44   "Dig Me Out"
Sleater-Kinney (1997)

One of the awesome punk blasts of the Nineties, "Dig Me Out" marked the point where the bass-free trio's indie primitivism bloomed into full-on guitar heroics. Carrie Brownstein's onslaught of fiercely overdriven riffs meshed with Corin Tucker's corrosive vocals and downtuned six-string, announcing the arrival of a great new American rock band.


"Dig Me Out" from Dig Me Out (Kill Rock Stars)


Sleater-Kinney performing "Dig Me Out" live

45   "I Saw Her Standing There"
The Beatles (1963)

The twang heard 'round the world: "I Saw Her Standing There" is the first great Beatles song, fueled by John Lennon and George Harrison's double-guitar chemistry — a toughened-up synthesis of chugging rhythm & blues with rockabilly. Suddenly the Liverpool scene had a sound, and every garage band had a starting point.


"I Saw Her Standing There" from Please Please Me (Capitol)



The Beatles performing "I Saw Her Standing There" live

46   "Miserlou"
Dick Dale and the Del-Tones (1962)

Dale debuted his adaptation of this old Greek pop song when a fan at a show reportedly dared him to play a whole tune on one string. In the studio, Dale fortified his oud-like staccato with stinging treble and oceanic reverb. The result: surf rock's high-water mark.


"Miserlou" from King of the Surf Guitar: The Best of Dick Dale & His Del-Tones (Rhino)


Dick Dale and the Del-Tones performing "Miserlou" in A Swingin' Affair

See all of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All TIme