The Top 10 ‘ES’ Guitar Riffs of All Time!

[@PeachGuitars]

Thanks for checking out our list! In case you missed them, check out the other videos in this series: Top 10 Les Paul Riffs: bit.ly/3pZmAu9 Top 10 Strat Riffs: bit.ly/3gsvrkY Top 10 Tele Riffs: bit.ly/3vzrvDk

[@itskyyuuuu]

That's not how you play josie.

[@rafaeldiasms]

Me watching the top strat licks: man, I should get a new strat Me watching the top tele licks: man, I should get a tele Me watching the top ES licks: man, I should get an ES Dude, you're killing me

[@paulcowart3174]

Ha Ha yeah right

[@lmpinto1977]

@@paulcowart3174 It's almost like this guys sells guitars... Oh wait, he does. And does it pretty well, I might say.

[@allguitar3349]

Right. He needs to stop.

[@gliddofglood]

Their plan is working, then. Bwahahahaha!

[@jeffbrodie42]

This is awsome

[@MairusuHayashi]

I was thinking Ten Years After with the blistering version of I'm Going Home at Woodstock. Of course it wasn't a radio player or anything...but man was that an iconic performance with an ES-Series.

[@revolversoul03]

Keep these videos coming Jack!!!...SGs, Firebirds, Flying V, Exploreres, Jaguars, Jazzmasters, Rickenbackers, Gretsches, etc. Love what ya doing

[@jason.h]

Yes would love to hear a Rickenbacker video

[@Tauanms]

PRSs too!!!

[@MarsK84]

Jazzmaster please

[@PeachGuitars]

As a few of you have pointed out already, it was indeed “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” in the honourable mentions, not “Paperback Writer”. A little editing glitch there, but we hope you enjoy the selections, regardless! What other picks would you have made for the Top 10? 👌

[@petestanton1945]

True, but now u got me thinking that's a double entry, not just a wrong title, i.e. Paperback Writer is indeed on George's 335? If so another top 10 contender here!

[@andreaferrero6533]

A notable omission is the riff of I'm Going Home by Ten Years After, especially the performance in Woodstock! Legendary, one of the first shredders in rock! Please do also 10 best riffs on Gretsch and on SuperStrats (Ibanez, Eddi's Frankenstein guitar, Jacksons, Kramer, etc...)

[@nightchef57]

I was a bit surprised not to see anything by Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, an outstanding guitarist who was almost exclusively a 335 player in his heyday. "Story in Your Eyes" is a great riff and would have been a good choice.

[@ate_my_wheaties]

I’m not sure if it was recorded with an ES, but the video for, and lots of live performances of Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups, their frontman, Brian Aubert, plays an ES. I imagine he records with one as well. It may be a bit on the modern side, but for me and plenty of folks my age, that was such an iconic guitar part, and really opened a lot of eyes to what’s possible on the instrument

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

Yes! Very much appreciated and enjoyed by me! Great work as always! 🙂👍

[@wiseguy9202]

Glad to see Freddie King mentioned as he's often overlooked now a days.

[@GoGo-qo2eq]

The Thrill Is Gone-B.B King

[@russh.7363]

That's a 355

[@arisgazetas2920]

Cliffs of Dover was recorded with a 335. Also, I would add Crossroads by Cream

[@dumbdickler670]

Crossroads was likely his SG

[@mezzoca8110]

The version on Wheels of fire was the fool SG. The Albert hall recording was ES 335.

[@spideymarino]

Very enjoyable. I realise you can’t include everyone but Alvin Lee of Ten Years After would have been great to be included.

[@atp2051]

OMG! Please, Ten years after, I'm going home. Great Alvin Lee.

[@waltervenicio]

Eric Johnson - Cliffs of Dover, yes it was on a 335 (most of the studio recording). ❤️

[@vracan]

really? always thought he used strat

[@rayrodriguez8255]

Gibson should put out a signature EJ 335.

[@Wells306]

So glad you played Anthem. Too many people haven't heard that tune.

[@alexguitar841]

Agreed. It really is an underappreciated gem of a song

[@leegunter5223]

One you forgot was the iconic I'm going home by Alvin Lee and Ten Years After!

[@ericnelson966]

Wicked lick in “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”. You can really hear the wood in the guitar in that one.

[@andrewpappas9311]

Johnny B. Goode definitely deserves the number one spot, it’s one of my all-time favourite riffs and really defined how rock music would change over the decades. As for another one of these, how about Top SG, Explorer, Firebird, Flying V, Gretsch or Rickenbacker riffs?

[@thewickedwizard]

Johnny B. Goode wasn't recorded on an ES guitar. It was a larger Jazz box. Chuck hadn't switched to ES guitars at that point.

[@andrewpappas9311]

@@thewickedwizard He did use a Gibson ES-350T for a bunch of his '50s recordings before switching to the 355 in the 60s

[@MyCrazyDogs32]

Thank you, Jack, for including Anthem. When I saw there was an "ES" video, I immediately thought of Alex Lifeson, and as I began going through songs in my head, Anthem rose to the top. I panicked for a second when you played Working Man at the beginning. But I was rewarded with Anthem a few minutes later. And thanks again for the Music Man Albert Lee MM90 video you did last summer. It sold me on the guitar, and I've been loving mine since December of last year.

[@CaptainBakerJason]

Most people don’t realize that one of the most distinctive riffs of the mid 70s was actually recorded on an ES. This would be the guitar master Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser laying down the Blue Öyster Cult hit “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” on a Gibson ES-175. This certainly deserves an honorable mention as the riff is iconic. Buck Dharma at the time was I. Transition from his SGs to a custom Stratocaster and Les Paul during this period of the mid 70s. These he had in the studio, but the hit song released as a single and on the Agents of Fortune album was recorded using a ES-175 borrowed from producer Murray Krugman and run through a Music Man 410 combo amp in the studio. Just an interesting bit of rock legend trivia that illustrates you just never know when an ES will find its way into many fabulous riffs over the decades. 💪🏻🎸🤘🏻

[@KyOte13]

THANK U! that riff is easily # 1

[@williamsherman1089]

​@@KyOte13No the Johnny B. Good riff will never be beat. Though I am a big B.O.C. fan, gonna see them 12 28 23, can't wait

[@paulrhodesquinn]

Thanks for that! I was a huge BOC fan and idolised Buck at school.

[@d-mack-ga5340]

ES-335 / 345 / 355: the most versatile guitars ever - sounds great in any genre, so comfortable to play, and an absolute beautiful design!

[@guitargreg51]

TEN YEARS AFTER GOING HOME Should have made the top ten bro!!!!!!

[@hybridnoisebloom]

I love that you picked 'Anthem' by Rush, and also the little bit from 'Working Man' in the intro. Bravo. Lifeson doesn't get enough credit for his early riffing.

[@andrewpappas9311]

Yeah, he’s such a great player but sadly gets overshadowed by Geddy Lee and Neil Peart

[@cappedbusthalfdollarcollec2609]

Love Lifeson outstanding rhythm guitarist.

[@208414]

Some interesting choices here. The tone on that cigarettes and alcohol riff was awesome.

[@gerrymchell]

I think the reason he made this video was just so he could play c&a. Such fun to play. Slide Away was composed on a Les Paul but I'm not sure about recording.

[@jc6721]

After watching all the vids in this series, I just have 1 thing to say, “Damn son! You got chops!” Great job!

[@andrewhess2978]

Bad to the Bone: George Thorogood on his ES-125. Also, you're pretty safe with most Foo Fighters songs; Dave had his Trini Lopez before the Foos and used on every album.

[@karels.hernandez9830]

Dude where's the Boom Boom riff by John Lee Hooker on Epiphone Sheraton he played ? The song was the reason why i started to play guitar :D He even said its Gibson on Steroids.

[@Timmlyboy]

16:28 "paperback writer" should be "I want you/she's so heavy"

[@johnblackwell2065]

But jack played PW on the introduction?

[@glenh2752]

I’m kind of thinking Izzy Stradlin should have at least got an honourable mention. Great video as always 👍

[@mykelc205]

Agreed. A true rhythmist who cut a track uniquely everytime.

[@JC-DC]

Izzy & the Ju Ju Hounds👍👍😃😃

[@CJZM7777]

Funny. I commented about how Alvin Lee was missing before reading all the other comments saying Alvin Lee should have been on the list. Alvin was underrated and one of the best ever.

[@dsjohndrow]

Bill Nelson, George Thorogood, Alvin Lee, and Steve Howe… I really did love this though. Lots of great playing in all your collection videos. Looking forward to the Gretsch, SG and the Flying V.

[@kaibartling7085]

R.I.P. Alvin Lee and his iconic ES. So many epic Riffs. May you listen to Love Like a Man or the whole album Rocket Fuel!

[@herbherby6477]

I totally second that! Alvin Lee is the most iconic ES player of all times for me.

[@dsjohndrow]

Definitely would’ve added one of his Woodstock riffs.

[@nickbrown5756]

Maybe this lad wouldn’t be able to play them?

[@michaelworse6034]

+ 100 on this ❤

[@derekstocker6661]

Many thanks for these great guitar "riff" videos, absolute magic, and keep up the great playing! Love these.

[@michaelheinz3954]

Well done Jack, great fun. Apart from being very versatile a 335 style guitar can be loved for the sheer beauty. An iconic shape that looks classy in any colour!

[@msrafter1]

Wonderful examples, well played! The Paperback Writer riff, though, was actually I Want You (She’s So Heavy). Terrific range of ES- guitars! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@garychambers5850]

Yes, good *Beatles* song, just wrong title. Actually you should of Played " _Paperback Writer_ " as well. It also has a great riff. *John Lennon* called the song " _Son of Day Tripper_ " 🤣

[@michaeldionne3139]

Alvin Lee of Ten Years After - "I'd Love to Change the World." Absolutely incredible. Should be in the top three.

[@hkguitar1984]

Great, great selections. Nice job Sir.

[@marcus7697]

Alvin Lee 10 years after , choo choo mama, Rock and roll music to the world.

[@liamirwin9933]

I know neither are even in same conversation as iconic guitars like the ES, Tele, Strat, LP or SG, BUT I would love to see similar videos for soloist-style guitars and PRS guitars. Great vids!

[@beatler90]

Just bought a used 345 '59 Historic Burst yesterday - definitely the perfect video for me right now!

[@yanblondin7490]

Cant think more of a signature ES riff then "thrill is gone"

[@stuartmiller7419]

What I like most about this top 10 is that many of the selections (No.1 being the most notable exception, of course) are not coomonly associated with the ES because the artists were less well known/less televised at the time they wrote and first played those iconic riffs, so they will come as a shock to many. Such a versatile instrument.

[@Hectrucci2]

awesome video! I believe it will help you a lot if you tag the amp and fx pedals used in the demos. Your channel, beside the dedicated videos, is a gem to hear Maz18 in action combined with so many fantastic gear.

[@glenkepic3208]

Well done once again !! Totally on board with #1. Where would we be without it :) Honorable mention,,,one originally written by Chuck Berry but covered by Edgar Winter's "White Trash" for Roadwork Live.. Back In The USA, Rick Derringer bringing the goods for the intro and kick ass solos as well. I believe he was playing the same ES 345 he used in The McCoys for Hang On Sloopy when he was like 16. Hey, another honorable mention ;)

[@thorggernaut3081]

please do a "top 10 Ibanez rg riffs" of all time... great series by the way

[@ozuidema]

Wonderful series; I could watch you play all day! To me, the 335 is the ultimate guitar; after trying out everything under the sun, this is the guitar I’ve settled with.

[@hootowl6354]

Clapton: Sunshine of Your Love, Crossroads.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Sunshine was probably the SG but Crossroads was definitely the 335.

[@LeeJHodgson]

Cool choices and great playing as ever. I particularly enjoyed the Epiphone Casino sound. Just to point out that in the honourable mentions section you played ‘I want you (she’s so heavy)’ but the on-screen annotation tagged it as ‘Paperback Writer’, which is another great riff for sure.

[@neatspy]

Absolutely amazing playing and great videos all round. I need a 335 now !

[@slojos]

A very good list and no question Johnny B Good is the number 1 riff! Where I think you miss out is Alvin Lee playing Going Home or Love to Change the World. When I saw him play at Woodstock I traded in my SG for a ES. Chuck Berry, Beatles and Clapton had me leaning that way but Alvin was the tipping point for me. He was iconic and very influential for us baby boomer ES players. I find the ES more versatile and more comfortable to play than a SG or Les Paul.

[@nickbrown5756]

Totally agree. Love like a man, iconic riff. Good morning little schoolgirl, etc. perhaps this lad might have struggled to play the I’m Going Home riff on this video?

[@arthurblackhistoric]

Alvin Lee . . I'm Going Home George and John . . And Your Bird Can Sing Eric Clapton . . Crossroads Tony Hicks . . Look Through Any Window Steve Howe . . I've Seen All Good People (Album version of course on which Steve really rocked out on his ES-345!) John Lennon . . The Ballad of John and Yoko Those are my Top 6 ES moments

[@ledflaplin2001]

George John and Paul played guitar on and your birds can sing. George And Paul played the unison guitar parts just in different octaves.

[@mowrizz1310]

Sometimes, when I don‘t have any idea what to practice next, I just watch a few random videos of you and try to pick up some of these, absolutely georgious played riffs that you do. You‘re so damn professional! Thank you and keep up the great work!!

[@IanHn56]

Brilliant. Well done. Might have had ALvin Lee in there but great list!

[@bsbrooks455]

Don't think you played Paperback Writer quite right! LOL

[@landesart]

:) I want you (she's so heavy) - but Paperback Writer is another great ES Riff as well...

[@landesart]

And did he play "Day Tripper" during the Intro only?!

[@VictorGonzalez-gk1nr]

I guess that paperback was more of a hardcover .... 😄

[@landesart]

@@VictorGonzalez-gk1nr 😂👍🏼

[@SunnyKlein-vr7eh]

Who cares, you knew what he was playing and that’s the point, you perfect guitarist

[@littlecrow6484]

I'm thinking "Crossroads " was played on Clapton's red 335.

[@williambednar8880]

Might be wrong, but I believe the studio version was recorded on The Fool SG

[@mariosjosephidou1170]

I vote you as the most versatile guitarist of all time Jack ! Great job!

[@Daveygogo1]

John Lee Hooker was brilliant with his basic riffs of blues on his ES

[@wandering_armadillo]

Crazy good, loved the addition of Steely Dan ….. eloquently expressed throughout!

[@andretoyo]

Great playing! Nail the tones. Cheers!

[@pkflash2004]

Without doubt the number one riff was completely deserving of its place and you played it brilliantly! Worth noting there was a documentary a while back where Keith Richards was playing guitar for Chuck Berry and Chuck was giving him such a hard time for not playing that opening riff perfectly, so well done Jack!

[@jefrecleveland243]

Wonderful, brother watched every minute. Absolutely fantastic thank you very much

[@kristoferroe1532]

I was listening to this while puttin around. And you could fool some people .holy hell. Quite a few of thoes songs, the tone was dead on. Well done

[@mboyer68]

RUSH ANTHEM WAS INCREDIBLE!!! Excellent job sir!!

[@blackcrackedpepper7833]

Bernard butler(suede)- animal nitrate is one of the great riffs played on a 335 in my opinion

[@suedehead73]

I'll definitely second that. I was torn between Animal Nitrate and Metal Mickey.

[@EricCirca]

My #1 would be "Crossroads" by Cream. I would also include "I'd Love To Change The World" by Ten Years After.

[@cyarwood]

Great selections! Thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks! If you want to expand the list, I'll suggest another of my faves: "LovelyTo See You Again" by the Moody Blues. Justin Hayward played many iconic riffs on his 335 with the Moodies, but LTSYA is a standout.

[@cyarwood]

The tone. 😊

[@trevorzaleski7439]

also Story In Your Eyes

[@garymcaleer6112]

Good post. My Grote 335 de-tuned to my old school-mate, Michael Hedges tuning, I'm a happy camper.

[@marcmuller3429]

Very informative video as always! Pls the top ten sg riffs. Thx I think its a must...

[@winfielddixon5166]

When you chose Badge you chose wisely, well done! Great playing, you have serious skills!

[@camai75]

I love these top 10 Riffs videos..keep em coming!.

[@JC-DC]

Anything this guy plays on any guitar sounds great, always. 🏆🏆🏆👍

[@ThePandaProcrastinates]

Hideaway by Freddie King. Originally recorded on a Les Paul, but all the live recordings were ES.

[@brennanspies5364]

B.B. King's Sweet 16 opening was THE reason I bought an ES-335.

[@DirkGentley42]

And, Sweet little Angel !

[@tc3881]

Great list! But didn’t BBKing play an ES-335?

[@guitarsandcheesecake1632]

Awesome video. But what about, going home, by ten years after!!??

[@jsmith1979]

Great playing and great Tudor Black Bay GMT!

[@Fretliner]

Cool list, thx for posting, I missed Larry Carlton’s Bubble Shuffle, an outstanding ES335 riff

[@ianmartens5286]

I’m pretty sure “When My Train pulls In” by Gary Clark Jr is another great example. Great playing as always.

[@marygaleac]

Does he not play that on a SG?? Seen a couple of concerts with him doing it with the SG…

[@angusmackay7281]

@@marygaleac I had the same idea as Ian and expected it on this list, but you'er right, he normally plays WMTRI on an SG. One of my favourite riffs; so simple, but so affective.

[@EinerVonDenen]

Played on Gibson SG. Otherwise he plays several P90s guitars including his Casinos.

[@gratao25]

A Casino is not exactly an ES, even though it is pretty similar to the 330's

[@EinerVonDenen]

@@gratao25 You mean the 330 is similar to the Casino, which fast first or more successful. Give Epiphone some credit.

[@MrJPBach]

How 'Animal Nitrate' by Suede didn't make this list is just incredible. Also, I never knew 'I Want You (She's So Heavy)' was actually titled 'Paperback Writer'.

[@scott198086]

Animal Nitrate was played on a Les Paul

[@MrJPBach]

@@scott198086 Apparently it was triple tracked on a Les Paul, a 355, and... something else.

[@jamesdmtucker]

Anything that Dwight Yoakam does with his “Dwight Trash” Elitist Casino from “3 Pears” onwards is excellent

[@bwanadik]

Great series Jack. The Top 10 SG Guitar Riffs of All Time next please.

[@Jacobfreakintimes]

All black sabbath and acdc

[@lmpinto1977]

@@Jacobfreakintimes You say that like it's a bad thing.

[@Jacobfreakintimes]

@@lmpinto1977 it's definitely not :)

[@XxCorvette1xX]

@@JacobfreakintimesSabbath, ACDC, and some CREAM

[@michaelweiss9219]

I could watch you play all day! Very inspiring....

[@claytonphelps9911]

Fantastic job on these videos, thank you

[@paulngardner]

so good, i think you have just demonstrated the es could actually rule them all! some beautiful guitars and some beautiful playing!!

[@janbuyck1]

Alvin Lee's intro of " Going Home " (TYA).

[@elenka.svaliva2]

Black Night and Child in Time were played on ES335 too. Also Speed King.

[@vanhalen1776]

These vids are fantastic guys. Serious effort from both the production team and Jack! Keep em coming lads. Top ten SG riffs next? Edit: I've said this before but wow, Jack is insane at capturing the right tone and playing style of the riffs. Johnny B. Goode sounds identical to the record. Don't know what type of black magic he's casting on those guitars but it sure as hell is working haha

[@rjvartanian]

I absolutely second this idea! An SG video would be awesome!

[@rossshaw6005]

Third dat

[@ianbartle456]

Yes - he's sounding like he's made a midnight visit to the crossroads.

[@Kevin-the-Just]

Hi Jack, one of my favourite ES users is Bill Nelson of Be-Bop Deluxe. He used a '345' during the band's early years and, for me, hit their heights with 'Sunburst Finish'. If you're not familiar, try the two opening tracks Fair Exchange and Heavenly Homes. They're definitely honourable mentions. Cheers.

[@dsjohndrow]

Yeah- my first thought. There were some great riffs on the live album. I still listen to it. I saw him live a couple of times and he’s still in the list of most interesting and creative players from that era.

[@somestupidwithaflaregun7149]

Sleep That Burns

[@masemachine]

nice chops dude. great vid.

[@Ryan_Q3L]

Wonderful playing.

[@markhenley5131]

Great playing and tunes love your videos

[@vicdelapaz]

Love these Top 10 vids! Well done 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 When is the Top 10 Jazzmaster/Jaguar/Offset vid dropping 😃😃😃

[@timbennett6644]

Nice you mentioned Freddie King and also Soundgarden. Great video..

[@sevntysixr]

Couldn’t be another #1 than Chuck Berry. Without Chuck Berry there wouldn’t be a top ten list of Rock riffs.

[@zendrive794]

What a great video and what gorgeous guitars. Could you list the specific models of ES guitars played in this video?

[@ThePaivarinne]

Great playing!

[@benjaminhawthorne1969]

Years ago, when I discovered the band YES, it was the 1st time that I'd seen a "Rock" guitarist playing a semi-hollow, "Jazz" guitar. When he was a youngster, Steve Howe of YES was given a GIBSON ES-175 by his Auntie. He has played it in YES as well as on his solo albums. It is so precious to him that when he flies, he does NOT check it with the baggage. Instead, he purchases a ticket for it so it can sit in the seat beside him! 🥰

[@jacttanna2353]

Gary Clark does belong there, but my pick would be Bright Lights. Loving this concept.

[@zoeherriot]

How do you mention Johnny Marr, but not include any of his ES335 riffs??

[@cdbrown30]

There’s something just awesome about watching a really good Brit guitarist play the Beatles. 😝

[@ManfredElsingBielefeld]

Wonderful voyage;thx a lot!I´m a 335 x fan!

[@frankscutari9516]

As always, nice job

[@msaintpc]

Excellent video!