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.
Khruangbin
Ali
A fusion of African rhythms and psychedelic melodies creates an expansive, immersive listening experience.
Start here
Khruangbin
Mordechai
A dreamy blend of psychedelic grooves and worldly influences, inviting listeners to transcend time and place.
Start here
Khruangbin
The Universe Smiles upon You
A lush blend of psychedelic grooves and global influences envelops listeners in a sun-soaked soundscape.
Start here
Khruangbin
Con Todo El Mundo
A seamless fusion of global influences, combining groovy rhythms with ethereal melodies and transcendent instrumentation.
Start here
Khruangbin
A La Sala
A vibrant tapestry of instrumental grooves blending psychedelic rock with global influences and intricate melodies.
Start here
Joe Satriani
Is There Love in Space?
A cosmic blend of soaring guitar melodies and intricate instrumental arrangements that invite introspection.
Start here
Joe Satriani
Surfing with the Alien
A dazzling fusion of technical guitar mastery and melodic sensibility that redefined instrumental rock.
Start here
Joe Satriani
Shapeshifting
A vibrant fusion of rock, blues, and jazz, showcasing Satriani's virtuosic guitar work and experimental spirit.
Start here
Joe Satriani
Engines of Creation
A vibrant fusion of instrumental rock and electronic textures that push the boundaries of guitar virtuosity.
Start here
Khruangbin
LateNightTales: Khruangbin
A kaleidoscopic journey through global sounds, seamlessly blending genres with Khruangbin's signature laid-back grooves.
Start here
Mahavishnu Orchestra
Apocalypse
A cosmic journey blending virtuosic jazz fusion with progressive rock's expansive soundscapes.
Start here
Mahavishnu Orchestra
Birds of Fire
A vibrant fusion of jazz improvisation and rock energy that transcends genres with intricate rhythms and soaring melodies.
Start here
Mahavishnu Orchestra
Visions of the Emerald Beyond
A vibrant fusion of jazz intricacies and rock's vigor, layered with spiritual undertones and complex rhythms.
Start here
Mahavishnu Orchestra
Inner Worlds
A kaleidoscopic fusion of jazz, rock, and Indian classical music envelops the listener in intricate soundscapes.
Start here
Mahavishnu Orchestra
Between Nothingness and Eternity
A complex tapestry of jazz fusion and progressive rock that pushes musical boundaries with intricate improvisations.
Start here
Yowie
Cryptooology
Experimental soundscapes intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a cerebral yet visceral musical experience.
Start here
Caspian
Tertia
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with brooding melodies, crafting an atmospheric journey through post-rock landscapes.
Start here
Joe Satriani
What Happens Next
A vibrant blend of intricate guitar work and dynamic rhythms that showcases Satriani's signature style and versatility.
Start here
Sons of Alpha Centauri
Sons of Alpha Centauri
Expansive instrumental landscapes blend heavy riffs with cosmic ambiance, creating a journey through sound.
Start here
Unwed Sailor
The White Ox
A meditative blend of layered guitar textures and dynamic rhythms creates an expansive soundscape.
Start here
Joe Satriani
Dreaming No. 11
Guitar-driven instrumentals blend rock bravado with intricate jazz fusion, creating an ethereal sonic landscape.
Start here
Joe Satriani
Live in San Francisco
A vibrant showcase of virtuosic guitar work layered over dynamic instrumental rock compositions.
Start here
Joe Satriani
Shockwave Supernova
A dazzling blend of virtuosic guitar melodies and intricate instrumental arrangements that push rock boundaries.
Start here
Joe Satriani
Satchurated: Live in Montreal
A mesmerizing showcase of virtuoso guitar work, blending rock intensity with jazz-inflected improvisation.
Start here
