TOP 10 BEATLES RIFFS RANKED
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- In this episode I rank the Top 10 Beatles riffs!
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When I hear someone saying that the Beatles are overestimated because their songs are too simple, my answer is "that's why they are geniuses: they make complex and intricate melodies and harmonies sound simple and catchy". This video is the perfect example of it.
Spot on...if it was simple and easy then anyone could do it. Think its simple and easy to do?... Just give it a try and duplicate it note for note and then get back with me ! 🤔🤣🤣👏👏👏👍🎸🎸✌💯
Perfect stated!
You just read my mind while I was listening to this.
I've been bought up to think that Beatle's songs were simplistic. This video destroys that notion.
ESPECIALLY given the trash that's out there today.
I forget who said it, but your comment reminds me of a quote that says... "Anyone can make the simple sound complicated, but making the complicated sound simple is genius."
I'm sure I butchered that, but I believe it's the heart of the intention.
These people confuse familiar and iconic with simple.
Plus, the question of whether a song is simple is very much secondary to whether it is effective.
It's incredible to believe that one group in such a relatively short time composed so many iconic songs.
Yep. In 1970, John hit 30. Ringo & Paul were 28, George just 26. Mind boggling.
Paul also wrote World Without Love for Peter and Gordon.
Maybe they didn't...
Six years. Just SIX YEARS.
@@joshdotjpeg04 and they were kinda crazy young for that kind of achievement. Yet, then John wrote more outstanding pieces alone. Unbelievable.
@@TheBatugan77 Ringo 30.
Also, the intro to Across the Universe. Another classic ( and tricky to play ) Beatles riff.
I've been hearing these songs for 50-plus years and I still get an emotional jolt when I hear them. Music is magic.
Same! I started tearing up when they played Because. 😢 you’re so right - music is magic - for the soul 😊
Beatle music shure is.
Yep. Ditto hear.
Same here im 71 yo and when I hear the Beatles my heart jumps with joy .
The way their songs are broken down tells me the Beatles are more than just another band from liver pool .
I will loved them always and in my funeral I want the Beatles song played : good night : as I'm being toward into my final resting place ..
@@johnmeeks6113 I'm fortunate enough to be several years older than you, but I comment to ask you a simple question. Were you like me?? I "never" thought I'd live to be 30, much less almost 80!!! When I reached 30, I almost went into depression because "I could no longer be trusted!!" Remember the "You can't trust anyone over 30!?!?!?!?" Thank you for the memories!!! (My 40th was spent in a Halo Vest with a Shattered C-2, but my 50th??? Let's just say when my date was twirling her bra on her index finger!?!?!?! I knew it was gonna be a Great Night!!! Makes me happy I lived to be over 30!!) I listen to Early Beatles all day, every day, well, when the opportunity presents!
100% agree with Here Comes the Sun. The first day of warmth and sun each year - that melody begins to play in my head…. it’s as aligned a melody can get with what it is describing. Perfection.
Here Comes the Sun is the most powerful, positive pieces of music ever written.
And George did it on acid.
Agree.I love it ❤
Mr blue sky is probably the happiest song
@@FeatherineTardForLife Mr blue sky is still kinda surface level happy. Here Comes the Sun just has this really deep positivity to it imo
@@Gabe7Gal 🥴
I Want You (She's So Heavy) is hypnotic. The riff in Help going into each verse shows Harrison had some chops.
There's no good breakdown of that on UA-cam. I think the single line stuff is in drop D tuning but how do you play the arpeggio part?
Excuse me, it's John who played the riffs on his song "I Want You (She's So Heavy)", not George..
@@dennisberceles7387 I was specifically talking about the arpeggiated part that leads in the chorus. If Lennon played that part too, well, Lennon proved his mettle with the rhythm part on All My Loving.
@@keithbaxter6066 That riff in I Feel Fine is all John and it's pretty hard to play, as I think Rick pointed out in this clip. Also, in I Got A Feeling, John has his pinky on A on the high E string all through that A to Asus riff. That takes endurance. :-)
@@dennisberceles7387 John plays the lead guitar part during the I Want You section. I think George and John played the arpeggiated She's So Heavy part together.
Keith was talking about the fast arpeggios in Help! which are played by George.
10 riffs is not enough...I could have watched for an hour, easily. The Beatles were the soundtrack of my adolescence and I will be forever grateful.
Could not agree more!!👍😄
They were the soundtrack of my adolescence too - and that was in the late 80s... because the beatles' music was simply better than the stuff of the late 80s
You could easily do a top 50 and even then that would be very difficult.
Beautifully put.
10 riffs, 50 riffs, 100 riffs, the Beatles created some of the most memorable music ever. A local station used to do a Beatles A to Y (not Z) and we’d know every song.
The Beatles have always been my number 1 band. Before I studied music, and after that. I love music by many other artists, but no matter what, everytime I revisit The Beatles I get that Oh my God feeling. There's no one like them. That level of creativity, that sound they also worked on in the studio, those lyrics, their musicianship... not to say their humbleness and humanity too...
Same for me, it just rings in my head all day and never goes away. It’s such a good feeling and I love it so much
Sgt Peppers lead the greatest musical explosion and creativity of all time
somewhat exaggerated
I love when you post Beatles videos. Regarding #7 In my Life I ... More: The initials are engraved in our wedding rings. My husband passed away nearly 3 years ago. We would have celebrated our 51st Anniversary this year.
Beautiful, and my condolences.
@@Nero3335 Thank you 😘
@@converter42 😘
My condolences, however I think you should celebrate 48 years of something many seeks and never reach: true love. You both are lucky for had found each other. A huge virtual hug!
When my dad passed, the reverend knew how to play In my life and Blackbird. He played them so well and even now it's tough to listen to those songs but on occasion when I do, they are so beautiful it's like special moment and treat for the soul. Especially In my life maybe the best song ever written.
“If I Needed Someone” has one of the most memorable Beatles riffs. It’s such an underrated George song.
The Maker! :) But indeed, I think many if not most of George's songs are great fun to play on guitar.
absolutely
Early REM must have listened to it a lot
Agreed
IIRC it was written after the Beatles spent time visiting The Byrds, and there's a definite Roger McGuinn feel to it. Great song.
0:50 And Your Bird Can Sing
1:16 Blackbird
1:57 Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
2:42 In My Life
3:20 Norwegian Wood
3:50 Because
4:30 Day Tripper
5:26 Paperback Writer
5:57 I Feel Fine
6:24 Here Comes The Sun
No Dear Prudence?
Where is Ticket to Ride?
What? No Revolution? John Lennon’s opening riff? Omg! I’m out!
Love it
Very nice presentation.
Can't believe "And I Love Her" did not make this list! Beautiful, elegant, simple.
Indeed
It wasn't in the intro like most of these but "till there was you" had a killer guitar melody/solo in it as well.
One of the best examples of how adding a few notes can completely change a song. Still would have been a great song without it, but that riff is the first thing you think of when you think of the song. Paul cites that all the time as an example of how great George was.
@@duanewilson3941 It doesn't qualify because it's not a Beatles song. it's a cover of a song from the musical The Music Man that was written by Meridith Wilson in 1950.
Mother's Nature's Son🤌 Just sayin🤨
Ever since I was a little kid "Here comes the Sun" has made me super emotional whenever I hear it. It's just so so beautiful...I think I want it to be played at my funeral actually.
Yes. There's something about those opening notes and the tuning and the progression or whatever... It makes me smile/cry all at once like no other song.
Heartfelt Brother...
As soon as Rick and his friend started the countdown, I kept waiting for them to play Here Comes the Sun. I'm so glad they made it their number one Beatles guitar riff. That would be my choice as well.
This song invokes so many memories and feelings inside of me. It has such positive energy that I can't help but feel joyful whenever I hear it.
One of the best times of my life was when I was in my early 20,s playing rec hockey in Canada. Our team was called the Canada Midnight Suns and we came onto the ice to Here Comes the Sun. Good times. Good memories.
One of my best friends played this riff (well, played and sung the whole first verse actually) at his wedding as his wife-to-be was walking down the aisle. Ever since, I cannot hear this song and not think of that. Such a beautiful moment.
I got into my first real band in the summer of 1966 and one of the first songs we learned was "Day Tripper." I just turned 14 years old and I was one of the coolest kids around because I could play it. It was a big step for me. I'm 70 years old now and I still play, and I still know "Day Tripper."
“In my Life” is probably my favorite Beatles song, primarily because of the amazing depth and humble awareness of the lyrics
And written by a 25 year old John
@@laudarevsonhunt That always floors me to think about -- he was so young yet the song is so wise.
In my younger years I used to claim to anyone that would listen that "In My Life" was meant by John to be ironic. I now know how wrong I was. Oh well, I was going through a nasty divorce at the time...
I want the song to be played at my funeral....
Keith Richards gets a lot of recognition for being one of the great riff masters, but George deserves more acknowledgement than he receives for his riffs, the memorability and musicality of which are nicely explained in this video. Thank you, Rick, for giving George his due.
George Harrison came up with the riff (bass and guitar) for "Drive my Car".
He wanted a Motown feel for the song.
I agree with you, but John wrote a lot of those riffs as well.
The melody and vocal harmony in “Because” still, to this day, are so emotionally moving. I can’t think of any other song that I feel that with. Brilliant. Genius.
They each sang their part 3 times
I believe the song is a lift off of a classical piece with lyrics put to it. Yoko introduced John to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata in 1969. Yoko is a classically trained musician.
I love this video so much. I lost my dad to cancer 12 years ago this month (he was just 55) and was an avid Beatles fan and guitar player for more than 40 years. Some of these riffs you played I haven't heard played since he died. Even though it was 12 years ago, all of these emotions come flooding back and brought me to tears thinking of him.
That’s the power of music and the power of your dad. Sorry for your loss. Enjoy the music and enjoy the good memories.
❤️
Your Father had great musical taste. He obviously had a profound impact on your life.
we should all be so lucky to be remembered by our loved ones the way your dad and his music are remembered by you!!
❤❤❤❤
I'm 58 and grew up with The Beatles. I absolutely love them and alway have. Greatest band EVER. But I go through phases. I can only hear so much now without having to put them on the shelf for a bit. But then I'll come back at some point and just dive in and go crazy listening to tons of it all over again, for the zillionth time. Since watching Get Back I'm up to my ears again now and loving it. Wash. Rinse. Repeat. LOVE.
SO THATS 64?? WHAT A COINCIDENCE
@@mickavellian IT is... But HE'S NOT.. So, doesn't count!
And in FACT, I'm SEVENTY FOUR, so, Ten Years After (right there with Alvn Lee!) 😉
Oh man, just hearing that Here Comes The Sun riff at the end of such a great video filled my heart with warmth. Thank you.
Ty, yes it was a good ending guys!
So many good ones! “Hey Bulldog” is also a super cool riff that really rocks.
I was gonna say the same!
Same here
Hey Bulldog and Dig A Pony should have both made the top-10 IMHO.
Same here.
@@sinatra222 Seconded!
I don't know why it still surprises me that after years of listening to the Beatles they can still blow me away in new ways every so often.
Ha ha ha
Yes indeed !
I thoroughly agree. It's exciting.
In the day we took them for granted
Now we recognise the cosmic genius
I saw the Beatles first on TV on their Ed Sullivan performance. I’ve been listening since then, and every time I listen the music gets deeper and more profound. The genius of the songs is astounding.
"I Feel Fine" immediately came to mind when I saw the title. Also has some of my favorite drumming by Ringo.
Love Ringo's drumming on I feel fine.
Read that Lennon had been kicking that song around for a while, then just him and Ringo worked on it finally clicked. Ringo's drumming is perfect for the mood of the song.
And your bird can sing has one of the best riffs but maybe my all time favorite harmony part too, at the second chorus. "You tell me that you heard every sound there is...!"
Yes!
I agree but would add the harmonies on You Won’t See Me as joint first .
I like the opening riff of Day Tripper so much it's the ring tone on my cell phone. Many times when my phone rings in a store or restaurant or wherever I am some people comment that it's one of their favorite Beatle songs. Recently a middle-aged gal came up to me when the phone stopped ringing and said, 'Got a good reason.' I replied, 'For taking the easy way out.' We both laughed. Amusing.
The Beatles are the soundtrack of my life. What great comfort to hear that beautiful music.
The Beatles are the reason I started playing guitar. The very first riff I learned was Day Tripper. The first solo I learned was Paul's solo Taxman. My goal was and still is to basically learn every Beatles song on almost every instrument.
Day Tripper was also my first. I was proud as heck finding the notes on my own and putting them all together.
My first was I Should've Known Better. Tying to nail that C to G to C to G rhythm with open chords almost killed me!
The Beatles were the reason myself and 3 million other teen aged boys picked up guitars in 1964.
My favourite riff is in the chorus of Helter Skelter.. badass riff that basically created metal
Taxman solo??
I love it but the first solo??!
LOL
Here comes the sun one of the top ten songs of all time. How can it not make you smile every time you hear it
It's incredible how quickly their guitar playing advanced within a few years in the sixties.
I always say the thing I love about the Beatles is that they are an example of evolution in real time. They progressed so far, so quickly that it's a marvel to behold all these years later.
When you two were playing In My Life, I was feeling big time chills up and down my spine. There is something incredibly special about that song.
Every time I hear Magical Mystery Tour it helps me forget about all my anxieties and depression for a moment. It is truly remarkable! I think it has to do with Paul’s voice, Ringo’s percussive aggression and the horns. What a song for the ages.
There is indeed something " special " about that song. As I eluded to on my posted comment it is the greatest rock song as decided by a body of musicians the world over. My personal fave is " Norwegian Wood " but I digress. The most widely " recognized " tune in the world is " Echo Beach " by Martha and the Muffins. A fine Canadian institution in itself. We have to remember that there are people judging who were born after we were. But good call on the feeling and sentiment of the song. John really hit the nail on the head with that one.
'In my life' was Cynthia Lennon's favourite song of the Beatles, primarily because it was probably about her.
A couple of my favorite riffs that immediately come to mind: “And your bird can sing” off Revolver and the country “What goes on” off Rubber Soul. But … so many to choose from.
The Beatles were a great ‘riff’ band. Some of them are so simple but so great! There will never be another band that comes close to them. All that music within 8 years, incredible
Beatles, Stones and the Kinks are the three kings of 60s riffs
LOVE seeing and hearing my friends Rick and Pat playing and not ribbing each other for 8 minutes! I believe Paul uses the back of his index finger for the offbeats on Blackbird. A weird technique (kind of strumming a single string) but contributes to the uniqueness.
Eric, I fell in love with the Beatles twice, the first time was 1975 when I discovered my cousin’s Red & Blue albums, the second was the late 80s when a friend performed an amazing cover of Blackbird. That song is sublime on multiple levels.
Love the Beatles. You playing these riffs without any accompanying instruments is still magical. Time to go listen to more Beatles. Thank you.
I started when I was young with metal and with the years as I matured, I realized the greatness of the Beatles.
same here
Innit
Same here
Metal is a bit slow for me.
@@cdjruski 2
So glad you have "Here Comes the Sun" as your #1 riff. I would love to watch the two of you play it from beginning to end. One of my favorite versions of the song is when George and Pete Ham played it during the Concert for Bangladesh. RIP to both Pete and George.
Pete Ham and George absolutely rip that song, to the measure, every note, live in the Bangladesh show.
Hi… George with Paul Simon 👍🏼
Yes, it's a great version and, yes, RIP George and Pete.
Hearing those riffs give you goose bumps, and that demonstrates the power of the music they wrote. Having The Beatles experiance as part of my life's music journey, I feel honoured to have such vivid memories.
The opening riff in "Drive My Car" is also worth mentioning here. Of course, they had so many that were "iconic", including those you played here, Rick.
I assumed it would be #1 but it is probably #1 on a best intros list.
@@jackconnolly2665 Confirmed
Wow. I just said the same thing LOL.
Respect, Otis' version...
The guitar tone in I feel fine is one of the most interesting and pleasant sounds I've ever heard from this instrument.
I'm older than both of you (having been fortunate enough to be on this great planet well over 3/4 of a century now), so I was playing Beach Boys long before The Beatles appeared (and captured not only what Brian thought was the Beach Boys place as the #1 group, but the world!!!). Of course you wouldn't mention a riff with the simplicity of the intro that George added at the beginning of "And I Love Her." That, to me is one of the greatest improvised spur of the moment riffs when the recording producers demanded an intro. The simplicity set up the whole song!! You "did" at least include one of my favorites. I'm an "EARLY" (Early = "Beatles BEGINNING") Beatles follower. Sgt Peppers was the last Beatles Album I actually loved every cut on the album. And it was albums when I started this venture back in the 50's (piano and organ, today, they call it "Keyboards.") and started teaching myself guitar in 1962 (3 months before Rick was even born) on a 3'rd hand-me-down Harmony Arch-Top (which when I got it was nothing but a body with the neck still attached. Went into a music store and said, "What do I need to make this functional where I can learn how to play it and I want a couple of chord books." What I did to make that guitar easier and better to play I learned years later is called a "Setup!!" I lived in a Rural, OK...Country with Ranches, not just Farms...area.). My first Strat, which I also purchased in 1962 (in early November) cost $ 325.00 Plus 4% tax, and I was totally P*$$ed off it was 4% because it had just doubled!!!! And...There were "no deals" because I was lucky to get the one I got!! You see, Christmas was approaching (which is why it is easy to remember it was early November, actually the first weekend in November in 1962, weekend because it was 150 miles to the nearest music store that had a Strat in stock) and even then there was a demand for Christmas presents which music stores used to their advantage, even in 1962!!! Please understand and forgive this walk back down Memory Lane. Hopefully some of All Y'All Young Whippersnappers (an attempt at levity), since there aren't a lot of players still around my age and older that will definitely know and have lived where I started, might at least smile or appreciate it. I feel fortunate with my Arthritis and Corneal problems to still be fortunate enough to play. Some days are better than others. But, I do still love playing.
I'm surprised "Eight Days a Week" didn't make the list, but after listening to it again, it's really just the opening and closing riffs that come to mind. I certainly can't argue with your choices.
Rick, I wonder if you'd consider doing a video about Paul's bass playing. He has an amazing ability to play intricate, melodic bass parts while singing lead. You don't have to look very hard to find a good example of this: "I Saw Her Standing There", the first song on their first British LP, Please Please Me.
My favorite riffs that were not in this list:
1. Ticket to ride
2. Revolution
3. I want you (she's so heavy)
i want you is (so heavily) underrated
I want you (she's so heavy) would have been my number one pick. The way those two guitar lines interlink and push and pull each other and cycle around into infinity… is genius.
when he said "great use of distortion" I was sure it was gonna be I Want You
Revolution riff is from Pee Wee Crayton song Do Unto Others, so is not an “original” riff from The Beatles
I just learned I want you (She's so heavy), it's tricky to play!
Rick, you and Pat have a real feel for playing Beatles riffs on those acoustic guitars. I enjoyed this video a lot.
When Paul plays Blackbird live he has introduced it by saying "No matter how you're playing this, you're doing it wrong." :D
Hilarious!
I guarantee that when I play it....It's wrong. But THAT applies to almost ANYTHING I play. 😜
He still needs therapy for poor self-esteem.
The cheeky bastard, I adore him, lol.
Probably because you’re not playing it left-handed!
Each one gave me chills! Seriously! The "variety" of their music is the thing that impresses me the most. Never boring! Their music eternally resonates. So happy to have been born in that era of their incredible talent.
You hit the nail on the head Terry.....V A R I E T Y ...... an astounding amount from one band.
I'm brazilian and I've heard beatle's songs through all my life and I'm sure I'll still be hearing them... "when I get older loosing my hair, many years from now"!❤
Mother Nature’s Son is one that seems to always be overlooked. Took about twice as long for me to learn that one compared to Blackbird! McCartney really knew his way around the acoustic guitar
And it came from Paul just noodling
MNS is a true gem...I'm trying to learn to play it too!!
Indeed he does and very few people can play blackbird correct. He doesn’t finger pick the incidental notes but rather brushes the strings.
... and he still does!
Mother nature's son really is amazing
I’ve been a Beatles fan for 56 years and still love their music. Learning their songs on guitar is a great way to enrich your playing.
Love your Beato book and your videos.
A large part of my early guitar learnings were from a Beatles fake book of all their songs. You learn a lot of chords that way!
They are also a master class in pop/rock harmony vocals, as the Carter Family is for country/roots/Americana.
Haha - you're old! Oh wait... its been 58 years for me. Nevermind
Thank you Rick and friend, for this lovely look at these great songs. I sang along with each one and had a smile on my face.
That little guitar break in Got To Get You Into My Life always, and to this day, got me. Simple as anything yet laid in so perfectly that you can't hear anything else played in that spot.
The Beatles have written 194 songs. At least 150 of them are masterpieces. This video illustrates the songwriting genius of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison.
194 released songs. I imagine most of those they thought were just not good enough to release are still better than most of the music produced since.
@@pifko87 Like ‘Let It Be’. According to some people a somewhat disappointing Beatles-album (not according to me!), it is still much better than any album by almost any other artist.
A lot of songs written by the Beatles were left out of albums because they were unfinished, orfor one reason or another, and found their way into solo albums released after the Beatles split. All Things Must Pass, Jealous Guy, Another Day...
@@hijmestoffels5171 I wouldn’t go that far but it is a great album
A few albums of the "worst" 44 songs, would still be better than most of the crap put out today.
When "And Your Bird Can Sing" came out I accepted the challenge and worked out the riff, unaware that it was two guitars - I read, many years later, that Joe Walsh had done the same. It's quite doable once you get it.
Here comes the Sun is one of the last Beatles songs that every single time I hear I think to myself Oh lord… this is so blessed, so amazing, so gorgeous.. what a genius to think of something that beautiful
George.
You Guys Playing Here Comes the Sun brought tears to my eyes, I LOVE the Beatles. Great Job Guys!
Michael Dinneweth, me also.
You hit some of my favorite Beatles tunes. And Here Comes the Sun as #1 is a perfect choice. I used to practice my fingering with Day Tripper. Blackbird is one of my favorite songs of all time. Nice job as always!
Absolutely, melodically beautiful and entertaining. A time never to be repeated. Glad to have been privileged to enjoy their shared genius! Very well done, Rick and teammate.
Harrison did some excellent work while in the Beatles, but his development as a slide guitarist throughout his solo career was just extraordinary. Not to mention his contributions to the Traveling Wilburys- sad to reflect that Bob and Jeff are the sole remaining members of that supergroup.
Any time Bob and Jeff want to get together with Elton and Clapton, I'd be down.
Agreed, big fan of Harrison’s slide guitar here
@@jbrisby Now that would be something. Of course, George was the guy who brought them all together and made it work. Still, one can dream.
Jim Keltner is still alive. For some reason he was never included in the fame part of the Wilburys but he's credited as Buster Wilbury on their DVD.
What are some good songs featuring his slide playing?
The guitar riffs you played are were brilliant, i love to see guitar players and watch which guitar plays which notes, The Beatles music will live forever. I am so lucky to have born in1950 and grew up them and never tire of listening to their music.
Love this episode, guys. One thing I think people forget about The Beatles is the years they spent playing gig after gig after gig, honing their skills. By the time Brian Epstein signed them to Parlophone, they were well-seasoned players ready to unleash their genius on the world. They had genius, yes, but it needed to be cultivated. They evolved before our eyes & ears from "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to "Abbey Road" in just a few years but the foundation was those years playing all those gigs in Hamburg, The Cavern and other spots in the Isles. The value of paying your dues and developing your talent through live performance has gotten somewhat lost as a lot of artists want stardom immediately without doing the work to achieve the talent level necessary to warrant that stardom.
So true. One thing I think people forget about The Beatles is the years they spent playing gig after gig after gig, honing their skills. Probably yhe greatest teacher.
I think it was 8 hours a night for months at a time. It’s also how they managed to bond not only as a band but also as friends. When you spend so much time around people, you either grow closer or want to grow further apart. They ended up growing apart but that was inevitable with the weight of the world on their shoulders.
I can't "like" this comment enough.
Totally agree. For this reason, I think one of the only current artists with staying power right now is Doja cat. She was in the game for yearssss really grinding and practicing and honing. She went viral (a few times) sure, but then she hit us with wave after wave of talent that she’d already been working on.
Impossible to rank your videos, but this is one of your best. This video shows why it is hard for me to fathom that any group of people could have created the scope and breadth, in every detail, of music made. All these years, and it is still hard to imagine that The Beatles existed. So grateful to them, and you Rick. Keep up the great work.
Great choices and playing, guys; really enjoyed that! I've always loved the guitar part in the fade of A Hard Day's Night. (And THAT opening chord! And Lennon's voice! And, and and...)
I completely agree with you about the number 1 riff Here Comes the Sun. It's an amazing song that makes you feel well!
Makes me emotional hearing and watching this video Rick. I was born in the early 50s so in the UK The Beatles were my life. You could have picked any 10 of their songs. They were unique. But the ten you chose were just great
They're music just makes life Fun any time!
I am of the same vintage and apart from their riffs they rewrote what was possible. Truly groundbreaking. Just listen to Eleanor Rigby written in a minor key and their use of cellos. Released as the B side to Yellow Submarine.
Great video! Some riffs that I also love are "She Said She Said", "Hey Bulldog" "I Want You (She's So Heavy)", "Lady Madonna", "Come Together", "Something"...
“Paperback Writer” with the capo has kind of a “Mrs. Robinson” vibe. Good lineup, guys!
Paperback writer one of the best two chord songs ever.
From all of the songs they use day tripper and paperback writer. I understand if you use one of those, but both? Kinda lame.
@@citoante make your own list kid 🤣 day tripper consistently cited as one of the best riffs in rock and roll history and yeah paperback writer is a basic structure but still an awesome riff
Ward, I bet you listened to the Beatles while flying F14s, right?
Ah, that's a good comp.
I love that they used the acoustic guitars on this. Just shows that the Beatles music is very versatile and timeless. When they played “Because” I actually got a little teary-eyed 😢 “Blackbird” sounded Perfect! 👍🏻
The Beatles were the Mozart of the 20th Century. Making 2 or 3 albums a year with such timeless music was more special than even they recognized at the time.
nobody ever did that, even FZ was remaining in old ideas althoug he was (very) open minded. But the beatles nailed it.....
Don't be silly; they were a pop group that's all.
@@paulsawtell3991 Maybe they started as one, but youd struggle to call albums like revolver, sgt peppers and mmt just pop
@@paulsawtell3991 and Mozart was just a classical composer. Your point?
No. They were not.
I just recently learned to play Norwegian Wood and I could play it for hours. Very satisfying to play, and a good exercise for intermixing melody and chords. I try to play it in such a way that minimizes fingers moving from the D shape so that I can cleanly come back to the chord strum.
So many of the riffs on this list are wildly creative and original.
Another one I've been digging on recently (since watching "Get Back") is Lennon's guitar riff on "I've Got A Feeling". Nothing harmonically sophisticated -- just alternating A and D arpeggios, but the atypical way he voices the chords to minimize left hand movement and keep the high A at the top of the riff for both chords is perfect.
Norwegian Wood is so iconic that the great Japanese novelist, Haruki Murakami named one of his most important novels after it. In the novel an orchestral performance of the song serves the same role as the Madeleine and Tea serve for Proust in In Search of Lost Time since the song was the favorite song of a lost love.
Literally the second song I learned on the guitar (after Suzanne).
Agree, I love that riff
I drop the E strings to D to let notes ring out. Love playing it that way.
@@nickshields1011 Same! It's great in Drop D or Double Drop D
I agree with George on "If I Needed Someone". It's an addicting song with a hypnotic vibe.
Always loved 'If I Needed Someone' 😁🇬🇧🇬🇧
Tom Petty did a nice rendition of this song on the George Harrison Memorial Concert/Album
Yes. Oddly, it has always sounded way ahead of its time for me, like an 80's song (maybe because lots of iconic bands in the 80's used Rickenbackers).
My Top 10 Favorite Beatles Guitar Riffs
1. In My Life (2:52 - 3:19)
2. Now And Then
3. Get Back
4. Run For Your Life
5. Blackbird (1:34 - 1:55)
6. Rocky Racoon
7. Her Majesty
8. Please Please Me
9. Love Me Do
10. Because (4:01 - 4:29)
There are so many great songs in The Beatle's catalogue, and all of your choices belong in the "top 10 riffs". I think that the opening of "Michelle" is also very iconic and a recognizable riff! What makes all of these riffs so undeniably so good, is that they are always a joy to listen to - I still never get tired of the riffs and melodies that they created, though it's over 50 years (almost 60!) since they came out.
Yeah, where did all those years go? My teenage years coincided with the rise and rise of The Beatles - every new release anticipated as an EVENT! What would they come up with next? I don't think today's pop-pickers, so diverse and fragmented - with "records" streamed rather than bought over the counter, and carried excitedly home, to put on your record-player, and place that needle, can ever quite feel the way we did through the Sixties, and beyond!
It strikes me that almost all Beatles songs (and all the great ones) establish a "mood" right from the very opening bars.
And it's generally a compelling and distinctive mood. They were hardly ever formulaic in the slightest degree.
Paperback writer contains my all time favorite Beatles riffs! The midrange soaked tone they captured on tape is simply flawless!
It was a revelation to me when it was first broadcast on top of the pops. It was such a driving rhythm that never let up, but unlike any I had heard before. So well done.
The opening to Drive My Car is the first one that popped into my head. Most of what Rick played were more than what I would call 'riffs' - they were practically entire song melodies.
Me too. Then I thought of Ticket To Ride. Also the opening riff of She Said She Said is killer.
Glad to see GH get some love and recognition in your #1 riff. What a riff... what a song!
Nice celebration of my favorite band!
A couple others I like are the riff on She's So Heavy, and the lead in in the intro to Sargeant Peppers, with the octave fuzz, partly because of the way it was used in Yellow Submarine, as an explosion of joy.
Excellent.
Here Comes the Sun is definitely the number one!
Underscores that George Harrison could more than hold his own when it came to writing wonderful songs!
I was beginning to think there would be no Harrison's riffs, but I loved how you ranked it!
Whenever I hear that song "in the wild" if I can, I stop what I'm doing and focus my whole attention on the song. It's splendid.
@@adrianwheeler1936 Here's a silly thought...
While there is no doubt John and Paul were focused in the spotlight and Ringo the solid foundation neath it all, George Harrison's impact is still ubiiqutous everywhere in America. Nearly all towns and cities now have Yoga studios.
Believe me, that did not exist prior to George Harrison. it was George who turned us to the 'east'. His explorations lead directly to the music and culture and religions of India.
It was actually the Hari Krishna movement which arrived in the UK and USA in the mid 60s and which George became interested in and endorsed.
This is just what I needed at just the right time! The Beatles will always reign! I alway love what you’re doing, Rick! You do a huge service to the music community in so very many beneficial ways! Anytime you wish to drop in a Beatles “note” which helped to change music forever as we then knew it is fine with me. Anytime at all!
The Beatles are simply genius, and were so ahead of their time. You hear a riff and feel pure emotion and warmth.
LeeBottomley
My thoughts exactly 💯, their music wraps me in happiness, like a warm blanket.
Peace and Love ✌️
I do not think they were ahead of their time, but they were able to take what was on the leading edge of their times, and do wonderful things with it.
@@imkluu Perhaps one could say that they were the avant-garde of their time, they invented a new kind of pop and rock every two years...
Every time… The Beatles’s songs always hit me so deep…because they are (someway) me… what I’ve experienced and loved. I still love these songs. And I will…till I die 😊
I've always loved "Norwegian Wood." The Buddy Rich Big Band did a surprisingly spot-on swing version of it.
I just heard the Sergio Mendes version from 1966 and really loved it.
Have you heard Fretkillr's version?
@@chilipeet4610 really nice version and a good find. I’ll have to listen to more of his covers.
Totally unrelated to The Beatles but if you want to hear a really funny thing look up the Buddy Rich Tapes. Then look up Seinfeld Talks About The Buddy Rich Tapes. You can thank me later. LOL!
@@jackiepenner-lourdes3374 he's a gem
I listened in hope that InMyLife would be on your top 10 . I was having difficulty recalling the song title and you did not let me down!
A couple of guys in their 20s came up with all these great parts that still hold up more than half a century later. Imagine if John had lived, they would have reunited at some point and given the world even more.
Imagine what tickets to that concert would cost?
I miss John 😢. I stayed home from school the day after he was shot and cried.
When I was younger people got caught up in heavey metal heavy rock riffs and solos and i was the same.
Until I became a lover of music, the song not the part I realised just like Lemmy and Ozzy before me that the Beatles are just a phenomenon.
Not just because they had great riffs, solos, lyrics but because the songs as a whole wipe the floor with most artists.
They had the right combination of egos and it worked and there will never be another like them.
Fantastic! I also love A Ticket to Ride. The riff predates Day Tripper in the way that it drives through the entire song.
I can't disagree. Just hearing a collection of Beatles tunes is a treat.
Beautiful, intricate riffs. Goes to show their genius in structure and execution. Just masters.
Oh. so beautiful! The Beatles is an experience that keeps growing the more you listen... Thank you!
Holy cow! Rick and Pat should do an album of instrumental Beatles covers!!! These riffs were terrific!!
One thing I notice about almost all The Beatles’ iconic and memorable riffs is the common element of some sort of walking , simple melody going on within all the chord changing. I was picking out “Something “ the other day, and it just has that amazing walking melody within the chord changes .
As usual Rick, you’ve hit the nail on the head with another great list. Totally on board with ‘ And your Bird Can Sing ‘ especially since I’m also an avid fan of that first, magical psychedelic album ever.
such a sweet chord progression in this tune, and the vocal chorus at 1:19 is just unreal. HOW did they get those voices to blend like that!
Well Craig it's just the genius musicians that those four guy were. No wonder they'll always be one of the most treasured bands of all time.
@@stevecowder4774 they dialed it in in hamburg- those all nighters- lennon alone would have figured it out! get your OWN tunes, and drive 'em crazy on the dance floor. then, in the studio, they get hooked up with george martin- who has all the answers that 4 guys from the street need-and OFF they went.btw- i just saw paul last april 28, here in spokane wa. first time EVER- unforgettable. have you ever seen them?
Some of my favs; the opening riff on "I Want to Tell You" , The chorus riff on "Here Comes the Sun", The chorus riff on Helter Skelter, the riff on Help! during "please, please, help me" the opening riff on "She Said She Said" and last but not least is the opening riff on "Please Please Me".
Just hearing you guys playing these riffs show how brilliant the Beatles were. Yes, I am also a huge Beatles fan...
I've always loved the opening Riff on YOUR CAN'T DO THAT. It's simple but very effective.
Good list! Don’t know how you get this down to just 10. For iconic guitar riffs I probably would have gone with Taxman and Birthday. Those are both unbelievably kick-ass and iconic riffs.
You're a huge inspiration for myself as an educator and - now - as content creator (due to the shift to remote learning in higher ed). I just wanted to say thank you for your incredible content
and thoughtful pedagogy.
Tack!
One of my favorite Beatles songs to play on acoustic, because of Paul's inimitable way of making an entire chord structure a riff, is "I'm Looking Through You." Plus, the register to that song's vocals is nearly impossible for me to reach! Brilliant.