This isn't about a specific artist, band, or album; rather, it's about the enduring power of certain songs to captivate guitarists and audiences alike. We've compiled a list of the best songs to request a guitarist play, a collection that transcends genre and speaks to the universal appeal of the instrument. From the heartfelt vulnerability of a ballad that speaks of enduring love to the raw energy of grunge anthems and the soaring heights of stadium rock classics, this selection showcases the breadth and depth of what a skilled guitarist can achieve. This list is designed to celebrate the iconic moments in music history that have inspired countless guitarists and continue to resonate with listeners today.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or simply appreciate a great performance, you'll find something here to move you. This isn't just a list of songs; it's a journey through decades of musical innovation, highlighting the timeless quality of certain pieces that remain captivating and relevant. Prepare to rediscover the magic of the electric guitar through songs that have defined generations and continue to inspire awe. From the delicate fingerpicking to the blistering solos, these songs prove the lasting impact a great guitar performance can have, reminding us why the instrument remains at the heart of so much beloved music.
1Thinking out Loud
Ed Sheeran
2014
x (Deluxe Edition)
2November Rain
Guns N' Roses
1991
Use Your Illusion I
3Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana
1991
Nevermind (Remastered)
4What's Up?
4 Non Blondes
1992
Bigger, Better, Faster, More !
5Sweet Child O' Mine
Guns N' Roses
1987
Appetite For Destruction
6Back In Black
AC/DC
1980
Back In Black
7I'm Yours
Jason Mraz
2008
We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
8Wonderwall
Oasis
1995
(What's The Story) Morning Glory? (Deluxe Remastered Edition)
9Hotel California
Eagles
1976
Hotel California (2013 Remaster)
10Hey Jude
The Beatles
1968
With The Beatles (Remastered)
11Imagine
John Lennon
1971
Imagine
12House of the Rising Sun
The Animals
1964
The Animals
13Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
1975
Wish You Were Here
14Wake Me up When September Ends
Green Day
2004
American Idiot
15Let It Be
The Beatles
1970
Let It Be (Remastered)
16Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin
1971
Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)
17American Pie
Don McLean
1971
American Pie
18Tears in Heaven
Eric Clapton
1992
Rush (Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack)
19Brown Eyed Girl
Van Morrison
1967
Blowin' Your Mind!
20Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd
1974
Second Helping (Expanded Edition)
21Unchained Melody
The Righteous Brothers
1965
Just Once In My Life
22Yesterday
The Beatles
1965
Help! (Remastered)
23Black Dog
Led Zeppelin
1971
Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)
24Blackbird
The Beatles
1968
The Beatles (Remastered)
25Hey Joe
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
1966
26Free Bird
Lynyrd Skynyrd
1973
Pronounced' Leh-'Nerd 'Skin-'Nerd
27Redemption Song
Bob Marley
1980
28Layla
Derek and the Dominos
1970