There was a time when the guitar was the mightiest instrument in rock and roll. It was so widely respected that artists were able to create music using only the guitar and supporting instruments, no vocals. Guitar songs are a showcase of not only the ability of the player but they highlight the versatility of the guitar as an instrument for rhythm, melody, and complex music creation.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Guitar songs had a very nice run, and I am just speculating here, from the late ’60s until the early ’00s. Before we get in deeper, when I say guitar songs, I am talking about songs written solely as an instrumental guitar piece. In this article, we are going to delve into 20 great guitar songs from both instrumental-based guitar players and guitar players from established rock bands.
As usual, this list is in no particular order and it is FAR from exhaustive. This list could probably go into the thousands because there are countless songs out there that qualify. Here, we are simply trying to introduce readers who may not be familiar with the genre to some options to get them started listening to guitar songs. As always, please be sure to comment on our social media pages with your favorite picks and who you think should be on this list. Let’s get on with it!
Table of contents
- 20 Great Guitar Songs To Get You Started
- Steve Vai – Tender Surrender
- Stevie Ray Vaughan – Little Wing
- Eddie Van Halen – Eruption
- Joe Satriani – Always With Me, Always With You
- Shut Up N’ Play Yer Guitar – Frank Zappa
- Santana – Europa
- Nick Johnston – Atomic Mind
- Lari Basilio – Violet
- Greg Howe – Kick it all Over
- Stevie Ray Vaughan – Lenny
- David Gilmour – Raise My Rent
- Santana – Samba Pa Ti
- Joe Satriani – Flying In a Blue Dream
- Steve Vai – For The Love of God
- Stevie Ray Vaughan – Scuttle Buttin’
- Yngwie Malmsteen – Guardian Angel
- Gary Moore-The Prophet
- Neal Schon – Blues For Miles
- Tony MacAlpine – Tears of Sahara
- George Lynch – I Will Remember
- Conclusion
20 Great Guitar Songs To Get You Started
Steve Vai – Tender Surrender
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Little Wing
Eddie Van Halen – Eruption
Joe Satriani – Always With Me, Always With You
Shut Up N’ Play Yer Guitar – Frank Zappa
Santana – Europa
Nick Johnston – Atomic Mind
Lari Basilio – Violet
Greg Howe – Kick it all Over
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Lenny
David Gilmour – Raise My Rent
Santana – Samba Pa Ti
Joe Satriani – Flying In a Blue Dream
Steve Vai – For The Love of God
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Scuttle Buttin’
Yngwie Malmsteen – Guardian Angel
Gary Moore-The Prophet
Neal Schon – Blues For Miles
Tony MacAlpine – Tears of Sahara
George Lynch – I Will Remember
Conclusion
There are so many more guitar players and genres we could have included on this list, but we’re leaving it up to you to complete this list. Comment on X, Facebook, MeWe and beyond with your favorite songs that feature only guitar and no vocals. What makes guitar songs so great is the passion and virtuosity these players pour into their instruments. Here’s hoping this genre makes a strong comeback!
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