The Top 10 ‘ES’ Guitar Riffs of All Time!
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- Опубліковано 28 тра 2024
- By this point, everybody knows the “three pillars” of electric guitar. Having a great Strat, Tele & Les Paul will stand you in good stead, for almost any style you could wish to play, and to satisfy the desire for the legendary tones of almost any artist in modern history.
But, we argue, there is another piece, just as important as any of the others: a fourth horseman. Today, we’re talking about Gibson ES guitars, and the incredible stamp they’ve made on the history of music!
While the ES-335 may be the best known, it’s important to acknowledge the entire range of semi-hollow & fully hollow instruments that have been produced by Gibson & Epiphone, and that hold high value in the hearts of enthusiasts of blues, rock, jazz, indie & even some metal music. A strong case can be made for having an ES as your one and only, do-it-all guitar, as has been suggested by legions of versatile guitar slingers throughout history.
Sticking with the spirit of our other ‘Top 10’ videos, today we’re taking a closer look at the legendary riffs that have been put to tape (to the best of our efforts in research!) with an ES guitar, which does, unfortunately, exclude some of the instruments’ greatest proponents. We’re sorry, but B.B. just ain’t got the riffs!
Whatever you think of our selections, let us know in the comments below! For such an interesting and diverse range of instruments, we’re sure you’ll have a lot of other suggestions to offer, so let us know, down below!
If you’d like any more information on any of the guitars you’ve seen in today’s video, or to check out the full range of ES-style stock that we carry, click the link below to head to our website and explore our full inventory.
Be sure to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE, ring the bell so you’re notified of new posts, and head to the website for any more info!
Intro - 0:00
Riff #10 - 2:53
Riff #9 - 4:36
Riff #8 - 5:48
Riff #7 - 7:03
Riff #6 - 8:24
Riff #5 - 9:18
Riff #4 - 10:17
Riff #3 - 11:25
Riff #2 - 12:50
Honourable Mentions - 14:30
Riff #1 - 17:10
Thanks as always for watching, take care and we’ll see you next time.
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Thanks for checking out our list! In case you missed them, check out the other videos in this series:
Top 10 Les Paul Riffs: bit.ly/3pZmAu9
Top 10 Strat Riffs: bit.ly/3gsvrkY
Top 10 Tele Riffs: bit.ly/3vzrvDk
That's not how you play josie.
Me watching the top strat licks: man, I should get a new strat
Me watching the top tele licks: man, I should get a tele
Me watching the top ES licks: man, I should get an ES
Dude, you're killing me
Ha Ha yeah right
@@paulcowart3174 It's almost like this guys sells guitars... Oh wait, he does. And does it pretty well, I might say.
Right. He needs to stop.
Their plan is working, then. Bwahahahaha!
This is awsome
I was thinking Ten Years After with the blistering version of I'm Going Home at Woodstock. Of course it wasn't a radio player or anything...but man was that an iconic performance with an ES-Series.
Wonderful examples, well played!
The Paperback Writer riff, though, was actually
I Want You (She’s So Heavy).
Terrific range of ES- guitars!
👍👍👍👍👍
Yes, good *Beatles* song, just wrong title. Actually you should of Played " _Paperback Writer_ " as well. It also has a great riff.
*John Lennon* called the song " _Son of Day Tripper_ " 🤣
Eric Johnson - Cliffs of Dover, yes it was on a 335 (most of the studio recording). ❤️
really? always thought he used strat
Gibson should put out a signature EJ 335.
Cliffs of Dover was recorded with a 335. Also, I would add Crossroads by Cream
Crossroads was likely his SG
The version on Wheels of fire was the fool SG. The Albert hall recording was ES 335.
As a few of you have pointed out already, it was indeed “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” in the honourable mentions, not “Paperback Writer”. A little editing glitch there, but we hope you enjoy the selections, regardless!
What other picks would you have made for the Top 10? 👌
True, but now u got me thinking that's a double entry, not just a wrong title, i.e. Paperback Writer is indeed on George's 335? If so another top 10 contender here!
A notable omission is the riff of I'm Going Home by Ten Years After, especially the performance in Woodstock! Legendary, one of the first shredders in rock! Please do also 10 best riffs on Gretsch and on SuperStrats (Ibanez, Eddi's Frankenstein guitar, Jacksons, Kramer, etc...)
I was a bit surprised not to see anything by Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues, an outstanding guitarist who was almost exclusively a 335 player in his heyday. "Story in Your Eyes" is a great riff and would have been a good choice.
I’m not sure if it was recorded with an ES, but the video for, and lots of live performances of Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups, their frontman, Brian Aubert, plays an ES. I imagine he records with one as well.
It may be a bit on the modern side, but for me and plenty of folks my age, that was such an iconic guitar part, and really opened a lot of eyes to what’s possible on the instrument
Yes! Very much appreciated and enjoyed by me! Great work as always! 🙂👍
Keep these videos coming Jack!!!...SGs, Firebirds, Flying V, Exploreres, Jaguars, Jazzmasters, Rickenbackers, Gretsches, etc. Love what ya doing
Yes would love to hear a Rickenbacker video
PRSs too!!!
Jazzmaster please
One you forgot was the iconic I'm going home by Alvin Lee and Ten Years After!
Very enjoyable. I realise you can’t include everyone but Alvin Lee of Ten Years After would have been great to be included.
R.I.P. Alvin Lee and his iconic ES. So many epic Riffs. May you listen to Love Like a Man or the whole album Rocket Fuel!
I totally second that! Alvin Lee is the most iconic ES player of all times for me.
Definitely would’ve added one of his Woodstock riffs.
Maybe this lad wouldn’t be able to play them?
Most people don’t realize that one of the most distinctive riffs of the mid 70s was actually recorded on an ES. This would be the guitar master Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser laying down the Blue Öyster Cult hit “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” on a Gibson ES-175. This certainly deserves an honorable mention as the riff is iconic.
Buck Dharma at the time was I. Transition from his SGs to a custom Stratocaster and Les Paul during this period of the mid 70s. These he had in the studio, but the hit song released as a single and on the Agents of Fortune album was recorded using a ES-175 borrowed from producer Murray Krugman and run through a Music Man 410 combo amp in the studio.
Just an interesting bit of rock legend trivia that illustrates you just never know when an ES will find its way into many fabulous riffs over the decades. 💪🏻🎸🤘🏻
THANK U! that riff is easily # 1
@@KyOte13No the Johnny B. Good riff will never be beat. Though I am a big B.O.C. fan, gonna see them 12 28 23, can't wait
So glad you played Anthem. Too many people haven't heard that tune.
Agreed. It really is an underappreciated gem of a song
Bad to the Bone: George Thorogood on his ES-125. Also, you're pretty safe with most Foo Fighters songs; Dave had his Trini Lopez before the Foos and used on every album.
ES-335 / 345 / 355: the most versatile guitars ever - sounds great in any genre, so comfortable to play, and an absolute beautiful design!
I love that you picked 'Anthem' by Rush, and also the little bit from 'Working Man' in the intro. Bravo. Lifeson doesn't get enough credit for his early riffing.
Yeah, he’s such a great player but sadly gets overshadowed by Geddy Lee and Neil Peart
Love Lifeson outstanding rhythm guitarist.
Wicked lick in “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”. You can really hear the wood in the guitar in that one.
Some interesting choices here. The tone on that cigarettes and alcohol riff was awesome.
I think the reason he made this video was just so he could play c&a. Such fun to play. Slide Away was composed on a Les Paul but I'm not sure about recording.
Johnny B. Goode definitely deserves the number one spot, it’s one of my all-time favourite riffs and really defined how rock music would change over the decades. As for another one of these, how about Top SG, Explorer, Firebird, Flying V, Gretsch or Rickenbacker riffs?
Johnny B. Goode wasn't recorded on an ES guitar. It was a larger Jazz box. Chuck hadn't switched to ES guitars at that point.
@@thewickedwizard He did use a Gibson ES-350T for a bunch of his '50s recordings before switching to the 355 in the 60s
Glad to see Freddie King mentioned as he's often overlooked now a days.
Clapton: Sunshine of Your Love, Crossroads.
Sunshine was probably the SG but Crossroads was definitely the 335.
I’m kind of thinking Izzy Stradlin should have at least got an honourable mention. Great video as always 👍
Agreed. A true rhythmist who cut a track uniquely everytime.
Yes. Wheres Izzy?
Izzy & the Ju Ju Hounds👍👍😃😃
Alvin Lee 10 years after , choo choo mama, Rock and roll music to the world.
16:28 "paperback writer" should be "I want you/she's so heavy"
But jack played PW on the introduction?
Thank you, Jack, for including Anthem. When I saw there was an "ES" video, I immediately thought of Alex Lifeson, and as I began going through songs in my head, Anthem rose to the top. I panicked for a second when you played Working Man at the beginning. But I was rewarded with Anthem a few minutes later. And thanks again for the Music Man Albert Lee MM90 video you did last summer. It sold me on the guitar, and I've been loving mine since December of last year.
Bill Nelson, George Thorogood, Alvin Lee, and Steve Howe… I really did love this though. Lots of great playing in all your collection videos. Looking forward to the Gretsch, SG and the Flying V.
A very good list and no question Johnny B Good is the number 1 riff! Where I think you miss out is Alvin Lee playing Going Home or Love to Change the World. When I saw him play at Woodstock I traded in my SG for a ES. Chuck Berry, Beatles and Clapton had me leaning that way but Alvin was the tipping point for me. He was iconic and very influential for us baby boomer ES players. I find the ES more versatile and more comfortable to play than a SG or Les Paul.
Totally agree. Love like a man, iconic riff. Good morning little schoolgirl, etc. perhaps this lad might have struggled to play the I’m Going Home riff on this video?
I'm thinking "Crossroads " was played on Clapton's red 335.
Might be wrong, but I believe the studio version was recorded on The Fool SG
Bernard butler(suede)- animal nitrate is one of the great riffs played on a 335 in my opinion
I'll definitely second that. I was torn between Animal Nitrate and Metal Mickey.
Funny. I commented about how Alvin Lee was missing before reading all the other comments saying Alvin Lee should have been on the list. Alvin was underrated and one of the best ever.
Alvin Lee of Ten Years After - "I'd Love to Change the World." Absolutely incredible. Should be in the top three.
Anything that Dwight Yoakam does with his “Dwight Trash” Elitist Casino from “3 Pears” onwards is excellent
Sometimes, when I don‘t have any idea what to practice next, I just watch a few random videos of you and try to pick up some of these, absolutely georgious played riffs that you do. You‘re so damn professional! Thank you and keep up the great work!!
After watching all the vids in this series, I just have 1 thing to say, “Damn son! You got chops!” Great job!
What I like most about this top 10 is that many of the selections (No.1 being the most notable exception, of course) are not coomonly associated with the ES because the artists were less well known/less televised at the time they wrote and first played those iconic riffs, so they will come as a shock to many. Such a versatile instrument.
Hideaway by Freddie King. Originally recorded on a Les Paul, but all the live recordings were ES.
Well done Jack, great fun. Apart from being very versatile a 335 style guitar can be loved for the sheer beauty. An iconic shape that looks classy in any colour!
Cant think more of a signature ES riff then "thrill is gone"
OMG! Please, Ten years after, I'm going home. Great Alvin Lee.
I’m pretty sure “When My Train pulls In” by Gary Clark Jr is another great example. Great playing as always.
Does he not play that on a SG?? Seen a couple of concerts with him doing it with the SG…
@@marygaleac I had the same idea as Ian and expected it on this list, but you'er right, he normally plays WMTRI on an SG. One of my favourite riffs; so simple, but so affective.
Played on Gibson SG. Otherwise he plays several P90s guitars including his Casinos.
A Casino is not exactly an ES, even though it is pretty similar to the 330's
@@gratao25 You mean the 330 is similar to the Casino, which fast first or more successful. Give Epiphone some credit.
My #1 would be "Crossroads" by Cream. I would also include "I'd Love To Change The World" by Ten Years After.
B.B. King's Sweet 16 opening was THE reason I bought an ES-335.
And, Sweet little Angel !
Well done once again !! Totally on board with #1. Where would we be without it :)
Honorable mention,,,one originally written by Chuck Berry but covered by Edgar Winter's "White Trash" for Roadwork Live..
Back In The USA, Rick Derringer bringing the goods for the intro and kick ass solos as well.
I believe he was playing the same ES 345 he used in The McCoys for Hang On Sloopy when he was like 16.
Hey, another honorable mention ;)
Without doubt the number one riff was completely deserving of its place and you played it brilliantly! Worth noting there was a documentary a while back where Keith Richards was playing guitar for Chuck Berry and Chuck was giving him such a hard time for not playing that opening riff perfectly, so well done Jack!
Just bought a used 345 '59 Historic Burst yesterday - definitely the perfect video for me right now!
Cool choices and great playing as ever. I particularly enjoyed the Epiphone Casino sound. Just to point out that in the honourable mentions section you played ‘I want you (she’s so heavy)’ but the on-screen annotation tagged it as ‘Paperback Writer’, which is another great riff for sure.
John Lee Hooker was brilliant with his basic riffs of blues on his ES
I really enjoy these video's Jack, as much for your playing and the amazing instruments and tones. You do a fabulous job brother. I do, though, think choosing a top ten of any art form is purely conjecture and yet I appreciate these riffs are your personal choice. I can't argue with any of your choices ( on any of the iconic instruments ) but, as you say, there will always be great riffs left out as there have been so many.. Great stuff Jack.
Black Night and Child in Time were played on ES335 too. Also Speed King.
I know neither are even in same conversation as iconic guitars like the ES, Tele, Strat, LP or SG, BUT I would love to see similar videos for soloist-style guitars and PRS guitars. Great vids!
Number 1 - completely accurate… however number 2 must be Revolution. Like it or not, it was groundbreaking for its time and shook the world.
Wonderful series; I could watch you play all day! To me, the 335 is the ultimate guitar; after trying out everything under the sun, this is the guitar I’ve settled with.
Alvin Lee . . I'm Going Home
George and John . . And Your Bird Can Sing
Eric Clapton . . Crossroads
Tony Hicks . . Look Through Any Window
Steve Howe . . I've Seen All Good People (Album version of course on which Steve really rocked out on his ES-345!)
John Lennon . . The Ballad of John and Yoko
Those are my Top 6 ES moments
George John and Paul played guitar on and your birds can sing. George And Paul played the unison guitar parts just in different octaves.
so good, i think you have just demonstrated the es could actually rule them all! some beautiful guitars and some beautiful playing!!
Absolutely amazing playing and great videos all round. I need a 335 now !
please do a "top 10 Ibanez rg riffs" of all time... great series by the way
RUSH ANTHEM WAS INCREDIBLE!!! Excellent job sir!!
awesome video! I believe it will help you a lot if you tag the amp and fx pedals used in the demos. Your channel, beside the dedicated videos, is a gem to hear Maz18 in action combined with so many fantastic gear.
I love these top 10 Riffs videos..keep em coming!.
Great stuff Jack👍 excellent playing as usual. I'm really looking forward to your SG top 10...actually looking forward to seeing Frank Marino #1
TEN YEARS AFTER GOING HOME Should have made the top ten bro!!!!!!
Kept expecting to hear Sunshine of Your Love. Was one of the first riffs that I just "had" to learn when I picked up guitar. Now I read that it may have been recorded using The Fool despite Clapton's use of a 335 at RAH. Either way, it's still one of the best riffs in history.
Yeah, Clapton did use his Fool SG on Sunshine and a majority of the Disraeli Gears album and his ES-335 was on Crossroads from Wheel On Fire
@@andrewpappas9311 The 335 was definitely NOT used for Crossroads on Wheel On Fire. It was the SG. The 335 was only used with Cream for the last Royal Albert show and maybe the recording session for Badge
@@rhye999 Okay, I know that it was on the Royal Albert Hall show but if he actually recorded Crossroads with his SG then that's also cool. Thanks for letting me know
I nearly fell outta my chair when you started playing ‘Rusty Cage’ by Soundgarden! Hahaha! I’m loving this series! Keep ‘Em coming! 🤘🏼🤘🏼
The Thrill Is Gone-B.B King
Yes, Alvin Lee absolutely sets his 335 on fire(without the aid of lighter fluid and matches, ala Jimi H.) on “I’m going home”, which is a”MUST SEE” on the original Woodstock movie. Without diminishing Jimi’s contribution to guitar playing in general, and rock music in particular, I’ve always been confused why everyone gets absolutely teary-eyed at the mention of the “Star Spangled Banner” at Woodstock, and Alvin Lee’s radioactive performance of “I’m goin’ home is rarely mentioned. As a “seasoned” guitarist from that era myself, I have yet to recommend that performance to younger players without seeing these younger players watch and listen with mouth’s absolutely agape in shock and awe. I will never understand why Alvin Lee is not on everyone’s list of “Top Five Guitarists of Rock” !!!
I could watch you play all day! Very inspiring....
that epiphone riviera was stunning, definitely on my check list of guitars i need to own
Seriously good playing and contents. Real inspiration to learn new songs everyday!
Hi Jack, one of my favourite ES users is Bill Nelson of Be-Bop Deluxe. He used a '345' during the band's early years and, for me, hit their heights with 'Sunburst Finish'. If you're not familiar, try the two opening tracks Fair Exchange and Heavenly Homes. They're definitely honourable mentions. Cheers.
Yeah- my first thought. There were some great riffs on the live album. I still listen to it. I saw him live a couple of times and he’s still in the list of most interesting and creative players from that era.
Sleep That Burns
Great selections! Thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks! If you want to expand the list, I'll suggest another of my faves: "LovelyTo See You Again" by the Moody Blues. Justin Hayward played many iconic riffs on his 335 with the Moodies, but LTSYA is a standout.
The tone. 😊
also Story In Your Eyes
Wow! It was the Freddie King riff that did it for me. Great playing Jack 🤘
I think Ted Nugent deserves some credit with riffs such as cat scratch fever and stranglehold as well as George Thorogood with bad to the bone
Ted always played brydlands though
@@alexlogan124 They've already stretched the definition of "ES" to include fully hollow Casinos and Howard Roberts Fusions, so they might as well include a Byrdland.
@@InGrindWeCrust2010 They probably couldn’t find one, they’re pretty rare. I think Ted owns most of them lol
Thought he was always into birdlands
Great video and lick selection for those wonderful “es” style guitars! (I see this is at least a year old so I’m sure somebody pointed out the “Paperback Writer” mis-label.) Keep ‘em coming!
Good post. My Grote 335 de-tuned to my old school-mate, Michael Hedges tuning, I'm a happy camper.
Great playing and thanks so much for including Anthem and working man by Rush. Awesome!!
Love this series- Jack you’re crazy good
How 'Animal Nitrate' by Suede didn't make this list is just incredible.
Also, I never knew 'I Want You (She's So Heavy)' was actually titled 'Paperback Writer'.
Animal Nitrate was played on a Les Paul
@@scott198086 Apparently it was triple tracked on a Les Paul, a 355, and... something else.
Chuck Berry for sure. Chuck is the Man. I remember getting his greatest hits from the library in High School in 1981. And I have loved him ever since, just like all the greats that appreciate him like John Lennon, the Beach Boys, Keith Richards, Angus Young ... and just about everyone.
1)Devil With the Blue Dress, Jim McCarthy solo from the 1960s
2)Going Home, Alvin Lee on Speed at Woodstock
3)Josie, Larry Carlton
4)Hush, Ritchie Blackmore
5)Yes Album, Steve Howe
6)Fragile, Steve Howe
7)Close to the Edge, Steve Howe
8)Hang On Sloopy, Rick Derringer
9)Back in the USA, Rick Derringer
10)White Rabbit, Jorma Kaukonen
Much of the 60s sound was Gibson ES Guitars
Much of the San Franciscan Sound was ES Guitars
The Actual Number One
Red House, Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Played The Bass Guitar on a ES 335 with the tone cut back and the leads were with the ES. It might have also be plugged directly into the board
Yay!
Make a video showcasing the 339, people rarely talk about that guitar
Bill Nelson needs a spot. Maybe the most under rated guitar player of all time.
Anything this guy plays on any guitar sounds great, always. 🏆🏆🏆👍
On my ES list: Otis Rush "All Your Love" / Ten Years After "I'm Going Home" / John Lee Hooker "Dimples" or "Boom Boom"
There’s something just awesome about watching a really good Brit guitarist play the Beatles. 😝
Crazy good, loved the addition of Steely Dan ….. eloquently expressed throughout!
I was listening to this while puttin around. And you could fool some people .holy hell. Quite a few of thoes songs, the tone was dead on. Well done
Love these Top 10 vids! Well done 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 When is the Top 10 Jazzmaster/Jaguar/Offset vid dropping 😃😃😃
Great series Jack. The Top 10 SG Guitar Riffs of All Time next please.
All black sabbath and acdc
@@Jacobfreakintimes You say that like it's a bad thing.
@@lmpinto1977 it's definitely not :)
I had the good fortune of seeing Deep Purple MKI in their waning days in a college gymnasium. Blackmore played Wring That Neck (Hard Road on the US version of Book of Taliesyn) on the red 335. That’s the one that does it for me.
That tone on Freddie King's song is phenomenal!
Yeah, that song is so good and it's also really damn fun to play
I vote you as the most versatile guitarist of all time Jack ! Great job!
Amazing tone and playing!!
Love it! Fantastic list. And superbly played. If I could be so bold, I’d have included Crossroads by Cream, Spoonman by Soundgarden and Everlong by Foo Fighters.
The ES guitars don't immediately give off a rock vibe. Jazz and blues, for sure! Then you see one cranked up and being wailed-on and it's something wonderfull! Like watching a big Cadillac sedan in a car race or something 😃
Great, great selections.
Nice job Sir.
These guitar model videos are fantastic but your playing is soooo smooth! That's the real highlight for me
*blink 182's Feeling This riff (the opener for their untitled album) is fantastic and was recorded on Tom's signature 335. That's my pick 🤘
There’s videos of Tom recording that intro on a Les Paul.
Now I know why I bought one of these things. Incredible selection of songs. Well done
@Peach Guitars, great video! One thing to edit...you've put 'Paperback Writer' as the title when Jack is playing 'I Want You (She's So Heavy)'. - Loving the Top 10 Riff series, thank you.
Great playing! Nail the tones. Cheers!
Very informative video as always! Pls the top ten sg riffs. Thx I think its a must...