Classic Rock Albums Every Guitar Fan Should Listen To

Classic rock isn’t just a genre; it’s a time machine. When you pop on a record from the golden age, you can feel the energy pulsating from the speakers.

It’s a gateway to understanding how music evolved and why certain sounds resonate universally. The topic of “classic rock albums every guitar fan should listen to”, is a key point of reference on what shapes your musical identity.

Think of The Rolling Stones or Tom Petty. These legends crafted songs that transcend time, speaking to not just one generation, but capturing the essence of rebellion, love, and sometimes, pure fun. Listening to their tracks is like getting a personal lesson from music’s greatest teachers.

For many musicians, these classic rock tunes serve as a bedrock, shaping how they express themselves. Ever picked up a guitar after listening to Eric Clapton, Van Halen, or Jimi Hendrix? That’s the classic rock magic at work, binding musicians and fans across time.

And this goes beyond the music. Classic rock reflects the culture and counter-culture movements of its era. The stories behind those intoxicating riffs often mirror social changes and ideals. From psychedelic escapades to raw, gritty blues, it’s the sound of a time when music was an essential voice for societal shifts.

Experiencing these albums is about more than just absorbing the music; it’s about understanding the context in which they were created. Each track can be a history lesson, peeling back layers of meaning and artistry. With every chord and lyric, there’s a story that can change how you see the songs and the world.

This is why I encourage you to listen to an artist’s original release cover-to-cover. It’s a moment in time captured like a photograph. For better or worse, it displays their musical vision at the time of the recording. A very special moment in time indeed. Steve 🎸

So whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer wanting to explore, diving into classic rock is like joining an ever-growing community of people who appreciate the artistry and the stories behind the sounds that have stood the test of time.

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Essential Albums for Every Classic Rock Fan

When it comes to classic rock, some albums are simply non-negotiable. They’re the cornerstones of the genre and have sculpted the landscape for future musicians. Think of them as your must-have collection, even if you’re just dipping a toe into the rock waters. These albums will motivate you to pick up your guitar and jam out. The benefits of playing guitar are endless!

My Early Music Treasure Hunting Memories….

1. Listening to my mom‘s record collection
2. Tuning into FM radio and recording songs from a cassette player(mix tapes)
3. Sharing records between friends
4. Buying music at the record store(quite difficult as a kid with no money)
5. MTV(first aired in 1981, I was 12) Ironically, the first music video was called ‘Video killed the radio star’ by the Buggles.
6. Guitar magazines with tablatures came out when I was a teen. I would then hum the music by looking at the tabs and then go try and find it at the record store.
7. Wedding singer bands (there’s always a wedding)
   
   
   

   So, in a way, finding music was a real life treasure hunt. Nowadays, we all have access to music at the touch of a button. There’s too many recordings of incredible guitar music to list but here are SOME of my faves that shaped the way I play. Check them out!

   
   

Start with ‘Led Zeppelin IV‘ by Led Zeppelin. Oh man, the riffs and energy here are iconic. Tracks like “Stairway to Heaven” continue to play as the soundtrack to endless moments because of their intricate blend of folk, blues, and rock. It’s like a primer on musical genius.

You can’t go wrong with any of the tracks on this record. The opening riff to ‘Black Dog’ and ‘Rock and Roll’ will send you straight into the rock hall of fame. Listening to ‘Going to California’ is like going on a mellow fingerpicking cross-country trip reflecting on life. Ahhhh

Then there’s ‘Texas Flood‘ by Stevie Ray Vaughan. This album’s bluesy rawness and emotive guitar solos are a thrill ride. Vaughan’s style is both classic and cutting-edge, a combo that every aspiring guitarist should immerse in.

This album starts off with ’Love Struck Baby’ and is very reminiscent of Chuck Berry. ‘Texas Flood’ is an awe-inspiring display of passionate bluesy licks in the style of legendary bluesman Albert King.

SRV never shied away from his influences and it sometimes felt like his very soul was playing the guitar. Always an “out-of-body” experience when listening to his impassioned guitar playing.

‘Van Halen‘ by Van Halen should be your next stop. It screams innovation with Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar techniques. It’s the album that declared loud and clear that hard rock was here to stay—and evolve.

When people debate about Eddie Van Halen’s techniques that made him a legendary rock god, it always goes back to his tone with me. His tone by itself is enough to put him in the rock n roll hall of fame. It’s so cool, they named it! It’s called the “the brown sound.”

The first track, ‘Runnin with the Devil’, starts off with a recording of the band member’s car horns blended together, a thumping bass line, Eddie raking the strings behind the nut with a pick, and then a finger slide…wait for it….wait for it—into a pool of lush chord vibrations that will leave you covered in a smooth lather of RNR goodness.

’Eruption’ (⬅️see guitar tab) is well, you know, EPIC! What a beautiful 1 minute and 42 seconds of guitar bliss. Tone, technique, and fire! All of the classic songs such as ‘Atomic Punk’, ‘Ain’t Talkin Bout Love’, ‘Jamie’s Crying, and ‘Feel Your Love Tonight’, round out this groundbreaking record. Go check it out!

Hang on to your hat with ‘Blow by Blow‘ by Jeff Beck. This instrumental masterpiece showcases Beck’s virtuosity, blending rock, jazz, and funk in a way only he could pull off. It’s an album that proves you don’t need lyrics to tell a story.

Jeff Beck’s playing reminds me of a vocalist with a 10 octave range. He seems to have no limits with incorporating blues, jazz, and funky rhythms and melodies.

On the Blow by Blow album, check out tracks such as ‘Scatterbrain’, ‘Cause we Ended as Lovers’, and ‘She’s a Woman’. Also, on the Guitar Shop album, listen to ‘Behind the Veil’ and ‘Sling Shot’.

Randy Rhoads was my first guitar hero! These two recordings by Ozzy were the first of his solo career after departing Black Sabbath. ‘Diary of a Madman‘ and ‘Blizzard of Ozz‘ albums are cornerstones of heavy metal history.

I discovered ‘Diary’ first after hearing it in its entirety on a midnight album hour. After heading to the record store (remember those?) to purchase this album, to my surprise, I found ‘Blizzard’. OMG…what a treat!

Whether it’s the haunting neoclassical epics of “Diary of a Madman” and “ Revelation Mother Earth” or the electrifying “I Don’t Know” and “Mr. Crowley,” Randy blended classical music with heavy metal. He will always remain as my first EVER guitar hero and will always be revered.

Each of these albums captures a moment in time and a piece of the mosaic that is classic rock. Collectively, they offer a kaleidoscopic view of the very heart of rock music, making them essential for any fan eager to understand the genre’s depth and impact.

Deep Dives into Classic Records

Ever listened to ‘Let There Be Rock‘ by AC/DC and felt like you were punched in the gut with pure energy? That’s because it’s a raw, powerful display of rock’s primal force, seizing attention with its relentless drive and gritty vocals.

I always liken Angus to the “energizer bunny” cause his playing is relentless with non-stop energy. When I saw Ac/dc perform live, he never stopped playing….EVER! To this day, idk how he does it. His playing is a mix of blues licks and straight-up rock, all wrapped up in a gritty rock n roll crust.

Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Are You Experienced‘ turned the world on its axis with inventive guitar work that seemed to defy the laws of physics. It’s an album that journeys through psychedelic pathways, inviting listeners to rethink what music could accomplish.

Bluesy rock mixed with sounds and tones straight from a voodoo ritual. ‘Red House’, ‘Third Stone from the Sun’, and ‘Manic Depression’ are astonishing fixtures in the classic rock sound.

I also recommend you to watch his electrifying performance of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ at Woodstock 1969. This happened a month before I was born and 15 years later, it was a major influence on me as young guitarist. Never will be the same after listening to this.

Yngwie Malmsteen’s ‘Marching Out‘ and ‘Trilogy’ push the boundaries of guitar virtuosity. It’s like a masterclass in shredding, offering aspiring guitarists a blueprint for speed and precision that still influences players today.

Just the name ‘Yngwie’ was enough to get me to listen. The guitar performances on tracks like ‘I’ll see the light tonight’, ‘Disciples of hell’, ‘Fury’, and ‘Trilogy suite Op.5’ are simply MIND BLOWING! Neoclassical music at its finest.

Heavy metal riffs, melodies reminiscent of Bach and Beethoven, along with over-the-top vocals, and thunderous rhythm section, make this a must listen for all guitarists.

Live performances captured in albums have their own magic, and ‘At Fillmore East‘ by The Allman Brothers is a perfect example. It showcases the band’s improvisational skills and southern rock charm, setting the standard for live recordings.

The swaggering slide guitar work of Duane Allman and the sweet melodic playing from Dickey Betts, makes for a southern rock epic musical adventure. If you’re a rock guitarist, you NEED to listen to this one!

Cream’s ‘Disraeli Gears‘ contains the classic riff “Sunshine of Your Love” which melds rock and blues seamlessly, highlighting Eric Clapton’s legendary guitar prowess and showing how traditional blues can be amplified to rock proportions. Also, along with Smoke on the water by Deep Purple, this riff is a right-of-passage for any budding guitarist wanting to play rock music.

‘Out of the Cellar’ by Ratt is straight-up hard rock. I knew I wanted to be a lead guitarist when Warren DeMartini busted through the ceiling playing the solo on the Round and Round video! Tracks like ‘Wanted Man’, ‘Back for More’, and of course ‘Round and Round’ really showcase Warren’s blistering lead performances.

‘Passion and Warfare’ by Steve Vai is another mind-blowing masterpiece! The otherworldly melodies and guitar techniques along with the occasional 7 string guitar was mesmerizing. Also, check out one of his earlier records called ‘Flex-able’ from 1984.

On ‘Passion’, tracks such as ‘Erotic Nightmares’, ‘The Animal’, and ‘The Audience is Listening’ will make your jaw drop! Such a unique blend of rock, funk, and alien melodic structure. Your ears might need to be re-tuned to completely grasp it. Next up, Steve Vai‘s guitar teacher⬇️

‘Surfing with the Alien’ by Joe Satriani was a game changer for instrumental albums back in 1987. Wonderful melodies and awe-inspiring technique make this one a must listen. Honestly, I still enjoy listening to this one!

The title track alone will leave you speechless. Tracks like ‘Ice 9’, and ‘Satch Boogie’ continue with the brilliant array of out-of-this-world guitar technique, occasional bluesy feel, and melodies that will keep you humming.

Darrell Lance Abbott, better known as Dimebag Darrell. This one will always be near and dear to my heart. The ‘Power Metal’ album was the first time hearing this guy‘s insane guitar chops and was also the first Pantera tour that I saw in New Orleans. It was sometime in 1989 I think.

-Anyways, he had the uncanny ability to play endless combinations of melodic guitar licks woven into these monster heavy metal riffs! He always had this amazing energy and created such excitement! Check out the classic riffs and solos in ‘ Power Metal’ (this is a face melter), and ‘Proud to be Loud’.

‘Cowboys from Hell’, another classic recording came next but honestly, you should go listen to all his work with Pantera. 🤘🏼

These albums do more than entertain; they challenge perceptions and invite listeners to explore new sonic landscapes. They’re a testament to how multifaceted and innovative rock musicians can be.

Why These Albums Matter Today

Classic rock albums aren’t just relics of the past, they’re dynamic forces that continue to influence today’s music. Whether it’s the gritty riffs of AC/DC or the innovative guitar work of Hendrix, these albums have carved paths that countless musicians walk even now.

Modern bands often tap into the raw energy and expressive storytelling found in these classic records. It’s like these albums are the DNA of contemporary rock, sneaking into the riffs and rhythms of a new era. You can see how bands today use those same soulful solos or heavy beats to create their unique sound.

For musicians, these albums serve as textbooks filled with lessons on musicality, creativity, and even breaking the rules. The blend of diverse styles and relentless experimentation in these records teaches artists to push boundaries and explore new dimensions in their music.

Beyond just the notes and beats, there’s a cultural weight behind them. They reflect times of change and capture the spirit of rebellion and freedom that defined their eras. So, when you listen to these tracks today, it’s almost like having conversations with the past.

These albums aren’t just about nostalgia. They’re about appreciating the roots while inspiring future tunes. Dive into them, and you’ll see why they’re still relevant, teaching us about the endless possibilities in music creation and storytelling.

If you’re just learning the guitar, stay tuned to String Shock for more tips, tricks, lessons, and music talk. Check out this article on the best electric guitars for beginners to get started and please subscribe and comment. I read and reply to all. Email: Steve@stringshock.com