This week, I’m joined by David Rosen—host of the Piecing It Together—to curate a 20-song playlist celebrating one of the most iconic instruments in popular music: the guitar.

Spanning classic rock, blues, rock, punk, alternative, and beyond, these tracks explore the many ways the guitar has shaped songwriting, performance, and musical identity across decades.

From songs inspired by legendary instruments and signature tones, to anthems about learning to play, living life on six strings, or falling in love with the sound itself, this episode highlights the guitar as both a storytelling device and a cultural symbol.

Whether it’s raw blues emotion, arena-sized rock riffs, or stripped-down acoustic moments, these selections showcase how the guitar continues to define genres, influence artists, and connect generations of listeners.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode. 👇

Tom Petty – Into The Great Wide Open

B.B. King – Lucille

Tenacious D – POD (The Pick Of Destiny)

The Dead Milkmen – The Guitar Song

Olivia Rodrigo – Scared of My Guitar

Amy Winehouse – Cherry (Live From Shepherd’s Bush)

Ryan Adams – Rosebud

Bruce Springsteen – House Of A Thousand Guitars

Fugees – Killing Me Softly

Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode

Rush – 2112

Foreigner – Juke Box Hero

Van Halen – Little Guitars (w/ Intro)

Dire Straits – Sultans of Swing

Mark Knopfler & Chet Atkins – Yakety Axe

Jason Isbell – Something To Love

John Hiatt – Perfectly Good Guitar

Prince – Guitar

The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps

James Taylor – Me and My Guitar