Rush's Top 10 Guitar Riffs

[@Subatomic_Glue]

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

[@matthew4694]

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

[@timsears951]

sorry but Alex is hardly under appreciated ..

[@ImYourOverlord]

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

[@matthew4694]

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

[@timsears951]

@@matthew4694 absolutely love RUSH .

[@OzziesRobots]

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

[@MusicMotivator]

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

[@zososhep]

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

[@jasont9907]

He was right talent knows talent

[@mthomas1973]

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

[@russpennekamp5149]

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

[@DoctorEnigma01]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Same!

[@Reggie-The-Dog]

Me too.

[@debilarge]

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

[@brentscott5359]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

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

[@davebasch5995]

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

[@Reggie-The-Dog]

I wouldn't say they never took themselves seriously.

[@GizmoBeach]

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

[@swhoover1]

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

[@magashred]

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

[@nicholassmith479]

The beginning Chords to Hemispheres is a good example 👍🏻

[@katiegrundle9900]

ya the hemispheres chord

[@johnbatinovic6593]

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

[@dad1432]

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

[@clockworkangel4026]

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

[@jppagetoo]

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

[@TheErik249]

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

[@adam6057]

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

[@UnderSprayedWhiteSkies]

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

[@nickpruitt7276]

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

[@SAY.8.18]

THE BEST!

[@billjones7580]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Yep

[@mthomas1973]

Presto has some really great guitar work

[@jpm1897]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

:)))

[@bruins1itall]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Amen!

[@Markothunder]

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

[@brentheathersimons7042]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Amen to that!

[@mthomas1973]

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

[@liquidsolids9415]

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

[@jesseserna8424]

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

[@s.ri.1020]

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

[@RaymondBCrisp]

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

[@widewailcorduroy7278]

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

[@tmcool]

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

[@ramoncranert8177]

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

[@ImYourOverlord]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Check out my progressive rock music at carlbaldassarremusic.com

[@frenchyfrenchy4424]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@josephferrarese4579]

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

[@MrSaleendriver]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!!

[@chrisgroom4707]

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

[@ImYourOverlord]

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

[@arjavax-r2f]

Great video thsnks for teaching us

[@brianhahn3296]

Great vid and love Rush , like your choice of bands

[@DanGarrett23]

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

[@k_viss]

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

[@shanewalton8888]

Love how much you get into these riffs. Would have loved to see one or two 90s riffs in there as well.

[@elldr]

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

[@cjk5115]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

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

[@matthewoconnell114]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@ashjessjack]

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

[@aafjeyakubu5124]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I wish I could meet him!

[@cissmjg]

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

[@rareform6747]

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

[@Lunathewolf93334]

Excellent video Carl! Love Rush.

[@johnpetrone6602]

They were legendary, I am so glad I got to see them in 1980...(Permanent Waves Tour)

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I saw them twice myself!

[@truthsayers8725]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic i wanted to see them when i first found out about them. they played my home town hockey arena that held about 5,200 for concerts. i couldnt go because my parents didnt know the music and i was only 12 (1977). i did see them across the river in Sarnia Ontario the next time they were 'in the area' 33yrs later in 2010 on Time Machine. stood right in front of Alex in unlicensed (no booze) VIP open standing. it was nearly a religious experience for me.

[@nicholassmith479]

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

[@daveconley2601]

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

[@manolodelgado3689]

I cringed when I hear the THE.

[@profkeenan]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I’m glad you appreciated it!

[@katiegrundle9900]

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

[@GeoZero]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you so much!!

[@klinkokos67]

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

[@manuelmontiel5418]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Awesome memory!

[@modernguitarist1992]

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

[@MrRMB1]

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

[@prippsguld]

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

[@prippsguld]

Oh and loved you picks.

[@Sean_Farmer]

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

[@edwardziff3274]

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

[@skyemoz6559]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

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

[@saintbrando]

Amazing! Canada’s finest. 🙌🏻

[@MusicMotivator]

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

[@markgriffin5889]

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

[@gordonmorgan1975]

Love the picks for this top ten and that you were not just going for the most popular riffs

[@blake70505]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Hmmm…maybe my son Teddy?

[@blake70505]

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

[@TruthSurge]

hi. um... Limelight riff is not right starting at 2:44. First is the power B, true, but 2nd chord is A power chord add 9 (A at 2nd fret position plus pinky on G string 4th fret) then the E (third chord) is index finger barring A and D strings 2nd fret leaving the pinky on fret 4 of G string so that the B note RIDES through the entire lick. Go back and listen more closely to it. You should hear that if you listen or just watch Alex play it in a YT vid.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Will do!!

[@TruthSurge]

@@CarlBaldassarreMusic Thanks for not bashing me for merely pointing out what I think is an error. Too bad my wife doesn't think like you. :(

[@randyhenderson6166]

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

[@ccaputa]

Hey Carl, I was so stoked back in the day when I learned to play the opening riff on Spirit Of The Radio! I'm glad you played the follow up riff because it really completes the section. Thanks!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

You was stoked to learn it too! It takes a bit to get the muscle memory imprinted!

[@maxsambucca2502]

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

[@demonicturtle3999]

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

[@Skypie61]

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

[@delliv5451]

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

[@safiramusica]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@sbadolian]

This channel is going to blow up!!!!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

May it be so!

[@jackcase9009]

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

[@robertsmith3901]

Awesome. As Subatomic says, under appreciated. I saw them 3 times. I didn't cheer, forgot to stand up, (until I was prodded) I just listened and watched. I was always so amazed, dumbfounded really, at their skill. And as brentscott5358 says, so humble.

[@jamesimpellizzeri1970]

Hi Carl, Jim here, Another SLAMMING track from Rush is off of the“Fly By Night” album. Titled, “In The End.”

[@ryanlenihan427]

By tor and the snow dog is awesome too

[@G1llmanBlacklg00n]

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

[@russk1971]

Moving pictures opened my ears to Rush.

[@Russpng]

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

[@aparise1]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!

[@giuseppebayma76]

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

[@pauljams6565]

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

[@harrysteeletreo1]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Yeah!

[@simongaskill]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Thank you!!!!

[@markroylance1584]

Well I've not watched this yet...! Keeping it for tonight with headphones!! However Carl.. Can't wait!! I know you've probably got a huge 'to do' list...... Will you ever get the chance to do some Gossard/McCready riffage ?

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

It’s time for me to listen to that band. What are the top riffs I should learn?

[@chrishughes4285]

What you're doing is the first Rush tune I ever heard. Saturday night album sides on WMMS in Cleveland. During a time when DJ's programed their shows, I believe WMMS helped launch Rush in the US.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Such a great riff and album! Good memories of those days!

[@oscar35575]

Fantastic as always Carl.

[@stevencancel1727]

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

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

Love your stuff! Subbed.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Yay! Thank you!

[@MB-en3do]

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

[@Piccyman1]

Really like your lighting setup

[@PauloNeuenschwander]

Nice Carl!!! Just one question though... Why did you stop to analyze Led Zeppelin's musics by album? It is a amazing thing man! I'd like to see more of that! Cheers!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

That was my Covid hang. I’m chipping away at the others!

[@PauloNeuenschwander]

Good to know that! Looking forward to see the next!

[@dshockley01]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

You’re sooo right!

[@ericpont9053]

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

[@eddiejr540]

Awesome list…its hard to just pick 10…and I applaud your restraint Carl…I know you wanted to just keep ripping on a few of those songs 😎

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

It was such a great trip to play these riffs. I never played them for the most part.

[@rickvalentine1041]

Some great choices...Love that I can hear your pick scraping the string on Bastile Day...just like Page on Moby Dick.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Good ear!

[@alexcaulfield2214]

Awesome list. I see you were going for hardest rocking as well as just intro riffs (obviously, this excludes some awesome riffs of theirs like Something For Nothing, A Farewell To Kings, and The Fountain of Lamneth which come later in the song because of the building starts). But going with your theme, I’d like to add The Analog Kid. It was never one of my favorite songs by them, probably due to the jarring verse/chorus difference stylistically, but it’s an idiosyncratic Lifeson riff and over time and I’ve found it to stand out amongst their intro riffs. Also, Roll the Bones, but it’s a bit funky rather than hard rock.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I’ll check them out. Thanks!

[@katiegrundle9900]

dreamline too, and test for echo

[@kph1034]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I know!!

[@The333]

Awesome stuff and as a Rush fan (and a HS garage guitar player) I agree with your picks. Alex just had too many cool licks and I do love his later melodic intros - I would say an honorable mention maybe is the intro for Time Stand still with Aimee Mann. That intro just slays me every time I hear it.

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

I’ll check them out!

[@joshuataylor5992]

Glad you gave the debut album the attention it deserves.

[@greggcorbett9344]

Awesome...and nearly all from the '70's

[@brettking1014]

Great list Carl! As a 40-year Rush fan, I could add more, but I won’t quibble over your choices 😁. The greatest aspect about Alex, to me, is that he was great at riffs, rhythm guitar and soloing. Would love to see a list of his top ten solos and/or rhythm sections (that’ll be a doozy to sort out) Lol! I have my picks, but would love to see yours. Thanks!

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

Yes. That would be a real project!

[@funkilus]

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

[@CarlBaldassarreMusic]

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

[@terrys8690]

great choices! and excellent work.

[@Kidgloves1984]

Very nice to see someone pay tribute to one of the greatest guitar players ever: Mr. Alex Lifeson!

[@guitarkis4969]

I understand Working Man, but not my #1. I did love all the others. There are SOOO many to pick from, you pick some great ones. I love there were several earlier ones, the ones I grew up on! Thanks for putting this together.

[@kevinbecker1438]

I have to agree with you on working man. Alex got so much better he even said in an interview Freewill gave him the most anxiety to play.