A great guitar intro sets the stage for something unforgettable. It grabs your attention from the first note, leaving no doubt that what follows will be iconic. It’s not just music—it’s a promise of what’s to come.
The guitar’s role in shaping music is unmatched. Its raw power and melodic depth give songs their edge, adding texture and emotion. Even in genres outside rock, the guitar’s brilliance elevates tracks to a whole new level.
This list celebrates 15 of the greatest guitar intros ever made. From the electrifying to the soulful, these openings have left a permanent mark on music history. Let’s dive in.
Graham Coxon – “Freakin’ Out”
Graham Coxon’s “Freakin’ Out” starts with a riff that demands your attention. It’s bold, powerful, and sets the tone for the rest of the track. The sound feels like it’s ripping through the air, creating an almost tangible energy.
This song pays homage to punk and post-punk rock. The hook feels reminiscent of something The Jam could have embraced, though Coxon’s unique flair makes it unmistakably his own. It’s a dynamic blend of nostalgia and originality.
With “Freakin’ Out,” Coxon captures longing and intensity in equal measure. The opening riff alone is a masterclass in building anticipation and delivering impact.
The Yardbirds – “Heart Full of Soul”
The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul” almost took a very different path. Producer Giorgio Gomelsky initially wanted to feature a sitar after hearing the song’s demo. However, the results didn’t hit the mark, leaving the band to rethink their approach.
Jeff Beck wasn’t one to back down. Instead of abandoning the idea, he used a fuzzbox to mimic the sitar’s exotic tone. The result brought a distinct Indian-inspired sound into the mix, adding depth and originality to the track.
While fans of the sitar had to wait for The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood” or The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It, Black,” this song laid early groundwork. It showcased how innovation and persistence could push musical boundaries.
Bloc Party – “Helicopter”
“Helicopter” by Bloc Party wastes no time making an impression. Its opening hook pulses with energy, grabbing listeners with its sharp, kinetic edge. The riff feels aggressive yet controlled, setting the stage for the song’s urban and dynamic vibe.
The track has a cinematic rush that mirrors the chaos of a helicopter’s flight. Its rhythm drives forward relentlessly, bouncing with a sense of urgency. It’s as if the music itself is in constant motion, refusing to stay grounded.
As one of the standout hooks of the early 2000s, “Helicopter” captures a sound both fresh and commanding. Its unyielding momentum makes it a defining track of its era.
Suede – “Animal Nitrate”
Suede’s debut album stands as one of the greatest of the 1990s. It’s a record packed with boldness, style, and an unrelenting energy that shines in every track. “Animal Nitrate” captures the spirit of this album, delivering a sharp and unforgettable sound.
The partnership between Bernard Butler and Brett Anderson was the backbone of Suede’s early success. After creating two iconic albums together, Butler departed to pursue solo projects. Despite their separation, the chemistry on “Animal Nitrate” remains unparalleled.
When Suede disbanded, Anderson and Butler reunited to form The Tears. However, their later efforts couldn’t recapture the raw brilliance of “Animal Nitrate” or the magic of their early work. The song remains a defining moment in their legacy.
Led Zeppelin – “The Song Remains The Same”
“The Song Remains The Same” began as an instrumental, but Robert Plant had other plans. His unexpected falsetto turned the track into something unforgettable, layering powerful vocals over John Bonham’s thunderous drum rhythms.
Over the years, Plant’s voice evolved, and by 2007, he had to lower the song’s key during performances. Even so, the track’s energy and impact never wavered, with its iconic opening riff still packing a punch.
This Led Zeppelin classic showcases their ability to blend raw power with inventive melodies. It’s a testament to their talent that even with changes, the song remains as dynamic and enduring as ever.
Jimi Hendrix – “Voodoo Chile”
“Voodoo Chile” is a masterclass in guitar artistry. Hendrix’s riffs simmer and sizzle, transforming what begins as a simple rock tune into something complex and mesmerizing. It hints at the progressive rock movement that would dominate the 1970s.
The song thrives on its rich atmosphere, a blend of raw energy and improvisation. Hendrix’s performance feels almost otherworldly, with his guitar work captivating both the eager crowd and the listeners beyond the stage.
As the audience poured their energy into the performance, Hendrix fed off it, using the moment to explore and innovate. “Voodoo Chile” became more than a song—it was a live, evolving experience.
Derek & The Dominos – “Layla”
“Layla” is as much about its emotion as its legendary composition. The track’s iconic piano section creates a haunting beauty, with two guitars weaving a rich, layered sound around it. Together, they form a tapestry that feels both impulsive and intentional.
The song’s piano-driven climax is so powerful it could have stood alone. Yet, the interplay of instruments gives “Layla” its soul, making it a masterwork of collaboration. Each note resonates with intensity and passion.
Its impact goes beyond music, famously featured in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas. While the film moment adds weight to the song’s legacy, “Layla” remains unforgettable on its own merits—a timeless piece of storytelling through sound.
The Clash – “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
The power of “Should I Stay or Should I Go” lies in its dynamic structure. As the guitar fades, the drums take charge, driving the song forward with relentless energy. It’s a perfect example of how Topper Headon’s drumming anchored the band’s sound.
Headon’s importance to The Clash cannot be overstated. His rhythmic foundation brought the song to life, and without him, the band’s core was shaken. His departure had a lasting impact on the band’s future.
By the time The Clash recorded Cut The Crap, the band’s chemistry had changed. With both Headon and Mick Jones gone, the album lacked the spark of their earlier work, earning it a less-than-flattering reputation.
George Harrison – “What Is Life?”
The opening riff of “What Is Life?” is an unforgettable statement of musical power. It captures the essence of George Harrison’s love and longing, while also paying tribute to the vibrant sound of Motown. The riff alone sets the stage for the song’s success.
But it’s not just the guitar that makes the track shine. The strings and brass that follow enrich the song, adding layers of depth and emotion. They complement the hook, giving the song a full, rich sound that elevates it to new heights.
Harrison, with Eric Clapton by his side, crafted a guitar hook that would resonate forever. Acknowledging the limitations of his voice, Harrison lets his guitar do the talking, channeling all the passion and emotion through the instrument rather than his words.
Thin Lizzy – “Whiskey In The Jar”
Thin Lizzy’s early days were rooted in the power trio style, heavily influenced by bands like Jimi Hendrix and Cream. But by the 1970s, they had transformed into a guitar-dueling force, showcasing their evolving sound. “Whiskey In The Jar” helped define that shift.
The song itself wasn’t groundbreaking, but it had a unique appeal. The Irish drinking anthem’s themes of highway robbery and rebellion resonated with listeners, and the guitar work brought it to life. Eric Bell’s guitar hook was especially striking, cutting through the mix with raw energy.
While Phil Lynott contributed with acoustic guitar, it was Bell’s pummeling riff that made the track memorable. The hook created an unforgettable entrance, helping the song find its place in Thin Lizzy’s legacy.
Arctic Monkeys – “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor”
When Arctic Monkeys released “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” skeptics were quick to dismiss the hype. Yet, the song proved them wrong, achieving record-breaking sales and securing a lasting place in music history.
The track’s success didn’t just lie in its commercial appeal—it revived guitar-driven music at a time when it seemed to be fading. Its raw energy and catchy hooks helped it become a cultural touchstone.
As time passed, the song’s importance only grew. It became a defining moment for both Arctic Monkeys and the resurgence of guitar rock, solidifying its status as a must-listen anthem.
Chuck Berry – “Johnny B. Goode”
“Johnny B. Goode” would be unimaginable without Chuck Berry’s iconic guitar lead. His fiery riffs are so deeply embedded in the song that it’s hard to imagine the track without them. They laid the foundation for an entire era of rock music.
Berry’s guitar playing was scorching and revolutionary, setting a dangerous and thrilling tone for rock. It was more than just a sound—it was a bold statement that redefined the genre.
The significance of the song is underscored by John Lennon’s words, who famously said that another name for rock and roll could be Chuck Berry. Berry’s influence was undeniable, and “Johnny B. Goode” became a pivotal moment in rock history.
The Kinks – “You Really Got Me”
For years, people believed Jimmy Page was behind the iconic riff of “You Really Got Me,” but it was actually Dave Davies. The riff’s raw, electrifying energy grabs you instantly, making it clear why the track captured the attention of legends like Pete Townshend and Ozzy Osbourne.
The song’s primal force is undeniable, setting the stage for countless rock acts to follow. Eddie Van Halen’s take on the intro in a live performance was impressive, but it lacked the same gritty edge that made Davies’ version so iconic.
“You Really Got Me” wasn’t just a hit—it was a game-changer. It’s often credited with virtually inventing heavy metal, a testament to its revolutionary sound that still influences music today.
Prince – “Purple Rain”
Prince was known for his extraordinary performance skills, but his guitar mastery often took center stage. His stunning tribute to Eric Clapton at George Harrison’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction was one example of his prowess.
However, it was on the title track of Purple Rain that Prince’s guitar work truly shone. His playing cascaded in a brilliant eruption, infusing the song with raw energy.
The guitar in “Purple Rain” became a driving force, propelling the song’s emotional depth and diversity. It’s a moment where Prince’s musicianship transcends the usual expectations, elevating the track to an unforgettable level.
The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”
Keith Richards took center stage on “Gimme Shelter,” playing all of the guitars and possibly the bass as well. His contributions made the track a one-man showcase of his distinctive style.
Onstage, Ronnie Wood would take over the second guitar, adding depth to the track’s rich sound. This allowed Richards to focus on the jangly, unforgettable intro that instantly grabs the listener’s attention.
The result is a track that highlights Richards’ genius, with the perfect balance of his electrifying guitar work and the support of Wood’s stage presence. “Gimme Shelter” stands as a testament to the power of simplicity and precision in rock music.