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It could have been ten, 20, or 50 - Jon Lord's career was as long-lived as the heavy (metal) rock genres he helped to invent, and that career was peppered with dozens upon dozens of brilliant riffs, accents and solos on piano, Minimoog, Arp Odyssey and, most significantly, Hammond Organ.

Initially inspired by '60s legends Jimmy Smith and Jimmy McGriff, Lord – who sadly died earlier this week - developed his signature style when he teamed with Richie Blackmore in Deep Purple. Blackmore's flamboyant, dominant playing left little space for typical Hammond action, so Lord had to be creative, concocting what he called a "rhythm organ" approach that could stand in lieu of a rhythm guitar, while also muscling through for the occasional solo. It worked beautifully and the two quickly developed an interplay that has rarely been matched.

Lord studied both classical piano and drama and both disciplines would influence his music, not to mention that of a legion of Deep Purple followers. Lord knew when to lay back, fingers swirling slowly and deftly across the keys to build a quiet tension, and when to let loose with a demonic, distorted wail.

A master of dynamics, he avoided the pyrotechnics favoured by contemporaries like Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson, choosing instead to focus on tension and release, climb and fall.

Here then, in no particular order, are ten examples of Lord at his best. You doubtlessly have ten alternatives and we'd love to hear about them, so don't hesitate to let us know in the comments.

Child in Time

Initially appearing on the 1970 Deep Purple In Rock LP, this contemporary live television performance of the classic tune leaves little doubt as to why Jon Lord is so revered among Hammond aficionados.

A sweltering intro gives way to a bravura galloping rockout wherein guitar and organ trade licks and jabs in an ever-accelerating sonic spiral that at last gives way to the sublime yet intricate organ motif. This was a band that understood the importance of dynamics - something its imitators were wont to ignore.

Burn

It's pretty hard to beat the title track from 1974's Burn LP for a full-on blast of everything Jon Lord. From the Hammond power chords to the blistering solo, this one has it all. You can hear the influence of JS Bach and layers of ARP Odyssey effects.

It's that combo of synthesizer and Hammond during the middle bit that stands out, bringing a touch of class to the album that debuted both bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes and rock mainstay David Coverdale to the group.

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