17 Best Guitar Songs Without Singing: Riffs to Rock

Dive into the world of melodies as we unveil the 17 Best Guitar Songs Without Singing.

This list is an absolute treat for the ears and the soul, featuring heart-throbbing riffs and solos.

Perfect for setting the mood at any event or indulging in some musical zen. Tune in

Here are the best guitar songs without singing that you can check out:

List Of Best Guitar Tunes Without Singing

Best guitar songs without singing in a list format:

1. Eruption – Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen, 1978)

Eruption by the legendary Eddie Van Halen is an electrifying, groundbreaking instrumental from Van Halen’s self-titled debut album. It’s not just a song; it’s a 1 minute 42-second rollercoaster of unbelievable guitar wizardry.

2. Cliffs of Dover – Eric Johnson (Ah Via Musicom, 1990)

Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson is a blissful, melodic journey. Featured on his album, Ah Via Musicom, this piece earned him a Grammy and is synonymous with perfect guitar tone and phrasing.

3. Satch Boogie – Joe Satriani (Surfing with the Alien, 1987)

Satch Boogie, off Joe Satriani’s Surfing with the Alien album, is a high-energy track filled with technical brilliance. It’s like a wild, exhilarating ride through the galaxy on a surfboard made of sound waves.

4. Orion – Metallica (Master of Puppets, 1986)

Orion is an epic masterpiece from Metallica’s iconic Master of Puppets album. This 8-minute track showcases a fantastic blend of thrash metal with melodic sections, making it a mandatory addition to your playlist.

5. For the Love of God – Steve Vai (Passion and Warfare, 1990)

Steve Vai’s For the Love of God from Passion and Warfare is a hauntingly beautiful piece. With its emotional intensity, it feels like the guitar is pouring its heart out.

6. The Call of Ktulu – Metallica (Ride the Lightning, 1984)

Another gem from Metallica, The Call of Ktulu on Ride the Lightning offers a dark and eerie soundscape. It’s like a musical novella narrating an ancient, Lovecraftian tale.

7. Black Star – Yngwie Malmsteen (Rising Force, 1984)

Black Star by Yngwie Malmsteen from his debut album Rising Force is a neoclassical marvel. This track’s blazing speed and baroque influences will leave you both awed and inspired.

8. Always with Me, Always with You – Joe Satriani (Surfing with the Alien, 1987)

Another classic by Joe Satriani, Always with Me, Always with You is a melodic anthem. With its tender and expressive notes, it’s like a love letter from his guitar.

9. Jessica – The Allman Brothers Band (Brothers and Sisters, 1973)

Jessica, by The Allman Brothers Band, from Brothers and Sisters, is a lively, Southern rock instrumental. Its catchy melody and driving rhythm feel like an open road under a sunny sky.

10. Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers – Jeff Beck (Blow by Blow, 1975)

Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers is a soulful track from Jeff Beck’s Blow by Blow. With every bend and slide, this song tells a story, proving that lyrics aren’t always necessary.

11. La Villa Strangiato – Rush (Hemispheres, 1978)

La Villa Strangiato, from Rush’s Hemispheres album, is a progressive rock odyssey. This track takes you through multiple sections, each with its own distinct character. It’s a feast for the ears.

12. Moby Dick – Led Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin II, 1969)

Moby Dick is Led Zeppelin’s mighty showcase of John Bonham’s drumming coupled with Page’s fierce guitar. Found on Led Zeppelin II, it’s a must-listen for any rock enthusiast.

13. YYZ – Rush (Moving Pictures, 1981)

YYZ by Rush from Moving Pictures is an adrenaline-pumping track with intricate time signatures and an infectious riff. It’s a perfect example of musicianship at its finest.

14. Sleepwalk – Santo & Johnny (Santo & Johnny, 1959)

Sleepwalk by Santo & Johnny, from their self-titled album, is a timeless piece. With its dreamy steel guitar, it carries an air of nostalgia and romance.

15. Misirlou – Dick Dale (Surfers’ Choice, 1962)

Misirlou by Dick Dale, off the Surfers’ Choice album, is an energetic surf rock classic. You might recognize it from Pulp Fiction – it’s the one with the blazing-fast, reverb-soaked guitar.

16. Stream of Consciousness – Dream Theater (Train of Thought, 2003)

Stream of Consciousness by Dream Theater, from Train of Thought, is a progressive metal journey. With its complex rhythms and soaring solos, it’s an epic soundscape that never loses momentum.

17. Anji – Davy Graham (The Guitar Player, 1963)

Lastly, Anji by Davy Graham from The Guitar Player is an acoustic treasure. It’s laid-back, finger-picking bliss. It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

Fun Facts: Guitar Songs Without Singing

Eruption – Eddie Van Halen

• 🎸 Eddie Van Halen originally considered Eruption as just a warm-up exercise and didn’t plan on including it on the album. It was only after the producer heard him play it that they decided to record it.

Cliffs of Dover – Eric Johnson

• 🌊 Eric Johnson didn’t name the song after the actual Cliffs of Dover. He mentioned in interviews that the title came to him spontaneously and that the piece reminded him of England.

Satch Boogie – Joe Satriani

• 🎮 Satch Boogie made its way into the gaming world! It was featured in the video game Guitar Hero World Tour. Players can attempt to master Joe Satriani’s impressive guitar techniques in a virtual environment.

Orion – Metallica

• 🔭 Orion is an homage to Metallica’s late bassist Cliff Burton. The bass guitar has a prominent role in this instrumental. In the liner notes of the reissue of Master of Puppets, it is dedicated to him.

For the Love of God – Steve Vai

• 🧘‍♂️ When recording For the Love of God, Steve Vai had been fasting for 10 days and meditating. He stated that this song was a personal exploration of how much he could say with the melody.

Jessica – The Allman Brothers Band

• 🚗 Jessica became widely recognized as the theme for the BBC TV show Top Gear. The Allman Brothers Band’s lively tune perfectly complements the show’s automotive adventures.

La Villa Strangiato – Rush

• 💡 The title La Villa Strangiato is a playful take on a dream guitarist Alex Lifeson had, and the subtitle “An Exercise in Self-Indulgence” pokes fun at the band’s maximalist tendencies.

Moby Dick – Led Zeppelin

• 🥁 Moby Dick originally featured an extended drum solo, often lasting for about 30 minutes when played live. During this time, John Bonham used not only drumsticks but also his hands to play.

YYZ – Rush

• 🛬 The title YYZ is the airport code for Toronto Pearson International Airport. The opening rhythm is actually the Morse code for “YYZ” (-.– -.– –..).

Misirlou – Dick Dale

• 🌍 Misirlou is actually based on a traditional song from the Eastern Mediterranean region. Dick Dale’s version popularized it with its electric guitar and American surf rock elements.

And that’s a wrap, folks! 🎉 From guitar wizardry to epic soundscapes, these masterpieces and fun facts have something for every music lover. Keep the tunes flowing and stay groovy!

Thanks for reading.

TBone