Absolutely! It is not just what he played but his tone and how it was placed in the mix. That wide sound made them sound different from everybody else. 🤘🎸🤘
I was thinking that Thunderstruck would be on here... I think Malcolm only plays one chord for most of the song, but DAMN that one chord has rhythm! When he first comes in, it is total perfection.
He can't do that series anymore, unfortunately. CZcams is making their community guidelines more stricter and certain songs are being blocked now. Also, he's been demonetized recently and he got another copyright strike, and this time, he tried to appeal and got rejected.
Let''s all be honest with ourselves. Rick knows it is impossible to compile a top 20 list and loves all sorts of music. There are thousands of songs that could be on here.
@@jonbarron8049 It's clickbait. He well knows those aren't the twenty best of all time. And, as I said, it's particularly suspicious when he included three from recent guests on his show. If it had been titled "20 Great Rhythm Guitar Parts" I would view it differently. I do understand that his goal is not to please random people like me, but that doesn't take away my right to express an opinion on the content.
ha, that's why he titled it just "Top 20 Rhythm" not best, most complicated, iconic, creative, tasteful, recognizable etc. "I made a long list of rhythm guitar parts. Here's numbers 1 through 20."
Yes. Malcolm Young’s rhythm guitar on Thunderstruck is amazing! It should’ve been on the top of Rick’s list. It’s the perfect back-up to Angus’ lead and Brian’s vocals.
0:29 Do I wanna know (arctic monkeys) 1:03 let's dance (David Bowie) 1:38 don't stop to watch the wheels (doobie brothers) 2:02 sailing (Christopher cross) 2:41 come as you are (Nirvana) 3:09 dissident (pearl Jam) 3:56 zero (the smashing pumpkins) 4:31 interstate love song (stone temple pilots) 5:10 neon (John Mayer) 5:31 burden in my hand (soundgarden) 6:41 fourty six & 2 (tool) 7:14 master of puppets (metallica) 7:35 synchronicity (the police) 8:34 tom Sawyer (rush) 9:09 walk this way (aerosmith) 9:44 ten years gone (led Zeppelin) 10:23 i feel fine (the beatles) 10:42 beautiful girls (van Halen) 11:06 start me up (the rolling stones) 11:39 money for nothing (dire straits) Cheers! 🤘🏻
Yeah Rick really neglects how good Johnny Marr's guitar parts are. Like How Soon Is Now? Is one of the most iconic riffs ever, and the smiths rhythm guitar parts are some of the best recorded
Exactly. Just posted the same thing. Marr is brilliant. Straight iconic rhythm parts, I'd have to give to Bigmouth Strikes Again, even though not my fave Smiths tune.
I know Townshend’s rhythm part on Pinball Wizard was on an acoustic 12-string and not an electric, but coupled with the unique intro, the allegro strumming and the descending sus chords, it was great and distinctive. I think it belongs on this list.
agreed, much more than many of these. in general this list is historically unbalanced, not enuf from 60's and 70's. not like Rick to make that mistake.
Freak out - le chic - Nile Rogers one of the best (funky) disco riffs ever played. Just in my opinion. But don't forget the bass player. He was amazing.
Its amazing how the complexity, uniqueness and brillance of The Police sort of went over my head for like 40 years and while I always enjoyed their music now I am fascinated by it.
I feel the same...but I there are a lot of musicians and music in general I appreciate way more now than in the day....and it covers a vast landscape of genres and styles.
I cheered out loud when Rick did burden In My Hand. What an incredible, unique song. I was at the beach with a friend of my wife’s and her husband who had a ukulele. I remarked about how fantastic that song is, and damned if the guy didn’t pick it out of thin air and play it on the uke in about 30 seconds.
Rick, keep giving Geddy Lee a reason to be interviewed on your show (like naming one of their songs #7 best rhythm parts). He's coming out with a book this fall and I'm sure there will be a book tour and maybe an opportunity for you two to get together. You keep impressing the crap out of me with the artists that agree to interview with you. Ged is my all time favorite and with your existing catalog of positive Rush coverage, as well as your deep knowledge of all things music would make a fascinating conversation. Say it with me, Geddy '23!
@@danielgrohl6971 Alex teaches it himself on youtube, and the chords are a bit different. Mostly the d chord and e chord which also have licks attached to them
I love that "Don't Stop to Watch the Wheels" made this list! That's a tune that's been stuck in my head since I bought the "Minute by Minute" LP back in the day! Great guitar work.
Let's face it, when it comes to Greatest Rhythm Guitar Parts, it's absolutely impossible to narrow it down to a Top 20. There is so much incedible guitar work out there. Nevertheless, thank you Rick for getting the conversation started!
I feel like Hendrix and SRV deserve a category of their own with how well they blend Rhythm and lead. I mean really pretty constantly playing two parts at once and singing over it. 🤯
Rick, I have not said this before but I want to say it now. The exposure your video's provide for these songs can not be measured. When you played Sailing by Christopher Cross, I had a very emotional moment (it took me a moment to understand why). My father loved this song and I have a memory of us sitting in the family room while he played the record over and over (he even let me reset the needle a couple of times). That was 40+ years ago. I have not heard this song since the mid/late 80's but was able to grab it off of iTunes. Thank you for everything you're doing for music, and thank you for helping me relive that precious memory.
The sheer brilliance of Andy Summers' guitar part just jumped right at me when watching this video. I don't know if he crafted his part all by himself, or if there were suggestions made by Sting on the demo. But the performance has Andy's name written all over it. Andy sure is a contender for greatest rhythm guitarist of all time.
Couldn't agree more with Walk This Way, that bee bop swing in the verse is just an awesome rythym part, would have put Malcolm Young's Thunderstruck part on the list as well
I'm so happy to see so many mentioning The Smiths. Johnny Marr is an incredible rhythm guitarist. "How Soon Is Now" has such an iconic pulsating rhythm beneath it that is very unlike anything else in a pop song. "The Charming Man" integrates fantastic bright and sparkling Soukous-inspired arpeggios with pop melodies like few have/can. "What She Said" is driven by Marr's frantic playing that will raise your blood-pressure by 50 points! :) I'm primarily a jazz-fusion fanatic but when I want to hear amazing, entertaining, uplifting, and downright enjoyable rhythm playing, Johnny Marr / The Smiths is/are extremely hard to beat.
I came on here to mention where is Johnny Marr and The Smiths? And a shout out to Andy Rourke (RIP) and his incredible bass parts that I would love Rick to give appreciation to his work someday too.
@@seanb480I’ve loved Jaco, Chuck Rainey, and Anthony Jackson since I was a teen. These guys are/were geniuses on the bass. But guys like Andy Rourke and Mick Karn speak to me too …touch a different part of my soul in a different way. Adding The Smiths to the list of bands that never-can-again brings much sadness to me - no more holding on and hoping. Big loss in a time that’s no longer producing enough virtuosity combined with an ability to speak to my soul.
I for one am glad you went with Money For Nothing at #1. It's one of those riffs that no matter the setting, a bar, a party, whatever, when that guitar hits everyone is gonna shup up for a few seconds and just be in awe of it. Great choice.
I love this guy. Of all the guitar related content on CZcams, Rick's contributions always educate and always entertain. Mr Beato is a top notch legend.
Mr Beato is an unflinching and heroic contributor to the sweetness/coolness/musicality/artistic - in his own down to earth way - betterment of things in our world. He's an absolute bro.
Synchronicity, Puppets, Interstate, Tom Sawyer, Ten Years Gone, Money For Nothing - all brilliant. Curious tho that Hendrix not represented on this list. The best rhythm player ever IMO. Little Wing?
I loved that it was followed by Tom Sawyer. Police and Rush are totally different bands but they are also very similar in several ways - and I guess you could swap the bands for these songs and both would be able to create a different rendition of the other's song that would sound great.
Andy Summer's and Stewart Copeland's contributions to Police songs deserved songwriting credit. They made those tunes as unique as Sting's melodies and lyrics.
@@DaveTasteyeah other than about a half a dozen songs in their studio released catalog, Sting has sole songwriting credit on almost every Police song, including Every Breath You Take, which is still a touchy subject for the band members. But to Sting's credit, he gives Andy and Stewart a portion of the royalties from that song even though he is not legally obligated to.
Knopfler is definitely one of the kings of guitar. But I must add that I preferred Dire Straits' lineup on the first two albums with David Knopfler on rhythm guitar. That band was sort of the English CCR: a tight, four-piece guitar group featuring a lead guitarist-singer-songwriter whose brother played rhythm. After that lineup changed, I lost interest. It seemed like Mark Knopfler lost his spirit by then, too. In videos of the original group jamming, Knopfler was always on fire. In videos of the bloated arena-rock version of Dire Straits, Knopfler looks like he's sleepwalking.
How Ever Much I booze. Pete's guitar running through that whole song is incredible. This is just Rick's favorites. He's to into 90's grunge for my taste.
It was super cool putting Mark Knopfler at the top of your list. He is so understated and laid back, a person might be taken aback hearing the sounds he makes. Brothers in Arms was the first CD I ever bought when they first became a thing. An interviewer told him that he 'didn't need to work' what with him being such a rich bugger nowadays, and Mark was properly taken aback. He replied that he _absolutely_ had to keep making music. The music was in him, and he couldn't stop it wanting to come out.
Dude if you're ever near Central Pennsylvania, let me know! I will either buy you some beers, or cook a great dinner and then we can jam Knopfler all day long. I learned every part (drums, keys, bass and a resemblance to guitbox leads/rythyms). I have met him and have some amazing front row pix. Glad to find another fan boy!!
I feel like Mark Knopfler only got better as he grew away from Dire Straits. He had the freedom to explore more and do his own thing. "Golden Heart" and "Sailing to Philadelphia" are a couple of my favorite albums. Still trying to play the solo from "Sultans of Swing" too!
Story behind the story: Knopfler liked Billy Gibbons tone and called him up to get some advice on getting that tone. After "Money for Nothing" came out, Gibbons said "he did a pretty good job, considering I didn't tell him a damn thing."
@@kriskeen6739 It's funny that you mentioned that. When I saw the Beatles bit, I immediately thought to myself ``uh-oh, better watch this video quick before it gets taken down." 😄
WTF?! I paused at 11s just to make a comment that AC/DC had better be in the list, only to spot the above comment before I started typing out my own. Conclusion: dodgy list. It's a toss up now whether I bother watching the rest of the video.
I can't argue with any of your choices, but the first song that jumped into my brain during the intro was "Barracuda" by Heart. One of those "Name that tune in 4 notes..." kind of rhythm parts. That just mostly speaks to the fact that, even as an older dude, I'm still exploring the catalogs of several of the bands mentioned here.
@@foujj he's included them in lists before, I mean they're one of the biggest rock bands of all time how could you not. I think he's made a list before that was just AC/DC songs.
@@fordrac1ng81 they say an artist is never truly appreciated until they're dead, so we need to cherish the ones we still have. But if you ask me, Malcom and Bon won't be truly dead so long as just one person still listens to AC/DC
'All my loving' by the beatles would be in my top ten rhythm parts, lennon's contribution to that song is such a simple idea, but so creative. And generous.
Heart's Barracuda (or Crazy on You) and pretty much any early Talking Heads song should be on this list. David Byrne took percussion rhythm guitar to a new place in rock music.
Barracuda sounds as fresh, tight, and aggressive today as it did when it was released in 1977. Very few tunes get my blood pumping in the first 2 bars like this tune!
One that I didn`t expect to make the list but always loved is Santana`s rhythm playing on Black Magic Woman. Very subtle, very musical and it taught me how to slur into a chord change on the upbeat.
Audioslave's "Show Me How to Live" is one of my favorite riffs ever. Someone else mentioned U2 and "Pride" as an iconic riff. There's just so many to think of.
All My Loving...Lennon's triplet rhythm work through all the verses, totally drives the song. A great one! And not easy to play exactly in time and with swing.
Like Rick said, you can pretty much put any VH song in this list. EVH is best known for his tapping leads and solos but take a song like 5150 and you can appreciate it even more.
@@BranwellHaworth I think Rick's and my definitions or interpretations of "rhythm guitar" differ somewhat. I've been a guitarist for 57 years. Rhythm guitar is solid strumming without necessarily any licks or as Mark Knopfler would say, "cry or sing" in it. That's why I don't agree with the inclusion of some of these tunes that he chose based on their licks or runs of notes, like Money For Nothing, which is a "lick" that I love. I just don't consider that to be an example of rhythm guitar playing.
I am not a huge ACDC fan but how did Malcolm Young not get on a top ten rhythm guitar part list. Dude was the beast of rythym guitar riffs.
Absolutely! It is not just what he played but his tone and how it was placed in the mix. That wide sound made them sound different from everybody else.
🤘🎸🤘
100% agree Mike, Malcom's rythem playing is 2nd to none.
Probably because they block everything
I was thinking that Thunderstruck would be on here... I think Malcolm only plays one chord for most of the song, but DAMN that one chord has rhythm! When he first comes in, it is total perfection.
Had the same thought!
Ten Years Gone has to be Led Zeppelin's most underrated song, and one of Jimmy Page's greatest compositions. Masterpiece.
Totally, a top 3 Zep song for me
Gives me chills. And what a beautiful solo!
That and the Rain Song
One of my favorite songs ever and it’s on album with a bunch of all timers
Agreed
Tony Iommi's powerful rhythm guitar final part on War Pigs could've easily been mentioned.
What about Iron Man?
Iommi should have had at least one on there, man is ridiculous
Yeah he’s a riff rhyme genius .
@@user-is3rm3pd1n Rick never talks about anyone from Black Sabbath. I noticed a while back. I started playing mostly because of Tony's riffs.
Yes ! Malcom Young, hands down greatest rhythm guitarist of all time !!!
Funny way to spell James Hatfield
Please continue making the What Makes This Song Great series, Rick! 🙏
Everytime (&anywhere) I see an "Orange" in the background; My day just improved.
He can't do that series anymore, unfortunately. CZcams is making their community guidelines more stricter and certain songs are being blocked now. Also, he's been demonetized recently and he got another copyright strike, and this time, he tried to appeal and got rejected.
More U2 please :) or the Boss
Motley Crue song?
@@robertsparling917 YT makes no sense. Artists & companies get paid. The Algos are out of hand(thx to pier to pier downloading years ago).
One of my personal favorites, "Don't Fear the Reaper" from BOC. The rhythm/riff guitar part is a killer....and I also need more cowbell....
Perfectly said.. and yes, way more cowbell for sure 😅
Yes, I was thinking also of early BOC like the Red and The Black
Good call
I love Perfect Water, especially the guitar tone!
Somehow never listened to them but I finally got into BOC. Didn't listen to anything else for months.
There is no best, but we all have our personal favorites.
For me, Rick Derringer's "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" comes to mind.
Great suggestion
I've got to cover tune in about a week. Rickk was always a nice tight guitarist.
one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all time.
Ten Years Gone is so good. It's definitely my favourite Led Zeppelin song
Too
The rhythm in More Than a Feeling by Boston is a timeless classic
Let''s all be honest with ourselves. Rick knows it is impossible to compile a top 20 list and loves all sorts of music. There are thousands of songs that could be on here.
Yeah, it was kind of lame, especially when plugging those who were kind enough to be on his show.
@@slingeracehe’s a music teacher. Compiling a list that some random person like you approves of was never his objective
@@jonbarron8049 It's clickbait. He well knows those aren't the twenty best of all time. And, as I said, it's particularly suspicious when he included three from recent guests on his show. If it had been titled "20 Great Rhythm Guitar Parts" I would view it differently. I do understand that his goal is not to please random people like me, but that doesn't take away my right to express an opinion on the content.
@@slingerace there’s no definitive ranking of the best 20 so it’s irrelevant
ha, that's why he titled it just "Top 20 Rhythm" not best, most complicated, iconic, creative, tasteful, recognizable etc. "I made a long list of rhythm guitar parts. Here's numbers 1 through 20."
Keith Richards Rythm's are timeless and his style is one in a million. He makes the band what it is. Great list of Songs Rick !!
Yes. Malcolm Young’s rhythm guitar on Thunderstruck is amazing! It should’ve been on the top of Rick’s list. It’s the perfect back-up to Angus’ lead and Brian’s vocals.
Pretty much any AC/DC song belongs on this list.
0:29 Do I wanna know (arctic monkeys)
1:03 let's dance (David Bowie)
1:38 don't stop to watch the wheels (doobie brothers)
2:02 sailing (Christopher cross)
2:41 come as you are (Nirvana)
3:09 dissident (pearl Jam)
3:56 zero (the smashing pumpkins)
4:31 interstate love song (stone temple pilots)
5:10 neon (John Mayer)
5:31 burden in my hand (soundgarden)
6:41 fourty six & 2 (tool)
7:14 master of puppets (metallica)
7:35 synchronicity (the police)
8:34 tom Sawyer (rush)
9:09 walk this way (aerosmith)
9:44 ten years gone (led Zeppelin)
10:23 i feel fine (the beatles)
10:42 beautiful girls (van Halen)
11:06 start me up (the rolling stones)
11:39 money for nothing (dire straits)
Cheers! 🤘🏻
@akashchakrabarty5708. My hero!!
beAtles, not beEtles 🙂
@@3.14ULSAR lol. Ty. The Beetles?! Come on. Who doesn’t know how to correctly spell THE BEATLES.
@@AeroDude73 ever heard of a typo? Dimwit?
@@3.14ULSAR yes! the people to catch faults are here at it again with flying colours!
I don’t understand why Rick never mentions Johnny Marr. I mean, “How Soon is Now” is an incredibly unique and instantly recognizable rhythm part.
I was about to say, “This Charming Man” is one of the most complimentary rhythm guitar parts I know !!!
Lots of post-punk rhythm guitarists have super interesting guitar parts
Yeah Rick really neglects how good Johnny Marr's guitar parts are. Like How Soon Is Now? Is one of the most iconic riffs ever, and the smiths rhythm guitar parts are some of the best recorded
Jerry Cantrell, The Edge ?
Exactly. Just posted the same thing. Marr is brilliant. Straight iconic rhythm parts, I'd have to give to Bigmouth Strikes Again, even though not my fave Smiths tune.
Ten Years Gone is my favorite Led Zeppelin song going back to the day in the 70s when I brought home the LP as a kid and listened to it. Magic Song.
I know Townshend’s rhythm part on Pinball Wizard was on an acoustic 12-string and not an electric, but coupled with the unique intro, the allegro strumming and the descending sus chords, it was great and distinctive. I think it belongs on this list.
I thought this Pinball Wizard was going to be #1.
funny you should say that, upon clicking on the video, I heard that part in my head. Guess it is iconic
agreed, much more than many of these. in general this list is historically unbalanced, not enuf from 60's and 70's. not like Rick to make that mistake.
You get a workout playing that song
Freak out - le chic - Nile Rogers one of the best (funky) disco riffs ever played. Just in my opinion. But don't forget the bass player. He was amazing.
You are 100% right!!!!
Agree. Rodgers and Edwards were genius. Rodgers is all over Chic, Sister Sledge, Upside Down by Diana Ross, Get Happy by Daft Punk etc etc.
Bernard Edwards was fantastic.
I watched a tutorial on how to play it, incredible what Rodgers does.
Its amazing how the complexity, uniqueness and brillance of The Police sort of went over my head for like 40 years and while I always enjoyed their music now I am fascinated by it.
Agreed. Andy Summers and Stuart Copeland are just as brilliant as Sting IMO.
Same.
@@JimReuterskiold Also agree!
I feel the same...but I there are a lot of musicians and music in general I appreciate way more now than in the day....and it covers a vast landscape of genres and styles.
Chris Rea ,"Dancing with Strangers" is an amazing album ,another forgotten Gem
One that has always done it for me is No One Knows by Queens Of The Stone Age. The energy and groove that riff has is just something else really
I cheered out loud when Rick did burden In My Hand. What an incredible, unique song.
I was at the beach with a friend of my wife’s and her husband who had a ukulele. I remarked about how fantastic that song is, and damned if the guy didn’t pick it out of thin air and play it on the uke in about 30 seconds.
Rick, keep giving Geddy Lee a reason to be interviewed on your show (like naming one of their songs #7 best rhythm parts). He's coming out with a book this fall and I'm sure there will be a book tour and maybe an opportunity for you two to get together. You keep impressing the crap out of me with the artists that agree to interview with you. Ged is my all time favorite and with your existing catalog of positive Rush coverage, as well as your deep knowledge of all things music would make a fascinating conversation. Say it with me, Geddy '23!
Sometimes the Hal Leonard rythm guitar in the song books are not correct. The Tom Sawyer example here is correct to what i see Alex do in concert.
@@danielgrohl6971 Alex teaches it himself on youtube, and the chords are a bit different. Mostly the d chord and e chord which also have licks attached to them
Yes please do so
yes Yes YES!!!!
With Alex too!
Malcolm Young's rhythm section behind Angus lead on Thunderstruck is an awesome rhythm part.
ALL his parts are awesome. Hard to pick just one.
when i listen thunderstruck i turn the balance on malcom guitar!! i love it more then the main riff
I reckon it’s harder to play than angus’s part
It’s only two notes, but I can only finger pick it. It’s the rock ‘n’ roll equivalent to ringing the dinner bell.
Song brought tears to my eyes! What a gift you both gave to the music community.
George Young from the " Easybeats" was also great on rhythm guitar. Good example was " Friday on my mind"
John Lennon’s rhythm part in The Beatles “All My Loving” is phenomenal
that’s exactly what I was thinking. this isn’t top 20 rhythm guitar parts. this is more like top 20 lead guitar riffs
ditto that!!!!! come on rick
exactely!
Yeah, tricky to play with the band. But once everything falls into place - it's sublime.
Yes, that's what I was expecting to see here too
Money For Nothing is one of those songs I'll go years without thinking about, then I'll hear it again and it always knocks my socks off!
One of the best intros of all time- followed by one of the most mediocre songs
@@TheFPSCENTRALyou couldn't be more correct on that! Absolutely epic intro, then a blah song to follow it.
This guy does a great job of breaking down songs and the music of my youth, back in the 60's70's. Thank you, I really enjoy your channel.
I was waiting for Another Brick in the Wall (pt 2). That rhythm part is awesome!
The opening riff to "Life's Been Good" by Joe Walsh was always one of my favorites . Also the opening to "Can't you hear me Knockin' " by the Stones .
Ditto to Walsh on "Life's" iconic opening!
Another one of his best opening riffs is Life In The Fast Lane. Also Rocky Mountain Way.
Or Joe's Funk 49
No doubt. Joe Walsh is incredible.
Walk Away, The Bomber, etc...🤘🤘
Nancy Wilson’s rhythm strumming in “Crazy On You” by Heart is also really nice. And that lead electric guitar riff 🔥
I just threw up in my mouth. That's a good way to say you know nothing about music without saying you know nothing about music.
@@usertubeification oh no, you must forgive me for causing you nausea with my horrid music taste. How will I live..😔
Dude disses Nancy Wilson and follows it up by accusing someone else of not knowing music. Gotta love the interwebs.
@@usertubeification It's too bad you didn't aspirate on your vomit. Don't mess with Nancy Wilson.
@@jbbnbsmith lol. Exactly. It's such a great rhythm. And Biance and Brittney are fluid dancers. Morons.
Thank you for opening up so much amazing amazing music to me! You really are an inspiration!!
I love that "Don't Stop to Watch the Wheels" made this list! That's a tune that's been stuck in my head since I bought the "Minute by Minute" LP back in the day! Great guitar work.
Yep, Pat Simmons was great on rhythm. It’s not easy backing up Baxter
Let's face it, when it comes to Greatest Rhythm Guitar Parts, it's absolutely impossible to narrow it down to a Top 20. There is so much incedible guitar work out there. Nevertheless, thank you Rick for getting the conversation started!
I feel like Hendrix and SRV deserve a category of their own with how well they blend Rhythm and lead. I mean really pretty constantly playing two parts at once and singing over it. 🤯
I came here to say, the only song I thought of when I saw the title of this video is "Couldn't Stand the Weather".
YOU...are A Stunning Guitar Slinger...Appreciate You and Your Program Rick.
That was fun Rick - most wouldn't make my top 20, but that's the joy of these lists. You're an inspiration.
Rick, I have not said this before but I want to say it now. The exposure your video's provide for these songs can not be measured. When you played Sailing by Christopher Cross, I had a very emotional moment (it took me a moment to understand why). My father loved this song and I have a memory of us sitting in the family room while he played the record over and over (he even let me reset the needle a couple of times). That was 40+ years ago. I have not heard this song since the mid/late 80's but was able to grab it off of iTunes. Thank you for everything you're doing for music, and thank you for helping me relive that precious memory.
I was around 19 or 20 when Sailing came out, maybe younger. Loved it then, still love it now. Got kids of my own now, and my dad passed awhile ago. ❤
The sheer brilliance of Andy Summers' guitar part just jumped right at me when watching this video. I don't know if he crafted his part all by himself, or if there were suggestions made by Sting on the demo. But the performance has Andy's name written all over it. Andy sure is a contender for greatest rhythm guitarist of all time.
Couldn't agree more with Walk This Way, that bee bop swing in the verse is just an awesome rythym part, would have put Malcolm Young's Thunderstruck part on the list as well
Rick, I’m blown out how you put soo many of my favorite songs in this list. Crazy, crazy. And “10 Years Gone” and “Burden In My Hands” wow, wow, wow
I'm so happy to see so many mentioning The Smiths. Johnny Marr is an incredible rhythm guitarist. "How Soon Is Now" has such an iconic pulsating rhythm beneath it that is very unlike anything else in a pop song. "The Charming Man" integrates fantastic bright and sparkling Soukous-inspired arpeggios with pop melodies like few have/can. "What She Said" is driven by Marr's frantic playing that will raise your blood-pressure by 50 points! :) I'm primarily a jazz-fusion fanatic but when I want to hear amazing, entertaining, uplifting, and downright enjoyable rhythm playing, Johnny Marr / The Smiths is/are extremely hard to beat.
Yes 100% Johnny Marr is an absolute wizard on the guitar 🎸 one of my all time favorites!
I would have squeezed This Charming Man on the list for sure.
@@Grant_FerstatTHANK. YOU.
I came on here to mention where is Johnny Marr and The Smiths? And a shout out to Andy Rourke (RIP) and his incredible bass parts that I would love Rick to give appreciation to his work someday too.
@@seanb480I’ve loved Jaco, Chuck Rainey, and Anthony Jackson since I was a teen. These guys are/were geniuses on the bass. But guys like Andy Rourke and Mick Karn speak to me too …touch a different part of my soul in a different way. Adding The Smiths to the list of bands that never-can-again brings much sadness to me - no more holding on and hoping. Big loss in a time that’s no longer producing enough virtuosity combined with an ability to speak to my soul.
AC/DC Thunderstuck should have made it; both the main riff and what malcolm plays behind it are just magical
Thunderstruck is more of a lick than a riff and the riff is just shot down in flames.
Thank you for including 10 years gone. It is such a great tune and is often overlooked.
On point with 10 Years Gone... What a gorgeous song!!
I for one am glad you went with Money For Nothing at #1. It's one of those riffs that no matter the setting, a bar, a party, whatever, when that guitar hits everyone is gonna shup up for a few seconds and just be in awe of it. Great choice.
It's a good riff, but I wouldn't even place it on my top-20, let alone #1.
That description ...that is the essence of DS music
Me too ☝️👏👏👏
Of course that’s #1
I love this guy. Of all the guitar related content on CZcams, Rick's contributions always educate and always entertain. Mr Beato is a top notch legend.
Mr Beato is an unflinching and heroic contributor to the sweetness/coolness/musicality/artistic - in his own down to earth way - betterment of things in our world. He's an absolute bro.
Synchronicity, Puppets, Interstate, Tom Sawyer, Ten Years Gone, Money For Nothing - all brilliant. Curious tho that Hendrix not represented on this list. The best rhythm player ever IMO. Little Wing?
The variety of your knowledge is fascinating. Such a wide range of bands.
Andy Summers & Synchronicity II. Just fantastic.
Such a complex song yet it rocks like crazy.
Glad it was high on the list
I loved that it was followed by Tom Sawyer. Police and Rush are totally different bands but they are also very similar in several ways - and I guess you could swap the bands for these songs and both would be able to create a different rendition of the other's song that would sound great.
Thank you for highlighting Andy Summers!! Just a phenomenal guitarist with such great phrasing and technique. 👍🤙
I've always really liked the rhythm guitar in the Cream song SWLABR.
It’s always nice to see come casual rush complements
Andy Summer's and Stewart Copeland's contributions to Police songs deserved songwriting credit. They made those tunes as unique as Sting's melodies and lyrics.
Yes, both fantastic musicians in their own right on their given instruments 😊
They're credited.
@@DaveTastenot always, sadly
@@DaveTasteyeah other than about a half a dozen songs in their studio released catalog, Sting has sole songwriting credit on almost every Police song, including Every Breath You Take, which is still a touchy subject for the band members. But to Sting's credit, he gives Andy and Stewart a portion of the royalties from that song even though he is not legally obligated to.
Another Knopfler gem is Romeo and Juliet’s rhythm part. Great list as always.
Knopfler is definitely one of the kings of guitar. But I must add that I preferred Dire Straits' lineup on the first two albums with David Knopfler on rhythm guitar. That band was sort of the English CCR: a tight, four-piece guitar group featuring a lead guitarist-singer-songwriter whose brother played rhythm. After that lineup changed, I lost interest.
It seemed like Mark Knopfler lost his spirit by then, too. In videos of the original group jamming, Knopfler was always on fire. In videos of the bloated arena-rock version of Dire Straits, Knopfler looks like he's sleepwalking.
Again, great, but a lead guitarist.
Sonny Liston is pretty cool too.
@@raymondpierotti8414but the riff is picked chords not ‘lead’
To me, Sultans of Swing is the more interesting choice, but hard to argue either way.
all my loving -the beatles
This is such a great list. So many ideas of artists to revisit.
Personally Pete Townshend is my all time favourite rhythm guitar player. The intro riff to Pinball Wizard is probably my favourite of all his riffs.
How Ever Much I booze. Pete's guitar running through that whole song is incredible. This is just Rick's favorites. He's to into 90's grunge for my taste.
How in the world is he not included on ANY AND ALL rhythm guitar lists? Makes zero sense!
Was just jamming to "Gonna get you". ... absolutely love his play!
It was super cool putting Mark Knopfler at the top of your list. He is so understated and laid back, a person might be taken aback hearing the sounds he makes. Brothers in Arms was the first CD I ever bought when they first became a thing. An interviewer told him that he 'didn't need to work' what with him being such a rich bugger nowadays, and Mark was properly taken aback. He replied that he _absolutely_ had to keep making music. The music was in him, and he couldn't stop it wanting to come out.
Mark and Jimi and Nile are in my top 10 and Rick himself is one of my favorites too
honestly mk is not understated at all
Dude if you're ever near Central Pennsylvania, let me know! I will either buy you some beers, or cook a great dinner and then we can jam Knopfler all day long.
I learned every part (drums, keys, bass and a resemblance to guitbox leads/rythyms). I have met him and have some amazing front row pix.
Glad to find another fan boy!!
I feel like Mark Knopfler only got better as he grew away from Dire Straits. He had the freedom to explore more and do his own thing. "Golden Heart" and "Sailing to Philadelphia" are a couple of my favorite albums. Still trying to play the solo from "Sultans of Swing" too!
Totally agree on walk this way. That verse part can easily run away from u.
Love seeing 10 years gone get some love. So underrated.
I guess Money for Nothing really is one of the best riffs ever. Sounds so cool, it's so catchy.
My favorite is Goblin Girl
Story behind the story: Knopfler liked Billy Gibbons tone and called him up to get some advice on getting that tone. After "Money for Nothing" came out, Gibbons said "he did a pretty good job, considering I didn't tell him a damn thing."
I would say Sultans of Swing has a better rhythm part
"New Sensation" by INXS has a great and unique rhythm that cares us through the song (plus a great vocal performance).
or Suicide Blonde.. 3 chords and you're there
Need you tonight is another
Love INXS.
Original Sin
agreed... also Devil Inside
Glad you included 10 years gone! My top fav
Absolutely nailed it Rick my brother
Lindsey Buckingham’s acoustic rhythm guitar playing on ‘Big Love’ surely deserves to make the list!
I agree. Utterly astonishing skills on display in that song.
Im glad Stevie Ray Vaughn made it in with David Bowie song!!!!! 🎸🎸
Still one of the most underrated guitar players ever IMO
@@JK-js2tdagreed, but that part might have been Nile Rodgers
To watch him play it makes me appreciate that song even more. Especially when it’s just him and an acoustic 👍🏼
I'm surprised AC/DC didn't make the list. So many iconic rhythm guitar parts that are instantly recognizable.
I suspect that might have more with Rick not wanting to get blocked than anything.
I would say Let there be rock
@@loganm15 Hells' Bells or Thunderstruck
@@kriskeen6739 It's funny that you mentioned that. When I saw the Beatles bit, I immediately thought to myself ``uh-oh, better watch this video quick before it gets taken down." 😄
WTF?! I paused at 11s just to make a comment that AC/DC had better be in the list, only to spot the above comment before I started typing out my own. Conclusion: dodgy list. It's a toss up now whether I bother watching the rest of the video.
Awesome collection
Helping me to understand guitar as I learn to play and compose
As always, interesting, informative and excellent sound settings (what else to expect...)
I can't argue with any of your choices, but the first song that jumped into my brain during the intro was "Barracuda" by Heart. One of those "Name that tune in 4 notes..." kind of rhythm parts. That just mostly speaks to the fact that, even as an older dude, I'm still exploring the catalogs of several of the bands mentioned here.
Speaking of Heart, Nancy Wilson’s acoustic rhythm guitar on Crazy on You deserves mention.
Gotta appreciate the diversity of Rick's musical knowledge across so many genres. If this was my list it would be like 90% AC/DC
ACDC should have been on this list, the way they push the beat forward by resting on the downbeats is instantly recognizable.
@@foujj he's included them in lists before, I mean they're one of the biggest rock bands of all time how could you not. I think he's made a list before that was just AC/DC songs.
Malcolm was one of the most underappreciated guitarists of all time.
@@fordrac1ng81 they say an artist is never truly appreciated until they're dead, so we need to cherish the ones we still have. But if you ask me, Malcom and Bon won't be truly dead so long as just one person still listens to AC/DC
Those DeLeo brothers are no joke, Dean’s melodic prowess on guitar is incredible, he writes killer riffs….great stuff Rick!
You played my all time favorite Stones song - Love Start Me Up!!! B. Gardner
'All my loving' by the beatles would be in my top ten rhythm parts, lennon's contribution to that song is such a simple idea, but so creative. And generous.
I agree. All my Loving was the first song I thought of when I saw the title of this video.
Triplets baby!!
I concur. I still cannot play it right.
I thought of this first too! And what about all those songs from AC/DC and Status Quo? This video is more about riffs than rhythm parts.
Not all that simple.
Heart's Barracuda (or Crazy on You) and pretty much any early Talking Heads song should be on this list. David Byrne took percussion rhythm guitar to a new place in rock music.
Heck yeah!! No way Heart doesn't make top 20.
Barracuda sounds as fresh, tight, and aggressive today as it did when it was released in 1977. Very few tunes get my blood pumping in the first 2 bars like this tune!
Crazy on You is just incredible - even after the amazing solo, those hard driving strums underlying the e-guitar intro gives me chills.
@@tiredofthecitylife2108
Nancy Wilson is such a strong rhythm guitarist. Her work stands out in so many Heart songs.
Love the selection of guitars
I love listening to the guitar on Brown Eyed Girl. Especially the part underneath the vocals.
One that I didn`t expect to make the list but always loved is Santana`s rhythm playing on Black Magic Woman. Very subtle, very musical and it taught me how to slur into a chord change on the upbeat.
Hey, nicely said.
"I'm Coming Out" played by Chic's fabulous Nile Rodgers comes to mind! The rhythm itself is gnarly.
I came here to say exactly this.
He was the producer on Bowie's Let's Dance album, and I bet his guitar is in there somewhere!
I ❤️ your double-cutaway LP Special. Looks and sounds gorgeous.
Audioslave's "Show Me How to Live" is one of my favorite riffs ever. Someone else mentioned U2 and "Pride" as an iconic riff. There's just so many to think of.
All My Loving...Lennon's triplet rhythm work through all the verses, totally drives the song. A great one! And not easy to play exactly in time and with swing.
I like EVH’s rhythm playing even more than his leads! It always swings!
Like Rick said, you can pretty much put any VH song in this list. EVH is best known for his tapping leads and solos but take a song like 5150 and you can appreciate it even more.
Especially more than most - but not all of his solos. His rhythm playing is fun and - incredible.
I agree!!!!
@@RKDriver, 5150 was the first song that came to mind when I saw the video title.
I see the same thing about John Bonham’s drumming. Play the song man.
Rick you are an amazing guitarist.
Burden in my hand!!! Incredible!
Surprised AC/DC didn't make it. Malcolm was a killer rhythm player!
Same. Really thought they'd be on the list.
AC/DC are blockers on CZcams, unfortunately.
@@moaningrooster As long as he plays it, that is not an issue. Rick has featured AC/DC songs on his channel many times previously.
He’s no Christopher Cross I guess.
Agreed!!
Really surprised that Sultans of Swing was not listed here. It is a pure rhythm guitar song.
I don't think Rick was having more than one song from any given band and Dire Straits had the top spot anyway...
absolutely great choice!
@@BranwellHaworth I think Rick's and my definitions or interpretations of "rhythm guitar" differ somewhat. I've been a guitarist for 57 years. Rhythm guitar is solid strumming without necessarily any licks or as Mark Knopfler would say, "cry or sing" in it. That's why I don't agree with the inclusion of some of these tunes that he chose based on their licks or runs of notes, like Money For Nothing, which is a "lick" that I love. I just don't consider that to be an example of rhythm guitar playing.
@@podbay Since compared to you and Rick, I've been playing, like, 57 minutes, I wasn't going to say anything, but, yeh, that's what I thought.
@@happyguycmb2883 But 57 minutes of playing guitar is a great start, happyguycmb2883! Congrats!
This guys fantastic, straight to the point. No yick yack in between
Is anyone going to comment on the gorgeous guitars that are being used?! These are beautiful!!!!!
For me, the rhythm guitar in Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Couldn't Stand the Weather" (especially in the intro) is truly amazing.
Stevie Ray Vaughan played on that song.
sunset cliffs98
maybe that's why the album is released with his name on it
Absolutely.
This list is...
Debatable...
Cold Shot is iconic and simple.
@@ScottfromBaltimore Yep, classic blues but with a little pizazz.
I would argue that "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" is the best rhythm cord from the Stones and is also #1 of all time.
And maybe the ultimate holy grail of tone for a Les Paul. Can't think of a better one.
@@adechio7289 Jimmy Page at Madison Square Garden '73
Ooh, I like Monkey Man better, but you might be right on this one.
@@msvb2457 Ok now you've got me thinking. Monkey Man is tough to beat too.
That would've been my pick for the Stones.
Thank you!
That was greT Mr. Beato. Thank you for such a grear video
AC/DC Back In Black is my favourite. A massive rhythm guitar part with so much space!
Surely he forgot that one!
Agree...there are so many great rhythm parts on Back in Black; and Highway to Hell.... Powerage....
Agreed. I was waiting for it. Disappointed.
AC/DC are blockers now.
Agreed and Sweet Home Alabama is a great rhythm workout too.
Ten Years Gone is one of the most beautiful, soaring songs of all time. That solo and into the heavy bit...wow...something else.
You've Got Another Thing Coming is probably the best classic hard rock song because of the rhythm part alone. Awesome tone and such a powerful song.
Stayin alive ,love that groove!
I absolutely adore how you flawlessly align each riff with the band's specific guitar choice for every song.
I'm impressed with how you're able to get the exact tone and feel for every song. Well done, Rick
He is playing over the original songs
@@zoienjooy or is he? :)
The Outlaws, Green Grass and High Tides - I instantly know what it is and always ask myself why I have not played that in a long time.
I love learning about rhythm guitar, it is probably the most tricky thing about guitar playing.