miller Band - "Fly Like an Eagle" Kenny Loggins - "Footloose"

[@argetect2847]

Kenny eh? Interesting.

[@179cpv]

Really if you think about it, CCR had a number of great guitar intros: “Born on the Bayou,” “Commotion,” “Green River,” and “Up Around the Bend,” just to name a few.

[@mccallosone4903]

oooooooo yeah CCR....too often overlooked, Fogerty is a legendary songwriter

[@paulbaker4422]

@@179cpv Green River!!!

[@MerkinMuffly]

Not that I have anything against Loggins, but Footloose?

[@DSM9]

Great watch as ever, but surely Whole Lotta Love has the most definitive electric guitar intro ever.

[@michaeldesantis1426]

“Can’t you hear me knocking” by the stones has such an amazing opening riff

[@commonsense3055]

oh yes, absolutely

[@johnmuha4951]

I included this song in my comments for greatest rock solos. I saw the Stones most recently in 2013 on the 50th anniversary tour with both Mick Taylor and Bobby Keyes accompanying the band and they let them both do their thing on CYHMK and the crowd went wild.

[@praxis6172]

That song is still in my goto playlist.

[@garyjensen-i2x]

Their best, IMO, hands down.

[@CD-tj3hg]

I wish "Cult of Personality" by Living Color made the list. What a killer riff.

[@nicolasarevalo1851]

OMGGG SAMMEEEE I LOVE THAT SING

[@HotelierNYC]

Totally.

[@Terrahoskins]

Oh yeah!

[@whutzat]

YESSSSS

[@sdriza]

good one

[@lenw812]

You could probably make another 5-10 videos like this, all filled with great guitar intros.

[@jefffarrell6927]

First time here. Also play guitar. Love acoustic stuff and agree with your list of songs with best openings. Of course could discuss many more. Plan to really get into the channel and especially because I'm crippled. I haven't worked in 20+ years. Playing guitar is great therapy and in this case I've found the guitar guru. Looking forward to the future. Stay in tune.

[@kevinwilson3385]

I've always loved the guitar intro for Rush's "Spirit of Radio". It's incredibly iconic.

[@elridgetann4649]

That's the intro I was waiting for.

[@johnnyjoey]

Me too! Never get tired of it!

[@thekalebbuckner]

Life in the Fast Lane

[@rotarypowerRX7]

It should be tied with HDN at #1. Incredibly unique.

[@supervillan326]

Should have made the list, no doubt.

[@khodexus4963]

I can't help but feel like The Animals' House of the Rising Sun should be on one of these lists.

[@BradThePitts]

I suppose so, but they didn't write the song, so perhaps this is why he didn't give them credit. Few people know that House Of The Rising Sun is a traditional American folk song written over 100 years ago. The Animals certainly popularized it though, and the intro is absolutely unmistakable!

[@phoenixjim0527]

Uh, nope 👎🏻 ha ha [edit: The video is about the “greatest”, and not about “average but annoyingly memorable”, ha ha]

[@khodexus4963]

@@phoenixjim0527 Actually, having researched it myself, turns out, yes it was.

[@vgehtsa]

Khodexus, if you hadn't posted this comment, I would have done so. The opening riff is one of the most recognizable in rock.

[@robertparrott7068]

Two problems I have with the animals. First, that intro is memorable but it’s not all that good in terms of creativity. It’s just strumming out all the notes on a common chord progression. Second, they don’t even have the best version of that song. Bob Dylan’s version is much more emotional and deep, while the animals just made a poppy cover of it.

[@smartdog666]

Deep Purple - Burn Iron Maiden - Fear Of The Dark Gojira - Oroborus Animals As Leaders - CAFO System Of A Down - Toxicity Coheed and Cambria - In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 Tool - Lateralus Judas Priest - Breaking The Law Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild Slipknot - Surfacing :) and finaly I was shoked that there's no Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child (Slight Return) in the list

[@KevinMardirossian]

Alexei Kozlovsky finally somebody mentioned Toxicity!

[@nomadjurdun]

Voodoo Child (Slight Return) is #1

[@Astyanaz]

Wasn't Purple Haze there. I prefer All Along the Watchtower.

[@freddiemouse4660]

8:56 ;)

[@Ash-V-Leal]

Animals As Leaders - CAFO This must be on the hardest to play list

[@FirstLast-u9d]

Nr 8 . Perfect description of the times, bold unabashed simple, forwards.

[@bryantopash2023]

You could have easily made this a top 100 and still had to leave off some GREAT intros.

[@garyb.4187]

The Man Who Sold the World (Ronson) Rebel,Rebel ( Bowie?/Alan Parker?) Stay ( Earl Slick) Joe the Lion ( Fripp) I am Bowie biased

[@marcgallegos2239]

Ronson was a god

[@eddonks4293]

Fame, fashion, suffragette city

[@groovinhooves]

Bowie apparently had a bias for unique, flavorful .guitarists, so it's alright. It's outta sight.

[@RecliningFurniture]

@@eddonks4293 Even 'Heroes' - that drone is Fripp's guitar. Fripp really ought to get some kind of mention for his contribution to Bowie songs alone.

[@eddonks4293]

@@RecliningFurnituredefinitely, same with Carlos Alomar

[@f15H8ul8]

Journey- Lights, ZZ Top - La Grange, Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter, Hendrix - Little Wing, Edgar Winter - Free Ride, Led Zeppelin - Communication Breakdown.

[@ann-mariemeyers9978]

After having watched this series I realize one thing. I was born in 1955, and consider myself blessed to have lived through rock and rolls entire glory.

[@scblds7496]

Heartbreaker is the song that made me want to play guitar. Right on.

[@bobravenscraft5376]

Many zep songs are actually kinda ez. The other half not so much that's jimmy curve balls. Couple sliders lol

[@egads2]

For me it was The Nutcracker

[@joshmuz9018]

Bob Ravenscraft 😟what?..

[@daviddemaria3982]

​@@bobravenscraft5376to play Heartbreaker correctly and cleanly is a bit tricky

[@jurgostuff]

On every single one of these, I began to add basslines, tambourines, keyboards, drums, vocals, cowbells, etc. in my mind.

[@undinism69]

More cowbell!

[@jannisrb7273]

PLEASE do a video of the 20 greatest riffs you can‘t play or else you‘ll get blocked! 😂😂😂

[@Unclejake]

I can’t believe (actually I can) that he gets attacked by groups for playing songs, this channel has caused me to go back and fill voids in my music library where I think, Oh yea I like that song too, and so I BUY the music...

[@grabasandwich]

I'd love to hear him say "This band's name rhymes with..." Or "sounds like Nuns and Hoses"

[@michaelreis8266]

@@grabasandwich I was thinking "Butts and Noses"

[@quicksilverbalt]

For real! I wonder if I stand alone for the infamous Black Dog riff.... hmm i probably do. I just cant nail it!

[@sbiegs3885]

Jannis RB HA!! Good stuff

[@joshuacasey23]

Great list, so glad you included the honorable mentions! Consider adding Zz Top's LaGrange to your top 20, it's intro is iconic

[@martinedwards2004]

Heart's Barracuda should have gotten at least an honourable mention. Classic song!

[@albertl3776]

For sure, I think he would agree.

[@agentorange2554]

I, like Rick, spaced that one out too. Good call.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@agentorange2554 At least he included "Crazy on You" in his acoustic list.

[@sledawgpilot]

Good catch

[@stevepadilla8398]

I was definitely hoping Barracuda would be on the list. Pretty disappointed in number 1.

[@stoffls]

might be a cliche, but I miss Chuck Berry's Johnny B Goode on this list. The mother of all Electric Guitar intros

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Not a cliche. Smoke on the Water is a cliche however.

[@matthiasfoo1217]

Same

[@wlewisiii]

This I agree with you.

[@gooberthorpos8195]

It is cliche in my opinion

[@thewal1ofsleep]

The intro lick of Siberian Khatru by Yes is also brilliant. Such a great opening.

[@BluesLicks101]

Steve Howe is the best overall guitarist of the 70's and 80's.

[@kenlee5015]

@@BluesLicks101 No way, it way Steve Hackett. Wanna Fight? just kidding

[@vinodude1]

In concert, Jon Anderson used to refer to Siberian Khatru as their "rock and roll" song. :)

[@OwenDavies-h8g]

I get the whole intro/riff thing, but surely the greatest electric guitar intro of all time is Larry Carlton's intro on Don't Take Me Alive by Steely Dan. Oh, and Rick, I enjoyed your Honorable Mentions more than many of the songs on your list. Don't you just love a good argument about musical taste!

[@terryasheim9038]

"You Really Got Me" by The Kinks, easily one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time.

[@kellywilliams6151]

Guitar Center Challenge: 1) Pick up a guitar and make sure it's out of tune just enough to drive everyone crazy 2) Play Sweet Home Alabama intro until asked to stop playing. 3) Immediately switch to Stairway to Heaven until asked to stop playing. 4) Immediately switch to Smoke on the Water intro until asked to stop. 5) Immediately switch back to Sweet Home Alabama and repeat the cycle. Try to gradually increase volume as well.

[@kurtbader9711]

Hilarious!

[@shteebo]

If you think that's funny, you'll love John Mulaney's "What's New Pussycat" story. Google it.

[@Auger3504]

The acoustic video I could virtually agree with them all, but for this video, where in the world is Stranglehold!?!?!?!?!?!?

[@maxsambucca2502]

That's hilarious, I will try next time there....

[@Xanadu424]

I have a much easier challenge. Willingly get hit by a bus

[@1968Felippe]

This list is missing Highway to Hell, Pride and Joy... and for me the real best guitar intro is Johnny B Goode by the great master, Chuck Berry

[@luizfmartins4182]

Oh god... We have the same name... 🙄

[@darkspace137]

Right??? No Chuck Berry?!?! Inexcusable.

[@stephenpower8723]

Johnny B Good should be called Johnny B fucking great.

[@jeraldrenauer5822]

the immigrant song.... iconic... but good call on johnny B goode

[@raquellopez88]

Yeah.. but it says "electric guitar intro" nothing of this would be without the "intro" of the intros...: All day and All of the night" can't believe he missed that...

[@markartinVA]

Kudos on trying to get the tone right on each of these

[@TheAleksej13]

Johnny be Goode is a must on this list, otherwise great video Rick!

[@agustinmarinangeli]

You're right. It has to be one of the most iconic electric guitar intros of all time.

[@travismitchell9637]

Yep, first one that came to my mind as well

[@DM-kv9kj]

I came to the comments to say exactly this. Seriously though.. how did he not include JBG!

[@stevehartkopf9114]

Yeah, that or Roll over Beethoven... something by Chuck should have been here!

[@chrisclermont456]

Agree!!

[@kryzs_kornhell]

The Intro of Black Hole Sun ... I love it. One of my all time favorites.

[@useyourbrain2174]

You could do a Top 100 and still someone would say: 'Where is....?'

[@nurimetinonal2043]

where is the top 200 video

[@toncuz8291]

Gimme Shelter ???????????????????

[@dougarnold7955]

Right!

[@wyldeman7]

These are still a bunch of weak riffs either way lol

[@dougarnold7955]

@@wyldeman7 there are a lot that I wouldn't have put in top 20...(I still like his channel though)

[@scifoncra6376]

absolutely adore the love you show to Soundgarden! I gotta disagree on the Jimi Hendrix choice. It has to be Voodoo Child. That intro just MELTS face.

[@powderedtoastman1765]

a list of more honorable mentions: Zero - The Smashing Pumpkins Black - Pearl Jam Johnny B Goode - Chuck Berry

[@calvinclardy995]

He could have done something with Tool or Rage Against The Machine.

[@thorvalderiksen1814]

EXACTLY

[@scotttisdale2773]

Cherub Rock smashing pumpkins is awesome too.

[@alexanderwood7854]

Lagrange too

[@andresav1073]

Smashing Pumpkins are cool !!! Classic intros

[@kepler9014]

The fact that “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” is not on here is a crime

[@joshuasill1141]

My thoughts exactly. I'd also throw in AC/DC's Thunderstruck, It's A Long Way to the Top, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and Let There Be Rock; Avenged Sevenfold's Hail to the King, M.I.A., Beast and the Harlot, and Buried Alive; Type O Negative's I Don't Wanna Be Me; Stevie Ray Vaughan's Texas Flood and Pride and Joy; George Thorogood's Bad to the Bone and I Drink Alone; Pantera's Cowboys from Hell, Walk, Cemetery Gates, and This Love; The Animals' The House of the Rising Sun; T. Rex's Get It On; Golden Earring's RADAR Love; Heart's Barracuda; Fleetwood Mac's Oh Well and Rhiannon; and Ram Jam's Black Betty

[@breadfan4317]

YES

[@mathijsbastiaansen5394]

@@joshuasill1141 I tought radar love starts with a bass...

[@optimisticoutreach1236]

Eye Of the Tiger

[@nicklevan8058]

It’s probably because Jimi’s estate is infamously tight assed on letting anyone even cover his songs

[@charlieboard4862]

Fun, fun list but ....no "Johnny B. Goode"? The lick that launched rock guitar. Also was really expecting "All Along The Watchtower" and "Brown Sugar"

[@supernauta8593]

No Grand Funk, or Ted Nugent either... I'm really disappointed

[@missyj192]

Exactly! Johnny B Goode is the best and most recognizable for real rock n roll fans....

[@duncanhazlewood8045]

Yes to all three. :)

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

For guitar player 40 and over, Smoke On The Water is the greatest intro of all time. I started playing in in 1985. First song I learned. Shows how simple can be amazing.

[@Jamieboy1964]

That Green guitar you play on Black Hole Sun is sure a beautiful piece of equipment!

[@joetyler5816]

Jamie Carter all Prs guitars are really

[@BAMozzy69]

Its a PRS 594 Hollowbody ii - and yes its a stunning guitar

[@nateds7326]

As soon as we clicked on this video we knew layla was gonna be here

[@brianroyster7510]

Had to be on the list but I was surprised that Rick didn't mention the Duane Allman contribution. I didn't know about it until sometime in the last 8 - 10 years. And I was stunned when I did learn about it, thinking "HTF did I not know this!"

[@rsmith3522]

Yeah and too much beatles crap

[@sofiac3242]

R Smith agreed

[@henryconner3002]

It was even hinted at

[@Prey.Rock99]

@@rsmith3522 man there is something really wrong with you of you call Beatles crap...

[@Kidrodeo1000]

Great list. Hard to argue with your selections. I feel an honourable mention should also go to ‘Johnny B Goode’ intro by the great Chuck Berry - probably the most influential rock guitarist who set the tone for all who followed. AC/DC and the Rolling Stones were hugely influenced by Chucks up tempo, bluesy rocking guitar riffs and Angus Young in particular pays homage to Chuck every time he duck walks across the stage while ripping into a solo. 👍🏼🎸🎸🎸

[@chuckjls]

Mississippi Queen - Mountain

[@PhillBogart]

@@chuckjls Reminds me of Train, Train from Blackfoot.

[@arthurjackson]

I agree, how did he miss the most recognizable guitar rock intro ever?

[@RelicOnMaui]

#1 !!! It was actually pretty brilliant I’m sure Hendrix’ intro to Little Wing is on a lot of people’s list, but who would demonstrate that?

[@rushore1]

Back in Black is somewhat a drum intro. If you want a pure guitar intro, and probably a better choice for top electric intros, why not Thunderstruck?

[@melodymaker135]

The two biggest hits are pure guitar and prolly the best of all (HTH and YSMANL)

[@verborgenewahrheit1594]

You shook me all night

[@josejulate]

Also Hells Bells would be a better choice and Rick just mentioned it. What do you think?

[@douglaskeeling6974]

If you want blood...

[@SuperLoLz33]

Cause he can't play it

[@tomasagustinveravicentin7789]

I was expecting Voodo Child by Jimi when he showed the wah lol!

[@slickrockcreek1]

Me too!

[@gork830]

Me too. He did have Purple Haze, but Voodoo is what I thought of first.

[@TakeCareMan]

Same

[@cazulu3]

Agreed. Thought about that as well. Such an iconic intro.

[@olafec]

I cant believe this didnt make it!! Given how hard it is to play, not surprising.

[@darekowens6803]

Mark knoppfler (dire straits) was so underrated. I put him in my top ten guitarists of all time.

[@ash80510]

Top 5 easy

[@dmkappa62]

I don’t think he’s underrated. He’s friggin ridiculously good

[@Etat7]

He's just not as name associated, I know so many guitarists who have mark in their top 5. You just dont hear his name brought up as much as page, Clapton, Hendrix etc

[@briansondgeroth9674]

Mark Knopler definitely seats in the top five of the greatest guitarists of all time! I also believe that Prince deserves a top spot. Many may not have liked his music, but he was a brilliant, underrated, musician.

[@kirkanderson7620]

Sux that I’m just seeing this. I would love to see a top 100 too. Sunday Bloody Sunday was a killer for me back in the day.

[@Messier31NGC224]

Eric Johnson - Cliffs of Dover (Live in Austin) !!!!!

[@jakemf1]

Stunning

[@mvunit3]

Jeez! Forgot to put that on my list :p!

[@canopus101]

Good choice of 'Aqualung', Jethro Tull are under rated. Great blues/rock and folk band with some wonderful guitar riffs.