82   "Walk — Don't Run"
The Ventures (1960)

The Ventures' first hit is the platonic ideal of the surf instrumental. For almost half a century, bands have been elaborating on Bob Bogle's whammy-bar-laden twang, Don Wilson's choppy rhythm-guitar attack and the spring reverb they cranked up all the way.


"Walk — Don't Run" from Walk — Don't Run: The Best of the Ventures (Capitol)


The Ventures performing "Walk — Don't Run" live

83   "What I Got"
Sublime (1996)

"I can play the guitar like a motherfucking riot," Sublime's Brad Nowell sang on this hit (released two months after his death from a drug overdose), and he was right: His bluesy acoustic solo lasts mere seconds, but its singalong syncopation makes it one of the Nineties' most unforgettable hooks.


"What I Got" from Sublime (MCA)


Music Video: "What I Got"

84   "Gravity"
John Mayer (2006)

The two sides of Mayer — blues virtuoso and pop star — never met in the same song until this impeccable soul ballad. The rhythm guitar is an understated take on Curtis Mayfield, and the Claptonesque leads are as gorgeous as anything Slowhand himself has recently recorded.


"Gravity" from Continuum


John Mayer performing "Gravity" live in 2006

See all of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All TIme