Electric Guitars and Gear Reviews

Electric Guitars and Gear Reviews

best guitar intros of all time

The 30 Best Guitar Intros of All Time: Ranking the Greatest Opening Riffs Ever [With Tabs]

Some songs become legends the moment the intro hits. A single guitar riff can set the tone, electrify the audience, and create a signature moment in rock and roll history. When we talk about the best guitar intros of all time, we’re talking about the rare moments when the first few seconds become an unforgettable anthem—melodic, powerful, and instantly recognizable. These intros shape guitar playing, inspire every new guitarist, and remind the world why the electric guitar remains the most expressive instrument in modern music.

🎸

The 30 Best Guitar Intros of All Time

From Chuck Berry to Led Zeppelin: The definitive ranking of the greatest opening riffs that shaped rock history

🏆 Complete Ranking 30-1

30

Fade Into You

Mazzy Star (1993)

29

Stationary Traveller

Camel (1984)

28

Mojo Pin

Jeff Buckley (1994)

27

Sultans of Swing

Dire Straits (1978)

26

Solid Air

John Martyn (1973)

25

Entangled

Genesis (1976)

24

Amelia

Joni Mitchell (1976)

23

And Your Bird Can Sing

The Beatles (1966)

22

Heart Full of Soul

The Yardbirds (1965)

21

Helicopter

Bloc Party (2005)

20

Animal Nitrate

Suede (1993)

19

Freakin’ Out

Graham Coxon (2004)

18

A Million Miles Away

Rory Gallagher (1981)

17

Should I Stay or Should I Go

The Clash (1982)

16

Deliver Your Children

Paul McCartney & Wings (1978)

15

Sweet Home Alabama

Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)

14

Whiskey in the Jar

Thin Lizzy (1972)

13

What Is Life

George Harrison (1970)

12

You Really Got Me

The Kinks (1964)

11

Johnny B. Goode

Chuck Berry (1958)

⚡ The Legendary Top 10 ⚡

From Stairway to Heaven (#1) to Shine On You Crazy Diamond (#10), discover the most iconic guitar intros ever recorded—complete with detailed tablature, playing techniques, and the stories behind these legendary riffs.

📝 Full Tabs Included

👇 Scroll down to explore the complete ranking

Learn the techniques behind each legendary intro • Master the riffs that defined rock history

Through much great music documents, interviews with iconic players, and countless fan polls, this curated ranking brings the 30 best opening guitar riffs ever recorded. From the pioneering energy of Chuck Berry to the explosive artistry of Jimi Hendrix, from the precision of Jimmy Page to the punch of Slash, these moments prove why the guitar continues to define entire generations of sound.

Below is the definitive list—30 to 1—of the greatest guitar intros ever, capturing the melody line, impact, and musical DNA behind each legendary riff.

30 – “Fade Into You” – Mazzy Star (1993)

A dreamy acoustic guitar intro built on soft chord textures and a floating feel. One of the most atmospheric openings of the ’90s.

29 – “Stationary Traveller” – Camel (1984)

A cinematic, slow-burning intro riff where ambient layers shape a haunting musical landscape.

28 – “Mojo Pin” – Jeff Buckley (1994)

A delicate guitar intro full of intricate arpeggio patterns and emotional resonance. One of the most indelible intros in alternative music.

27 – “Sultans of Swing” – Dire Straits (1978)

A clean, fluid guitar intro built on Knopfler’s signature fingerstyle touch. The opening lick dances effortlessly between melody and rhythm, delivering one of the smoothest and most recognizable starts in rock history. It’s refined, precise, and instantly captivating—proof of how expressive a clean tone can be.

26 – “Solid Air” – John Martyn (1973)

A smooth, hypnotic acoustic texture that demonstrates how minimalism can be powerful in an intro.

25 – “Entangled” – Genesis (1976)

Angelic harmonies woven with gentle guitar figures. A soft, peaceful opening that pulls you in.

24 – “Amelia” – Joni Mitchell (1976)

A shimmering acoustic guitar passage in her signature tuning. Floaty, poetic, and instantly recognizable.

23 – “And Your Bird Can Sing” – The Beatles (1966)

A bright, jangly twin-guitar melody that defined ’60s pop-rock. One of the top 50 most influential intros ever written.

22 – “Heart Full of Soul” – The Yardbirds (1965)

A fuzz-driven guitar riff that shaped the next era of British blues. A key milestone in the yardbirds legacy.

21 – “Helicopter” – Bloc Party (2005)

A fast, angular, high-energy intro that hits like an adrenaline shot.

20 – “Animal Nitrate” – Suede (1993)

A soaring and theatrical opening riff that explodes with glam-rock swagger.

19 – “Freakin’ Out” – Graham Coxon (2004)

Bright, urgent, and full of punch—a masterclass in crafting a hooky guitar opening.

18 – “A Million Miles Away” – Rory Gallagher (1981)

A clean, melodic guitar intro that glides with precision. A gem for every guitar player.

17 – “Should I Stay or Should I Go” – The Clash (1982)

A raw, gritty riff that embodies punk swagger. A constant in every top 10 list.

16 – “Deliver Your Children” – Paul McCartney & Wings (1978)

A rootsy, upbeat intro full of warmth and charm.

15 – “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)

A bright, instantly recognizable guitar intro built on a crisp lick and rhythmic chord pattern. Its upbeat Southern-rock feel and melodic clarity make it one of the most iconic openings ever recorded—catchy, timeless, and endlessly fun to play.

14 – “Whiskey in the Jar” – Thin Lizzy (1972)

An uplifting, anthemic Irish-rock opening that feels both classic and fresh.

13 – “What Is Life” – George Harrison (1970)

A glistening slide guitar riff that radiates joy. One of Harrison’s defining musical statements.

12 – “You Really Got Me” – The Kinks (1964)

A distorted intro that changed rock bands forever. A raw burst of energy from the kink-driven early rock revolution.

11 – “Johnny B. Goode” – Chuck Berry (1958)

One of the first truly iconic guitar intros ever. The opening lick inspired countless legends—from Keith Richards to Angus Young.

🎸The Top 10 Best Guitar Intros [With Tabs]

Exploring the tabs of the top 10 best guitar intros is one of the fastest ways to understand why these riffs became legendary. Each one captures a unique combination of melody, tone, and feel that defines the song from the very first note. Whether you’re a beginner looking to level up your skills or a seasoned guitarist revisiting timeless classics, learning these intros will deepen your technique, sharpen your timing, and connect you directly to some of the most iconic moments in music history.

10. Shine On You Crazy Diamond – Pink Floyd

The opening of Shine On You Crazy Diamond is one of the most hypnotic moments in music history. David Gilmour’s guitar intro blends long, sustained notes with atmospheric phrasing, creating an unmistakable sense of space and emotion. Its slow, expressive buildup makes this intro one of the most soulful and meditative ever written, perfect for developing dynamic control, touch, and musical sensitivity on the guitar.

Shine On You Crazy Diamond

Pink Floyd

David Gilmour’s Tribute to Syd Barrett – 1975

♩ = 68 BPM | Key: G Minor

💎 FOR SYD BARRETT (1946-2006) 💎
“Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun…”

⏱️ EPIC 26-MINUTE COMPOSITION ⏱️
Parts I-IX across two albums sides

Opening Solo – Part I

Use lots of sustain, reverb, and let every note breathe. This is about emotion, not speed.

The Iconic 4-Note Motif

G Minor – Bb Major

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--8~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|--6~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Gm (let ring for 4 bars)         F (let ring for 4 bars)

e|--6~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|--3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Eb (let ring for 4 bars)         Bb (let ring for 4 bars)

Play with volume swells and lots of space between notes

Main Theme Development

Building the Melody

G Minor Pentatonic

e|--15b17~~~~--15--13--15---------|--------------------------------|
B|------------------------15~~~~--|--13--15--13------13------------|
G|--------------------------------|-------------15------15--12~~~~|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Slow bend with vibrato           Descending phrase

e|--10h11--10--8--10--8-----------|--8--10--8--6--8--6--3--6--3---|
B|----------------------11--8--11-|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Continue descending pattern       Resolution to G

Chord Progression – Verse

“Remember When You Were Young…”

Gm – C7 – Bb – F

   Gm              C7              Bb              F
e|--3--3--3--3--|--0--0--0--0--|--1--1--1--1--|--1--1--1--1--|
B|--3--3--3--3--|--1--1--1--1--|--3--3--3--3--|--1--1--1--1--|
G|--3--3--3--3--|--3--3--3--3--|--3--3--3--3--|--2--2--2--2--|
D|--5--5--5--5--|--2--2--2--2--|--3--3--3--3--|--3--3--3--3--|
A|--5--5--5--5--|--3--3--3--3--|--1--1--1--1--|--3--3--3--3--|
E|--3--3--3--3--|--------------|--------------|--1--1--1--1--|
   ↓  ↓  ↑ ↓ ↑    ↓  ↓  ↑ ↓ ↑    ↓  ↓  ↑ ↓ ↑    ↓  ↓  ↑ ↓ ↑

Arpeggiate gently, let chords ring

Signature Lead Licks

Classic Gilmour Phrases

G Blues Scale

e|--18b20~~~~r18--15--18--15------|--------------------------------|
B|----------------------------18--|--15--18--15------15------------|
G|--------------------------------|-------------17b19----17--15----|
D|--------------------------------|-----------------------------17-|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Full bend with slow release       Blues run

e|--15~~~~--15p13--11--13b15~~~~--|--11--10--8--10b11~~~~--8------|
B|--------------------------------|---------------------------11~~|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Classic Gilmour vibrato          Emotional resolution

Lap Steel Guitar Section

Slide/Volume Pedal Effect

Ambient Swells

e|--/15~~~~~\13~~~~~\10~~~~~\8~~~~|--/20~~~~~\18~~~~~\15~~~~~\13~~|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Volume swell with slide          Higher register swells

e|--3~~~~~~~5~~~~~~~6~~~~~~~8~~~~~|--10~~~~~~13~~~~~~15~~~~~~18~~~|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Gradual volume pedal swells      Building to climax

Saxophone Emulation (Guitar)

Dick Parry’s Sax Part on Guitar

Smooth Legato Lines

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--11~~~~--13--11--10--8--10~~~~|--8--6--8--10--11~~~~--13~~~~--|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Smooth, sax-like phrasing        Use neck pickup, roll off tone

e|--15--13--11--13--11--10--------|--8--10--11--13--15~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
B|-------------------------13--11-|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Flowing melodic line             Let final note sustain

David Gilmour’s Emotional Techniques

This is about SPACE and EMOTION – less is more
Use a Stratocaster with EMG pickups for sustain
Big Muff + Colorsound Powerboost for lead tone
Every note should have purpose and feeling
Volume swells are crucial – use volume pedal or knob
Let notes ring and breathe – no rushing
Wide, slow vibrato is the Gilmour signature
Think of Syd Barrett while playing – this is his tribute
Use lots of reverb and delay (Binson Echorec)
The 4-note motif should haunt the listener
Bend notes slowly and with control
This piece is a journey, not a destination

🎛️ GILMOUR’S TONE
Gain: 7 | Bass: 6 | Mid: 7 | Treble: 8
Effects: Big Muff, Uni-Vibe, Binson Echorec, Leslie Speaker

The Story: Written as a tribute to founding member Syd Barrett, who suffered from mental illness and left the band in 1968. Ironically, Syd visited the studio during the recording of this song, unrecognized at first due to his changed appearance. The band was recording his tribute while he stood there, a ghost of his former self.

9 – “Layla” – Derek and the Dominos (1970)

Eric Clapton and Duane Allman at full firepower. A sharp, biting riff that commands attention instantly and remains one of the greatest recordings of its era.

Layla

Derek and the Dominos

Clapton & Duane Allman’s Passionate Masterpiece – 1970

♩ = 117 BPM | Key: D Minor

❤️ A LOVE SONG FOR PATTIE BOYD ❤️
Inspired by the Persian love story “Layla and Majnun”

Main Riff – The Hook

This riff is played throughout the entire song – master it perfectly!

The Legendary Opening Riff

D5 – Bb – C – D Pattern

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--7--7--7--5--7--7--7--7--5--7--|--7--7--7--5--7--7--7--7--5--7--|
D|--7--7--7--5--7--7--7--7--5--7--|--7--7--7--5--7--7--7--7--5--7--|
A|--5--5--5--3--5--5--5--5--3--5--|--5--5--5--3--5--5--5--5--3--5--|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   D5 D5 D5 Bb C  D5 D5 D5 Bb C     D5 D5 D5 Bb C  D5 D5 D5 Bb C

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--7-----5-----3-----5-----------|--7-----5-----3-----5-----------|
D|--7-----5-----3-----5-----------|--7-----5-----3-----5-----------|
A|--5-----3-----1-----3-----------|--5-----3-----1-----3-----------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   D5    Bb    C5    Bb             D5    Bb    C5    Bb

Play with slight swing feel - not too straight!

Verse Riff Variation

Played During Verses

Dm – Bb – C Progression

e|--5-----5-----5-----5-----------|--6-----6-----8-----8-----------|
B|--6-----6-----6-----6-----------|--6-----6-----8-----8-----------|
G|--7-----7-----7-----7-----------|--7-----7-----9-----9-----------|
D|--7-----7-----7-----7-----------|--8-----8-----10----10----------|
A|--5-----5-----5-----5-----------|--8-----8-----10----10----------|
E|--------------------------------|--6-----6-----8-----8-----------|
   Dm    Dm    Dm    Dm             Bb    Bb    C     C

e|--5-----5-----5-----5-----------|--10----10----10----10----------|
B|--6-----6-----6-----6-----------|--10----10----10----10----------|
G|--7-----7-----7-----7-----------|--10----10----10----10----------|
D|--7-----7-----7-----7-----------|--12----12----12----12----------|
A|--5-----5-----5-----5-----------|--12----12----12----12----------|
E|--------------------------------|--10----10----10----10----------|
   Dm    Dm    Dm    Dm             Am    Am    Am    Am

🎸 DUELING GUITARS ALERT! 🎸
Clapton and Duane Allman trading licks throughout!

Slide Guitar Part (Duane Allman)

Signature Slide Licks

Open E Tuning Slide

e|--/10~~~~--10\8--/10~~~~--10\8--|--/13~~~~--13\10--/13~~~~-------|
B|--/10~~~~--10\8--/10~~~~--10\8--|--/13~~~~--13\10--/13~~~~-------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Slide up  down  up     down      Slide to higher register

e|--15~~~~--15\13--15\13--10~~~~--|--10\8--/10~~~~--8--5-----------|
B|--15~~~~--15\13--15\13--10~~~~--|--10\8--/10~~~~--8--5-----------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   Emotional vibrato on slides      Return to main position

Chorus Power Chords

“Layla” Vocal Section

F – Bb – Eb – F Progression

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--10-10-10-10-------------------|--8--8--8--8--------------------|
D|--10-10-10-10--8--8--8--8-------|--8--8--8--8--10-10-10-10-------|
A|--8--8--8--8---8--8--8--8-------|--6--6--6--6--10-10-10-10-------|
E|---------------6--6--6--6-------|---------------8--8--8--8--------|
   F  F  F  F   Bb Bb Bb Bb         Eb Eb Eb Eb  F  F  F  F

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--5--5--5--5--------------------|--7--7--7--7--5--5--5--5--------|
D|--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--------|--7--7--7--7--5--5--5--5--------|
A|--3--3--3--3--5--5--5--5--------|--5--5--5--5--3--3--3--3--------|
E|--------------3--3--3--3--------|--------------------------------|
   C  C  C  C  Bb Bb Bb Bb         Dm Dm Dm Dm  C  C  C  C

Solo Section Guide

Key Lead Phrases

D Minor Pentatonic / Blues

e|--13b15~~~~--13--10--13--10------|--10--13--10------10-------------|
B|-----------------------------13--|-------------13------13--10------|
G|---------------------------------|-----------------------------12--|
D|---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
A|---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
E|---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
   Classic Clapton blues bend        Descending pattern

e|--10h13p10------10---------------|--15b17~~~~--15--13--15--13--10-|
B|-----------13------13--10--13~~~~|----------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|
A|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|
E|---------------------------------|----------------------------------|
   Hammer-on/pull-off combination    High register emotional bend

Clapton & Allman’s Secrets

The main riff has a slight shuffle feel – not straight 8ths
Use a Gibson Les Paul or SG for authentic tone
Duane Allman used a glass Coricidin bottle for slide
Keep the main riff consistent – it’s the song’s heartbeat
The Bb to C movement is crucial – emphasize it
Two guitars playing harmony parts throughout
Clapton used a Marshall stack cranked loud
The passion in the playing reflects unrequited love
Don’t rush – let the riff breathe between phrases
The slide parts are in Open E tuning
Practice the timing – it’s deceptively tricky

🎛️ TONE RECIPE
Gain: 7 | Bass: 6 | Mid: 7 | Treble: 8 | Presence: 6
Les Paul + Marshall = Pure Passion

The Story: Eric Clapton wrote this while madly in love with Pattie Boyd, who was married to his best friend George Harrison. The intensity of the music reflects his emotional turmoil. The song title comes from “The Story of Layla and Majnun” by 12th-century poet Nizami Ganjavi.

8 – “Purple Rain” – Prince (1984)

An emotional, soaring guitar lead that feels like a cry from the soul. Pure, timeless elegance.

Purple Rain

Prince

The Purple One’s Emotional Masterpiece – 1984

♩ = 113 BPM | Key: Bb Major

♔

💜 EMOTIONAL GUITAR BALLAD 💜
One of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded!

Chord Progression – Main Pattern

Use a clean tone with chorus for the verses, add overdrive for the solo

Main Chord Progression

Bb – Gm7 – F – Eb

   Bb          Gm7         F           Eb
e|--6-------6--|--3-------3--|--1-------1--|--6-------6--|
B|--6-------6--|--3-------3--|--1-------1--|--8-------8--|
G|--7-------7--|--3-------3--|--2-------2--|--8-------8--|
D|--8-------8--|--3-------3--|--3-------3--|--8-------8--|
A|--8-------8--|--5-------5--|--3-------3--|--6-------6--|
E|--6-------6--|--3-------3--|--1-------1--|-------------|
   ↓ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑    ↓ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑    ↓ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑    ↓ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑

Strum Pattern: D D U D U (with feeling and dynamics)

Opening Guitar Lick

Signature Opening Phrase

Bb Pentatonic

e|--13b15~~~~--13--11----------------------|
B|--------------------13--11--13b15r13--11-|
G|------------------------------------------|
D|------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------|
   Full bend    Release and sustain

e|--11--13--11----11------------------------|
B|-------------13----13--11--11~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
G|-------------------------------10~~~~~~~~~|
D|------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------|
   Let notes ring with vibrato

Verse Arpeggios

Fingerpicked Pattern

Bb – Gm7 Arpeggios

       Bb                          Gm7
e|-------------6-------6--------|-----------3-------3---------|
B|-------6-------6-------6------|-----3-------3-------3-------|
G|-----7---7-------7-------7----|---3---3-------3-------3-----|
D|---8-------8-------8-------8--|--5------5-------5-------5---|
A|-8----------------------------|------------------------------|
E|------------------------------|------------------------------|
   Let ring throughout...         Smooth transition

       F                           Eb
e|-------------1-------1--------|-----------6-------6---------|
B|-------1-------1-------1------|-----8-------8-------8-------|
G|-----2---2-------2-------2----|---8---8-------8-------8-----|
D|---3-------3-------3-------3--|------------------------------|
A|------------------------------|--6------6-------6-------6---|
E|-1----------------------------|------------------------------|

Solo Section – Key Phrases

Emotional Lead Lines

Bb Blues/Major Pentatonic Mix

e|--18b20~~~~--18--15--18--15------------------|
B|-----------------------------18--15--18b20~~~|
G|----------------------------------------------|
D|----------------------------------------------|
A|----------------------------------------------|
E|----------------------------------------------|
   Full bends with soul!

e|--15--18--15------15--------------------------|
B|-------------18------18--15------15-----------|
G|-----------------------------17------17--15---|
D|---------------------------------------------17|
A|----------------------------------------------|
E|----------------------------------------------|
   Descending run

e|--13h15p13--11--13b15~~~~--13--11------------|
B|-----------------------------------13--11-----|
G|------------------------------------------10--|
D|----------------------------------------------|
A|----------------------------------------------|
E|----------------------------------------------|
   Classic Prince lick pattern

Rhythm Fill Pattern

Between Vocal Lines

Bb Sus Variations

e|--6--6--8--6--|--6--6--11--6--|--6--6--8--6--|--6-----------|
B|--6--6--6--6--|--6--6--6---6--|--6--6--6--6--|--6-----------|
G|--7--7--7--7--|--7--7--7---7--|--7--7--7--7--|--7-----------|
D|--8--8--8--8--|--8--8--8---8--|--8--8--8--8--|--8-----------|
A|--8--8--8--8--|--8--8--8---8--|--8--8--8--8--|--8-----------|
E|--6--6--6--6--|--6--6--6---6--|--6--6--6--6--|--6-----------|
   Bb  Bb sus  Bb  Bb  Bb add9 Bb  Bb  Bb sus  Bb  Bb (let ring)

Prince’s Performance Secrets

Use a Stratocaster or Telecaster for authentic tone
Clean tone with chorus/reverb for verses
Add Boss DS-1 or similar overdrive for the solo
Bend notes with extreme emotion – feel every note
The solo is about space and melody, not speed
Use your guitar’s volume knob for dynamics
Vibrato should be wide and expressive
Mix major and minor pentatonic scales
Let notes sustain – don’t rush the phrases
The final solo can extend for 5+ minutes live
Feel the emotion – this is a prayer in guitar form

🎛️ TONE SETTINGS
Clean: Bass: 5 | Mid: 6 | Treble: 7 | Chorus: ON
Lead: Gain: 5 | Bass: 6 | Mid: 7 | Treble: 8 | Reverb: Hall

Legacy: Recorded live in 1983 at First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis, the guitar solo was completely improvised in one take. Prince later said it was one of his proudest guitar moments, channeling pure emotion through his instrument.

7 – “Whole Lotta Love” – Led Zeppelin (1969)

A thunderous guitar riff from Jimmy Page. A primal, unstoppable force and easily among the greatest opening guitar riffs ever recorded.

Whole Lotta Love

Led Zeppelin

Jimmy Page’s Blues-Rock Riff Masterpiece – 1969

♩ = 92 BPM | Key: E

🎛️ PSYCHEDELIC BLUES POWER 🎛️
The riff that defined hard rock!

Main Riff – The Groove

Use a slight bend on the 2nd fret notes for that bluesy feel

The Legendary Main Riff – Loop This!

E7 Blues Pattern

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|------0-2-----0-2--4--2--0------|------0-2-----0-2--4--2--0------|
E|--0-3-----0-3---------------3-0-|--0-3-----0-3---------------3-0-|
     E   G   E   G  A  G  E     E     E   G   E   G  A  G  E     E

   ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑  ↓  ↑  ↓   ↓     (Alternate picking pattern)

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
A|------0-2-----0-2--4--2--0------|--2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
E|--0-3-----0-3---------------3-0-|--0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
     E   G   E   G  A  G  E     E     E5 (Let it feedback!)

Play with attitude and slight palm muting!

Main Riff – Power Chord Version

Fuller Sound for Live Performance

E5 – G5 – A5 Movement

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--2-----5-----2-----5--7--5--2--|--2-----5-----2-----5--7--5--2--|
A|--2-----5-----2-----5--7--5--2--|--2-----5-----2-----5--7--5--2--|
E|--0--0--3--0--0--0--3--5--3--0--|--0--0--3--0--0--0--3--5--3--0--|
   E5    G5    E5    G5 A5 G5 E5    E5    G5    E5    G5 A5 G5 E5

Choke the strings slightly for percussive effect!

Pre-Chorus Build Up

Tension Builder Section

D5 to E5 Climb

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--------|--9--9--9--9--9--9--9--9--------|
D|--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--------|--9--9--9--9--9--9--9--9--------|
A|--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--------|--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   D5 D5 D5 D5 D5 D5 D5 D5          E5 E5 E5 E5 E5 E5 E5 E5

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
A|------0-2-----0-2--4--2--0------|--2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
E|--0-3-----0-3---------------3-0-|--0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
   (Back to main riff)              E5 (Sustain into chorus)

The Breakdown Section

Psychedelic Middle Part

E5 Drone with Effects

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--2-----2-----2-----2-----------|--2-----2-----2-----2-----------|
A|--2-----2-----2-----2-----------|--2-----2-----2-----2-----------|
E|--0-----0-----0-----0-----------|--0-----0-----0-----0-----------|
   E5    E5    E5    E5             E5    E5    E5    E5

   Use Theremin or guitar with heavy effects here
   Slide, bend, and create chaos!

e|--/12~~~~~\7~~~~~\3~~~~~--------|--15b17~~~~15b17r15--12---------|
B|--------------------------------|------------------------15b17~~~|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   (Wild bends and slides)          (Screaming lead parts)

🌀 PSYCHEDELIC BREAKDOWN 🌀
The middle section features theremin, backwards echo, and sonic experimentation!

Outro Riff Variation

Extended Jam Version

E Blues Scale Exploration

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--2--0--------------------------|
D|------------------------2-------|--------2--0--------------------|
A|------0-2-----0-2--4--------4-2-|---------------2--0-------------|
E|--0-3-----0-3-------------------|--------------------3--0--------|
   (Main riff with fills)           (Descending blues lick)

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
A|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--------|--2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
E|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--------|--0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
   E5 E5 E5 E5 (Machine gun)        E5 (Feedback and sustain)

Jimmy Page’s Essential Techniques

Use a Les Paul with both pickups for the thick tone
Slight string bending on the 2nd fret gives it blues flavor
Palm mute lightly – not too much, keep it groovy
The riff should swing – it’s not straight timing
Marshall stack cranked for natural tube distortion
Use your guitar’s volume knob for dynamics
The psychedelic section needs effects – experiment!
Play slightly behind the beat for that Zeppelin swagger
Let notes ring into each other for a fuller sound
The E to G movement is the heart of the riff – emphasize it
Live versions often extend the outro for 10+ minutes

📻 TONE SETTINGS
Gain: 6-7 | Bass: 7 | Mid: 5 | Treble: 8 | Presence: 6
Add: Tape echo, Theremin (middle section), Wah (optional)

Studio Magic: The song features one of the most experimental middle sections in rock history, with backwards echo, theremin, and Robert Plant’s vocal improvisations creating a sonic journey that influenced countless bands.

6 – “Iron Man” – Black Sabbath (1970)

Heavy, ominous, unmistakable. The defining guitar riff of early metal, courtesy of black sabbath visionary Tony Iommi.

Iron Man

Black Sabbath

Tony Iommi’s Doom Metal Masterpiece – 1970

♩ = 76 BPM | Key: B Minor

“I AM IRON MAN”
*Vocoder effect*

⚠️ DOOM METAL ORIGINS ⚠️
The riff that invented heavy metal!

Main Riff – The Heavy Part

Tony Iommi tuned down to C# but we’ll show it in standard tuning (transpose if needed)

The Legendary Opening Riff

B5 – D5 – E5 – G5 – F#5 Progression

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--2--2--5--5--5--7--7--7--------|--5--5--5--7--7--7--5--5--4--4--|
E|--0--0--3--3--3--5--5--5--------|--3--3--3--5--5--5--3--3--2--2--|
   B5 B5 D5 D5 D5 E5 E5 E5          D5 D5 D5 E5 E5 E5 D5 D5 C#5 C#5

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--2--2--5--5--5--7--7--7--------|--5--5--5--7--7--10-10-9--9--9--|
E|--0--0--3--3--3--5--5--5--------|--3--3--3--5--5--8--8--7--7--7--|
   B5 B5 D5 D5 D5 E5 E5 E5          D5 D5 D5 E5 E5 G5 G5 F#5 F#5 F#5

Let each note ring with MAXIMUM DISTORTION!

Main Riff – Simplified Version

Single String Version (Easier)

All on the Low E String

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--0--0--3--3--3--5--5--5--------|--3--3--3--5--5--5--3--3--2--2--|
   B  B  D  D  D  E  E  E           D  D  D  E  E  E  D  D  C# C#

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--0--0--3--3--3--5--5--5--------|--3--3--3--5--5--8--8--7--7--7--|
   B  B  D  D  D  E  E  E           D  D  D  E  E  G  G  F# F# F#

Play with heavy downstrokes and let it DOOM!

Verse Riff

“Has He Lost His Mind…” Part

B5 – D5 – E5 Pattern

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--4--4--4--4--------------------|--7--7--7--7--9--9--9--9--------|
D|--4--4--4--4--4--4--4--4--------|--7--7--7--7--9--9--9--9--------|
A|--2--2--2--2--5--5--5--5--------|--5--5--5--5--7--7--7--7--------|
E|--------------3--3--3--3--------|--------------------------------|
   B5 B5 B5 B5 D5 D5 D5 D5          D5 D5 D5 D5 E5 E5 E5 E5

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--4--4--4--4--------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--4--4--4--4--4--4--4--4--------|--4--4--4--4--4--4--4--4--------|
A|--2--2--2--2--5--5--5--5--------|--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--------|
E|--------------3--3--3--3--------|--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--------|
   B5 B5 B5 B5 D5 D5 D5 D5          D5 (sustained)

Bridge/Interlude

The Creepy Middle Section

Chromatic Descent

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--9--9--9--9--9--9--9--9--------|--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--------|
A|--9--9--9--9--9--9--9--9--------|--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--8--------|
E|--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--------|--6--6--6--6--6--6--6--6--------|
   E5 E5 E5 E5 E5 E5 E5 E5          Eb5 Eb5 Eb5 Eb5 Eb5 Eb5 Eb5 Eb5

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--------|--6--6--6--6--5--5--4--4--------|
A|--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--7--------|--6--6--6--6--5--5--4--4--------|
E|--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--------|--4--4--4--4--3--3--2--2--------|
   D5 D5 D5 D5 D5 D5 D5 D5          C#5 C#5 C#5 C5 B5 Bb5

Ending Riff

The Dramatic Finale

Back to B5 Resolution

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--2-----2-----2-----2-----------|--2~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
E|--0-----0-----0-----0-----------|--0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~|
   B5    B5    B5    B5             B5 (let ring and fade)

   DOOM!  DOOM!  DOOM!  DOOM!        (Feedback and sustain...)

Tony Iommi’s Doom Metal Secrets

Use MAXIMUM distortion – this is doom metal!
Play behind the beat for that heavy, dragging feel
Let notes ring and sustain – no staccato here
Tony lost his fingertips in an accident – used thimbles!
Tune down to C# for the authentic Sabbath sound
Use the neck pickup for a darker, thicker tone
Heavy gauge strings (11-56 or heavier) for more doom
Play with conviction – this riff needs ATTITUDE
The bend on the G note should be slightly flat – creepy!
Palm muting is minimal – let it ring and resonate
Use a treble booster into a cranked tube amp

🎛️ SABBATH TONE RECIPE
Gain: 8 | Bass: 7 | Mid: 6 | Treble: 7 | Volume: LOUD
Gibson SG + Laney/Marshall = DOOM

Fun Fact: The “I am Iron Man” intro was created using a ring modulator effect. The song tells the story of a man who time travels to save humanity but is turned to steel in a magnetic field. Upon returning, nobody recognizes him, so he seeks revenge!

5 – “Back in Black” – AC/DC (1980)

Lean, mean, and unforgettable. Angus Young delivers a masterclass in minimalism with maximum impact.

Back in Black

AC/DC

Angus Young’s Monster Riff – 1980

♩ = 92 BPM | Key: E

⚡ HIGH VOLTAGE ROCK N’ ROLL ⚡
One of the greatest rock comeback albums of all time!

Main Riff – Intro & Verse

Play with heavy palm muting and let the open strings ring when indicated

The Legendary Opening Riff

E5 – D5 – A5 Progression

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--2-----2-----------------------|
D|--2-----2-----------------------|--2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----|
A|--2-----2-----2-----2-----0-----|--0-----0-----2-----2-----2-----|
E|--0-----0-----3-----3-----------|--0-----------0-----0-----0-----|
   E5    E5    (walk)      A5       D5    D5    A/C#  A/C#  A5
   PM----PM--------------           PM----PM----PM----PM----

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--2-----2-----------------------|
D|--2-----2-----------------------|--2-----2-----2-----2-----2-----|
A|--2-----2-----2-----2-----0-----|--0-----0-----2-----2-----2-----|
E|--0-----0-----3-----3-----------|--0-----------0-----0-----0-----|
   E5    E5    (walk)      A5       D5    D5    A/C#  A/C#  A5
   
PM = Palm Mute

Main Riff – Variation

With Open String Accents

E5 Power Chord Focus

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------2---------------2-------|--------2-----------------------|
D|--2-----2---------2-----2-------|--2-----2-----2--2--2--2--2-----|
A|--2-----0---------2-----0-------|--2-----0-----2--2--2--2--2-----|
E|--0---------------0-------------|--0-----------0--0--0--0--0-----|
   E5    Open      E5    Open       E5           Gallop Pattern

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--2--2--2--2--------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--0-----|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--------|
E|--0--0--0--0--3--3--3--3--------|--------------------------------|
   E5 E5 E5 E5 (chromatic walk)     A5 A5 A5 A5 A5 A5 A5 A5

Chorus Riff

“Back in Black” Vocal Part

A5 – E5 – B5 Progression

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--2--2--2--2--------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--------|--2--2--2--2--------------------|
A|--0--0--0--0--2--2--2--2--------|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--------|
E|--------------0--0--0--0--------|--0--0--0--0--2--2--2--2--------|
   A5 A5 A5 A5 E5 E5 E5 E5          E5 E5 E5 E5 B5 B5 B5 B5

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--2--2--2--2--------------------|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--------|
D|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--------|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--------|
A|--0--0--0--0--2--2--2--2--------|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--------|
E|--------------0--0--0--0--------|--------------------------------|
   A5 A5 A5 A5 E5 E5 E5 E5          A5 (let ring)

Bridge Section

Middle Eight Pattern

E5 – G5 – A5 Movement

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--------|--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--------|
A|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--------|--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--5--------|
E|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--------|--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--3--------|
   E5 E5 E5 E5 E5 E5 E5 E5          G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--------|--------------------------------|
D|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--------|--2-----2-----------------------|
A|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--------|--2-----2-----2-----2-----0-----|
E|--------------------------------|--0-----0-----3-----3-----------|
   A5 A5 A5 A5 A5 A5 A5 A5          E5    E5   (back to main)

🎸 SIGNATURE ANGUS YOUNG SOUND 🎸
Gibson SG → Marshall Stack → Maximum Volume

Angus Young’s Playing Secrets

Use heavy palm muting on the E5 power chords
The chromatic walk (E-F-F#-G) is crucial – don’t skip it!
Let the open A string ring between chord changes
Play with attitude – this is a tribute to Bon Scott
Gibson SG through a cranked Marshall is the classic tone
Keep the rhythm tight and punchy – no sloppy playing!
The spaces between notes are as important as the notes
Use downstrokes for maximum power and consistency
Slightly behind the beat gives it that AC/DC swagger
Don’t over-distort – AC/DC uses less gain than you think

Amp Settings
Gain: 5-6 | Bass: 6 | Mid: 7 | Treble: 8 | Presence: 7
Volume: AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE! 🔊

Historical Note: This was AC/DC’s first album after the tragic death of Bon Scott. With new vocalist Brian Johnson, they created one of the best-selling rock albums of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide.

4 – “Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple (1972)

Probably the world’s most-learned guitar riff. A simple pattern that shaped rock history and appears in every ranking of best opening guitar riffs.

Smoke on the Water

Deep Purple

Ritchie Blackmore’s Immortal Riff – 1972

♩ = 112 BPM | Key: G Minor

🎸 PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS!
This is often the first riff every guitarist learns – and for good reason!

📖 The True Story:
Written about the burning of the Montreux Casino during a Frank Zappa concert on December 4, 1971. “Smoke on the water” refers to the smoke from the fire spreading over Lake Geneva (Lac Léman).

The Main Riff – Classic Version

Ritchie Blackmore played this on a Fender Stratocaster through a Marshall amp

THE Riff – Play 4 times

G5 – Bb5 – C5 – G5 – Bb5 – Db5 – C5

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--0----3----5------0----3----6--5----|--0----3----5------3----0--------|
D|--0----3----5------0----3----6--5----|--0----3----5------3----0--------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   G5   Bb5   C5     G5   Bb5  Db5 C5     G5   Bb5   C5    Bb5   G5

   ↓    ↓     ↓      ↓    ↓    ↓   ↓      ↓    ↓     ↓     ↓     ↓
 (All Downstrokes)

The Main Riff – Single String Version

Easiest Version – All on 3rd String

Perfect for Absolute Beginners

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--0----3----5------0----3----6--5----|--0----3----5------3----0--------|
D|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   G    Bb    C      G    Bb   Db  C      G    Bb    C     Bb    G

Finger: 0 = Open String
        1 = Index Finger (3rd fret)
        2 = Middle Finger (5th fret)
        3 = Pinky (6th fret)

The Main Riff – Power Chord Version

Full Power Chord Version (Advanced)

How It’s Played Live

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--5----8----10-----5----8---11-10----|--5----8----10-----8----5--------|
A|--5----8----10-----5----8---11-10----|--5----8----10-----8----5--------|
E|--3----6----8------3----6----9--8----|--3----6----8------6----3--------|
   G5   Bb5   C5     G5   Bb5  Db5 C5     G5   Bb5   C5    Bb5   G5

   PM----PM----PM------PM----PM---PM--PM----PM----PM----PM------PM----PM
   (Palm Mute for chunk)

The Verse Riff

Played During Verses

G5 – F5 – G5 Pattern

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
D|--5--5--5--5--5--5--3--3--5--5--|--5--5--5--5--5--5--3--3--5--5--|
A|--5--5--5--5--5--5--3--3--5--5--|--5--5--5--5--5--5--3--3--5--5--|
E|--3--3--3--3--3--3--1--1--3--3--|--3--3--3--3--3--3--1--1--3--3--|
   G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 F5 F5 G5 G5    G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 G5 F5 F5 G5 G5

"We all came out to Montreux..."

The Solo Backing

Rhythm During Guitar Solo

Same as Main Riff but Continuous

e|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
G|--0-0-0-3-3-3-5-5-5-0-0-0-3-3-6-5-5-5|--0-0-0-3-3-3-5-5-5-3-3-3-0-0-0--|
D|--0-0-0-3-3-3-5-5-5-0-0-0-3-3-6-5-5-5|--0-0-0-3-3-3-5-5-5-3-3-3-0-0-0--|
A|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|--------------------------------|
   (Continuous eighth notes during solo)

Ritchie Blackmore’s Essential Tips

Use ALL DOWNSTROKES – this is crucial for the heavy sound
Play in parallel fourths (not fifths) – that’s the secret!
Let each note ring out clearly – no rushing
The timing is everything – practice with a metronome at 112 BPM
For the classic tone: Strat neck pickup + Marshall amp
Keep your fretting hand relaxed – this is an easy riff!
The pause after “Db5-C5” is essential – don’t skip it
Palm mute slightly on the power chord version for chunk
This riff is in G minor but uses no open strings in the original
Blackmore often improvises the ending – make it your own!

🎛️ Amp Settings for Classic Tone:
Gain: 6 | Treble: 7 | Mid: 5 | Bass: 7 | Presence: 6
Add slight reverb for that ’70s arena rock sound!

Fun Fact: This riff is so simple yet so perfect that it’s been called “the greatest riff of all time” by multiple publications. It uses just 7 notes but created rock history!

3 – “Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones (1965)

Arguably the most recognizable intro ever recorded. The rolling stones and their biting melody line created a permanent landmark in music.

(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

The Rolling Stones

Keith Richards’ Legendary Fuzz Riff – 1965

♩ = 132 BPM | Key: E Major

🎛️ FUZZ BOX ESSENTIAL!
This riff was recorded with a Gibson Maestro Fuzz-Tone – the first mainstream use of fuzz distortion!

Main Riff – The Hook

Keith Richards wrote this riff in his sleep and recorded it on his Philips cassette recorder!

The Iconic Opening Riff – Repeat Throughout

E – A – E Pattern

e|---------------------------|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|---------------------------|
D|---------------------------|---------------------------| 
A|-------2--2--4--4--5--5-5--|-------2--2--4--4--5--5-5--|
E|-0--0----------------------|-0--0----------------------|
   E  E  B  B  C# C# D  D D    E  E  B  B  C# C# D  D D

e|---------------------------|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|---------------------------|
D|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--|--2--2--2--2--2------------|
A|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--|--2--2--2--2--2------------|
E|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--|--0--0--0--0--0------------|
   E     E     E     E        E     E     (rest)

Main Riff – Alternate Version

Single String Version (Easier for Beginners)

All on the A String

e|---------------------------|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|---------------------------|
D|---------------------------|---------------------------|
A|-7--7--9--9--11--11-12-12--|-7--7--9--9--11--11-12-12--|
E|---------------------------|---------------------------|
   E  E  F# F# G#  G# A  A     E  E  F# F# G#  G# A  A

e|---------------------------|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|---------------------------|
D|---------------------------|---------------------------|
A|-7--7--7--7--7--7--7--7----|-7--7--7--7--7-------------|
E|---------------------------|---------------------------|
   E  E  E  E  E  E  E  E      E  E  E  E  (rest)

Chorus Riff Variation

Played During “I Can’t Get No…”

Power Chord Version

e|---------------------------|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|--4--4--4--4--4--4--4--4---|
D|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---|--4--4--4--4--4--4--4--4---|
A|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---|
E|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---|---------------------------|
   E5    E5    E5    E5        B5    B5    B5    B5

e|---------------------------|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|---------------------------|
G|---------------------------|---------------------------|
D|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---|--2--2--2------------------|
A|--2--2--2--2--2--2--2--2---|--2--2--2------------------|
E|--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0---|--0--0--0------------------|
   E5    E5    E5    E5        E5    (back to main riff)

Bridge Section

“When I’m Driving in My Car…” Section

A – D – A – E Progression

e|---------------------------|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|---------------------------|
G|--2--2--2--2---------------|--7--7--7--7---------------|
D|--2--2--2--2---------------|--7--7--7--7---------------|
A|--0--0--0--0---------------|--5--5--5--5---------------|
E|---------------------------|---------------------------|
   A     A                     D     D

e|---------------------------|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|---------------------------|
G|--2--2--2--2---------------|---------------------------|
D|--2--2--2--2---------------|--2--2--2--2---------------|
A|--0--0--0--0---------------|--2--2--2--2---------------|
E|---------------------------|--0--0--0--0---------------|
   A     A                     E     E

Keith Richards’ Playing Tips

Use a FUZZ pedal – this is essential for the authentic sound!
Play with attitude – this riff is all about rebellion and frustration
Keep it simple and repetitive – the power is in the groove
Mute strings slightly with palm for a chunkier sound
The original was recorded in standard tuning (not open G)
Let the fuzz do the work – don’t overthink the playing
Focus on timing – this riff drives the entire song
Play it slightly behind the beat for that Stones swagger
Use downstrokes for more aggression and consistency

Historic Note: Keith Richards came up with this riff in his hotel room in May 1965. He woke up with the melody in his head, recorded it on his bedside tape recorder, and went back to sleep. The next morning, he found he’d recorded the riff followed by 40 minutes of snoring!

Tone Settings:
Fuzz: MAX | Treble: 7 | Mid: 5 | Bass: 6 | Volume: To Taste

2 – “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses (1987)

A spiraling, emotional intro riff by Slash that every guitarist attempts at some point. A true monument among the guitar riffs of all time.

Sweet Child O’ Mine

Guns N’ Roses

Legendary Guitar Introduction – Slash

♩ = 122 BPM | Key: D Major

Main Riff – Pattern 1

Tuning: Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E) | Half step down on the original recording (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)

Opening Sequence – Repeat 2x

D Major Scale Pattern

e|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
B|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
G|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
D|--12--14--11--12--11-|--14--12--14--12--11-|--12--14--11--12--11-|--14--12--14--12--11-|
A|12----12--12--12--12-|12----12--12--12--12-|12----12--12--12--12-|12----12--12--12--12-|
E|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
   D  C  D  A  D  A     C  D  C  D  C  A     D  C  D  A  D  A     C  D  C  D  C  A

Main Riff – Pattern 2

Continuation – Repeat 2x

Moving to G String

e|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
B|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
G|--11--14--12--11--12-|--14--12--14--12--11-|--11--14--12--11--12-|--14--12--14--12--11-|
D|12----12--12--12--12-|12----12--12--12--12-|12----12--12--12--12-|12----12--12--12--12-|
A|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
E|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
   A  G  C  E  G  E     C  G  C  G  C  A     A  G  C  E  G  E     C  G  C  G  C  A

Main Riff – Pattern 3

Climbing Section – Repeat 2x

Moving Up the Neck

e|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
B|--12--15--13--12--13-|--15--13--15--13--12-|--12--15--13--12--13-|--15--13--15--13--12-|
G|14----14--14--14--14-|14----14--14--14--14-|14----14--14--14--14-|14----14--14--14--14-|
D|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
A|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
E|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
   D  A  D  G  A  G     F# G  F# G  F# D     D  A  D  G  A  G     F# G  F# G  F# D

Main Riff – Pattern 4 (Resolution)

Final Pattern – Repeat 2x then to verse

Return to Opening Position

e|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
B|--12--15--13--12--13-|--15--13--15--13--12-|---------------------|---------------------|
G|14----14--14--14--14-|14----14--14--14--14-|--11--14--12--11--12-|--14--12--14--12--11-|
D|---------------------|---------------------|12----12--12--12--12-|12----12--12--12--12-|
A|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
E|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
   D  A  D  G  A  G     F# G  F# G  F# D     A  G  C  E  G  E     C  G  C  G  C  A

Essential Playing Tips

Use alternate picking throughout for consistency and speed
Start slowly at 60-70 BPM and gradually build up to 122 BPM
Keep your picking hand relaxed – tension kills tone and speed
Let notes ring slightly for that signature Sweet Child sound
Original recording is tuned down half step (Eb tuning)
Focus on clean, clear notes – this riff is all about clarity
The pattern uses only two strings at a time – master each pair
Practice with a metronome to maintain steady timing

Pro Tip: Slash often adds slight vibrato on the sustained notes during live performances. Once you master the basic pattern, experiment with subtle variations to make it your own!

1 – “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin (1971)

The greatest guitar intro of them all. A delicate arpeggio, shifting chord shapes, and the unmistakable touch of Jimmy Page. This anthemic passage defines best guitar artistry and shows exactly what makes a great guitar intro. It stands eternal among the guitar intros of all time.

Stairway to Heaven

Led Zeppelin

Acoustic Guitar Introduction

♩ = 72 BPM | Key: Am

Introduction – Part 1

Measures 1-2

Am – Am/G# – C/G – D/F# – Fmaj7

e|-------5-7-----7-|-8-----8-2-----2-|-0---------0-----|-----------------|
B|-----5-----5-----|---5-------3-----|---1---1-----1---|-----1-------1---|
G|---5---------5---|-----5-------2---|-----0---------0-|---2-------2---2-|
D|-7-------6-------|-5-------4-------|-3-------2-------|-3-----3-3-------|
A|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|

Measures 3-4

G – Am

e|-3-----3-3-----3-|-3-----3-3-------|-0-1-0-----0-----|-------0-1-0-----|
B|-0-----0-0-----0-|-1-----1-1---1-3-|---------3---1-3-|-1-1-3-------3-1-|
G|-0-----0-0-----0-|-0-----0-0-2-----|-----------------|-----------------|
D|-0-----0-0-----0-|-2-----2-2-------|-----------------|-----------------|
A|-2-----2-2-----2-|-0-----0-0-------|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3-----3-3-----3-|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|

Introduction – Part 2

Measures 5-6

Am – Am/G# – C/G – D/F# – Fmaj7

e|-------5-7-----7-|-8-----8-2-----2-|-0---------0-----|-----------------|
B|-----5-----5-----|---5-------3-----|---1---1-----1---|-----1-------1---|
G|---5---------5---|-----5-------2---|-----0---------0-|---2-------2---2-|
D|-7-------6-------|-5-------4-------|-3-------2-------|-3-----3-3-------|
A|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|

Measures 7-8

G – Am

e|-3-----3-3-----3-|-3-----3-3-------|-------0---------|-----------------|
B|-0-----0-0-----0-|-1-----1-1---1---|-----1---1-------|-----------------|
G|-0-----0-0-----0-|-0-----0-0-2---2-|---2-------2-----|-----------------|
D|-0-----0-0-----0-|-2-----2-2-------|-----------------|-----------------|
A|-2-----2-2-----2-|-0-----0-0-------|-0---------------|-----------------|
E|-3-----3-3-----3-|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|

Playing Tips

Use fingerpicking for better note articulation
Keep your thumb alternating between the bass strings
The descending chords create the characteristic chromatic progression
Practice slowly at first, focusing on clean note execution
Dynamics should be soft and gradually build throughout the intro

Why These Guitar Intros Still Matter

These intros were chosen because they shaped genres, revolutionized how we think about the electric guitar, and inspired players like Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Duane Allman, and countless others. Many of these tracks sit permanently in debates about the absolute top 10, appear in “10 best” rankings, and remain essential for any aspiring guitar player.

Whether you’re looking for the greatest guitar intros, the best ever riffs, or exploring the top 50 essential tracks to sharpen your skills, these moments prove that a masterful intro can define a song for generations.

Robson Calefi Caitano

Robson has been developing websites since 1997 and playing guitar since 1994. Over the years, he has performed on hundreds of stages with several bands and continues to live his passion for music. Currently, he plays with the band HELLDOZERS and proudly owns a collection of 18 guitars. At Picks and Guitars, Robson combines his decades of web expertise with his lifelong love for guitars to share honest reviews, tips, and inspiration for fellow musicians.

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