For those non-musicians that have written to me you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate Or you can become a member of the Beato Club. My Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.
Actually the most recognised riff is the intro written by Hank Marvin, to Apache played on that famous fiesta red stratocaster. Even children under 10 recognise that one. Hank wrote the intro because Jerry Lordan had not written an intro. Apache grew in status even more when recorded by the Incredible Bongo Band and became the Anthem that fuelled Hip Hop itself. Virtually all the top rock guitarists including Brian May, David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Tony Iommi and most others played that riff and Apache and other Shadows numbers in the beginning of their careers. They all say how much Hank Marvins guitar style influenced them. Hank Marvin is the most influential guitarist of all time and even influenced Hendrix.
I admire your knowledge and abilities as a player, Rick...I still think you should have included "Dance With Me" in your acoustic intros, though...I'm just sayin'.
20. Limelight - Rush 0:38 19. Day Tripper - The Beatles 1:12 18. Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas 1:46 17. Sunshine Of Your Love - Cream 2:26 16. Money For Nothing - Dire Straits 2:52 15. Aqualung - Jethro Tull 3:22 14. Do You Feel Like We Do - Peter Frampton 3:53 13. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love - Van Halen 4:42 12. Iron Man - Black Sabbath 5:20 11. Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden 5:39 10. Enter Sandman - Metallica 6:15 9. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd 6:40 8. Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple 7:18 7. Don't Fear The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult 7:46 6. Start Me Up - The Rolling Stones 8:20 5. Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix 8:55 4. Heartbreaker - Led Zeppelin 9:47 3. Back In Black - AC/DC 10:16 2. Layla - Eric Clapton 10:48 1. Hard Days Night - The Beatles 14:17 [Honorable Mentions] Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones 11:29 Long Cool Woman - The Hollies 11:37 Hells Bells - AC/DC 11:53 Josie - Steely Dan 12:05 Message In A Bottle - The Police 12:21 Walk This Way - Aerosmith 12:37 Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix 12:48 Spoonman - Soundgarden 12:56 Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana 13:05 Everlong - Foo Fighters 13:17 Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses 13:49
Don’t you think that this man deserves some sort of Award for all the musical performances and interviews and breaking down of songs he does. When I first saw him on TH-cam I wouldn’t watch him for 2 weeks so I could binge watch his videos on the weekends. Thank you Rick Beato. And he does this for us for free.
Yes this is just his favorite. Not the greatest of anything. Silly list. Chuck should be number 1. Or maybe satisfaction. I love the stones but satisfaction is not even in my top ten songs from them. But if you’re making a list like this. It’s number 1 or 2 for what it did in rock n roll
Whenever I’m having a bad day, and I come home and see that rick beato uploaded a video, it changes everything around and reminds me of how amazing music is! Rock on Rick 🤘
0:37 limelight rush 1:13 day tripper the Beatles 1:46 carry on my wayward son kansas 2:26 sunshine of your love cream 2:52 money for nothing dire straits 3:23 aqualung jethro Tull 3:54 do you feel like we do Peter frampton 4:42 ain’t talkin bout love van halen (RIP) 5:21 ejshyshtshsgyBdhahdyabhznah 5:40 black hole sun soundgarden 6:16 enter sandman metallica 6:40 sweet home Alabama lynyrd Skynrd 7:19 smoke on the water deep purple 7:45 don’t fear the reaper blue oyster cult
Rock ‘n Roll demands a Top 100 Electric Guitar Intros at the very least. My #1 Electric Guitar intro will forever be Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode. That intro changed my life when I first heard it at 11 years old.
Before I read your comment I've just made one of my own saying the same !!! changed my life forever !!! There must be 000's of us out here in cyberland that feel the same !!!
Although Rick, I & U obviously know that Randy Rhoads was an awesome guitarist and innovator who was way ahead of his time, I disagree with your opinion on this. Crazy Train shouldn't be on here for the following reasons. The intro starts with a BASS guitar plus sound effects. Also it DEFINITELY would be blocked & for the very same reason that Iron Man was only played in a funny, messed up way. I do think that Flying High Again or Suicide Solution would be appropriate here, but then Sharon O. would probably totally flip out over it. Peace
Unbelievable intro on crazy train, though can't technically be an electric guitar intro. Ozzy got in there with Sabbath but Rhoades needed one in there too.
Voodoo Chile with the wah. That would have been my Hendrix pick. The opening is just so iconic. Thought that was where he was going when he pulled out the wah.
Richard Hawley but voodoo Chile wasn’t the song with the wah intro he’s thinking of voodoo child (slight return) same album similar name totally different song
A friend told me about your TH-cam channel tonight, so I looked you up and chose this video as the first one to watch. I LOVED it! And there were a few intros on your list that I've never played. So I'm going to go back and watch it again, with guitar in hand, and learn the intro to "Josie", and whichever others I don't already know. I love that you included "Hell's Bells"! I have fond memories of playing that song outside in my backyard, at top volume, when I was 18. 😅
While I knew it wouldn't make the list because it doesn't have a lot of 'complexity' to it, Rocky Mountain Way immediately came to mind as one of the most iconic OMG moments for a guitar intro. Hell yeah on Funk 49!!!
I agree. It is so fun to hear live in te same room as you. I had a friend I'd go hang out with on my lunch break and bring lunch and he'd play guitar for me. It was great trade.
Considering the impact and weight of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" (one of rhe most important riffs in rock history), it really needs to be mentioned
For some reason I thought "Working Man". I decided to scroll down and some say Spirit of Radio too. I like the go with the 1st thing your brain spits out game :)
I would've mentioned "Misirlou" by Dick Dale and I'm really surprised not to see the intro riff that TRULY defined rock and roll guitar, "Johnny B. Goode."
@@redzwestisbest he had one on the list that was blocked, and he played enough for us to know what it was and explained that it was blocked, so that is an invalid comment.
@@redzwestisbest i absolutely hate that, how many people are missing out on classic songs they wouldn’t otherwise hear because the record label blocks any covers or videos with it in it? Classic rock is dying as it is and this isn’t helping :(
Excellent choices and video. My favorites not on the list are I Feel Fine, Reelin' in the Years, La Grange, Are You Gonna Go My Way, and Out There by Dinosaur Jr.
5:20 Iron Man: Black Sabbath I can't believe they are notorious blockers. I really wanted Mr. Rick to do videos about Black Sabbath. Geezer Butler, the bassist, made me start playing my first instrument I've played, the bass.
I get the whole intro/riff thing, but surely the greatest electric guitar intro of all time is Larry Carlton's intro on Don't Take Me Alive by Steely Dan. Oh, and Rick, I enjoyed your Honorable Mentions more than many of the songs on your list. Don't you just love a good argument about musical taste!
Under the Bridge Spirit of Radio Thunderstruck Snow (hey oh) Castles Made of Sand Johnny B Goode La Bamba Runnin Down a Dream Mean Street Ziggy Stardust Welcome to the Jungle
I included this song in my comments for greatest rock solos. I saw the Stones most recently in 2013 on the 50th anniversary tour with both Mick Taylor and Bobby Keyes accompanying the band and they let them both do their thing on CYHMK and the crowd went wild.
"You Really Got Me" by The Kinks, from 1964, should be here because it was one of the first time deliberately distorted guitar was allowed on a record. In fact, because the song pre-dates the fuzz box, its sound was created by deliberately slicing the speaker of a guitar amp. The song went straight to the U.K. #1, and changed rock forever. It is even the basis of a great sequence in "Pirate Radio" (U.S. title) that dramatizes the impact of song across all classes in Britain.
@@imkluu As soon as you said that, I thought of the intro to "Purple Haze." Eight half notes, two pitches. "You Really Got Me" starts with five notes and two pitches, but the fourth is syncopated. Plus there is a rest after the five note phrase. However, both are great intros to great songs.
First time here. Also play guitar. Love acoustic stuff and agree with your list of songs with best openings. Of course could discuss many more. Plan to really get into the channel and especially because I'm crippled. I haven't worked in 20+ years. Playing guitar is great therapy and in this case I've found the guitar guru. Looking forward to the future. Stay in tune.
"House of the Rising Sun" is the most recognized electric guitar intro of all time. Growing up in the Vietnam War in Vietnam as a youngster, I already came across the song & never will forget it. It still is the most recognizable song around the world this day. You actually can sing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of the song.
Yeah, when he said "this was the first song my generation learned on guitar," I though of "House..." and not "Smoke...", but I realized, oh I guess that was a slightly earlier generation...
Some Honorable Mentions House of the Rising Son Mr Tambourine Man Slow Death Have Love Will Travel When Doves Cry Rebel Rebel Johnny B Goode Brown Eyed Girl Mary Jane's Last Dance Wild Thing I'll Be Around Hey Hey, My My Voodoo Child Hate to Say I Told You So Offend in Every Way Psychotic Reaction Dirty Water In The City Three Girl Rhumba Gimme Danger Come As You Are Original Love This Charming Man Stay With Me (The Dictators) Should I Stay Or Should I Go
@Derek Charette They may be old AF, but you wouldnt have the new and newer ones without the pioneers. If you're a true player, such as myself, it's very easy to pick up on that. How styles progress over time. It's a beautiful thing!
He's just not as name associated, I know so many guitarists who have mark in their top 5. You just dont hear his name brought up as much as page, Clapton, Hendrix etc
Mark Knopler definitely seats in the top five of the greatest guitarists of all time! I also believe that Prince deserves a top spot. Many may not have liked his music, but he was a brilliant, underrated, musician.
Great list, but I believe there are two that should really be on it. 1. Lonely is the Night - Billy Squier 2. Spirit In the Sky - Norman Greenbaum If you haven’t already, they would both be great “What makes this song great.” Love the channel.
Had to be on the list but I was surprised that Rick didn't mention the Duane Allman contribution. I didn't know about it until sometime in the last 8 - 10 years. And I was stunned when I did learn about it, thinking "HTF did I not know this!"
Rick! You’ve got a wrong note on bar 4 of Sweet Home Alabama! It’s in key obviously, but it’s not what he plays! He plays it the second time that way at bar 12, but there’s one note he plays different on the first pass of the head. Your ear is way too amazing to miss that! Alas we are only human. Love what you do!
@@michelle778 ikr? non-musical wannabees like Kanye and Drake churn out autotuned trash that all sounds exactly the same...and idiots who don't know any better eat it up and make these hacks multimillionaires... it's absurd! 🙄👎😖
I have always loved the minute long intro on Give Me Shelter by the Stones and Jimi's All Along the Watchtower as the best intrusion rock music. Loved your #1 pick
After having watched this series I realize one thing. I was born in 1955, and consider myself blessed to have lived through rock and rolls entire glory.
I play Seal on Alexa often becase Rick did what makes this song great. My kids hear that song all the time now and will be fans. Artists should totally allow Rick to (re)introduce these songs.
@MR.CLAW97 Define "need"... Those bands do not actually "need" the promoting, but they get even more viewers from channels like this, thus more income. I like watching these kind of videos, and get to know new bands I didn't know about, and also go back to bands I know but haven't listened to for a long while. Peace :)
I know the Rolling Stones have more popular songs like Satisfaction and Start Me Up, but "Can you hear me Knocking" in open G was my favorite intro to learn on guitar from them.
I sat through the unfortunate Trolls 2 movie with my 9 and 10 year old daughters at the cinema in a grump only to proudly beam as they recognised it at the end of the movie to say “Dad! That’s Barracuda!” Awesome dad moment.
Great list. Hard to argue with your selections. I feel an honourable mention should also go to ‘Johnny B Goode’ intro by the great Chuck Berry - probably the most influential rock guitarist who set the tone for all who followed. AC/DC and the Rolling Stones were hugely influenced by Chucks up tempo, bluesy rocking guitar riffs and Angus Young in particular pays homage to Chuck every time he duck walks across the stage while ripping into a solo. 👍🏼🎸🎸🎸
I was literally just going to comment this and then I read yours. It's literally what started all these amazing riffs!!! The True King Of Rock N Roll, Chuck Berry!!!
Fun fact: Eric Clapton didn’t write the riff from sunshine of your love, it was cream’s bassist Jack Bruce that wrote it after attending a jimi Hendrix experience concert
great idea! and you're really an ace on the 6string! For me the list had to include "Whatever you want", mostly underrated, to me it is one of the greatest intro's in rock music, due to the fact that it really is an intro and not a hook or riff which is remained in the song. 'Ticket to ride' is another I would have added. Great stuff, anyway
The intro to the Stones' "Gimme Shelter" is arguably the greatest intro of all time! Also: "Moonlight Mile" and "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'"! LOVE THE NUMBER ONE, RICK!
Yes! Such an awesome song. Have you heard the Stone Sour cover of it with Lizzy Hale on backing vocals? They do a really good version of it and respectfully too (haven’t made it super heavy like a lot of bands would try and do).
Knox Bronson Those are all great list-worthy intros, it's tough to nail down my favorite one from the Stones! Tumblin' Dice, Brown Sugar, Sway, Rocks Off...……….
It’s a great list, but I personally think sweet child beats about 3-4 of them. I get that it is completely subjective though. I think it depends mostly on what generation you belong to. I’m gen x, so gnr “reminds me of childhood memories” ;)
I guessed a lot of the songs by your hints! Again I am blown away by your talent! I've been playing guitar for over 30 years ( mostly acoustic) but you make me wanna break my guitars! 😄
It all started with Johnny B. Goode!!! House of the Rising Sun Helter Skelter Sunday Bloody Sunday Rebel Rebel Running with the Devil Brown Sugar Crazy Train I Can't Explain Paranoid (?) Spirit of the Radio (?) Under the Bridge
Great call on Johnny B. Goode! That had a Huge influence on electric guitar players and rock music, and it did start it all. There are Way too many great guitar intros for a top 20 list. I agree with all your selections.
I'd never heard of Focus before this comment, so I checked them out and wow! Hocus Pocus is incredible! The entire album is great, so far at least (I'm on the 2nd song). It seems Hocus Pocus was on the Baby Driver soundtrack, which I'm also going to look into.
@@carolcyr8553 so how was the album Carol? I am Dutch and always knew about them but just last year listened seriously to them and i was blown away, the energy, virtuosity and creativity combined is just unique.
For those non-musicians that have written to me you can donate to my channel through this link on my website rickbeato.com/pages/donate
Or you can become a member of the Beato Club. My Beato Club is exactly like Patreon.
Voodoo chile Jimi
Number 7 needs more cowbell
Actually the most recognised riff is the intro written by Hank Marvin, to Apache played on that famous fiesta red stratocaster. Even children under 10 recognise that one. Hank wrote the intro because Jerry Lordan had not written an intro.
Apache grew in status even more when recorded by the Incredible Bongo Band and became the Anthem that fuelled Hip Hop itself.
Virtually all the top rock guitarists including Brian May, David Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, Tony Iommi and most others played that riff and Apache and other Shadows numbers in the beginning of their careers.
They all say how much Hank Marvins guitar style influenced them. Hank Marvin is the most influential guitarist of all time and even influenced Hendrix.
I don't know...I think that number 7 needed more cowbell.
I admire your knowledge and abilities as a player, Rick...I still think you should have included "Dance With Me" in your acoustic intros, though...I'm just sayin'.
For all companies or producers that are blocking Rick, you’ve lost your way. This is a celebration of great music. Not a rip.
Absolutely a lot of these clips remind me of music I loved in my youth and have been encouraged to buy them for my playlists
Sooner or later TH-cam is doomed because of this
AMEN Tom!! 100% AGREED.
@@GroovingDrums but you have to be dumb to think TH-cam doesn't censor people...
I think part of the problem may be (I'm not an expert) that if you don't defend your copyrights you lose the right to defend them when you want to.
20. Limelight - Rush 0:38
19. Day Tripper - The Beatles 1:12
18. Carry On Wayward Son - Kansas 1:46
17. Sunshine Of Your Love - Cream 2:26
16. Money For Nothing - Dire Straits 2:52
15. Aqualung - Jethro Tull 3:22
14. Do You Feel Like We Do - Peter Frampton 3:53
13. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love - Van Halen 4:42
12. Iron Man - Black Sabbath 5:20
11. Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden 5:39
10. Enter Sandman - Metallica 6:15
9. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd 6:40
8. Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple 7:18
7. Don't Fear The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult 7:46
6. Start Me Up - The Rolling Stones 8:20
5. Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix 8:55
4. Heartbreaker - Led Zeppelin 9:47
3. Back In Black - AC/DC 10:16
2. Layla - Eric Clapton 10:48
1. Hard Days Night - The Beatles 14:17
[Honorable Mentions]
Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones 11:29
Long Cool Woman - The Hollies 11:37
Hells Bells - AC/DC 11:53
Josie - Steely Dan 12:05
Message In A Bottle - The Police 12:21
Walk This Way - Aerosmith 12:37
Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix 12:48
Spoonman - Soundgarden 12:56
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana 13:05
Everlong - Foo Fighters 13:17
Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses 13:49
* Carry On Wayward Son
@@RichM3000 Fixed!
Linus S the real hero
You're doing God's work here.
Linus S p
'Saturday's Alright For Fighting'--you know you are in for a rocking good tune that never lets up
I love that we can all recognize Sweet Child O Mine even when it’s intentionally played wrong. Iconic.
Same as iron man
I kinda liked this version better. Mostly out of spite, but also because it was hilarious.
What did axl have a problem with it?
@@alexanderrichards8196 Notorious blockers
This comment is BLOCKED! lol
Wow thanks for including my rendition of Sweet Child O' Mine at 13:50! I'm flattered!
LMFAO
Best TH-cam comment ever.
LOL. That was hilarious.
ROFL
LMAO
This guy has more guitars than I have plates.
You need more than two?
this deserves more likes
He has more guitars then I have Pics.
Pete he has more Guitars than I have hairs on TOP of my head!!
@@red5llaw me too mate, and by some margin
Don’t you think that this man deserves some sort of Award for all the musical performances and interviews and breaking down of songs he does. When I first saw him on TH-cam I wouldn’t watch him for 2 weeks so I could binge watch his videos on the weekends. Thank you Rick Beato. And he does this for us for free.
Award? He makes a lot of money off these videos. Think he does it for the good of all? Oh, you have a lot to learn.
agreed, and he is very knowledgable
Can’t you hear me knocking, is the greatest rock electric intro ever
That's exactly what I wrote it should have been number one
Got on here to say that
Absolutely!
He missed Gimmy Shelter too.
Yes this is just his favorite. Not the greatest of anything. Silly list. Chuck should be number 1. Or maybe satisfaction. I love the stones but satisfaction is not even in my top ten songs from them. But if you’re making a list like this. It’s number 1 or 2 for what it did in rock n roll
Whenever I’m having a bad day, and I come home and see that rick beato uploaded a video, it changes everything around and reminds me of how amazing music is! Rock on Rick 🤘
0:37 limelight rush
1:13 day tripper the Beatles
1:46 carry on my wayward son kansas
2:26 sunshine of your love cream
2:52 money for nothing dire straits
3:23 aqualung jethro Tull
3:54 do you feel like we do Peter frampton
4:42 ain’t talkin bout love van halen (RIP)
5:21 ejshyshtshsgyBdhahdyabhznah
5:40 black hole sun soundgarden
6:16 enter sandman metallica
6:40 sweet home Alabama lynyrd Skynrd
7:19 smoke on the water deep purple
7:45 don’t fear the reaper blue oyster cult
I’d settle for your top 20 of just Metallica!
I didn't recognize the eat sht song.
Why can't he say Black Sabbath , Ozzy Osbourne or Iron Man ?
@@cowboypatriot1200crazy copyright
@@cowboypatriot1200 because his wife is a hebe
Rick, can we get a video tour of every guitar you own and why you chose it? I'd honestly like to hear about each one.
Rock ‘n Roll demands a Top 100 Electric Guitar Intros at the very least. My #1 Electric Guitar intro will forever be Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode. That intro changed my life when I first heard it at 11 years old.
Right I forgot that one.
Absolutely
Before I read your comment I've just made one of my own saying the same !!! changed my life forever !!! There must be 000's of us out here in cyberland that feel the same !!!
Well it’s not the coolest or the hippest but it’s definitely the freaking most famous guitar lick ever played
Such an iconic intro
"Crazy Train" deserves a spot on the list.
Although Rick, I & U obviously know that Randy Rhoads was an awesome guitarist and innovator who was way ahead of his time, I disagree with your opinion on this. Crazy Train shouldn't be on here for the following reasons. The intro starts with a BASS guitar plus sound effects. Also it DEFINITELY would be blocked & for the very same reason that Iron Man was only played in a funny, messed up way.
I do think that Flying High Again or Suicide Solution would be appropriate here, but then Sharon O. would probably totally flip out over it.
Peace
Crazy Train starts with demonic laughter, then bass, then drums, then guitar.
Spur sound effect too.
Unbelievable intro on crazy train, though can't technically be an electric guitar intro. Ozzy got in there with Sabbath but Rhoades needed one in there too.
Since they're blockers, if you play that it'll get taken down
Voodoo Chile with the wah. That would have been my Hendrix pick. The opening is just so iconic. Thought that was where he was going when he pulled out the wah.
Me too!
Agree
Gave you a like just for not calling it Voodoo Child
Richard Hawley but voodoo Chile wasn’t the song with the wah intro he’s thinking of voodoo child (slight return) same album similar name totally different song
Mmm that chile sounds pretty good
Rick, you're killing me 😄It's almost 2:30 am and I'm binge watching your videos. I can't believe I haven't discovered you until now. LOVE your videos.
Dude same except for me it’s 3am
Dang me too
Actually - this sounds exactly like my nights right now. God help me when I get your guitar lessons one. Lord. Who needs sleep?
Same here at 4am😅
Rick is the man
The intro lick of Siberian Khatru by Yes is also brilliant. Such a great opening.
Steve Howe is the best overall guitarist of the 70's and 80's.
@@BluesLicks101 No way, it way Steve Hackett. Wanna Fight? just kidding
In concert, Jon Anderson used to refer to Siberian Khatru as their "rock and roll" song. :)
This video is a Guitar Center employees living nightmare.
Sweet Child playing here was certainly inspired by someone Rick heard in guitar shop.
🤣
That's OK, is Guitar Center still in business? Just asking.
I believe you just issued a challenge to the viewers of this channel.
Sweet Child O'Mine was funny AF!!! 🤣🤣🤣
A friend told me about your TH-cam channel tonight, so I looked you up and chose this video as the first one to watch.
I LOVED it! And there were a few intros on your list that I've never played. So I'm going to go back and watch it again, with guitar in hand, and learn the intro to "Josie", and whichever others I don't already know.
I love that you included "Hell's Bells"! I have fond memories of playing that song outside in my backyard, at top volume, when I was 18. 😅
I've always loved the guitar intro for Rush's "Spirit of Radio". It's incredibly iconic.
That's the intro I was waiting for.
Me too! Never get tired of it!
Life in the Fast Lane
It should be tied with HDN at #1. Incredibly unique.
Should have made the list, no doubt.
I was rooting for Funk #49 to make the list. Such a great riff. Actually, Joe has a bunch of great opening riffs.
tiny b HA!! I played Funk 49 at Guitar Center last week. 😄
Joe da man!
Okay good call!!! That riff is amazing no doubt!!!
My band and I make surf rock and other kinds of music , we would love to hear some feedback
While I knew it wouldn't make the list because it doesn't have a lot of 'complexity' to it, Rocky Mountain Way immediately came to mind as one of the most iconic OMG moments for a guitar intro. Hell yeah on Funk 49!!!
Steely Dan’s ‘Reeling in the Years’ is a personal fav of mine.
So glad someone mentioned that song has several riffs along the same line within it.Aint music grand!
Glad intro to Hells Bells was played, best on back in black for me! Fun video and I love and get addicted to all your videos. Oh, and Snowblind also.
I just want to have a beer with this dude and talk about Pink Floyd... And the Doors... And Led Zeppelin...
And AIC
I'm a beatles fan, so that would be fun for me too
And Peter Frampton
I definitely think Coming back to life has one of the best intro guitar solos
I agree. It is so fun to hear live in te same room as you. I had a friend I'd go hang out with on my lunch break and bring lunch and he'd play guitar for me. It was great trade.
Voodoo Child sittin' over here like "Am I a joke to you?"
Great list.
Yep was thinking that and can’t you hear me knockin
Still got the blues Gary Moore
Still got the blues Gary Moore
It's definitely towards the top of my list. Not just for the iconic intro, but for overall song also.
Voodoo Child not even being on the list is a sin.
Considering the impact and weight of Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" (one of rhe most important riffs in rock history), it really needs to be mentioned
It should have been number 1
@@mathewunderwood2714definitely not number one lol
Also, I think Gimme Shelter is the most iconic Rolling Stones intro ever
That riff is even in space and yes I knew he'd leave it out
He probably couldn't play it lol... 😂😂 So many artists struggle to play that intro the way Chuck plays it...
A teen in the 1970's, amazing music and songs coming out seemingly everyday. Great video.
Limelight is what came to mind when I saw the TH-cam notification for this video. Fitting it would be the first song on the vid.
I thought he should have gone with Working Man, myself.
For some reason I thought "Working Man". I decided to scroll down and some say Spirit of Radio too. I like the go with the 1st thing your brain spits out game :)
Yeah it needs more Prog song like The Spirit of Radio or Siberian Khatru 👌
Heartbreaker is the song that made me want to play guitar.
Right on.
Many zep songs are actually kinda ez. The other half not so much that's jimmy curve balls. Couple sliders lol
For me it was The Nutcracker
Bob Ravenscraft 😟what?..
@@bobravenscraft5376to play Heartbreaker correctly and cleanly is a bit tricky
I would've mentioned "Misirlou" by Dick Dale and I'm really surprised not to see the intro riff that TRULY defined rock and roll guitar, "Johnny B. Goode."
Not including Johnny B Goode was simply a mistake. Just wrong. He has to realize that.
I kept waiting for Johnny B Goode and Since I've Been Loving You.
Rest in peace...surf music King..he will be missed.
Or CANT YOU HEAR ME FUCKING KNOCKING greatest guitar intro of all time
I dont know from the Dick Dale tune but Johnny B Goode is the beginning of real rock guitar, imo.
Crazy Train is one of the most recognized electric guitar riffs of all time and should be high on this list.
And bark at the moon both. Guy is just old.
He explained why.. On these lists he often just picks 1 of the better parts for artists/bands that could 5/6 on the list.
Also - he sometimes wont pick if they block the vid
@@redzwestisbest he had one on the list that was blocked, and he played enough for us to know what it was and explained that it was blocked, so that is an invalid comment.
@@redzwestisbest i absolutely hate that, how many people are missing out on classic songs they wouldn’t otherwise hear because the record label blocks any covers or videos with it in it? Classic rock is dying as it is and this isn’t helping :(
Way too focused on Classic Rock, that he forgot the mother of guitar intros, and the only possible #1: Johnny B Goode
Johnny B. Goode: good call. That's an unmistakable intro.
There's no buts about it; Johnny B. Goode HAS to be #1. It's what started rock and roll.
Totally agree.
True!
It's the only one of these songs literally playing in outer space. :)
Honestly, you could do a top 20 for each decade.
That's worth thinking about!
You beat me to it!
actually not denying the last 3 one could have been a good start on that
Excellent choices and video. My favorites not on the list are I Feel Fine, Reelin' in the Years, La Grange, Are You Gonna Go My Way, and Out There by Dinosaur Jr.
5:20 Iron Man: Black Sabbath
I can't believe they are notorious blockers. I really wanted Mr. Rick to do videos about Black Sabbath. Geezer Butler, the bassist, made me start playing my first instrument I've played, the bass.
Sandip Biswas
I‘m new to this channel, can you tell me what‘s the problem with Black Sabbath?
@@mr.heiopei6493 Seems like they easily block your videos even if you just use a little part of one of their music
$20 says it's not the band but Sharon who's the blocker.
@@Kalentros Very likely.
When you said One Chord for number one I knew right away what it was.Great video as usual.
Jason Morrow Same here. My wife laughed at me.
Same
You could have easily made this a top 100 and still had to leave off some GREAT intros.
I get the whole intro/riff thing, but surely the greatest electric guitar intro of all time is Larry Carlton's intro on Don't Take Me Alive by Steely Dan. Oh, and Rick, I enjoyed your Honorable Mentions more than many of the songs on your list. Don't you just love a good argument about musical taste!
Absolutely Owen! I think the “Don’t Take Me Alive” opening solo is an absolute no-brainer as #1.
I really feel like Billy Squier's "Lonely is the night" is one of the most unique intros and deserves a spot on this list.
It always reminds me of a Zepplin riff for some reason...maybe it's the tone
A great one for sure!
Fantastic song!!!! Great shout!!!
Anything Billy Squier!!!!
@@bryongullettyesss!
Under the Bridge
Spirit of Radio
Thunderstruck
Snow (hey oh)
Castles Made of Sand
Johnny B Goode
La Bamba
Runnin Down a Dream
Mean Street
Ziggy Stardust
Welcome to the Jungle
All awesome picks
Kickstart my heart
Gnr Mr. Brownstone.
THANKS BRO
And immigrant song and i was made for lovin you
“Can’t you hear me knocking” by the stones has such an amazing opening riff
oh yes, absolutely
I included this song in my comments for greatest rock solos. I saw the Stones most recently in 2013 on the 50th anniversary tour with both Mick Taylor and Bobby Keyes accompanying the band and they let them both do their thing on CYHMK and the crowd went wild.
That song is still in my goto playlist.
Their best, IMO, hands down.
Great list, so glad you included the honorable mentions! Consider adding Zz Top's LaGrange to your top 20, it's intro is iconic
This guy looks like a rock n roll Anthony Bourdain
I couldn't put my finger on it. You nailed it!
First time I saw this, I thought when did Anthony B start playing guitar!!!
Yeah except he is still alive
David Warnke yeah he's less dead
Dude
You could probably make another 5-10 videos like this, all filled with great guitar intros.
"You Really Got Me" by The Kinks, from 1964, should be here because it was one of the first time deliberately distorted guitar was allowed on a record. In fact, because the song pre-dates the fuzz box, its sound was created by deliberately slicing the speaker of a guitar amp. The song went straight to the U.K. #1, and changed rock forever. It is even the basis of a great sequence in "Pirate Radio" (U.S. title) that dramatizes the impact of song across all classes in Britain.
Your'e absolutely right! You Really Got Me should have on been that list.
Its historic impact aside, it is really pretty simplistic, not that some of the others aren't, as well.
@@imkluu As soon as you said that, I thought of the intro to "Purple Haze." Eight half notes, two pitches. "You Really Got Me" starts with five notes and two pitches, but the fourth is syncopated. Plus there is a rest after the five note phrase. However, both are great intros to great songs.
@The King I assume you are talking about "Rumble." Are you sure? I thought it was all done with reverb and maybe overdriving the input.
I bet nobody’s touched your fuzz box since 1964
First time here. Also play guitar. Love acoustic stuff and agree with your list of songs with best openings. Of course could discuss many more. Plan to really get into the channel and especially because I'm crippled. I haven't worked in 20+ years. Playing guitar is great therapy and in this case I've found the guitar guru. Looking forward to the future. Stay in tune.
The Intro of Black Hole Sun ... I love it. One of my all time favorites.
"House of the Rising Sun" is the most recognized electric guitar intro of all time. Growing up in the Vietnam War in Vietnam as a youngster, I already came across the song & never will forget it. It still is the most recognizable song around the world this day. You actually can sing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of the song.
Vietnam = fortunate son??
Yeah, when he said "this was the first song my generation learned on guitar," I though of "House..." and not "Smoke...", but I realized, oh I guess that was a slightly earlier generation...
House of the rising sun is a gem 😍
Nah, it's smoke on the water. Even my 3 year old can play it on his plastic fisher price guitar
To many to pick from.
But that’s truth.
👊
I love how you've managed to almost replicate those exact tones used on all songs!!
How about Boston. More then a feeling for an intro
Not quite with money for nothing
The perfect number 1. Iconic, and sounds like the doors being opened for musical change
The first 4 seconds of "You Really Got Me" by the Kinks would be my addition.
Yes. Or Revolution by the Beatles
Some Honorable Mentions
House of the Rising Son
Mr Tambourine Man
Slow Death
Have Love Will Travel
When Doves Cry
Rebel Rebel
Johnny B Goode
Brown Eyed Girl
Mary Jane's Last Dance
Wild Thing
I'll Be Around
Hey Hey, My My
Voodoo Child
Hate to Say I Told You So
Offend in Every Way
Psychotic Reaction
Dirty Water
In The City
Three Girl Rhumba
Gimme Danger
Come As You Are
Original Love
This Charming Man
Stay With Me (The Dictators)
Should I Stay Or Should I Go
@Derek Charette so what
@Derek Charette They may be old AF, but you wouldnt have the new and newer ones without the pioneers. If you're a true player, such as myself, it's very easy to pick up on that. How styles progress over time. It's a beautiful thing!
@Derek Charette Old as in the days when they still made music?
I thought "The Spirit of Radio" would make it for Rush. Iconic for sure. Listening to this stirs my memory of so many more!
I think of that and YYZ, although limelight is a great choice as well, just doesn't scream RUSH as much as YYZ for me.
And the original bad-ass intro - Working Man
@@bobespirit2112 old school!
Josh Triplett agree, Josh, but not on a top-20 electric guitar intro list.
YYZ made his list for drum intros.
Intro to Johnny B Goode should definitely be number one. It set the stage for everything. Cannot believe its not even on the list.
Yup, we forget 50s Rock n’ Roll. The Ventures for instance pioneered the concept of electric guitar riffs.
Agreed, chuck berry perfected and made the template for rock n roll to come...
Johnny B Goode has been the corner stone for many a riff that makes other riffs including it’s own, great!
Have to agree, it's almost a crime it's not included!
Johnny B Goode is described as the national anthem of rock and roll.
Nr 8 . Perfect description of the times, bold unabashed simple, forwards.
The intro to Under the Bridge is what sold that entire band.
Sold, or sold out? "Give it away now" was much more attractive to me.
The thoughest guitar part I have ever learned to play. Very good to strenghten that left hand
They were already big?
@@pedromendes1703 The descending bass runs between the intro chords gets me. That and Blackbird.
@@thatthingthatisaid65 Snow anyone?
So glad that Long Cool Woman and Josie both made the list! Long Cool Woman's guitar bridge is also one of the best.
I’m learning Money for Nothing at the moment, knew it would be in here! Truly one of the greatest electric guitar intros of all time.
same. I wish I could afford a LP
The build up with the dreamy music and Sting's haunting vocals, then the guitar riff comes in. Incredible.
Killer!!
Add:
Can’t You hear me knocking
Ten years gone
House of The rising sun
The kooks - You Really got me
I'd like to add Ram Jam's "Black Betty" to this list. That opening riff is just INSANELY GOOD!
Fuuccck, black Betty was practically a movement when I was in high school, awesome tune.
It is awesome. Might be kinda hard to get very far with one guitar.
100% correct. They belong on the list
Mark knoppfler (dire straits) was so underrated. I put him in my top ten guitarists of all time.
Top 5 easy
I don’t think he’s underrated. He’s friggin ridiculously good
He's just not as name associated, I know so many guitarists who have mark in their top 5. You just dont hear his name brought up as much as page, Clapton, Hendrix etc
Mark Knopler definitely seats in the top five of the greatest guitarists of all time! I also believe that Prince deserves a top spot. Many may not have liked his music, but he was a brilliant, underrated, musician.
The Smiths - "How Soon Is Now?" Johnny Marr's signature tremolo/delay intro is hypnotic.
Absolutely deserves on this list. Pick one of Bad, Pride (In the Name of Love), or Mysterious Ways from U2 as well.
Great list, but I believe there are two that should really be on it.
1. Lonely is the Night - Billy Squier
2. Spirit In the Sky - Norman Greenbaum
If you haven’t already, they would both be great “What makes this song great.” Love the channel.
I wish "Cult of Personality" by Living Color made the list. What a killer riff.
OMGGG SAMMEEEE I LOVE THAT SING
Totally.
Oh yeah!
YESSSSS
good one
Good choice of 'Aqualung', Jethro Tull are under rated. Great blues/rock and folk band with some wonderful guitar riffs.
As soon as we clicked on this video we knew layla was gonna be here
Had to be on the list but I was surprised that Rick didn't mention the Duane Allman contribution.
I didn't know about it until sometime in the last 8 - 10 years. And I was stunned when I did learn about it, thinking "HTF did I not know this!"
Yeah and too much beatles crap
R Smith agreed
It was even hinted at
@@rsmith3522 man there is something really wrong with you of you call Beatles crap...
Rick! You’ve got a wrong note on bar 4 of Sweet Home Alabama! It’s in key obviously, but it’s not what he plays! He plays it the second time that way at bar 12, but there’s one note he plays different on the first pass of the head. Your ear is way too amazing to miss that! Alas we are only human. Love what you do!
I always thought those b5’s on Purple Haze were in the guitar part, so I had to go back and listen to it and I immediately realized it was the bass!
“..and it’s a delightful little ditty called ‘A Hard Day’s Night’”!!
That was ultra-cool, having this as number 1!
"Edge of Seventeen" deserves mention. Just one note, and it's iconic.
yah...and on AOR every 17.5 minutes all through the 80's 🤣🙉🙄😉😁
Dat one, more bout de riddim, mon.
You could almost do 20 best intros from every decade starting at the 50's
no almost... definitely!
true, so many good intros. But they seem to not make them anymore in present music...
@@michelle778 ikr? non-musical wannabees like Kanye and Drake churn out autotuned trash that all sounds exactly the same...and idiots who don't know any better eat it up and make these hacks multimillionaires... it's absurd! 🙄👎😖
That's all I like. Good job. You play well and we can see that you take great pleasure in it. Thank you
On every single one of these, I began to add basslines, tambourines, keyboards, drums, vocals, cowbells, etc. in my mind.
More cowbell!
I still say “Thunderstruck” AC/DC is one of the best guitar intro’s out there!
BY FAR! Also, Hot For Teacher - Van Halen
YES AND ITS VERY ELECTRIC
At least he did Ironman by Black Sabbath
And Back in Black
TheGDOTPRODUCTIONS thats more of a drum intro aint it?
I have always loved the minute long intro on Give Me Shelter by the Stones and Jimi's All Along the Watchtower as the best intrusion rock music. Loved your #1 pick
God, there's I many freat Stones intros...Brown Sugar, it's all over now, can't you hear me Knocking , Beast of burden, Wild horses, Angie..
After having watched this series I realize one thing. I was born in 1955, and consider myself blessed to have lived through rock and rolls entire glory.
Idiots (blockers) don't realize Rick is doing a great job of PROMOTING their music for FREE!
There's something about expensive neck ties that cuts off circulation to the brain. That's assuming that music execs have brains. A big leap for sure.
I play Seal on Alexa often becase Rick did what makes this song great. My kids hear that song all the time now and will be fans. Artists should totally allow Rick to (re)introduce these songs.
I was thinking the same. Doesn't make sense
@MR.CLAW97 Define "need"... Those bands do not actually "need" the promoting, but they get even more viewers from channels like this, thus more income. I like watching these kind of videos, and get to know new bands I didn't know about, and also go back to bands I know but haven't listened to for a long while. Peace :)
No doubt. Why the monetary selfishness?
(Idiots) is putting it mildly.
Rick's promoting your songs you dummies!!
Johnny be Goode is a must on this list, otherwise great video Rick!
You're right. It has to be one of the most iconic electric guitar intros of all time.
Yep, first one that came to my mind as well
I came to the comments to say exactly this. Seriously though.. how did he not include JBG!
Yeah, that or Roll over Beethoven... something by Chuck should have been here!
Agree!!
Honourable mention to "When Doves Cry" by Prince. That intro is short but is instantly recognizable and iconic.
I had to look through comments to make sure someone mentioned this.
Good call.
"Satisfaction" should be number 1. So simple yet so powerful.
I know the Rolling Stones have more popular songs like Satisfaction and Start Me Up, but "Can you hear me Knocking" in open G was my favorite intro to learn on guitar from them.
Also agree!!
Best of all time!
One song that could also be on the list is Heart's "Barracuda", the intro is amazing
Amen to that.
Hundred percent
Isnt the intro bass?
@@dsfg2444 nope, the intro is played with muted guitar strings
I sat through the unfortunate Trolls 2 movie with my 9 and 10 year old daughters at the cinema in a grump only to proudly beam as they recognised it at the end of the movie to say “Dad! That’s Barracuda!” Awesome dad moment.
Great list. Hard to argue with your selections. I feel an honourable mention should also go to ‘Johnny B Goode’ intro by the great Chuck Berry - probably the most influential rock guitarist who set the tone for all who followed. AC/DC and the Rolling Stones were hugely influenced by Chucks up tempo, bluesy rocking guitar riffs and Angus Young in particular pays homage to Chuck every time he duck walks across the stage while ripping into a solo. 👍🏼🎸🎸🎸
Mississippi Queen - Mountain
@@chuckjls Reminds me of Train, Train from Blackfoot.
I agree, how did he miss the most recognizable guitar rock intro ever?
It’s like saying “this is the most beautiful flower”. All beautiful…no rating of sublimity.
Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" deserves at least an honorable mention. Iconic riff.
Whammy Bard probably the most licensed song of the bunch other than Yesterday
Truth
Agree
Much more than The Hollies
Yep! Without a doubt!
Can't believe johnny b goode by Chuck Berry isn't on here, I mean it's one of the first iconic electric guitar intros and solos for that matter.
I was literally just going to comment this and then I read yours. It's literally what started all these amazing riffs!!! The True King Of Rock N Roll, Chuck Berry!!!
Nobody wins all the time! Sorry! Boohoo!
I KNOW!!!!!!!!
Chuck Berry was a rock guitarist?
Actually the Father Of Rock...Elvis was The King.
Almost fell out of the bed laughing at Rick's face during the riff that can't be played on TH-cam!
Me too!! Funny AF!! 🤣🤣🤣
Me too !!! Hahahaha!!!!
Heat Of The Moment may not be a top 20 but it was certainly an extremely recognizable and iconic guitar intro.
Was thinking Lay it Down by Ratt...
Steve Howe is no slouch.
Fun fact: Eric Clapton didn’t write the riff from sunshine of your love, it was cream’s bassist Jack Bruce that wrote it after attending a jimi Hendrix experience concert
I wonder how much influence Felix Paalardi had on The Cream’s arrangements
Really? I didn't know that
I"m almost certain that the Layla riff is Duane Allman's. Sorry Slowhand
@@petermilkey9408 I never cared for that version. The slow one is OK.
But jimmi always played live fucked up.
Hit like as soon as I saw aqualung. Jethro Tull doesn't get enough love
Except when it comes to the Grammy's
I can't imagine Rick prancing around playing a flute.
Aqualung should be top five at least. This is a clown show.
He could have put "To Cry You A Song" on it, as well. Martin Lancelot Barre is one hell of a guitarist.
Starting with Rush ensures the quality of this video.
stefets2112 absolutely 👌🏼
Apparently not
Too bad he didn’t put The Spirit of Radio on this list...
I would have loved for him to try Analog Kid.
Was Spirit of radio on there. I kind of rushed through it all
I'm a huge Jethro Tull fan, and they seem to be overlooked on all the countdowns, whatever the context. So glad you got 'Aqualung' in there
Thick as a brick intro is missing in the 20 acoustic list
I could hear the cowbell in my head.
More cowbell!
Dont ruin this GeNe
I was airplaying it. 😂
Now it is stuck in my head lol. More cowbell!
Gotta play that cowbell with gusto and manhandle that thing.
"You Really Got Me" by The Kinks, easily one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time.
Props to you, Rick, for playing “Smoke on the Water” correctly. Most guitar players play the power chords and it drives me nuts.
Indeed. Although technically they are still inverted power chords...
Same here man. I am annoyed as heck everytime someone plays Smoke On the Water in fifths instead of fourths.
@@Timliu92 eh it's still played in root and fifth just inverted and basically the bottom half of a full power chord
It's still a power chord
great idea! and you're really an ace on the 6string! For me the list had to include "Whatever you want", mostly underrated, to me it is one of the greatest intro's in rock music, due to the fact that it really is an intro and not a hook or riff which is remained in the song. 'Ticket to ride' is another I would have added. Great stuff, anyway
Little Wing Jimmy Hendrix is one of the greatest intros in my opinion !
Think its limited to one song per player/band
Jimi Hendrix 😄🎸
I really rooted for voodoo child slight return.
Done better by SRV but whatever
Jimi is the best
The intro to the Stones' "Gimme Shelter" is arguably the greatest intro of all time! Also: "Moonlight Mile" and "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'"! LOVE THE NUMBER ONE, RICK!
Gimme Shelter is a musically beautiful song. And powerful lyrically. Nice choice!
Gimme Shelter is a classic the way it builds together to form that solid rhythm of the song!
Yes! Such an awesome song. Have you heard the Stone Sour cover of it with Lizzy Hale on backing vocals? They do a really good version of it and respectfully too (haven’t made it super heavy like a lot of bands would try and do).
Scorsese would agree.
Knox Bronson Those are all great list-worthy intros, it's tough to nail down my favorite one from the Stones! Tumblin' Dice, Brown Sugar, Sway, Rocks Off...……….
Sweet child o’ mine should definitely be on the main list. Was waiting the whole time for that. Glad it at least got an honorable mention.
Definitely memorable, but don't think it beats out any of the songs he listed.
It’s a great list, but I personally think sweet child beats about 3-4 of them. I get that it is completely subjective though. I think it depends mostly on what generation you belong to. I’m gen x, so gnr “reminds me of childhood memories” ;)
Its got to be on there, we learned that the guitar can sing with that song
Rick mentioned in another video that they (or their label) are notorious blockers and that therefore he leaves them out from any lists.
That song sucks
I guessed a lot of the songs by your hints! Again I am blown away by your talent! I've been playing guitar for over 30 years ( mostly acoustic) but you make me wanna break my guitars! 😄
It all started with Johnny B. Goode!!!
House of the Rising Sun
Helter Skelter
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Rebel Rebel
Running with the Devil
Brown Sugar
Crazy Train
I Can't Explain
Paranoid (?)
Spirit of the Radio (?)
Under the Bridge
Great call on Johnny B. Goode! That had a Huge influence on electric guitar players and rock music, and it did start it all.
There are Way too many great guitar intros for a top 20 list. I agree with all your selections.
Agree on all of those! Johnny B Goode for sure!
SM'77 beautiful list
A couple of those aren't guitar intros but agree with the rest
Needed Audioslave Show me how to live...
Hocus Pocus by Focus surely an honourable mention, love the vid Rick!
Brodie Wilkinson he might be saving that for best vocal ad libs?😆
@@driverlance or his new series "What Makes This Yodelling Great"
Focus was such a great band!
I'd never heard of Focus before this comment, so I checked them out and wow! Hocus Pocus is incredible! The entire album is great, so far at least (I'm on the 2nd song). It seems Hocus Pocus was on the Baby Driver soundtrack, which I'm also going to look into.
@@carolcyr8553 so how was the album Carol? I am Dutch and always knew about them but just last year listened seriously to them and i was blown away, the energy, virtuosity and creativity combined is just unique.