The opening seconds of a song can define an era, set a mood, and rewrite the rules of what popular music can be. These 16 intros are instantly recognizable, endlessly influential, and engineered to grab the listener from the first note.
“Thunderstruck” – AC/DC
A rapid-fire guitar figure that feels relentless and precise. The tension builds through repetition, turning a single idea into pure propulsion.
“Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple
A riff built on clarity and weight. Its spacing and tone made it a universal language for rock guitar.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
A spiraling arpeggio that sounds both lyrical and expansive. The intro establishes emotion before the rhythm section lands.
“Kashmir” – Led Zeppelin
Drums and riff move together with deliberate force. The opening feels monumental, driven by rhythm rather than speed.
“Baba O’Riley” – The Who
A looping synthesizer pattern that feels mechanical and human at once. It signals motion, scale, and forward momentum.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana
A distorted guitar phrase that hits with instant recognition. The intro establishes power through economy.
“Black Sabbath” – Black Sabbath
Rain, bells, and a slow-moving tritone create atmosphere first. The sound world is fully defined before the band locks in.
“Purple Haze” – Jimi Hendrix
A sharp, bent chord that sounds like a signal flare. The tone alone announces a new approach to the instrument.
“Break on Through” – The Doors
Syncopated percussion and tight guitar phrasing push everything forward. The groove feels immediate and restless.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
Layered vocals open the song like a curtain rising. The intro establishes scale, drama, and confidence.
“Johnny B. Goode” – Chuck Berry
A bright, swinging guitar lick that defined rock and roll motion. The intro moves with clarity and intent.
“Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
A ticking beat and elastic bassline form a controlled groove. The space between notes creates tension and focus.
“Enter Sandman” – Metallica
Clean arpeggios build atmosphere piece by piece. The intro carefully prepares the impact to come.
“Hotel California” – Eagles
A shimmering guitar entrance that sets a wide horizon. The pacing draws the listener into a specific place.
“Gimme Shelter” – The Rolling Stones
A tremolo guitar line that hums with tension. The sound suggests movement and unease from the first second.
“Where the Streets Have No Name” – U2
A slow-building synth and echoing guitar rise together. The intro unfolds patiently, expanding into something vast and communal.