Roll Over Beethoven

Chuck Berry, 1956, from Chuck Berry Is on Top. Solo by Chuck Berry.

The intro and solo run Berry's trademark double-stops at speed, a lesson the Beatles learned by covering it.

Roll Over Beethoven opens with one of Chuck Berry's trademark intros, and the solo runs his signature double-stops at speed. His playing is sharp and energetic, blending blues and country influences with a new rock and roll drive. The song celebrates rock and roll's rise, and the guitar is its loudest cheerleader. The Beatles later covered it, learning from Berry's style. Listen for the rapid double-stops that ring out with a bright, cutting tone, and for how the solo moves through the chords with confidence, capturing the excitement of a new musical era and showing why Berry's playing became the foundation of rock guitar.

Roll Over Beethoven by Chuck Berry is featured in our Rock & Roll (#24) list. The solo is played by Chuck Berry and the song was released in 1956.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Rock and Roll Guitar Solos — #24
• The Best Chuck Berry Guitar Solos — #2

Sources