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WMMR’s Top 100 Guitar Songs, according to Rolling Stone Weekend
Monday, June 09, 2008 @ 4:30 PM :: 4084 Views :: 101 Comments ::

:: WMMR General

The 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time

1. "Johnny B. Goode," Chuck Berry

2. "Purple Haze," The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

3. "Crossroads" Cream (1968)

4. "You Really Got Me" The Kinks (1964)

5. "Brown Sugar" The Rolling Stones (1971)

6. "Eruption" Van Halen (1978)

7. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" The Beatles (1968)

8. "Stairway to Heaven" Led Zepplin (1971)

9. "Statesboro Blues" The Allman Brothers Band (1971)

10. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Nirvana (1991)

11. "Whole Lotta Love" Led Zeppelin (1969)

12. "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968)

13. "Layla" Derek and the Dominos (1970)

14. "Born to Run" Bruce Springsteen (1975)

15. "My Generation" The Who (1965)

16. "Cowgirl in the Sand" Neil Young with Crazy Horse (1969)

17. "Black Sabbath" Black Sabbath (1970)

18. "Blitzkrieg Bop" Ramones (1976)

19. "Purple Rain" Prince and the Revolution (1984)

20. "People Get Ready" The Impressions (1965)

21. "Seven Nation Army" The White Stripes (2003)

22. "A Hard Day's Night" The Beatles (1964)

23. "Over Under Sideways Down" The Yardbirds (1966)

24. "Killing In The Name Of" Rage Against The Machine (1992)

25. "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" The Rolling Stones (1971)

26. "How Blue Can you Get" B.B. King (1965)

27. "Look Over Yonders Wall" The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (1965)

28. "Where the Streets Have No Name" U2 (1987)

29. "Back in Black" AC/DC (1980)

30. "(We're Gonna) Rock Around the Clock" Bill Haley and His Comets (1954)

31. "Keep Yourself Alive" Queen (1973)

32. "Sultans of Swing" Dire Straits (1978)

33. "Master of Puppets" Metallica (1986)

34. "Walk This Way" Aerosmith (1975)

35. "1969" The Stooges (1969)

36. "Interstellar Overdrive" Pink Floyd (1967)

37. "That's All Right" Elvis Presley (1954)

38. "Stay With Me" The Faces (1971)

39. "Black Magic Woman" Santana (1970)

40. "I Can See for Miles" The Who (1967)

41. "Marquee Moon" Television (1977)

42. "Hideaway" John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers (1966)

43. "Holidays in the Sun" The Sex Pistols (1977)

44. "Dig Me Out" Sleater-Kinne (1997)

45. "I Saw Her Standing There" The Beatles (1963)

46. "Miserlou" Dick Dale and the Del-Tones (1962)

47. "Panama" Van Halen (1984)

48. "London Calling" The Clash (1980)

49. "Machine Gun" Jimi Hendrix (1970)

50. "Debaser" Pixies (1989)

51. "Crazy Train" Ozzy Osbourne (1981)

52. "My Iron Lung" Radiohead (1995)

53. "Born on the Bayou" Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

54. "Little Wing" Stevie Ray Vaughan (1991)

55. "White Room" Cream (1968)

56. "Eight Miles High" The Byrds (1966)

57. "Dark Star" Grateful Dead (1969)

58. "Rumble" Link Wray (1958)

59. "Freeway Jam" Jeff Beck (1975)

60. "Maggot Brain" Funkadelic (1971)

61. "Soul Man" Sam and Dave (1967)

62. "Born Under a Bad Sign" Albert King (1967)

63. "Sweet Child O' Mine" Guns n' Roses (1987)

64. "Freebird" Lyrnyrd Skynyrd (1973)

65. "Message in a Bottle" The Police (1979)

66. "Texas Flood" Stevie Ray Vaughan (1983)

67. "Adam Raised a Cain" Bruce Springsteen (1978)

68. "The Thrill is Gone" B.B. King (1969)

69. "Money" Pink Floyd (1973)

70. "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" Smashing Pumpkins (1995)

71. "Take It or Leave It" The Strokes (2001)

72. "Say It Ain't So" Weezer (1994)

73. "Summertime Blues" Blue Cheer (1968)

74. "La Grange" ZZ Top (1973)

75. "Willie the Pimp" Frank Zappa (1969)

76. "American Girl" Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976)

77. "Even Flow" Pearl Jam (1991)

78. "Stone Crazy" Buddy Guy (1970)

79. "Silver Rocket" Sonic Youth (1988)

80. "Kid Charlemagne" Steely Dan (1976)

81. "Beat It" Michael Jackson (1982)

82. "Walk — Don't Run" The Ventures (1960)

83. "What I Got" Sublime (1996)

84. "Gravity" John Mayer (2006)

85. "You Enjoy Myself" Phish (1988)

86. "I Ain't Superstitious" Jeff Beck (1968)

87. "Red" King Crimson (1974)

88. "Mona" Quicksilver Messenger Service (1969)

89. "I Love Rock N Roll" Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (1981)

90. "How Soon Is Now?" The Smiths (1985)

91. "Drunkship of Lanterns" The Mars Volta (2003)

92. "Memo from Turner" Mick Jagger (1970)

93. "Only Shallow" My Bloody Valentine (1991)

94. "Money for Nothing" Dire Straits (1984)

95. "Omaha" Moby Grape (1967)

96. "New Day Rising" Husker Du (1985)

97. "No One Knows" Queens of the Stone Age (2002)

98. "Under the Bridge" Red Hot Chili Peppers (1991)

99. "Run Thru" My Morning Jacket (2003)

100. "Vicarious" Tool (2006)

Comments

By P C @ Monday, June 09, 2008 4:48 PM

"Johnny B. Goode," Chuck Berry at #1. Yeah right...

By Rhys @ Monday, June 09, 2008 4:49 PM

Smells Like Teen Spirit shouldn't be before Whole Lotta Love. That's not cool.

By Rico @ Monday, June 09, 2008 6:39 PM

Where's Boston's "More Than A Feeling"? A great guitar song is one that has a great riff and when it's played you immediately identify the song. Not even in the top 100 is an F'ing JOKE!

ByDoug Black @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:02 AM

Can't complain about anything here....I'm just excited MMR will be playing the Mars Volta! Yay!

By Bill Weston @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:42 AM

It should be an 'eclectic' and electric weekend of music. PLease keep listening when we play one of those songs you've never heard before! Hope you guys enjoy it, overall.

By david @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 9:39 AM

I think whiskey in jar by metallica and fear of the dark by Iron maiden should be there but the list is great can't wait listen it

By Mike @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 12:07 PM

I have two things here. First, seven nation army...my f-ing 5 year old nephew can play that flawlessly! Second, I'm very suprised to see MMR playing the Mars Volta. How about they throw a little At the Drive In on here?

By Brian @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 12:14 PM

This list isn't bad but Stevie Ray should have least broke the top 50, one of the best players of our time.

By Aaron @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 8:01 PM

Just happy to see "How Soon Is Now?" at #90. It may not have the "raw guitar" of VH or Jimi, but there's just something about the guitar in that song that strikes a chord inside me. I feel vindicated for including it in my Perfect 10 last year. :-)

By PeteyPete @ Tuesday, June 10, 2008 10:48 PM

Why not no Dimebag Darrell/Pantera's Walk that should definately be on the list.

By phillyfan @ Wednesday, June 11, 2008 9:47 AM

What about Ride the Lighting? I know its not popular anymore, but it has to be one of the best guitar solos ever. Also what enter sandman? the riff from that song is amazing.

By Chris @ Wednesday, June 11, 2008 10:42 AM

What about "Wanted Dead Or Alive" HELLO!!! Every guy I know has tried to play it on their guitar at least once. Man, I hate Rolling Stone.

By thisismyname.com @ Wednesday, June 11, 2008 10:47 AM

Hello? The Spirit of Radio?!?! Not a single Rush tune at all on the list. Wow...just wow.

By yaker @ Wednesday, June 11, 2008 5:51 PM

ummm, how bout "hotel california," "beat up guitar"? i can name so many more songs better then some there..

By alex @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 1:32 AM

i was real surprised that comfortably numb isnt on here. its only one of the greatest guitar solos ever in my opinion

By JACKYBAMBAM @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 2:02 AM

This is gonna be GREAT..A variety of Rawk N Roll..And in honor of Father's Day "The Father Of Us All". Mr. Chuck "Making Merry" Berry..His guitar will ring like a bell and my radio will be cranked on MMR!!!..

By Rick K. @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 9:44 AM

How could they leave out "Carry that Weight" by the Beatles and "Hotel California"by the Eagles ??? ... There are many on this list that should not be here! ...I'll be listening as always...

Bywmmrman @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 9:59 AM

"WHAT" NO VAN HALLEN HOT FOR TEACHER ??? COME ON....

Bywmmrman @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 11:06 AM

ALSO AC/DC THUNDER STRUCK A LEFT HANDED SOLO "ON THE NECK" STARTS THIS ONE...

By marty priller @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:28 PM

No "Bridge of sighs by Robin Trower????.... bummer, but looking forward to hearing Maggot Brain and Machine Gun!!!! OH YEAH

By Eric H @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:56 PM

MY MORNING JACKET and SLEATER KINNEY on WMMR, AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Rushfanatic @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 4:54 PM

No Rush? Um, can we say "Spirit of Radio"?????? And with some of these obscure or lesser known bands (not to take anything away from them, mind you), but how about Some Dream Theater - as in "Pull Me Under". Or what about Maiden's "The Trooper", "Run to the Hills", "Two Minutes to Midnight" . . . I could go on for hours

By Hard rocker 4 ever @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 5:43 PM

the songs are pretty good. eruption should definiitly be up in the top 5 like it is. I am so happy that through the fire and flames insnt on the list. i hate that song and it is just like random notes. It needs more ozzy though. like Mr. crowley. mr crowley has some sick solos.

By Cerpin Taxt @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 7:31 PM

THE MARS VOLTA ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!
awesome to see on this list

By Dan @ Thursday, June 12, 2008 8:57 PM

All these top "whatever" lists are subjective. A couple of the best guitarists in the world only have one or two songs listed. And then you have clowns like Mike McCready in there. I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy some of the good nuggets I saw listed.

ByScott S. @ Friday, June 13, 2008 6:32 AM

Eric Clapton?? Robin Trower?? Rush?? Extreme?? Too many others to mention... this list and rolling stone magazine is a joke.

By darko @ Friday, June 13, 2008 7:19 AM

wow. no joe satriani either and as said, no boston or rush. "smells like teen spirit"= overrated as it is on every top whatever list.

By Mike @ Friday, June 13, 2008 9:29 AM

The list is definitely flawed. Where's all the old Metallica, Trivium, and I can't believe I'm saying this but the Outlaws? What about Triumph? This is just a weak, weak list.

By Bifaren @ Friday, June 13, 2008 10:22 AM

music is as music does.The list moves. Maybe by some cosmic coincidence some cosmic cat,perhaps the resident hippie,could grace the airwaves with the playing of "loan me a dime". Maybe.

By MArk Millar @ Friday, June 13, 2008 10:42 AM

Jonny B Good at number one? This can't be. What no Deep Purple,Queensryche,Metallica. Hmmmm Well at least it will be good to listen to most of these songs this weekend. My Radio will be on WMMR.

By susiQ @ Friday, June 13, 2008 11:18 AM

Can't believe they left off Kenny wayne shepherd and buddy guy is number 78? These are popular rock songs not greatest guitar.

By Warren @ Friday, June 13, 2008 12:45 PM

I don't think 100 slots is enough! Another notable absentee, Ted Nugent (Stranglehold!)

By Dan Quinn @ Friday, June 13, 2008 1:40 PM

I know Jimi Hendrix is represented, but no "All Along The Watchtower"? After almost 40 years you can still feel the intensity of the guitar in that performance.

By Jim H @ Friday, June 13, 2008 3:55 PM

I'm an old rocker (like Pieree - haha) but still a child in so many ways, speaking of child, how about Sweet Child of Mine by GnR? or better still, the lesser known but fabulous Child In Time by Deep Purple?? (IF U never heard this one U HAVE 2 !!)

By Joe @ Friday, June 13, 2008 4:41 PM

How the hell is freebirid not in the top 50, that's just sad

By TERRIBLE TOMMY @ Friday, June 13, 2008 4:52 PM

There are great songs on the list. Many I have never heard ,but they better be better than Ace of Spades by Motorhead, or Cat scratch Fever by Ted Nugent. No working Man by Rush WTF . Many other great songs that others already mentioned.

By Ben @ Friday, June 13, 2008 7:14 PM

Freebird 64???? Rolling Stone sucks WMMR ROCKS

By Dave @ Friday, June 13, 2008 7:35 PM

No John Petrucci from Dream Theater ? BOGUS

ByEric @ Friday, June 13, 2008 7:57 PM

This list should have been named "The 100 Most Commercially Viable Songs With A Good Guitar Hook".

By Gail @ Friday, June 13, 2008 10:01 PM

You can't please everyone......You know the line....there could be a 1,000lists,all different & still someone wouldn't be happy....ohwell,,,just sit back listen n enjoy....this IS a good list...Good Music.....

By LAURA @ Friday, June 13, 2008 11:54 PM

How did

How did they miss Heart's "Barracuda"? Everybody tries to play that when they pick up a guitar???

By DAN @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:06 AM

How about these: Achilles last stand Led Zeppelin, Blue Oyster Cult E.T.I. (Live), The Outlaws Green Grass & High Times Forever (live), Boston Foreplay(Long Time)???????????? Missed some rockin licks here.................

By Rich @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 9:57 AM

No Outlaws, Green Grass and Hide Tides? Rolling Stone has never been good at theses list. WMMR could have done a much better job if they did there own list.

By Cory Stillman @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:01 AM

The 3 best songs on here are Sweet Child O mine, Can't you hear me knockin and freebird and all 3 were nowhere near the top.

By Eric @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:08 AM

ok, so wheres the guitar?

By Kevin @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:19 AM

I always have a problem with the "...of all time" lists, last time I looked, time hadn't stopped. This list could/should have been "...of the Last 50 Years" based on the time frame they're covering. Now on to my meaningless opinion of the songs listed...John f'n Mayer makes the list, but no mention of Joe Satriani, Living Colour, Rush, or Pantera - WTF? Elvis and Chuck Berry make the list, but Nothing from Bo Diddley or Buddy Holly...? Somebody already said it in their post, but it bears repeating - Rolling Stone SUCKS...MMR ROCKS.

ByRob Hill @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 10:38 AM

Just only one Metallica song? Master of Puppets? what the hell? there were more blues and indie rock songs on the list than TRUE guitar-based bands. Yes you have AC/DC and Van Halen on there, but there is no Motley Crue, there is no Black Label Society, two Ozzy/Sabbath tunes, no Priest, none of the good hard and heavy guitar-based bands....what the hell? Who came up with the idea for this list anyways?

By ken @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 11:41 AM

Who cares about rankings.These songs all ROCK
Best programming idea MMR has done.
Keep it up

By Marc @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 12:43 PM

This list is good, most of these songs deserve it but some just shouldn't be put before the ones that didn't make the list like "fade to black" metallica or even "one." How bout "train kept a rollin" by aerosmith, the guitar after the drum roll is awesome.

By Phil @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 1:42 PM

wow i'm impressed to see My Morning Jacket, the Mars Volta(something other than the widow or televators anyway), Husker Du and Sleater Kinney. I feel better now having put Drunkship of Lanterns and Debaser by the Pixies in my perfect 10. Also thank god you're playing something by Radiohead other than Creep.

By tomf @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 1:45 PM

I understand the entire list can't be Jimi but no Spanish Castle Magic. Heavy wah.

By tomf @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 1:50 PM

Is "Rosie" too fat to fit into this list? Only AC/DC's best!

By anthony @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 1:58 PM

i agree with this list 100% wmmr rocks for playing this

By tommy @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 2:42 PM

Uncle lou where ar you, 'Intro-Sweet Jane'

By floyd @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 3:14 PM

Where is Wish You Were Here (Floyd)?! One of the most incredible accoustic-guitar-driven songs ever.

By victor @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 4:06 PM

they should have switched stepping out with the hideaway form john mayalls, also nirvana should not be up there. would have liked to see a different rolling stones song near the top

By JC @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 5:04 PM

No Nugent?

By Kevin Moss @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 5:43 PM

Love the idea. Any list that includes Phish is okay in my book. Some major no-shows,however. Boston,Uncle Ted,Outlaws just to name a few. That being said, I enjoyed listening all day. Keep it up Mr. Man About Town.

By J. Brian @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 5:50 PM

How about "Do You Feel We Do" from Frampton. That tune reeks of rock guitar!

By Henry @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 6:59 PM

Great selection,but there was nothing from Animals by Pink Floyd, or Stranglehold by Nugent.

By B. Johnson @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:20 PM

What about Nottingham Lace by Buckethead?

By dj @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 7:52 PM

can someone tell me y sweet child o' mine isnt top ten????

ByMark Diesel @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 8:33 PM

This is not a 100 greatest list. What about Creedence Clearwater Revival with: "Suzy Q" and Heard it through the Grapevine". 2 of the best quitar solos in rock..

By Karen @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 8:37 PM

I agree with "what, no RUSH" and how can you not include Steve Howe.
Rolling Stone clearly is not on the same page as me

By Russell @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 8:43 PM

Stairway to Heaven should be #1. That is the essential guitar song. And how the F#$% is Sweet Child of Mine #63. Besides being one of the greatest guitar songs ever, Slash is the best guitar player on the planet.

By Carl @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 9:16 PM

Killing in the name and Machine Gun........awesome!

By bill @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 9:20 PM

NO I'M YOUR CAPTAIN BY GRAND FUNK RAILROAD? OR GREEN-EYED LADY BY SUGARLOAF?

By Schaffer @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 9:23 PM

Free Bird should be a lot higher, I understand this isn't about solos but lets be serious when you think of guitar you think free bird.
Now you want a good song missing from here, probably the most recognizable guitar riff of the 90's, Lit- "My Own Worst Enemy"
How about "Shine" by Collective Soul
Where is Soundgarden and Stone Temple Pilots?
Where are the modern bands, Coheed and Cambria - "Home", for example.
They should re-do this issue and have a vote from readers.

ByJoe @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 1:07 AM

Are you kidding me? This "list" is nothing more than a bunch of music critic pundits stroking in the wind. IS THIS THE BEST 100 GUITAR SONG LIST?
There is no rock in these f-ers souls, I mean the critics, not the musicians. I appreciate all the rock roots stuff but jesus, we are talkin rock and roll here, people. Aqualung? nice little guitar stuff there....Ziggy Stardust? John Mayer, Michael Jackson???? Howzabout a little Detroit Rock City? a little Hot for Teacher? Pundits wanna wow us with their ecletic tastes? Where's the Bad Brains and how the hell is Judas Priest not here?

By wild bill @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 9:16 AM

First of all. THANK YOU to WMMR for even going off your standard format. Sad to see no Ritchie Blackmore or Deep Purple on the list. Brighton Rock is a much better guitar song then "Keep Yourself Alive" ,listen to any live version.

By glenn @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 9:17 AM

Eric Johnson? Steve Vai? one Randy Rhodes/Ozzy song? hmmmm.....alot of great work left out. Lonesome George, AIC, BAD CO. just too much to list. kudos 'MMR!

By Kevin @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 9:45 AM

After attending the Rush concert at the Wachovia Center last night, I can DEFINITELY say that Rolling Stone now has zero credibility with me for excluding Mr. Alex Lifeson's work from their list.

By Randy Kotz @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 12:50 PM

As I play these songs back, I'm reminded how Rock is so much larger, galactically so, than the sum of it's parts. And yet, without ALL the parts, it's just incomplete. A list such as this can never have all the parts, but I can't tell you how damn cool it is to be able to play these songs on WMMR. I hope you're enjoying the variety, diversity AND history!!

By Malcontent @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 1:22 PM

This list is a joke. I will never buy another Rolling Stone Magazine. What are they smoking? Must be garbage!

By joe l @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 1:35 PM

where is `The Clap` from YES

By ricky @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 1:36 PM

purple rain? jeez. any sabbath or DP song crushes prince. and rolling stone didnt even give a spot to lou /VU. Besides, this list is way to hard to choose, it'll never satisfy, but some great tunes anyway

By Lisa @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 3:14 PM

No Sweet Jane? As far as the Beatles go, what
about Revolution? Helter Skelter? I can think of a lot better than Money for Pink Floyd! If the 50s are represented, what about Buddy Holly? I assume it was an electric guitar salute, but there's a whole lot of great acoustic guitar songs out there (Paul Simon, James Taylor, "Moondance" etc) Thanks for the list- its a lot of fun.

By Steve @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 3:47 PM

There are quite a few things I don't completely agree with, like how far down Freebird is...but I guess if it's that low, I shouldn't be surprised there's no Green Grass and High Tides. That was a song I first heard in Rock Band, but I was very impressed with and thing it has its place.

I'm also a big Dream Theater fan and would have liked to see Petrucci represented somehow. =/

By Rich @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 4:03 PM

First, I want to say that overall this was a pretty good list.

Second I want to point out that, yes, there were some glaring omissions... I will put in votes for "Green Grass and High Tides" by the Outlaws and for bands like Boston, Extreme and Rush.

Third I think it sucks that lists like these generally catch a lot of big name bands but few if any smaller or lesser known bands, specifically anything by Bang Camaro (all you Guitar Hero and Rock Band fans will know what I'm talking about) or similar bands that might be more local or confined to a niche than other bands. But I guess that's the problem with any such list.

By Steven Jenkins @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 4:20 PM

I'm very shocked that at least one Rush song wasn't in this list. Who doesn't know the riff in spirt of the radio, freewill or Tom saywer. I think they missed the boat with Pink Floyd and Queen too. Michael Jackson...please not a bad guitar song but it's Michael Jackson. Loved that Prince made it but I thought the list needed more research.

By Peter Kocubinski @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 6:15 PM

two most notable absences: "Let It Ride" BTO, "Working Man" Rush, and probably something by Heart should have made it, maybe that sweet riff in "Barracuda"

ByDan @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 7:35 PM

cool

By Debbie @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 8:50 PM

Where is Running Down A Dream by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers? Rolling Stone NEVER acknowledges Mike Campbell for his guitar playing. Yet, when the song is performed in concert, everyone goes nuts!

By dan @ Sunday, June 15, 2008 10:26 PM

my morning jacket- absolutlely belongs and could/should be higher......where is led zeps dazed and confused.....and what the f w/ the beatles on this list

By kevin @ Monday, June 16, 2008 12:18 AM

If you don't have "Man In A Box" by Alice In Chains you don't have a list....Rolling Stone Magazine sucks anyway...I'll put Jerry's talk box, and his solo over 80% of these songs (Another trendy list.)..Oh yea you can't have a list without the best solo of all time "comfortably Numb"

By Bill @ Monday, June 16, 2008 9:25 AM

How about Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper"?

By Neil @ Monday, June 16, 2008 10:12 AM

Three of the great guitarists of the late '60s have apparently been forgotten, which is unfortunate. Check out these songs:
Alvin Lee from Ten Years After "I'd Love to Change the World"
Terry Kath from Chicago "25 or 6 to 4"
Randy California from Sprit "I Got a Line on You"

By nick @ Monday, June 16, 2008 3:43 PM

i think this list is wack...i dont tink master of puppets should be #33 it sure beats alot of the songs in front of it, and also way to go rolling stones to put free bird at # that song totally beat most of the stones song all together

By Cuz @ Monday, June 16, 2008 6:12 PM

Nothing like putting the worst White Stripes song in the top 100. How bout the Eisley Bruthers "Who's That Lady?"

By Joe @ Monday, June 16, 2008 9:11 PM

The following is quoted from Eddie Trunk who happens to know a thing or two about the music business.
"Rolling Stone Magazine once again shows it's cluelessness and ignorance when it comes to the impact of hard rock and metal with the 100 Greatest Guitar songs issue. Sure there are many deserving songs and acts on there, but it's so telling what was NOT included over things that were. NOT ONE SONG from Kiss, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, UFO, Scorpions, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Rush, Motley Crue (and just about every 80's hard rock act!), and ONLY ONE SONG FROM BLACK SABBATH! Why am I suprised? After all, these are many of the same idiots that decide the Rock & Roll Hall Of SHAME. Just a disgrace. Many of the artists on the list would not have played guitar if it wasn't for bands like Kiss! Kudos to Kirk Hammet of Metallica who was interviewed for the list and says UFO was the reason he played guitar and they are his all time favorite band. God forbid they had a spot on the list! Total fucking joke, but again, I should not be surprised. I know these lists are done to cause debate to begin with, but the elitist bull shit approach to hard rock and metal from this magazine is a total disgrace as always. Do yourself a favor and buy the British mag Classic Rock, they get it big time!"
I have been lobbying this station to carry Eddie's show but my pleas have fallen on deaf ears. If anyone else wants Eddie's show on the air let MMR's program director know!!!!

By Capo @ Tuesday, June 17, 2008 12:20 AM

There is so much wrong with the list, first F*** rolling stone for trying to be too cool for school and not putting Stairway to Heaven number one. second there are about 200 songs that could be on the list and about 70 songs that shouldn't be on there. finally Seven Nation Army and Money, what the f***, they are bass songs!

overall message rolling stone should go f*** themselves.

By Lush @ Tuesday, June 17, 2008 4:39 PM

I just wanted to say how much our household enjoyed the large portion of the Top 100 Greatest Guitar Songs we heard. I turned it on while I was making Sunday brunch. My wife was in and out of the room numerous times and every song was an "oh wow" moment for her..."is that Over Under Sideways Down, I haven't heard that in 30 years...Oh my, it's People Get Ready by the Impressions, I had that 45 and played it over and over"...wow Purple Rain, I saw that movie 3 times, but I never really listened to the whole song, it's really good". Those were just a few of her comments.

Later, my 20 year old son and his girlfriend, who has been our house guest for several days joined us for the meal. Instead of turning off the radio as is our custom during meals, we left it on and the songs we heard inspired a wonderful discussion about music and how enduring much of the music we all grew up with is, and how relevant much of it is with many young adults and teens today.

I thought it sounded fantastic and had it cranked up pretty loud for a few hours. Besides just enjoying it as a listener, as a staff member I was proud to be able to say I had a part in the presentation. No 20 year old kids think their parents are really cool, but I believe I hit about as high on the scale as an average guy could hope to with my son and his friend.

Thanks to the powers that be in our programming department for being adventurous and presenting such an eclectic mix of music this weekend, twice, no less! I believe that those periodic forays into uncharted territory are an essential element in WMMR's legacy and have contributed to it's longevity, credibility and reputation of being a truly unique and special radio station that isn't afraid to take chances and break the rules. It's just one of many reasons why I consider myself incredibly lucky and proud to have worked at WMMR for over 28 of it's 40 years.

Sincerely,
Steve Lushbaugh
Imaging Director (May 28, 1980 to present)
93-3 WMMR Philadelphia

By Lush @ Tuesday, June 17, 2008 4:52 PM

P.S. I know there is a lot of debate about the choices the editors of Rolling Stone made in crafting this list. I had to be a daunting task and I'm sure no 2 people in the world would have identical lists. Creating the list and judging it are both completely subjective exercises. Whatever you think about the choices or the songs you would have picked, it's hard to argue that it wasn't a lot of great music and a radical departure from what you hear from day to day on almost any radio station in the country. While I may not have agreed with every song choice, on the whole, I loved it and it captivated two generations wit 35 years difference in our ages. That's hard to do.

By Lush @ Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:03 PM

I finally finished reading all the comments. It saddens me that some people seemingly missed the point. If you can snag a copy of Rolling Stone, check out their philosophy behind making the list and their comments on each artist and song, it's an interesting read. It's wasn't just about the flashiest solos or the best guitar work, necessarily. Many songs were chosen because they were deemed influential, tasty, inventive, smooth, important or satisfied many other criteria. With 100 songs it is impossible to include every song that is worthy of a spot on the list. And again, it's completely suggestive so probably everybody was bound to disagree with some of the choices. But overall, it sounded great and contained a ton of great music, whether you personally think they all qualify as the greatest guitar songs of all time is your subjective opinion, and you are entitled to it. Rolling Stone picked them and printed a list which you could READ. WMMR actually PLAYED all of them and and played the top 50 a second time. To me, hearing the songs is much more entertaining than reading about them, even if you didn't like every one. Hopefully you heard some music you had never experienced before, thereby expanding your musical knowledge and we sincerely hope it turned some of you on to some music you discovered that you like. As WMMR alum Earle Baily would have said "It's a mind excursion, a musical diversion."

By Dr. B @ Wednesday, June 18, 2008 10:59 PM

I listened to most of the songs this weekend. There are some you could not make a case for. Most David Bowie songs should have made it, Suffragette City, Diamond Dogs. Blackmore should have had a bunch on the list, Man on a Silver Mountain. Where is Locomotive Breath, Bungle in the Jungle others by Tull? If you are going eclectic, where is Road to Moscow by Al Stewart. Moreover, the raters at Rolling Stone tried to be too cute. The best guitar songs of all time are Layla, Stairway to Heaven, Behind Blue Eyes, Sweet O Child of Mine, tons of stuff by Kiss including I Was Made for Loving You. I think people are afraid to dispute RS but I want to tell you, there head was up their ass on this one.

By Brian @ Monday, June 23, 2008 9:52 PM

Read this list. It's SO much better:

http://guitar.about.com/library/bl100greatesti.htm

Rolling Stone is horrible at making these things.

By marty @ Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:10 PM

Maybe the station should do their own version of this.It would be a nice idea to hear all the DJ's personal faves put up there.It might be better than what that crap magazine wrote.So how about it?

By Joe @ Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:48 PM

qoute:By Russell
Stairway to Heaven should be #1. That is the essential guitar song. And how the F#$% is Sweet Child of Mine #63. Besides being one of the greatest guitar songs ever, Slash is the best guitar player on the planet.

sweet child o mine is horrible stairway should be number 1 but Guns and roses is white trash with a leather jacket

By mike @ Monday, July 21, 2008 5:21 PM

Michael who...Jackson they must be insane. What about David Gilmor.and Comfortably Numb.MMR ROCKS

By Charlie @ Friday, August 29, 2008 12:35 PM

How about a song by Rush. You have to listen to the songs, Alex is such an underated guitarist.

By anthony @ Monday, October 06, 2008 11:08 AM

well theres this little song called sultans of swing that has to be the most under rated guitar song of aallllllllllll time anyone agree out there in rock land thanks rolling stone lost there creditabilty years ago !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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