# Your favorite guitar parts in rock music **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 20, 2011, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964 "2011-09-20T16:59:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/41 "2011-09-21T14:17:44Z")
> [@Labdad](#): > > Exactly - seems hard to grasp today if you weren’t around in those days, but rock music and especially rock guitar was evolving at warp speed in those days! When you think how much happened just between 1965 and 1967 - and we hadn’t _heard_ Hendrix yet! This is exactly why I compare rock music to the internet today - both are the vehicle through which kids rebel against their parents (and which parents are afraid of) - and both went through explosive innovation in a very compressed period of time. The rules got established, broken, clarified and re-established in about 10 years. Keep on rockin’ on the internet…or something. ---
**Author:** ![cjepson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/42 "2011-09-21T15:51:49Z")
> [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](#): > > One that sticks out in my mind is the stop-time break that precedes Martin Barre’s main guitar solo in Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung.” Martin Barre did some great stuff, especially on the early LPs. One that really stands out to me is the end of “Back to the Family”… there’s also some spine-chilling guitar on “We Used to Know”. (Both from _Stand Up._) ---
**Author:** ![WreckingCrew](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wreckingcrew/32/4080_2.png) [@WreckingCrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WreckingCrew)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/43 "2011-09-21T15:54:05Z")
How about this for a curve ball - Phil Spector’s little solo in “On Broadway”. Not that Phil is anyone’s idea of a guitar god, but that simple riff just sums up the phrase “cause I can play this here guitar.” Also, Danny Cedrone on “Rock Around the Clock” and Ron Wood chooglin away on “Stay With Me.” ---
**Author:** ![cjepson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/44 "2011-09-21T15:58:15Z")
> [@Johnny\_Q](#): > > The solo from [Baby’s On Fire](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMt1Oy5uQ0w) is pretty awesome. By Robert Fripp, whom I wanted to make sure got mentioned in this thread. He’s my favorite guitarist and has contributed lots of incredible guitar parts… the first one that came to mind right now is the solo in “[The Night Watch](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlsAjke94Xc)”, from _Starless and Bible Black_. (It starts around 2:48.) ---
**Author:** ![BigShooter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f07891/32.png) [@BigShooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigShooter)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/45 "2011-09-21T17:47:35Z")
There’s just so many, but if I had to pick one - one guitar riff or solo that inspired me more than any other - it would have to be something from AC/DC. So with that in mind, I’m picking [Let There Be Rock](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbImaMM3qT4). Any of the guitar solos would qualify, but what really got to me about it when I first heard it was the rhythm guitar in the solo sections. Malcolm Young locks in so well with the drums, it’s almost like he’s another percussion instrument. Love the audible clicks he makes in between his chord strikes. Still gives me chills… ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Chicago](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Dr\_Chicago](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Chicago)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/46 "2011-09-21T18:18:58Z")
I’m not even going to try to rank, so here’s something I just like: Explosions in the Sky’s Birth and Death of the Day. A little over halfway through, that was my first ‘get chills’ moment from a rock song. And then the opening, is like capturing (rather than evoking) awe. (Ok, so I’m young, still picking up a lot of music…:rolleyes:) ---
**Author:** ![SiXSwordS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@SiXSwordS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SiXSwordS)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/47 "2011-09-21T18:36:00Z")
Pretty much everything on Old Brown Shoe On a very different note: Pantera’s Cemetery Gates. I love Dimebag Darrell’s solo, but the rhythm guitar coming out of it is heavy metal gold. ---
**Author:** ![lisiate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f05b48/32.png) [@lisiate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisiate)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/48 "2011-09-21T21:54:52Z")
The fills in _Desolation Row_, which Wikipedia informs are the work of [Charlie McCoy](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_McCoy). Each little piece is unique and complements Dylan’s lyrics so well that the eleven minute song never drags at all. If that doesn’t count as rock music, Vernon Reid’s riff from _Cult of Personality_. ---
**Author:** ![akrako1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c77e96/32.png) [@akrako1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akrako1)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/49 "2011-09-21T22:16:25Z")
definitely second the Maggot Brain. Eddie Hazel at his best. I’d also have to nominate the guitar solo from the Byrds “Change Is Now” and of course, any part of any version of Interstellar Overdrive… Lou Reed’s guitar solo from the La Cave '68 version of What Goes On. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2011, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/50 "2011-09-21T22:47:29Z")
> [@JessMagic](#): > > The start of Marquee Moon by Television. So simple, but the way the two guitars compliment each other is fantastic. Pretty much any song on that entire album. And there’s also the guitar solo of “Marquee Moon” which is one of my all-time favorites. Sleater-Kinney is also great for that intertwining-guitar approach to songwriting. They remind me very much of Television in this way. ---
**Author:** ![OpalCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8edcca/32.png) [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2011, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/51 "2011-09-22T03:09:50Z")
> [@awldune](#): > > The song “Is There Anybody Out There”: > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNLhxKpfCnA&feature=player\_detailpage#t=85s](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNLhxKpfCnA&feature=player_detailpage#t=85s) > > Totally different song, although both are great. Indeed this is the song I meant. It’s simple, I know, but it’s perfect. ---
**Author:** ![JessMagic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c0e974/32.png) [@JessMagic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JessMagic)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2011, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/52 "2011-09-22T04:01:13Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Pretty much any song on that entire album. And there’s also the guitar solo of “Marquee Moon” which is one of my all-time favorites. Sleater-Kinney is also great for that intertwining-guitar approach to songwriting. They remind me very much of Television in this way. Although I was referring to the title track, I agree the whole album is great for guitars bouncing off each other (I’m sure there’s a more suitable way of describing it, but I’m just not that eloquent). S-K? Not familiar with their work. I might dip my toe in… ---
**Author:** ![Philliam](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/philliam/32/3011_2.png) [@Philliam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philliam)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2011, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/53 "2011-09-22T04:29:50Z")
> [@Labdad](#): > > Robin Trower on “The Milk of Human Kindness” off Procol Harum’s _A Salty Dog_. > Jeff Beck’s solo in the middle of “Shapes of Things” by the Yardbirds (like **Crotalus** said, it’s hard to reduce to a handful, but this was the first electric guitar solo that made me shiver!) > Keith Richard’s solo on “Sympathy for the Devil.” > Mick Taylor on “Midnight Rambler” from _Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out_. > Peter Green on Fleetwood Mac’s “The Green Manalishi.” > Duane Allman after the crescendo of “Whippin’ Post” off _The Allman Brothers Band_. > Lowell George’s slide on “Oh Atlanta” from _Waiting for Columbus_. > Eric Clapton on “Crossroads.” > John Cipollina all the way through “Who Do You Love” off _Happy Trails_ by Quicksilker Messenger Service. > > I’ll stop now… Labdad be hittin’ the note pretty good… a few more from these cats - Jeff Beck “Because We Ended as Lovers” from ‘Blow by Blow’. Mick Taylor on “Stop Breakin’ Down”. Greenie on “Rattlesnake Shake”. Duane’s 'second guitar ’ part on “Tell the Truth”. Eric on “Deserted Cities of the Heart”. John Cipollina/Gary Duncan on “The Fool” ---
**Author:** ![BaneSidhe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@BaneSidhe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BaneSidhe)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2011, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/54 "2011-09-22T05:12:16Z")
All of Mark Knofler’s work on the title track for “Brothers in Arms” puts cold shivers up my back, as does the outro of “Comfortably Numb.” Also, the live version of “Hysteria” from Def Leppard…whuff. There’s more probably but I can’t think of 'em right now. ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2011, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/55 "2011-09-22T07:40:22Z")
[Allman Brothers - _Dreams_](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwxsF9FCE0Q) Starting around 1:33 and running forever, but somehow, still not long enough. Probably already posted, but here’s another: [_My Sharona_, by The Knack](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1T71PGd-J0) Starting around 2:40. It’s a fun party tune, and then the solo kicks in. Not hauntingly beautiful like the \*Dreams \*guitar work, but a great, exhilarating roller-coaster ride. [_Can’t You See_, by the Marshall Tucker Band](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikOqJ8qYoMw) The whole damn song. Tasteful, restrained, and heartfelt like a great blues tune. Toy wasn’t an immensely gifted guitarist, I suppose, but his own voice and limitations gave him sound all his own, overcoming any physical limitations and turning them to a strength. ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Clanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@Small\_Clanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Clanger)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2011, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/56 "2011-09-22T11:47:36Z")
Frank Zappa: [Watermelon in Easter Hay](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_F36BafKis) I’ll add to the usual Gilmour stuff the first solo in Dogs (and the rest of it) and the outro to Sheep. The repeating riff from [Pleasant Valley Sunday](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUzs5dlLrm0). Sue me. ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2011, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/57 "2011-09-22T13:39:36Z")
I’d like to add a couple of my favorite dual-guitar interplays: Duane Allman and Dicky Betts on “Blue Sky,” and Peter Green and Danny Kirwan on “Coming Your Way” off Fleetwood Mac’s _Then Play On_, and their amazing call and response on “Like It This Way,” found on the Live at the Boston Tea Party recordings, and to a lesser extent on _Fleetwood Mac in Chicago_. Danny Kirwan doesn’t get enough love, imho. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2011, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/58 "2011-09-22T13:58:50Z")
The guitar intro played by Mick Ronson on “Ziggy Stardust” The ending of “Far Beyond The Sun” by Yngwie. Pretty much anything by Gilmour…how about the solo to “Another Brick In The Wall Part 2”? Its iconic. I can whistle that note for note. Someone else mentioned “Cemetary Gates”…good stuff! The simple chugging riff on the Foo Fighters “All My Life” intro. “Eruption” by Eddie. ---
**Author:** ![Philliam](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/philliam/32/3011_2.png) [@Philliam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philliam)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2011, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/59 "2011-09-23T18:51:37Z")
> [@Labdad](#): > > I’d like to add a couple of my favorite dual-guitar interplays: > > Duane Allman and Dicky Betts on “Blue Sky,” and Peter Green and Danny Kirwan on “Coming Your Way” off Fleetwood Mac’s _Then Play On_, and their amazing call and response on “Like It This Way,” found on the Live at the Boston Tea Party recordings, and to a lesser extent on _Fleetwood Mac in Chicago_. > > Danny Kirwan doesn’t get enough love, imho. Did I ever sit in on one of your gigs? Can’t leave out the triple-guitar war of “Searching for Madge/Fighting for Madge” by Greenie/Kirwan/Spencer on ‘Then Play On’. Or Harvey Mandel blowing through “Midnight Sun II”, “Leavin’ Trunk” and the rideout of “Wade In the Water”. To paraphrase Miles - ‘Cat can play’. ---
**Author:** ![Moe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moe/32/2972_2.png) [@Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moe)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2011, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964/60 "2011-09-30T21:26:01Z")
> [@AndyPolley](#): > > Ahem…“Tales from _Topographic_ Oceans” You sir, get a music geek demerit. 😉 > > Speaking of Steve Howe, I love the soaring solos of the Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe song “Brother of Mine.” This album gets left out of a lot of Yes discussions, but Howe’s electric lead guitars are really among his best here. Perhaps he was a little jealous of Trevor Rabin at the time and wanted to show him up at his own game. Oops, forgot to check back here. (I’ve been moving apartments all week). However, I wear my demerit with pride. (Actually it’s been at least 5 years since I’ve heard the album, probably more). So many moments where I just love what he does on the guitar, though mostly not riffs. More the little fills, and melodic counter melodies, or the unplugged nylon-string sections. Personally, I’ll take Howe over Rabin any day. Oh, did anyone mention Hendrix’s “Third Stone from the Sun”? Gotta be one of the most classic and oft quoted guitar melodies in rock. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-guitar-parts-in-rock-music/596964.md?page=4)