TOP 20 RHYTHM GUITAR PARTS OF ALL TIME

[@GeriatricHippo]

I am not a huge ACDC fan but how did Malcolm Young not get on a top ten rhythm guitar part list. Dude was the beast of rythym guitar riffs.

[@jonmicheals621]

Absolutely! It is not just what he played but his tone and how it was placed in the mix. That wide sound made them sound different from everybody else. 🤘🎸🤘

[@Chief1987]

100% agree Mike, Malcom's rythem playing is 2nd to none.

[@kyle8442]

Probably because they block everything

[@garrickhanson]

I was thinking that Thunderstruck would be on here... I think Malcolm only plays one chord for most of the song, but DAMN that one chord has rhythm! When he first comes in, it is total perfection.

[@merrill-el-richmond8649]

Had the same thought!

[@SamSandford]

Ten Years Gone has to be Led Zeppelin's most underrated song, and one of Jimmy Page's greatest compositions. Masterpiece.

[@evanboardman08]

Totally, a top 3 Zep song for me

[@g.belanger8302]

Gives me chills. And what a beautiful solo!

[@jokester5130]

That and the Rain Song

[@channelname5345]

One of my favorite songs ever and it’s on album with a bunch of all timers

[@adamcrum1723]

Agreed

[@Sunfried1]

The rhythm in More Than a Feeling by Boston is a timeless classic

[@That.Guy.]

That should’ve been easily number one on the list

[@Dommymarano]

Yea Cobain thought so too! 😅

[@markmerrill6852]

Exactly my post as well.. where's Boston?

[@ejikeuzor5285]

I was waiting for Another Brick in the Wall (pt 2). That rhythm part is awesome!

[@Rj-jm8vm]

The opening riff to "Life's Been Good" by Joe Walsh was always one of my favorites . Also the opening to "Can't you hear me Knockin' " by the Stones .

[@rhondalyn100]

Ditto to Walsh on "Life's" iconic opening!

[@louiebee6745]

Another one of his best opening riffs is Life In The Fast Lane. Also Rocky Mountain Way.

[@TDanNix]

Or Joe's Funk 49

[@rhondalyn100]

No doubt. Joe Walsh is incredible.

[@louiebee6745]

Walk Away, The Bomber, etc...🤘🤘

[@buckfiden2594]

Its amazing how the complexity, uniqueness and brillance of The Police sort of went over my head for like 40 years and while I always enjoyed their music now I am fascinated by it.

[@JimReuterskiold]

Agreed. Andy Summers and Stuart Copeland are just as brilliant as Sting IMO.

[@astewart9410]

Same.

[@Marcus_C51]

@@JimReuterskiold Also agree!

[@ldhorricks]

I feel the same...but I there are a lot of musicians and music in general I appreciate way more now than in the day....and it covers a vast landscape of genres and styles.

[@derek-press]

Chris Rea ,"Dancing with Strangers" is an amazing album ,another forgotten Gem

[@projectkizaru1072]

Please continue making the What Makes This Song Great series, Rick! 🙏

[@robertakerman3570]

Everytime (&anywhere) I see an "Orange" in the background; My day just improved.

[@robertsparling917]

He can't do that series anymore, unfortunately. KZbin is making their community guidelines more stricter and certain songs are being blocked now. Also, he's been demonetized recently and he got another copyright strike, and this time, he tried to appeal and got rejected.

[@WonsPhreely]

More U2 please :) or the Boss

[@braydenwelch514]

Motley Crue song?

[@robertakerman3570]

@@robertsparling917 YT makes no sense. Artists & companies get paid. The Algos are out of hand(thx to pier to pier downloading years ago).

[@ChuckDelandaHarris-iq9wf]

Those DeLeo brothers are no joke, Dean’s melodic prowess on guitar is incredible, he writes killer riffs….great stuff Rick!

[@udsmall7306]

"Wicked Garden"! So Pagey-esque...nasty and dirty! 🎸🤘

[@akashchakrabarty5708]

0:29 Do I wanna know (arctic monkeys) 1:03 let's dance (David Bowie) 1:38 don't stop to watch the wheels (doobie brothers) 2:02 sailing (Christopher cross) 2:41 come as you are (Nirvana) 3:09 dissident (pearl Jam) 3:56 zero (the smashing pumpkins) 4:31 interstate love song (stone temple pilots) 5:10 neon (John Mayer) 5:31 burden in my hand (soundgarden) 6:41 fourty six & 2 (tool) 7:14 master of puppets (metallica) 7:35 synchronicity (the police) 8:34 tom Sawyer (rush) 9:09 walk this way (aerosmith) 9:44 ten years gone (led Zeppelin) 10:23 i feel fine (the beatles) 10:42 beautiful girls (van Halen) 11:06 start me up (the rolling stones) 11:39 money for nothing (dire straits) Cheers! 🤘🏻

[@johnhyon8519]

@akashchakrabarty5708. My hero!!

[@3.14ULSAR]

beAtles, not beEtles 🙂

[@AeroDude73]

@@3.14ULSAR lol. Ty. The Beetles?! Come on. Who doesn’t know how to correctly spell THE BEATLES.

[@akashchakrabarty5708]

@@AeroDude73 ever heard of a typo? Dimwit?

[@akashchakrabarty5708]

@@3.14ULSAR yes! the people to catch faults are here at it again with flying colours!

[@Boldaslove71]

Rick, keep giving Geddy Lee a reason to be interviewed on your show (like naming one of their songs #7 best rhythm parts). He's coming out with a book this fall and I'm sure there will be a book tour and maybe an opportunity for you two to get together. You keep impressing the crap out of me with the artists that agree to interview with you. Ged is my all time favorite and with your existing catalog of positive Rush coverage, as well as your deep knowledge of all things music would make a fascinating conversation. Say it with me, Geddy '23!

[@danielgrohl6971]

Sometimes the Hal Leonard rythm guitar in the song books are not correct. The Tom Sawyer example here is correct to what i see Alex do in concert.

[@JS_Guitar09]

@@danielgrohl6971 Alex teaches it himself on youtube, and the chords are a bit different. Mostly the d chord and e chord which also have licks attached to them

[@Sernet127]

Yes please do so

[@micheleparker3780]

yes Yes YES!!!!

[@ak47dragunov]

@@JS_Guitar09 Yep. Rick just plays regular barre chords here. Alex plays suspended chords and adds the little chimey lines on top as well

[@PavlozKapeliz]

One of my personal favorites, "Don't Fear the Reaper" from BOC. The rhythm/riff guitar part is a killer....and I also need more cowbell....

[@iliasmess]

Perfectly said.. and yes, way more cowbell for sure 😅

[@BertrandLaurenceMusic]

Yes, I was thinking also of early BOC like the Red and The Black

[@fraserduncan6746]

Good call

[@221b-l3t]

I love Perfect Water, especially the guitar tone!

[@221b-l3t]

Somehow never listened to them but I finally got into BOC. Didn't listen to anything else for months.

[@breckerman9053]

Rick Beato's ears can hear the grass grow. This statement is so true, I'm posting it on every Beato video. I wish I could hear half as good as you Rick.

[@wildcard04]

Nancy Wilson’s rhythm strumming in “Crazy On You” by Heart is also really nice. And that lead electric guitar riff 🔥

[@usertubeification]

I just threw up in my mouth. That's a good way to say you know nothing about music without saying you know nothing about music.

[@wildcard04]

@@usertubeification oh no, you must forgive me for causing you nausea with my horrid music taste. How will I live..😔

[@jbbnbsmith]

Dude disses Nancy Wilson and follows it up by accusing someone else of not knowing music. Gotta love the interwebs.

[@jeremyshelman9716]

@@usertubeification It's too bad you didn't aspirate on your vomit. Don't mess with Nancy Wilson.

[@usertubeification]

@@jbbnbsmith lol. Exactly. It's such a great rhythm. And Biance and Brittney are fluid dancers. Morons.

[@MSb-zk2mo]

I'm so happy to see so many mentioning The Smiths. Johnny Marr is an incredible rhythm guitarist. "How Soon Is Now" has such an iconic pulsating rhythm beneath it that is very unlike anything else in a pop song. "The Charming Man" integrates fantastic bright and sparkling Soukous-inspired arpeggios with pop melodies like few have/can. "What She Said" is driven by Marr's frantic playing that will raise your blood-pressure by 50 points! :) I'm primarily a jazz-fusion fanatic but when I want to hear amazing, entertaining, uplifting, and downright enjoyable rhythm playing, Johnny Marr / The Smiths is/are extremely hard to beat.

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

Yes 100% Johnny Marr is an absolute wizard on the guitar 🎸 one of my all time favorites!

[@Grant_Ferstat]

I would have squeezed This Charming Man on the list for sure.

[@asmith3846]

@@Grant_FerstatTHANK. YOU.

[@seanb480]

I came on here to mention where is Johnny Marr and The Smiths? And a shout out to Andy Rourke (RIP) and his incredible bass parts that I would love Rick to give appreciation to his work someday too.

[@MSb-zk2mo]

@@seanb480I’ve loved Jaco, Chuck Rainey, and Anthony Jackson since I was a teen. These guys are/were geniuses on the bass. But guys like Andy Rourke and Mick Karn speak to me too …touch a different part of my soul in a different way. Adding The Smiths to the list of bands that never-can-again brings much sadness to me - no more holding on and hoping. Big loss in a time that’s no longer producing enough virtuosity combined with an ability to speak to my soul.

[@SuperTimeStretch]

Let''s all be honest with ourselves. Rick knows it is impossible to compile a top 20 list and loves all sorts of music. There are thousands of songs that could be on here.

[@slingerace]

Yeah, it was kind of lame, especially when plugging those who were kind enough to be on his show.

[@jonbarron8049]

@@slingeracehe’s a music teacher. Compiling a list that some random person like you approves of was never his objective

[@slingerace]

@@jonbarron8049 It's clickbait. He well knows those aren't the twenty best of all time. And, as I said, it's particularly suspicious when he included three from recent guests on his show. If it had been titled "20 Great Rhythm Guitar Parts" I would view it differently. I do understand that his goal is not to please random people like me, but that doesn't take away my right to express an opinion on the content.

[@jonbarron8049]

@@slingerace there’s no definitive ranking of the best 20 so it’s irrelevant

[@thenewjerseys]

ha, that's why he titled it just "Top 20 Rhythm" not best, most complicated, iconic, creative, tasteful, recognizable etc. "I made a long list of rhythm guitar parts. Here's numbers 1 through 20."

[@dbs555]

Montrose 's Rock The Nation was and is one of the ultimate party songs of the 1970's. Love playing it still in 2024.

[@tubularbill]

John Lennon’s rhythm part in The Beatles “All My Loving” is phenomenal

[@bourbon2242]

that’s exactly what I was thinking. this isn’t top 20 rhythm guitar parts. this is more like top 20 lead guitar riffs

[@markv.5962]

ditto that!!!!! come on rick

[@jorgesussekind]

exactely!

[@DanRelayer_Ukraine]

Yeah, tricky to play with the band. But once everything falls into place - it's sublime.

[@dmytromorozov2593]

Yes, that's what I was expecting to see here too

[@ecadfb]

Rick, I have not said this before but I want to say it now. The exposure your video's provide for these songs can not be measured. When you played Sailing by Christopher Cross, I had a very emotional moment (it took me a moment to understand why). My father loved this song and I have a memory of us sitting in the family room while he played the record over and over (he even let me reset the needle a couple of times). That was 40+ years ago. I have not heard this song since the mid/late 80's but was able to grab it off of iTunes. Thank you for everything you're doing for music, and thank you for helping me relive that precious memory.

[@rhubarbranch807]

I was around 19 or 20 when Sailing came out, maybe younger. Loved it then, still love it now. Got kids of my own now, and my dad passed awhile ago. ❤

[@DroomSpook]

I don’t understand why Rick never mentions Johnny Marr. I mean, “How Soon is Now” is an incredibly unique and instantly recognizable rhythm part.

[@brturner]

I was about to say, “This Charming Man” is one of the most complimentary rhythm guitar parts I know !!!

[@brturner]

Lots of post-punk rhythm guitarists have super interesting guitar parts

[@keysersoze657]

Yeah Rick really neglects how good Johnny Marr's guitar parts are. Like How Soon Is Now? Is one of the most iconic riffs ever, and the smiths rhythm guitar parts are some of the best recorded

[@padraiggiles1043]

Jerry Cantrell, The Edge ?

[@theScienceLabLive]

Exactly. Just posted the same thing. Marr is brilliant. Straight iconic rhythm parts, I'd have to give to Bigmouth Strikes Again, even though not my fave Smiths tune.

[@daveschachne]

"Cant You Hear Me Knocking" or "Brown Sugar' trump "Start Me Up", IMO 😉 Nice video & playing!

[@LMDAVE29]

Malcolm Young's rhythm section behind Angus lead on Thunderstruck is an awesome rhythm part.

[@madDdog67]

ALL his parts are awesome. Hard to pick just one.

[@robertoferri8345]

when i listen thunderstruck i turn the balance on malcom guitar!! i love it more then the main riff

[@Giveme1goodreason]

I reckon it’s harder to play than angus’s part

[@jayluck8047]

It’s only two notes, but I can only finger pick it. It’s the rock ‘n’ roll equivalent to ringing the dinner bell.

[@chuckregan2227]

Let's face it, when it comes to Greatest Rhythm Guitar Parts, it's absolutely impossible to narrow it down to a Top 20. There is so much incedible guitar work out there. Nevertheless, thank you Rick for getting the conversation started!

[@FRN2013]

BTO's Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet, Heart's Crazy On You, PF's Another Brick in the Wall (pt 2)... so many...

[@aharchives]

The sheer brilliance of Andy Summers' guitar part just jumped right at me when watching this video. I don't know if he crafted his part all by himself, or if there were suggestions made by Sting on the demo. But the performance has Andy's name written all over it. Andy sure is a contender for greatest rhythm guitarist of all time.

[@lalhmachhuanachhakchhuak5383]

The thing i like about Rick is, he does not talk too much, and he just say only the important lines, and then show us the main point!❤

[@TrevorDennis100]

It was super cool putting Mark Knopfler at the top of your list. He is so understated and laid back, a person might be taken aback hearing the sounds he makes. Brothers in Arms was the first CD I ever bought when they first became a thing. An interviewer told him that he 'didn't need to work' what with him being such a rich bugger nowadays, and Mark was properly taken aback. He replied that he _absolutely_ had to keep making music. The music was in him, and he couldn't stop it wanting to come out.

[@craigusselman546]

Mark and Jimi and Nile are in my top 10 and Rick himself is one of my favorites too

[@jonnyz5772]

honestly mk is not understated at all

[@mikemarien3246]

Dude if you're ever near Central Pennsylvania, let me know! I will either buy you some beers, or cook a great dinner and then we can jam Knopfler all day long. I learned every part (drums, keys, bass and a resemblance to guitbox leads/rythyms). I have met him and have some amazing front row pix. Glad to find another fan boy!!

[@railsetc]

I feel like Mark Knopfler only got better as he grew away from Dire Straits. He had the freedom to explore more and do his own thing. "Golden Heart" and "Sailing to Philadelphia" are a couple of my favorite albums. Still trying to play the solo from "Sultans of Swing" too!

[@bond1_mjblosser]

Money For Nothing is one of those songs I'll go years without thinking about, then I'll hear it again and it always knocks my socks off!

[@TheFPSCENTRAL]

One of the best intros of all time- followed by one of the most mediocre songs

[@meb212]

​@@TheFPSCENTRALyou couldn't be more correct on that! Absolutely epic intro, then a blah song to follow it.

[@yonibanana7426]

You couldn't be more wrong about that.. epic intro followed by an epic song ​@@meb212

[@mc76]

Andy Summer's and Stewart Copeland's contributions to Police songs deserved songwriting credit. They made those tunes as unique as Sting's melodies and lyrics.

[@boxertwinjeff]

Yes, both fantastic musicians in their own right on their given instruments 😊

[@DaveTaste]

They're credited.

[@jacoboreyes3160]

​@@DaveTastenot always, sadly

[@marcweissman5752]

​​​​@@DaveTasteyeah other than about a half a dozen songs in their studio released catalog, Sting has sole songwriting credit on almost every Police song, including Every Breath You Take, which is still a touchy subject for the band members. But to Sting's credit, he gives Andy and Stewart a portion of the royalties from that song even though he is not legally obligated to.

[@daviddemaria3982]

Surprised he didn't use Every Breath You Take with those crazy stretched arpeggios

[@tomangelo5939]

Thank you for including "Don't Stop to Watch the Wheels Go 'ROund" by the Doobie Brothers." I hadn't heard that riff in 44 years - since "Minute by Minute" came out when I was 10 - and I've recently been doing a deep dive back into this band that was so extremely influential to me as a kid, so I became reacquainted with its awesomeness just last week! Very nice to hear you recognizing it.

[@BCSExpress1]

Andy Summers & Synchronicity II. Just fantastic.

[@mich897]

Such a complex song yet it rocks like crazy.

[@Arycke]

Glad it was high on the list

[@cpsribeiro]

I loved that it was followed by Tom Sawyer. Police and Rush are totally different bands but they are also very similar in several ways - and I guess you could swap the bands for these songs and both would be able to create a different rendition of the other's song that would sound great.

[@JimReuterskiold]

1. Glad that you included Nile Rogers on this list; he's brilliant, and he's ALL about rhythm. 2. I know that AC/DC blocks everything, but they were wall-to-wall great rhythm parts; "Let's Get It Up" is fun to play. 3. Steve Cropper. "Soul Man" is driving, funky, and airy all at the same time.

[@kcmichelson4528]

Back In Black was always a favorite from Malcolm. Its simple but it chugs and goes perfectly under Angus' solos.

[@ericcortright5951]

Also, Nile Rogers’ “Le Freak.”

[@simes205]

@@ericcortright5951any Nile Rodger’s lines

[@nivrox95]

The first names that jump to my head when talking about rhythm guitar in popular music are Steve cropper and Nile Rodgers.they are masters of rhythm but were you kidding? Were they on the list and maybe I missed them because of the boring riffs? haha

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

Where was Lost In Music?

[@Pkberry97]

Another Knopfler gem is Romeo and Juliet’s rhythm part. Great list as always.

[@raymondpierotti8414]

Again, great, but a lead guitarist.

[@foujj]

Sonny Liston is pretty cool too.

[@ianhenry8252]

@@raymondpierotti8414but the riff is picked chords not ‘lead’

[@jinpa88]

To me, Sultans of Swing is the more interesting choice, but hard to argue either way.

[@ih8suvs]

@@raymondpierotti8414 It's not about the role, its about the part. There's great rythym riffs in that song that Knopfler plays.

[@maineb1111]

The rhythm riff in “The Power of Love” is so good it gives me chills. And I always liked the hard-working rhythm strumming in “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” by Bachmann Turner Overdrive.

[@DanielGlenTimms]

I read an interview with Jimmy Page where he said that Ten Years Gone was his favorite song he had ever written. I love playing that one as it has so much vibe and harmonic beauty and power.

[@musicismyreligion5213]

Same here, Dan.

[@GermanOchoa509]

I absolutely adore how you flawlessly align each riff with the band's specific guitar choice for every song.

[@davidimhofmusic]

The Fixx's "One Thing Leads To Another" is in my top 20. The riff is so cool they decided to play it in the verse and the chorus.

[@bernardoshea3800]

Secret Separation extended mix is awesome too

[@mrsherwood2599]

Good call. And "Secret Separation", which I remember kind of bombed and ended their run, had the most epic OCD two-note lick ever.

[@TUSK1157]

Jamie West-Oram is a very underrated guitarist. I've seen The Fixx a couple of times in small venues up close. He's amazing. I believe he uses a Suhr strat. At one show he broke a string and had to use Cy's tele. You couldn't tell the difference in the tone of any of the songs.

[@jeffreyellman5016]

Ha! Was thinking the same thing

[@fungo44]

The real list -- Soul Man, Should I Stay or Should I Go, Expresso Love, Breakdown, Le Freak, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, Superstition, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), Barracuda,, La Grange, Sunshine of Your Love , Waitin on a Friend, You Really Got Me, Teenage Lobotomy , Superfly, Eminence Front, Coyote, The Wind Cries Mary, Rock You like a Hurricane, Draw the Line

[@dennism4222]

Better list for sure

[@MidwayGuy]

I for one am glad you went with Money For Nothing at #1. It's one of those riffs that no matter the setting, a bar, a party, whatever, when that guitar hits everyone is gonna shup up for a few seconds and just be in awe of it. Great choice.

[@flavoredwallpaper]

It's a good riff, but I wouldn't even place it on my top-20, let alone #1.

[@23hojojo]

That description ...that is the essence of DS music

[@javiergomezplaza2724]

Me too ☝️👏👏👏

[@walterstevens3874]

Of course that’s #1

[@jacklevine7933]

'All my loving' by the beatles would be in my top ten rhythm parts, lennon's contribution to that song is such a simple idea, but so creative. And generous.

[@GordonLF]

I agree. All my Loving was the first song I thought of when I saw the title of this video.

[@zakhobbsmusic]

Triplets baby!!

[@davidstoeckl6439]

I concur. I still cannot play it right.

[@zetmoon]

I thought of this first too! And what about all those songs from AC/DC and Status Quo? This video is more about riffs than rhythm parts.

[@zepfan5976]

Not all that simple.

[@robertmullany9601]

Yes. Malcolm Young’s rhythm guitar on Thunderstruck is amazing! It should’ve been on the top of Rick’s list. It’s the perfect back-up to Angus’ lead and Brian’s vocals.

[@Bluesrockguy]

Pretty much any AC/DC song belongs on this list.

[@DS-nw4eq]

I love an open a chord. 😢

[@markdlattimore]

One of my favorites is also one of the easiest rhythm parts ever, but it defines what is a really good song. It's also the first popular song I ever learned to play (badly) when I was just starting out: Long Train Runnin'

[@unSelf21]

Thank you for highlighting Andy Summers!! Just a phenomenal guitarist with such great phrasing and technique. 👍🤙

[@kevinthomas3341]

I love this guy. Of all the guitar related content on KZbin, Rick's contributions always educate and always entertain. Mr Beato is a top notch legend.

[@adipsous]

Mr Beato is an unflinching and heroic contributor to the sweetness/coolness/musicality/artistic - in his own down to earth way - betterment of things in our world. He's an absolute bro.

[@georgeford6439]

Good list. I might add "thirty days in the hole" by Humble Pie

[@prog_post_rock]

I guess Money for Nothing really is one of the best riffs ever. Sounds so cool, it's so catchy.

[@tixximmi1]

My favorite is Goblin Girl

[@paulmickiewicz965]

Story behind the story: Knopfler liked Billy Gibbons tone and called him up to get some advice on getting that tone. After "Money for Nothing" came out, Gibbons said "he did a pretty good job, considering I didn't tell him a damn thing."

[@joshuaroberts2177]

I would say Sultans of Swing has a better rhythm part

[@stugramajo3197]

Rick, I’m blown out how you put soo many of my favorite songs in this list. Crazy, crazy. And “10 Years Gone” and “Burden In My Hands” wow, wow, wow

[@royson58]

"New Sensation" by INXS has a great and unique rhythm that cares us through the song (plus a great vocal performance).

[@kkrsnn5632]

or Suicide Blonde.. 3 chords and you're there

[@patrickbateman7769]

Need you tonight is another

[@deadinthewater218]

Love INXS.

[@hansbruno352]

Original Sin

[@Moveplaylift]

agreed... also Devil Inside

[@stuartafox]

AC/DC Back In Black is my favourite. A massive rhythm guitar part with so much space!

[@1234EggNogg]

Surely he forgot that one!

[@curts6525]

Agree...there are so many great rhythm parts on Back in Black; and Highway to Hell.... Powerage....

[@rob21]

Agreed. I was waiting for it. Disappointed.

[@robertsparling917]

AC/DC are blockers now.

[@goport]

Agreed and Sweet Home Alabama is a great rhythm workout too.

[@freedombite]

AC/DC Thunderstuck should have made it; both the main riff and what malcolm plays behind it are just magical

[@broman260]

Thunderstruck is more of a lick than a riff and the riff is just shot down in flames.

[@emersonbaratafragoso4996]

2 song’s definitely would be on the list: Always with me always with you (Joe Satriani) Satelite (Dave Matthews Band) I love you work. Greetings from Brazil!

[@neilhierweer4013]

One that has always done it for me is No One Knows by Queens Of The Stone Age. The energy and groove that riff has is just something else really

[@wammbarro]

Ten Years Gone is one of the most beautiful, soaring songs of all time. That solo and into the heavy bit...wow...something else.

[@cryptofthought]

I'm impressed with how you're able to get the exact tone and feel for every song. Well done, Rick

[@zoienjooy]

He is playing over the original songs

[@Tom-Yum-Gai]

@@zoienjooy or is he? :)

[@BNehls08]

Andy Summers such an underrated guitarist. The "riff" in Message in a Bottle and Every Breath you Take are the same but played backward and at a slower tempo.

[@joetudela7538]

Keith Richards Rythm's are timeless and his style is one in a million. He makes the band what it is. Great list of Songs Rick !!

[@brokenleveeIV]

I feel like Hendrix and SRV deserve a category of their own with how well they blend Rhythm and lead. I mean really pretty constantly playing two parts at once and singing over it. 🤯

[@royg123]

I came here to say, the only song I thought of when I saw the title of this video is "Couldn't Stand the Weather".

[@Hillbillykaren]

Both were severely overrated

[@Baile_an_Locha]

Lindsey Buckingham’s acoustic rhythm guitar playing on ‘Big Love’ surely deserves to make the list!

[@jiros00]

I agree. Utterly astonishing skills on display in that song.

[@JK-g62]

Im glad Stevie Ray Vaughn made it in with David Bowie song!!!!! 🎸🎸

[@postpunkhah]

Still one of the most underrated guitar players ever IMO

[@pdxgabe]

​@@JK-g62agreed, but that part might have been Nile Rodgers

[@JKFlaker]

To watch him play it makes me appreciate that song even more. Especially when it’s just him and an acoustic 👍🏼

[@Robert_Browne]

There are so many great riffs you could come out with a new version every week for a year.

[@vapcollc1435]

"I'm Coming Out" played by Chic's fabulous Nile Rodgers comes to mind! The rhythm itself is gnarly.

[@JonCrocker]

I came here to say exactly this.

[@LynneConnolly]

He was the producer on Bowie's Let's Dance album, and I bet his guitar is in there somewhere!

[@epsilon6516]

Gotta appreciate the diversity of Rick's musical knowledge across so many genres. If this was my list it would be like 90% AC/DC

[@foujj]

ACDC should have been on this list, the way they push the beat forward by resting on the downbeats is instantly recognizable.

[@epsilon6516]

@@foujj he's included them in lists before, I mean they're one of the biggest rock bands of all time how could you not. I think he's made a list before that was just AC/DC songs.

[@fordrac1ng81]

Malcolm was one of the most underappreciated guitarists of all time.

[@epsilon6516]

@@fordrac1ng81 they say an artist is never truly appreciated until they're dead, so we need to cherish the ones we still have. But if you ask me, Malcom and Bon won't be truly dead so long as just one person still listens to AC/DC

[@JeromeDukes]

I would add How Soon is Now by the Smiths. One of the greatest song written on how to use hooks to keep the listener engaged. Some amazing rhythm guitar stuff happening in this song.

[@sandrinecacheton3909]

Yeah i thought that was the song he was talking about when talking about the delay/fx. It was actually let’s dance, but I really thought it was going to be that one. One of the best riffs of all time

[@niekvanwensen]

Man John Mayer has so many great songs that I could put on a list like this. Some of my favorites are; Belief, Stop This Train, Edge of Desire, Who Did You Think I Was, Still Feel Like Your Man, Helpless, In Your Atmosphere, Vultures, Good Love Is On The Way, etc.

[@andercoyote4170]

John Mayer playing his best Ani DeFranco riff.

[@TrippyFood]

For me, the rhythm guitar in Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Couldn't Stand the Weather" (especially in the intro) is truly amazing.

[@sunsetcliffs98]

Stevie Ray Vaughan played on that song.

[@hrhamada1982]

sunset cliffs98 maybe that's why the album is released with his name on it

[@misterschubert3242]

Absolutely. This list is... Debatable...

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

Cold Shot is iconic and simple.

[@TrippyFood]

@@ScottfromBaltimore Yep, classic blues but with a little pizazz.

[@teaserrocks1768]

Huge Rush fan here - many great rhythm parts from Alex Lifeson - would love to have you interview him!

[@ForcesInMotion]

Yes!!!!! Lifeson interview would be GOLD. And, of course, having Lifeson & Lee together for the interview would be great too. And from my minimal understanding of those two, they'd likely be up for it :)

[@RoyalMela]

Too bad he was in a trio with worlds greatest drummer and one of the best bassists as well. His talents were overshadowed by a ton.

[@goport]

@@RoyalMela true. But Alex knows when to step in and out of the light.

[@johnhoffman9841]

He should def get Alex on

[@svyt]

@@goport ...the limelight, you might say.

[@CodyPatrick55]

Ten Years Gone is such a good song. Jimmy Page’s sound is just so iconic and it’s absolutely beautiful on this song

[@hippierip6695]

that song along with rain song shows the pure insane genius of jimmy page. Pisses me off when people discredit zeppelin due to a few songs that they stole on their first album,

[@nottheonlydreamer9512]

@@hippierip6695 great shout on the rain song. that track is majestic

[@BillysFingers]

I agree, Ten Years Gone and The Rain Song are my two favourite Led Zeppelin songs by far.

[@verutumnorton4662]

Ten Years Gone and What Is and What Should Never Be are my favorite Two Zep songs!!!

[@violetstarrlight]

Ten Years Gone has to be one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Criminally underrated. I would add The Rover as well. Physical Graffiti would have to be the 1 album I would have to have if I was stranded on a desert island.

[@JSG4dFan]

Rick, I have almost never disagreed with you on any of your videos, but “Don’t Stop to Watch the Wheels” is astonishingly underrated here. Come on, man!

[@1mespud]

There is no best, but we all have our personal favorites. For me, Rick Derringer's "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" comes to mind.

[@freddecker2407]

Great suggestion

[@JayMoran-oz2gu]

one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time.

[@moranspot6607]

How about ahead by a century by the Tragically Hip or another other song by them better than half the songs here. Also Rock and Roll Hootchie Koo should be here and weird chord tunings goo goo dolls should be here too.

[@ianrobinson4200]

Great list, personally I'd put something by the Smiths on there. Marr came up with some really creative parts

[@glaedrlol]

they have so many amazing songs but i don't think theyre in any top 10/15/20 or whatever type video of his

[@jpeyos]

'This charming man' for instance...

[@welltrev]

Totally agree, Marr is a master at doing rhytm sections with those intricate chords

[@joeseymour4073]

Yeah really…no Smiths? 🤔👎🏻

[@MKong-lv3kk]

Not to forget The Cure.

[@postpunkhah]

I like EVH’s rhythm playing even more than his leads! It always swings!

[@RKDriver]

Like Rick said, you can pretty much put any VH song in this list. EVH is best known for his tapping leads and solos but take a song like 5150 and you can appreciate it even more.

[@allancerf9038]

Especially more than most - but not all of his solos. His rhythm playing is fun and - incredible.

[@danacoleman4007]

I agree!!!!

[@sm5574]

​@@RKDriver, 5150 was the first song that came to mind when I saw the video title.

[@joem5903]

I see the same thing about John Bonham’s drumming. Play the song man.

[@michaelhavas87]

I'd nominate Terry Kath again. Not a weel known hit but Dialogue is a Tour de Force of Rythm and then preach lead at the end. Gone but not forgotton, Terry.

[@williamknell864]

I'd add the Beatles' "All My Loving." I think John's carpal tunnel triplet frenzy is just a rhythm guitar marvel. It so damn solid! Another that I love is "Flying Cowboys" by Rickie Lee Jones. There's a hypnotic looping part that kicks the song off and runs under the verses throughout. The whole thing has a floaty dreamlike quality. It's played by Dean Parks with a great example of Strat tone.

[@JC-bt8jo]

Those triplets at that tempo are just insane to master. Yet you watch John on Ed Sullivan looking around out into the audience playing it like it’s nothing doing!

[@treff9226]

Flying Cowboys might be my fav Rickie Lee Jones tune....and I love all her stuff! Yes, floaty, dreamlike quality is perfect description of that guitar part! Nice mention! .

[@charlie172011]

And Your Bird Can Sing for me

[@MrResomaker]

Heart's Barracuda (or Crazy on You) and pretty much any early Talking Heads song should be on this list. David Byrne took percussion rhythm guitar to a new place in rock music.

[@jamband7753]

Heck yeah!! No way Heart doesn't make top 20.

[@davebrooksatl]

Barracuda sounds as fresh, tight, and aggressive today as it did when it was released in 1977. Very few tunes get my blood pumping in the first 2 bars like this tune!

[@tiredofthecitylife2108]

Crazy on You is just incredible - even after the amazing solo, those hard driving strums underlying the e-guitar intro gives me chills.

[@pokerface8242]

​@@tiredofthecitylife2108 Nancy Wilson is such a strong rhythm guitarist. Her work stands out in so many Heart songs.

[@fusionfan6883]

Deep Purple had so many great riffs, shame none were featured here, but my vote is for Burn🎸🤘🏻

[@johnh.blevins5927]

Riff wise, I’m all in for Rat Bat Blue; although Lazy, from Machine Head, has some very cool finger work!

[@chymist66]

Yeah great Riffage on Burn excellent!

[@vladimirvushev6030]

Purple mk1 are actually super underrated!! there are so many great arrangements in the first albums, and you gotta keep in mind that they achieved all of that in JUST 9 MONTHS! It would be great if Rick covered some of their stuff, other than SOTW, in a couple of videos

[@FractalKrystian]

Looking under fridge Old fish has sprung a leak And I had some of it late Last night, it made me sick And I almost cannot see Puke bouncing out of ceiling Never eat bad fish When your landlord don't have any feelings Something in the way Mmmm mmmm Something not okay Mmmmmm

[@221b-l3t]

Rick hates British hard rock and metal except Zeppelin. He never mentions Purple/Blackmore, never mentions Sabbath/Iommi and never talks about Judas Priest. Between those three bands that's 2/3 of iconic riffs... the only metal band he regularily mentions is Metallica and I do like them but as far as metal goes they are really far down the line. He has never mentioned Randy Rhoads once, yet he constantly makes videos about this or that guitarist is fantastic. But it's always Kurt Cobain or James Hetfield in high gain guitar players. Thankfully at least Yngwie Malmsteen featured. The man is a brilliant rythm player. His riffs are awesome. The entire Fire and Ice album is one unique and super awesome riff after the other. C'est la Vie? All I want is Everything? Better than half this list... thankfully Mark Knopfler got some love at least but the wrong song... Money for Nothing is such a bland choice, it's the one famous song everyone knows. Espresso Love has a totally iconic tone and riff and being the same repeating notes it's a perfect example for how rythm guitar can be awesome without needing to be flashy, it's all about groove and tone. I'm honestly starting to get annoyed with Rick for never talking about Blackmore, Iommo, Rhoads, Tipton/Downing or any of those guys. They made modern heavy music. It wouldn't exist without them. But we get a Kurt Cobain video almost daily. And he does obscure stuff all the time so it's not because they're not popular they certainly are.

[@barnyfife335]

Fantastic that you included "don't stop to watch the wheels" by the Doobies. I bought that album back in the day mostly for "What a fool believes", but was blown away by that song.

[@joeseabreeze]

It's really tough to put just one Led Zeppelin song on a list for the best rhythm guitar. Jimmy's non-Blues songs are just so artistically innovative. You can't even imagine how a musician was able to come up with those parts. Out On The Tiles, The Song Remains The Same, Dancing Days, The Ocean, Houses Of The Holy, The Wanton Song, Achilles Last Stand, Fool In The Rain, all just mind blowing chord patterns and riffs

[@thesledgehammerblog]

Ten Years Gone is a great choice, but There are a bunch that could have gone here. Right off hand I can think of The Crunge, Fool in the Rain, The Immigrant Song, Babe I'm Gonna Leave You and Achilles Last Stand that could have worked as well.

[@dmccalldds]

I cheered out loud when Rick did burden In My Hand. What an incredible, unique song. I was at the beach with a friend of my wife’s and her husband who had a ukulele. I remarked about how fantastic that song is, and damned if the guy didn’t pick it out of thin air and play it on the uke in about 30 seconds.

[@craig9802]

I can't argue with any of your choices, but the first song that jumped into my brain during the intro was "Barracuda" by Heart. One of those "Name that tune in 4 notes..." kind of rhythm parts. That just mostly speaks to the fact that, even as an older dude, I'm still exploring the catalogs of several of the bands mentioned here.

[@markjames8664]

Speaking of Heart, Nancy Wilson’s acoustic rhythm guitar on Crazy on You deserves mention.

[@sdstreiker]

This video reminds everyone of how good a guitarist Rick Beato is... Underrated.

[@keineangabe3174]

Freak out - le chic - Nile Rogers one of the best (funky) disco riffs ever played. Just in my opinion. But don't forget the bass player. He was amazing.

[@laurelaltman6138]

You are 100% right!!!!

[@martinherrington9499]

Agree. Rodgers and Edwards were genius. Rodgers is all over Chic, Sister Sledge, Upside Down by Diana Ross, Get Happy by Daft Punk etc etc.

[@mich897]

Bernard Edwards was fantastic.

[@Salieri47]

I watched a tutorial on how to play it, incredible what Rodgers does.

[@greg19561]

John’s rhythm playing on “All My Loving” and “I’m Happy Just to Dance With You” are also right up there in terms of filling out the sound space and acting as a sort of counterpoint to Paul’s and George’s lead vocals. When you see The Beatles’ first performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, and how they effortlessly play rhythm and lead guitar parts while harmonizing, you realize “Wow, we’re those guys good!”

[@miketomlinson5028]

Personally, I think John Lennon was a ridiculously under-rated rhythm guitar player.

[@audiotalk6155]

And “This Boy” his triplets are fantastic

[@MrBLACKBIRD1970]

The bass line in 'All my loving' isn't bad either, especially singing at the same time.

[@tomdaniel5039]

The triplet strum on "All My Loving" is where mediocre players go to die.

[@flyinandjammin]

@@tomdaniel5039 It. Ain't. Easy.

[@carl-johanfougstedt199]

Personally Pete Townshend is my all time favourite rhythm guitar player. The intro riff to Pinball Wizard is probably my favourite of all his riffs.

[@Kewrock]

How Ever Much I booze. Pete's guitar running through that whole song is incredible. This is just Rick's favorites. He's to into 90's grunge for my taste.

[@infinitysconcinnity2418]

How in the world is he not included on ANY AND ALL rhythm guitar lists? Makes zero sense!

[@ronstoner2420]

Was just jamming to "Gonna get you". ... absolutely love his play!

[@daviddemaria3982]

​@ronstoner2420 yes, and outro on Sister Disco is killer too

[@tommasomolinari5726]

Also Keith Richards is pretty good

[@msotti2927]

Townsend's spacing and banging those chords in "Bargain" is pretty badass. He's so patient.

[@adrianopimenta5523]

Surprised AC/DC didn't make it. Malcolm was a killer rhythm player!

[@guitarball]

Same. Really thought they'd be on the list.

[@moaningrooster]

AC/DC are blockers on KZbin, unfortunately.

[@adrianopimenta5523]

@@moaningrooster As long as he plays it, that is not an issue. Rick has featured AC/DC songs on his channel many times previously.

[@shredneckjs2000]

He’s no Christopher Cross I guess.

[@danialgowans1693]

Agreed!!

[@wgb01001]

MAD respect for having the Doobies in there! Great, underrated guitar band. That's an AMAZING riff, too. Also a lot of love for having Zeppelin's best-ever song on there. Ten Years Gone would've been my no. 1. It's THE reason I became a guitar player. ❤🎸

[@Scubavangelist]

This could've easily been a Top 50 list and still sold short so many great riffs.

[@KevinBilkie]

Thank you for including 10 years gone. It is such a great tune and is often overlooked.

[@dusty52267]

I would argue that "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" is the best rhythm cord from the Stones and is also #1 of all time.

[@adechio7289]

And maybe the ultimate holy grail of tone for a Les Paul. Can't think of a better one.

[@futarydary]

@@adechio7289 Jimmy Page at Madison Square Garden '73

[@msvb2457]

Ooh, I like Monkey Man better, but you might be right on this one.

[@aladickes]

@@msvb2457 Ok now you've got me thinking. Monkey Man is tough to beat too.

[@CharmCityDutch]

That would've been my pick for the Stones.

[@jameshorn5278]

10 Years Gone was the song that totally changed my mind about Led Zeppelin. It is epic yet accessible and reaches deep inside your heart. A guitar masterpiece and a tone fanatics dream.

[@michaelfox1432]

Honorable mentions: Doobie Brothers - China Grove, Deep Purple - Smoke on the Water (come on, we've all done it), Police - Message in a Bottle, Rolling Stones - Satisfaction, Cream - Sunshine of Your Love, and my personal favorite for having fun playing my guitar: Mungo Jerry - In The Summertime

[@briangardner5905]

You played my all time favorite Stones song - Love Start Me Up!!! B. Gardner

[@michaelwade379]

These lists are always fun, so much open to interpretation and opinion. Having said that, can't believe Malcom and Iommi didn't make the list!

[@wjohndavidson]

Snap.... They are both riff lords

[@wbertie2604]

I was about to mention them

[@benavich8]

Sweet Leaf..."Alright now!"

[@KingTabor]

Maybe he cant play their parts accordingly 😂

[@JanneOksanen]

I'm surprised AC/DC didn't make the list. So many iconic rhythm guitar parts that are instantly recognizable.

[@kriskeen6739]

I suspect that might have more with Rick not wanting to get blocked than anything.

[@loganm15]

I would say Let there be rock

[@maraviyoso8473]

@@loganm15 Hells' Bells or Thunderstruck

[@haroldsmith7044]

@@kriskeen6739 It's funny that you mentioned that. When I saw the Beatles bit, I immediately thought to myself ``uh-oh, better watch this video quick before it gets taken down." 😄

[@AlTerego816]

WTF?! I paused at 11s just to make a comment that AC/DC had better be in the list, only to spot the above comment before I started typing out my own. Conclusion: dodgy list. It's a toss up now whether I bother watching the rest of the video.

[@randyo.6138]

One of my favorite rhythm parts is from Steely Dan's "Green Earings", whoever is playing rhythm in the right channel is killing' it.

[@BaconDrive]

That has some tasty licks in there from the drums too. Such a great song.

[@saboabbas123]

@johnstillwell4353 both are credited for that song on the album

[@saboabbas123]

Kid Charlemagne - Walter Becker rhythm guitar

[@ivorbueb9862]

Not a guitar player Rick, but I love the insights in your videos, and this one is a perfect example.

[@benandliam301]

The one I would have included is Pinball Wizard by The Who. Pete Townsend is a master at rhythm, and even now, when I play that song on guitar, I feel great when I get it right!

[@saltydog9914]

Live at Leeds. alot rhythms going on with the drummer!! not even a mention! boo

[@jhartmggc]

I agree

[@Paul-tk2my]

Definitely

[@jkta97]

Yeah, I was definitely surprised that there were no Who songs on this list. Also, I would have included at least one Smiths song in there.

[@Bluesrockguy]

Yes! I've met a number of guitar players who can lay down some mean licks, but can't play the rhythm part for this song at all. They have the right chords but the rhythm is way off!

[@6StringMasterBuilder]

Thank you for including the Doobie Brothers. Seriously underrated.

[@jamespitman3357]

Not in 1980

[@mato2000]

I love the smile Rick puts when he talks about these songs. It's like he really feels what's going on when he listen to the songs

[@TheCreditShifu]

Totally agree with #1, it is super unique.

[@jimstewart3164]

While probably not as complex as any of those, I love the way the rhythm guitar absolutely drives "Jungle Love." And the way he grabs the harmonics mid-stream without losing a beat.

[@greglima408]

Greg Douglass wrote the music to Jungle Love before he was in the band and he played it tuned to an A chord. Apparently, when Steve Miller decided to record the song he had so much trouble getting the licks right that he said to get the guy in here who wrote it. Greg ended up in the band for awhile and is now in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame because of it. Good call on the guitar in that song. There's a lot happening there.

[@ginpok6640]

Appreciate the love for Alex Lifeson in top 10. I thinks he's one of the more underrated, overlooked guitarists out there.

[@adechio7289]

That Tom Sawyer riff took me forever to get down, but it's worth the time and effort.

[@raymondpierotti8414]

He's fine, but he is a lead, not a rhythm guitarist.

[@kotosquito]

@@raymondpierotti8414 Doesn't he function as both, since they dont even HAVE a separate rhythm guitarist?

[@raymondpierotti8414]

@@kotosquito KInd of my point. I guess the sole guitarist can play a rhythm part, but to me that negates the theme of this. Another responder says this should be the best guitar openings, but I suggested best rhythm pieces by lead guitarists, since only John Lennon is actually a rhythm guitarist on Rick's list.

[@snookerjulian]

@@raymondpierotti8414 What makes you the arbiter of who is and who isn't a rhythm guitarist? Do you think these guys define themselves as "types" of guitarist.

[@daviddanielsson3643]

Great list. Love that you included a song from "Synchronicity", one of my favorite albums.

[@pietroroveroni9940]

Every police album is really good

[@IOAFan]

​@pietroroveroni9940 Yes. Five perfect albums, and they were gone. :-(

[@19MichaelDixon]

Love how Rick says, "I can play it" when introducing Neon. Notoriously difficult, but great song