50s Guitar Riffs: Timeless Tracks That Changed Music Forever
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These 50s guitar riffs set a foundation for what should proceed them. With 5 tracks to choose from, you’ll be rockin’ around the clock in no time.
50s Guitar Riffs
What Makes a Timeless Song?
Throughout musical history, there have been songs that have stuck around more than others. Some of which were a smash hit at the time of release, others have aged like a fine wine over the years.
Whether it’s the memorable lyrics, political message, or in our case, a thriving guitar riff that get’s us hooked instantly. I wasn’t around back in the 1950s, but there weren’t many cool guitar riffs to choose from. These musical pioneers soon changed that for the better.
So, let us delve into these 50s guitar riffs. We’ll see what makes them so good, and also look at how to play them.
Mannish Boy
Our first 50s guitar riff comes from the summer of 1955. Having been active since the early 1940s, this is a landmark song from his 40 plus year career.
Often branded as the godfather of the blues, Mannish Boy features a repetitive riff that forms the foundation for the entire song. Accompanied by harmonica, it’s pretty easy to play too which is a bonus for us.
Effortlessly simple, enormously effective. Based on the Am blues scale, it makes this a blank canvas for any guitar improvisation that players may want to do over the top of the song. With a steady tempo, it’s also great for beginners.
Great for the blues, Muddy Waters is most associated with his *Telecaster. However, he also favoured a *Gibson Les Paul, complete with P90 pickups. Ideal for that Chicago blues sound.
Rocket 88
Apparently, this 50s guitar riff from 1958 is considered as one of the first ever rock n’ roll songs. Lyrics and music came curtsey of Jackie Benson earlier in the decade, but Ike Turner made this track what we know and love.
With lyrics relating to a wonderful Oldsmobile 88 automobile, this track has always sparked interest with car enthusiasts. ‘V8 motor and this modern design, black convertible top and the girls don’t mind’. This song is effectively selling The American Dream!
For us guitarists though, we’re in the tuning of Eb, and we’re working around a walking bass line in the open position. The TAB below features lots of repeat markers, showing us how many times to play each section of the song. Moving around a typical I, IV, V chord progression.
That’ll Be The Day
If you believe the legend, February 3rd 1959 was the day that music died. A tragic plane crash took Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens far too early. However, at just 22, Holly had his fair share of 50s guitar riffs.
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to songs and riffs from Buddy Holly and The Crickets, considering how new a lot of his music was at the time. That’ll Be The Day is typically bluesy, with a hint of romance.
Played with a capo on the 5th fret, the opening bars became a staple blues style intro on guitar. Moreover, the verse works around an open blues in the key of A.
Buddy Holly pioneered the use of the *Fender Stratocaster. Giving Leo Fender’s new toy some great publicity. With most other musicians at the time opting for more traditional instruments from Gretsch or Gibson, Holly knew that the Strat was for him.
Twenty Flight Rock
Our next 50s guitar riff moves into the rockabilly category. Sadly, Eddie Cochran also died in an accident way before his time. Similarly, his repertoire was rich despite his young age.
Allegedly the song that Paul McCartney played to join John Lennon’s band in 1957. A relatively simple blues riff in A, featuring a hammer on which would have been more exotic than Spaghetti Bolognese back on British soil in the 50s.
With this riff working its way into rockabilly, it is very quick. At least it’s repetitive so that you have plenty of time to get used to it.
What do you need for rockabilly guitar? Other than fast fingers, you need a *Gretsch with a Bigsby and a *Fender amp. It’s just the law.
Johnny B. Goode
Finally, wrapping up our look at 50s guitar riffs, we’ve got the G.O.A.T of guitar tracks. If you’re a guitarist, you have to learn this one. Or at least know of it anyway…
Despite having gigged this song for years, and taught it to plenty of students I must admit that it doesn’t do it for me anymore. It’s so significant, but there are many other Chuck Berry songs that are just as enjoyable to both listen to and play:
Okay, so maybe 50s guitar riffs don’t have to be played exclusively on Gretsch guitars. However, semi-hollow bodied guitars were extremely popular. The late Chuck Berry favoured a *Gibson ES-335.
50s Guitar Riffs – An Era of Discovery
What we have to remember is context. Back when these riffs came out, they were considered as the devil’s work to those that didn’t appreciate it. The only equivalent I can think of for 2025 is showing your Grandma Slipknot…
These riffs really gave other guitarists the right place to look, and the aforementioned pioneers crafted future music for many generations to come.
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