The albums that define
instrumental rock.
Our picks for where to start with instrumental rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top instrumental rock artists
Start with one of these.
The instrumental rock essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Joe Satriani
Shapeshifting
A vibrant fusion of rock, blues, and jazz with intricate guitar work and eclectic rhythms that push musical boundaries.
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Joe Satriani
Strange Beautiful Music
An eclectic blend of soaring guitar melodies and diverse musical styles that invites listeners on a vibrant sonic journey.
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The Shadows
Shades of Rock
A vibrant collection of classic rock covers infused with The Shadows' signature instrumental flair and melodic guitar harmonies.
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The Shadows
Hits Right Up Your Street
A nostalgic blend of instrumental rock and pop, weaving timeless melodies through an eclectic mix of covers and original compositions.
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The Ventures
Bobby Vee Meets the Ventures
A vibrant blend of surf rock grooves and pop melodies featuring smooth vocal harmonies and catchy instrumentals.
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The Ventures
10th Anniversary Album
A vibrant collection of instrumental renditions that breathe new life into classic pop hits with a surf rock twist.
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Duane Eddy
Have 'Twangy' Guitar Will Travel
A vibrant blend of twangy guitar riffs and rhythmic grooves that epitomizes the instrumental rock sound of the late '50s.
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Khruangbin
Ali
A mesmerizing blend of West African rhythms and psychedelic rock that transports listeners to sun-drenched landscapes.
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Khruangbin
Mordechai
A seamless blend of dreamy instrumentals and soulful grooves that transport listeners across vast musical landscapes.
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Los Straitjackets
Sing Along with Los Straitjackets
A vibrant blend of instrumental rock and surf sounds, infused with playful energy and a retro aesthetic.
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Los Straitjackets
'Tis the Season for Los Straitjackets!
Instrumental rock meets holiday cheer through energetic guitar riffs and surf-inspired arrangements on festive classics.
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Neil Zaza
Thrills & Chills
A vibrant blend of virtuosic guitar work and dynamic instrumental arrangements that push the boundaries of rock and metal.
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Neil Zaza
When Gravity Fails
A soaring blend of intricate guitar work and dynamic melodies that push the boundaries of instrumental rock.
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Santo & Johnny
Santo & Johnny
A dreamy blend of steel guitar melodies and lush instrumentals that evoke a serene, nostalgic atmosphere.
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Grails
Deep Politics
A sprawling sonic landscape where brooding instrumentals intertwine with a sense of haunting nostalgia and exploratory textures.
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Grails
Take Refuge in Clean Living
A sprawling instrumental journey where dynamic guitar riffs interplay with atmospheric textures, creating a transcendent sonic landscape.
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Greg Howe
Sound Proof
Intricate guitar work intertwines with dynamic rhythms, creating a masterclass in instrumental rock that captivates and challenges listeners.
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Greg Howe
Tilt
A virtuosic blend of technical guitar work and intricate instrumental arrangements that push the boundaries of rock.
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Eric Johnson
Eclectic
A vibrant fusion of blues, rock, and instrumental finesse showcasing Johnson's virtuosic guitar work and eclectic songwriting.
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Eric Johnson
Seven Worlds
A vibrant blend of blues-inflected rock, intricately woven melodies, and lyrical storytelling that showcases Johnson's guitar prowess.
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Dirty Three
She Has No Strings Apollo
Ethereal instrumental landscapes unfold with haunting melodies, creating a cinematic soundscape that invites introspection and exploration.
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Dirty Three
Whatever You Love, You Are
Evocative instrumental soundscapes intertwine with melancholic melodies, creating an immersive journey through nostalgia and introspection.
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Andy Timmons
That Was Then, This Is Now
A vibrant blend of funk-laden grooves and sharp lyricism, capturing the essence of early 2000s hip-hop culture.
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Andy Timmons
Orange Swirl
A vibrant blend of melodic rock and instrumental prowess, showcasing emotive guitar work alongside lyrical storytelling.
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Adjacent sounds
By decade
Where instrumental rock landed in each era.