10. "Hawaii Five-O" by The Ventures (1968)
Any fan of surf rock instrumentals should know – nay, must know – The Ventures, the "Band That Launched a Thousand Bands." The quartet was groundbreaking and innovative, utilizing fuzz and flanging guitar effects to create a sound that was truly their own. They burst onto the scene with 1960's "Walk, Don't Run," and stand as the biggest-selling instrumental rock group of all time, with record sales well over 110 million.
Long story short, it would be a legitimate sin not to have a Ventures track on a list like this one, and the one that lands them here is "Hawaii Five-O." Originally composed by Morton Stevens as the instrumental theme for CBS' Hawaii Five-O, the Ventures released their cover in 1968, the same year the series debuted. While Stevens' original is perfectly suited to the series, the Ventures took it and legitimized it as a rock classic, simply by adding far more complicated and engaging percussion to what is otherwise a faithful rendition. If you can find it, I highly suggest the 2:39 version on Greatest Surf Guitar Classics, where the percussion is amplified to an even higher degree.
9. "Espionage" by Green Day (1997)
Originally released as a non-LP B-side for 1997's "Hitchin' a Ride," "Espionage" was later used during a car chase scene in 1999's Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me before actually appearing on a Green Day album, 2002's compilation Shenanigans. It eschews the band's pop-punk in favor of a tight, "spy" aesthetic, like the theme from Peter Gunn on adrenaline.
It begins with a driving guitar riff before the rest of the band – and a perfectly infused horn section – comes in, ever-building throughout its surf-rock-meets-James-Bond vibe. Sans Billie Joe Armstrong's vocals, "Espionage" showcases the talent and chemistry of the trio that makes up Green Day on their own merits. That it so strongly evokes its intentions through the dynamic revelation of Green Day's musical proficiency, "Espionage" is positively shagadelic, baby.
8. "Misirlou" by Dick Dale (1962)
"Misirlou" (or "Miserlou") is an Eastern Mediterranean folk song that hails back to the 1920s, with the earliest-known recording a 1927 Greek composition. There are also Albanian, Serbian, Turkish, Armenian, Indian, and even Arabic belly-dancing versions. As you might suspect, it certainly isn't the belly-dancing version that lands "Misirlou" on this list, but rather Dick Dale's electrifying 1962 take, made famous by its inclusion on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack.
As Dale himself tells it, he was practicing some songs at Gene Krupa drumming speed (fast) when a seven-year-old boy came up to him and said, "Man, you play cool! Could you play something on your guitar on one string?" He told the boy to come back the next day, and spent the night trying to figure out what he could play when "Misirlou" came to mind. It worked, and the next night he played it at that frenetic pace (which he suggests caused the original writers to "roll over in their graves") to great success. It's a masterful take, one that blends the pace and feel of surf rock with its Eastern Mediterranean history to create something truly unique.
7. "Satch Boogie" by Joe Satriani (1987)
From Joe Satriani's iconic 1987 album Surfing with the Alien, "Satch Boogie" is an enthralling, blistering-fast shuffle groove as infectious as it is complex. Paired with Jeff Campitelli on drums, Satriani builds "Satch Boogie" as a song first, display of shred-guitar mastery second, and it makes a difference. It doesn't feel like a guitar solo with no end, but instead has a legitimate swing-rock vibe with a distinct structure. It's a sock-hop turned to 11.
But make no mistake: Satriani's impossible talent is front and center throughout "Satch Boogie." At any one time, the song showcases two-handed tapping, pinch harmonics, hammer-ons and pull-offs. It also serves as a master class in pitch axis theory, for those up on their music terms. For the rest of us, pitch axis theory is where a lone, invariable bass note is played while the chords and scales over it are in a constant state of flux. Obviously.
6. "Eruption" by Van Halen (1978)
There are two periods in rock music history: the time before "Eruption," and the time after. Off their debut album Van Halen, "Eruption" is wholly revolutionary, loudly declaring the band and their lead guitarist, virtuoso Eddie Van Halen, had arrived. Eddie did simply magical things on the track, at an unprecedented speed, and that he filled it all in at just 1:42 is awe-inspiring. Eddie's mastery of two-handed tapping, whammy bar effects, arpeggios and seamless lines, played out on his famed modified guitar, the "Frankenstrat," was unlike anything before it in popular music, and a high bar to hit for anything following it.
The track itself is pure Van Halen: aggressive, masterful, and cheeky. There are shades of classical music throughout, a nod to Eddie's appreciation of it, practically taunting purists who refused to believe in the beauty of electric guitar. "Eruption" is short, and it's fun, and the perfect lead-in to Van Halen's cover of The Kinks' "You Really Got Me," the song that proved to be a breakthrough for both bands in their respective eras.
5. "The Audience is Listening" by Steve Vai (1990)
Steve Vai's "The Audience is Listening," from 1990's Passion and Warfare, isn't a pure rock instrumental, but it's the additional elements that put the track over the edge. It tells a story, an irreverent and hilarious one at that, about a stern school teacher who becomes increasingly infuriated with the "nice little tune that little Stevie Vai" performs for his classmates. The guitar acts as the child, "speaking" responsively, and in rebellion, to the teacher's pleas to stop.
"The Audience is Listening" marries the fun of classic Van Halen with the virtuosity of Joe Satriani. It's fast, fun, and full of tricks, instantly engaging with the "laughing" rhythm of the guitar. Paired with the skillful drumming of Chris Frazier, "The Audience is Listening" is one of those songs that stays in your head well after hearing it. And probably longer than whatever you learned at the age of 8 in school.
Francis Scott Key's "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially made the national anthem of the United States almost 100 years ago (March 3, 1931 to be exact). Since then, the anthem has been sung thousands of times in thousands of places, with iconic performances both good and spectacularly awful. Yet it's safe to say that none are as unique or as powerful as the instrumental rendition performed by Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969.
To say it's simply an anthem is like saying a simple ice cube sunk the Titanic. It's a patriotic masterpiece with an anti-war underpinning, a psychedelic take on a stringent anthem that perfectly captures the zeitgeist of late-1960s America. In Hendrix's hands, the anthem is captured reverently and instantly recognizable, but littered with improvisational moments that turn it into something more. He uses the guitar to recreate battlefield sounds, screeching dive-bombs that mimic the sound of air-raid sirens. He weaves the melody of the somber "Taps" in as a tribute to fallen soldiers and civilians. And in doing so, Hendrix fearlessly proclaims his love of America while pointing out its ugliness... without saying a single word.
3. "YYZ" by Rush (1981)
"YYZ", off of 1981's Moving Pictures, is a dynamite showcase of the triumvirate talent that is Rush. The airport code for Toronto Pearson International Airport not only provides the song with its title, but also the track's opening rhythm, which is YYZ in Morse code. It is arguably the most accessible song from the band, relying solely on the virtuosic styling of its members without the high-concept, thought-provoking lyrics that pepper their iconic works (not that there isn't a concept there: it's meant to evoke the hustle and bustle of a thriving airport, aided by its unconventional 10/8 time signature).
What sets "YYZ" apart is how it displays the cohesiveness of the group as a whole, while allowing for each member to have their turn in the "Limelight." Geddy Lee's driving, galloping bass. Alex Lifeson's brilliant guitar solos. And Neil Peart's otherworldly mastery of the drums, in a moment where the song stops and Peart takes over with unmatched flair. "YYZ", more than anything, is proof of Rush's embarrassment of riches. Beauty, eh?
2. "One of These Days" by Pink Floyd (1971)
"One of these days, I'm going to cut you into little pieces." That ray of sunshine is the only spoken vocal on "One of These Days," a masterclass in rock instrumental from Pink Floyd's 1971 album Meddle. It begins with the slight whisper of wind before the two-note strike of bass guitar that kicks off its catchy, dual-bass bassline. The bassline carries on in a cycle, accentuated by echo effects and keyboard flourishes, steadily driving and building up the tension to its "bridge," a psychedelic sonic swirl that is as unnerving as it is captivating.
Then comes that cheerful little vocal, and suddenly all hell breaks loose. The bassline resumes, accompanied by driving drums and keyboard flashes. Then comes David Gilmour with his screaming slide guitar, and suddenly "One of These Days" goes from pretty good to flat-out amazing. What Gilmour does in the back half of the track is nothing short of spectacular, relying on drawing out notes and adding improvised riffs instead of flashy tapping and frenetic speed. A bunch of little pieces, coming together to create perfection.
1. "Pipeline" by Stevie Ray Vaughan & Dick Dale (1987)
To the day I die, I will extol the virtues of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Dick Dale's cover of "Pipeline" to one and all. It is flawless, perfect, and I promise you will never hear any rock instrumental that's better. Vaughan and Dale take the classic 1962 surf-rock classic by The Chantay's and make it their own. It flows organically, eschewing the choppy feeling of the original, starts off at breakneck speed and doesn't slow down for a second.
The two guitar legends complement each other perfectly, with Dale's aggressive picking and Vaughan's heavy sweeping blues tone melding together to create surf rock on steroids. It redefines what the surf rock instrumental can be, making it grittier and heavier than its kin while honoring its legacy. It is, far and away, the best thing about Back to the Beach, the forgettable 1987 film that tried to recreate the beach party movie. Stevie Ray has also played the song with his brother, Jimmie Vaughan, creating a different yet no less engaging dynamic. I would also suggest Anthrax's cover from Attack of the Killer B's, although, strangely, it isn't as heavy sounding as Vaughan and Dale's. Surf's up!
Classic Rock Personality Quiz
Who's Your Perfect
Classic Rock Band?
A Personality Quiz · 10 Questions
Five legendary bands. One perfect match. Answer 10 questions about your personality, attitude, and taste to find out which classic rock icon you truly belong with. Are you raw power, rolling swagger, operatic drama, thunderous riffs, or timeless melody?
⚡AC/DC
👅Rolling Stones
🤘Metallica
👑Queen
🎸The Beatles
Begin Quiz →
01
How do you walk into a room?
Choose the answer that feels most like you.
ALike a freight train — loud, fast, and everyone knows I've arrived.
BWith a slow, cool swagger — I take my time and own every step.
CHead down, focused — I'm here for a purpose and small talk isn't it.
DWith total confidence and a flair for the dramatic — all eyes on me.
EWarmly and curiously — genuinely excited to see what and who is here.
Next Question →
02
What does your ideal Friday night look like?
ALoud bar, cold beer, cranked jukebox — the louder the better.
BA smoky club, good company, and doing whatever feels right in the moment.
CIntense concert or staying in with headphones — nothing in between.
DSomething theatrical — a show, a dinner party, an experience worth remembering.
EHanging with close friends, maybe making music, keeping it relaxed and genuine.
Next Question →
03
What's your philosophy on keeping things simple vs. complex?
ASimple is king. A great riff repeated perfectly beats any amount of cleverness.
BKeep it loose and bluesy — the groove matters more than technical perfection.
CGo deep and dark — I want layers, tension, and something that hits hard.
DWhy not both? Elaborate arrangements and hook-driven anthems can coexist.
ECraft every detail — a perfect melody is the result of countless small choices.
Next Question →
04
How would your friends describe your personal style?
ANo-frills, no-nonsense — jeans, a t-shirt, and ready to go.
BEffortlessly cool — slightly dishevelled in a way that somehow always works.
CDark and deliberate — black is a lifestyle, not just a colour.
DBold and expressive — fashion is a form of performance for me.
EClean and classic — timeless over trendy, always put-together.
Next Question →
05
How do you want to be remembered?
AAs someone who never let the energy drop — relentless, loud, and alive.
BAs someone who lived fully and on my own terms, unapologetically.
CAs someone who was brutally honest and made music that meant something real.
DAs someone who transcended genres, boundaries, and expectations entirely.
EAs someone who changed the world — and left it genuinely better than I found it.
Next Question →
06
What kind of crowd do you want around you?
APeople who are there to have a blast — no pretension, just pure fun and noise.
BA mix of rebels and free spirits who don't take themselves too seriously.
CA loyal, passionate crew who are all in — intensity over numbers every time.
DEveryone — I want to unite people who wouldn't normally be in the same room.
EPeople who appreciate craft and feel genuinely connected by the music.
Next Question →
07
If you were writing a song, what would it be about?
AHaving a good time, turning it up, and not overthinking it.
BStreet life, desire, and the rawness of being human.
CAnger, grief, war, or the darker side of the world — music as a weapon.
DSomething epic and emotional — love, loss, triumph, or pure fantasy.
ESomething personal and universal at once — a feeling everyone can recognise.
Next Question →
08
What's your secret to staying relevant over time?
ANever change the formula — if it works, it works. Consistency is everything.
BStay hungry, stay dangerous, and always keep a bit of that rebellious edge.
CEarn respect through dedication — the work and the live show speak for themselves.
DReinvent constantly — never let anyone put you in a box or predict your next move.
EWrite songs so good they can't be ignored, in any decade, in any context.
Next Question →
09
You're playing to 80,000 people. What does your performance look like?
AA wall of sound and sweat — pure, unfiltered energy from first note to last.
BLoose, cool, and dangerous — every song feels like it might fall apart but never does.
CBrutal precision — tight, powerful, and leaving no one unmoved.
DA full spectacle — lights, costumes, vocal acrobatics, and total theatrical command.
EWarm, joyful, and tight — the crowd singing every word back at you.
Next Question →
10
Pick the word that best sums up your relationship with rock music.
This is your tiebreaker — choose carefully.
ARaw — stripped back, high-voltage, no frills.
BRolling — fluid, dangerous, built on blues and attitude.
CHeavy — powerful, honest, uncompromising.
DMajestic — theatrical, boundary-defying, unforgettable.
ETimeless — melodic, human, built to last forever.
See My Result →
Your Result
Your Perfect Band Is Revealed
Based on your personality, energy, and taste, the classic rock band that matches your soul is…
⚡ AC/DC
You are pure, undiluted rock energy. You don't need tricks, trends, or theatrical gimmicks — you have something more powerful: a riff that hits like a thunderbolt and an attitude that never wavers. Like AC/DC, you understand that simplicity executed with absolute conviction is its own form of genius. You're the person in the room who doesn't overthink it, doesn't pretend, and never turns the volume down. The highway to hell is a state of mind — and you've been on it since day one.
👅 The Rolling Stones
You've got swagger that can't be taught. Rooted in the blues and soaked in street-level attitude, you move through life with a loose, dangerous elegance that draws people in without ever trying too hard. Like the Stones, you've seen it all, done most of it, and somehow look better for it. You're not chasing perfection — you're chasing truth, groove, and that electric moment when everything clicks. Can't always get what you want? You tend to get it anyway.
👑 Queen
You are magnificent, and you know it — not from arrogance, but from an unshakeable sense of self that has never needed anyone's permission. Like Queen, you defy every category people try to place you in. You blend the epic with the intimate, the operatic with the anthemic, the serious with the playful. You live boldly, love fiercely, and perform every aspect of your life as though the whole world is watching. Because sometimes it is. We are the champions — and so are you.
🎸 The Beatles
You have the rarest of gifts: the ability to make something that feels both deeply personal and universally human. Like The Beatles, you're a natural connector — someone whose warmth, curiosity, and creative instincts draw people together across every divide. You believe in melody, in craftsmanship, and in the quiet power of a song that says exactly what someone needed to hear. You've changed the people around you just by being who you are. All you need is love — and you give it generously.
↩ Retake Quiz
Who's Your Perfect Classic Rock Band?
Classic Rock Personality QuizWho's Your PerfectClassic Rock Band?A Personality Quiz · 10 QuestionsFive legendary bands. One perfect match. Answer 10 questions about your personality, attitude, and taste to find out which classic rock icon you truly belong with. Are you raw power, rolling swagger, operatic drama, thunderous riffs, or timeless melody?
⚡AC/DC
👅Rolling Stones
🤘Metallica
👑Queen
🎸The Beatles
Begin Quiz →
01
How do you walk into a room?Choose the answer that feels most like you.
ALike a freight train — loud, fast, and everyone knows I've arrived.BWith a slow, cool swagger — I take my time and own every step.CHead down, focused — I'm here for a purpose and small talk isn't it.DWith total confidence and a flair for the dramatic — all eyes on me.EWarmly and curiously — genuinely excited to see what and who is here.
Next Question →
02
What does your ideal Friday night look like?
ALoud bar, cold beer, cranked jukebox — the louder the better.BA smoky club, good company, and doing whatever feels right in the moment.CIntense concert or staying in with headphones — nothing in between.DSomething theatrical — a show, a dinner party, an experience worth remembering.EHanging with close friends, maybe making music, keeping it relaxed and genuine.
Next Question →
03
What's your philosophy on keeping things simple vs. complex?
ASimple is king. A great riff repeated perfectly beats any amount of cleverness.BKeep it loose and bluesy — the groove matters more than technical perfection.CGo deep and dark — I want layers, tension, and something that hits hard.DWhy not both? Elaborate arrangements and hook-driven anthems can coexist.ECraft every detail — a perfect melody is the result of countless small choices.
Next Question →
04
How would your friends describe your personal style?
ANo-frills, no-nonsense — jeans, a t-shirt, and ready to go.BEffortlessly cool — slightly dishevelled in a way that somehow always works.CDark and deliberate — black is a lifestyle, not just a colour.DBold and expressive — fashion is a form of performance for me.EClean and classic — timeless over trendy, always put-together.
Next Question →
05
How do you want to be remembered?
AAs someone who never let the energy drop — relentless, loud, and alive.BAs someone who lived fully and on my own terms, unapologetically.CAs someone who was brutally honest and made music that meant something real.DAs someone who transcended genres, boundaries, and expectations entirely.EAs someone who changed the world — and left it genuinely better than I found it.
Next Question →
06
What kind of crowd do you want around you?
APeople who are there to have a blast — no pretension, just pure fun and noise.BA mix of rebels and free spirits who don't take themselves too seriously.CA loyal, passionate crew who are all in — intensity over numbers every time.DEveryone — I want to unite people who wouldn't normally be in the same room.EPeople who appreciate craft and feel genuinely connected by the music.
Next Question →
07
If you were writing a song, what would it be about?
AHaving a good time, turning it up, and not overthinking it.BStreet life, desire, and the rawness of being human.CAnger, grief, war, or the darker side of the world — music as a weapon.DSomething epic and emotional — love, loss, triumph, or pure fantasy.ESomething personal and universal at once — a feeling everyone can recognise.
Next Question →
08
What's your secret to staying relevant over time?
ANever change the formula — if it works, it works. Consistency is everything.BStay hungry, stay dangerous, and always keep a bit of that rebellious edge.CEarn respect through dedication — the work and the live show speak for themselves.DReinvent constantly — never let anyone put you in a box or predict your next move.EWrite songs so good they can't be ignored, in any decade, in any context.
Next Question →
09
You're playing to 80,000 people. What does your performance look like?
AA wall of sound and sweat — pure, unfiltered energy from first note to last.BLoose, cool, and dangerous — every song feels like it might fall apart but never does.CBrutal precision — tight, powerful, and leaving no one unmoved.DA full spectacle — lights, costumes, vocal acrobatics, and total theatrical command.EWarm, joyful, and tight — the crowd singing every word back at you.
Next Question →
10
Pick the word that best sums up your relationship with rock music.This is your tiebreaker — choose carefully.
ARaw — stripped back, high-voltage, no frills.BRolling — fluid, dangerous, built on blues and attitude.CHeavy — powerful, honest, uncompromising.DMajestic — theatrical, boundary-defying, unforgettable.ETimeless — melodic, human, built to last forever.
See My Result →
Your ResultYour Perfect Band Is Revealed
Based on your personality, energy, and taste, the classic rock band that matches your soul is…
⚡ AC/DC
You are pure, undiluted rock energy. You don't need tricks, trends, or theatrical gimmicks — you have something more powerful: a riff that hits like a thunderbolt and an attitude that never wavers. Like AC/DC, you understand that simplicity executed with absolute conviction is its own form of genius. You're the person in the room who doesn't overthink it, doesn't pretend, and never turns the volume down. The highway to hell is a state of mind — and you've been on it since day one.
👅 The Rolling Stones
You've got swagger that can't be taught. Rooted in the blues and soaked in street-level attitude, you move through life with a loose, dangerous elegance that draws people in without ever trying too hard. Like the Stones, you've seen it all, done most of it, and somehow look better for it. You're not chasing perfection — you're chasing truth, groove, and that electric moment when everything clicks. Can't always get what you want? You tend to get it anyway.
👑 Queen
You are magnificent, and you know it — not from arrogance, but from an unshakeable sense of self that has never needed anyone's permission. Like Queen, you defy every category people try to place you in. You blend the epic with the intimate, the operatic with the anthemic, the serious with the playful. You live boldly, love fiercely, and perform every aspect of your life as though the whole world is watching. Because sometimes it is. We are the champions — and so are you.
🎸 The Beatles
You have the rarest of gifts: the ability to make something that feels both deeply personal and universally human. Like The Beatles, you're a natural connector — someone whose warmth, curiosity, and creative instincts draw people together across every divide. You believe in melody, in craftsmanship, and in the quiet power of a song that says exactly what someone needed to hear. You've changed the people around you just by being who you are. All you need is love — and you give it generously.
↩ Retake Quiz
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