If you’re a fan of the iconic Canadian rock band Rush and want to learn to play some of their greatest hits on guitar, you’ve come to the right place!
Rush has been a staple of the rock music scene since the 1970s, and their music has been beloved by fans of all ages.
While some of their songs may be quite complex, there are plenty of easy Rush songs to play on guitar.
Here, we’ve compiled 10 of their most popular and easy-to-play songs, complete with guitar tabs to help you learn.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll be able to master these songs in no time.
So grab your guitar and get ready to rock out to some of Rush’s greatest hits!
Table of Contents
10. “Red Barchetta”
“Red Barchetta” by Rush is a classic rock song from the band’s 1981 album, Moving Pictures.
Written by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, the song tells the story of a young man who takes a joyride in a vintage sports car.
The song’s lyrics reflect the band’s love of cars and the freedom of the open road, while the music is a combination of hard rock and progressive rock.
The song’s guitar solo is considered to be one of the best ever recorded and is often cited as a highlight of the album.
The song was a live favorite, and was performed by the band on their tours in the 1980s and 1990s.
It has been covered by various artists, including Dream Theater, and has been used in various films and television shows.
“Red Barchetta” is a classic example of Rush’s signature sound, and has become a fan favorite over the years.
9. “YYZ”
“YYZ” by Rush is an instrumental track from the band’s 1981 album Moving Pictures.
It is widely considered to be one of the greatest instrumental rock songs of all time, and it has been covered by many other artists.
The title of the song is the airport code for Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, which is the hometown of the band.
The song is composed of a complex series of time signature changes and features a distinctive guitar riff.
It is also known for its use of a drum machine, which was an unusual choice for a rock band at the time.
The song has been featured in many films and television shows, and it is still a staple of Rush’s live shows.
It is an iconic song for the band, and it has become a classic of the progressive rock genre.
8. “Working Man”
“Working Man” by Rush is a classic rock song that was released in 1974 on their debut album.
It was written by the band’s lead singer and bassist, Geddy Lee, and guitarist Alex Lifeson, and is one of the most beloved songs of the band’s entire career.
The song is about a working-class man who is struggling to make ends meet and is feeling the effects of a long and tiring workday.
The lyrics are both relatable and inspiring, as they speak to the idea that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
Musically, the song is driven by a powerful and driving guitar riff, and the band’s signature hard-rock sound.
The song has become a staple of Rush’s live performances, and is one of their most recognizable hits.
It is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy, and a reminder of their commitment to creating music that speaks to the struggles of everyday life.
7. “Spirit Of Radio”
“Spirit of Radio” by Rush is a classic rock anthem that has been a fan favorite for decades.
The song was released in 1980 as the lead single from their album Permanent Waves.
It was written by the band’s lead singer and bassist, Geddy Lee, and guitarist Alex Lifeson, and was produced by Terry Brown.
The song is a tribute to the progressive rock radio stations of the 1970s and is a celebration of the power of radio to bring together music fans from around the world.
It has become one of the band’s most recognizable songs, and is often used as an introduction to the band’s live shows.
The song features a strong rhythm section, with Lee’s bass and Lifeson’s guitar providing the main melody, while Neil Peart’s drums provide a driving beat.
The song’s lyrics reflect the band’s appreciation for the power of radio to bring people together, and the chorus is an ode to the spirit of radio.
It is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.
6. “Subdivisions”
“Subdivisions” by Rush is an iconic song from the band’s 1982 album Signals.
It is a powerful commentary on the alienation and conformity of suburban life.
The song’s lyrics are a reflection of the band’s own experiences growing up in suburban Toronto, and the music is a unique blend of hard rock and synthesizers.
The song’s opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable, and the lyrics are full of vivid imagery and clever wordplay.
The chorus is particularly memorable, with its haunting refrain of “nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone.”
The song was a major success for Rush, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and becoming a staple of their live shows.
It has since been covered by a variety of artists and featured in films and television shows.
“Subdivisions” is a powerful and timeless anthem for anyone who has ever felt out of place in their own neighborhood.
5. “Freewill”
The Canadian rock band Rush released “Freewill” in 1980, as part of their album Permanent Waves.
The song is an anthem of self-determination, encouraging listeners to make their own decisions and take control of their own lives.
It is one of the band’s most popular songs, and has been covered by a variety of artists.
The song was written by the band’s lead singer and bassist, Geddy Lee, and guitarist Alex Lifeson, and was produced by Terry Brown.
It features a driving bass line, and the lyrics explore the idea of free will and the power of choice.
The song also features a synthesizer solo by Lee, which has become one of the most recognizable solos in rock music.
Rush has been active since 1968, and has released 18 studio albums, selling over 40 million copies worldwide.
They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and have received numerous awards, including seven Juno Awards and five Grammy Award nominations.
“Freewill” is a testament to their enduring legacy, and a reminder of the importance of making our own decisions.
4. “The Trees”
“The Trees” by Rush is a classic rock song that was released in 1979.
It was the fourth track on the band’s seventh studio album, Hemispheres.
The song is a commentary on the struggles between individualism and collectivism, and the lyrics were written by the band’s lead singer and bassist, Geddy Lee.
Musically, the song is characterized by its driving, hard-rock guitar riffs, which are accompanied by a powerful rhythm section.
The drums and bass provide a steady, driving groove, while the guitar riffs add an extra layer of intensity.
The song also features a memorable guitar solo from Alex Lifeson, the band’s guitarist.
The song is a fan favorite and has been performed live by the band on numerous occasions.
It is an excellent example of Rush’s unique sound and is an essential part of their discography.
3. “Closer To The Heart”
“Closer To The Heart” by Rush is a classic rock anthem that has been a fan favorite since its release in 1977.
Written by the band’s lead guitarist Alex Lifeson and vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee, the song is a reflection on the power of friendship and the importance of living life to its fullest.
The song has become a staple of Rush’s live shows, and is often played as an encore.
It is also featured on the band’s fourth studio album, A Farewell to Kings.
The song features a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm section, as well as powerful lyrics about the power of friendship.
It has become a symbol of Rush’s unique sound and has been covered by numerous other artists.
The song is a testament to Rush’s ability to craft timeless music that speaks to the heart of their fans.
2. “Limelight”
The Canadian rock band Rush released the song “Limelight” in 1981 on their album Moving Pictures.
The song was written by the band’s lead singer and bassist, Geddy Lee, and guitarist Alex Lifeson.
It is an upbeat rock song that tells the story of a musician who is struggling to deal with the pressures of fame and the public’s expectations.
The song’s lyrics are full of vivid imagery and metaphors that describe the feelings of being in the spotlight.
The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with the lines “Living on a lighted stage/approaches the unreal”.
The song is one of Rush’s most popular and enduring tracks, and has been covered by many other bands.
It has been featured in several films and television shows, and has been performed live by Rush on numerous occasions.
The song is a testament to the band’s songwriting ability and their ability to craft a song that captures the feeling of being in the limelight.
1. “Tom Sawyer”
“Tom Sawyer” by Rush is one of the most iconic songs of the band’s career.
Released in 1981, it was the lead single from their album Moving Pictures and remains one of the band’s most popular songs.
Written by bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson, the song is a tribute to the classic character from Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
The song is a mix of hard rock and progressive rock, with a powerful guitar riff and a memorable chorus.
The lyrics are about a character who is a rebel, a dreamer, and a non-conformist, and they are full of vivid imagery.
The song has been covered by many artists and has been featured in numerous films and video games.
It has become a staple of classic rock radio and is one of the most recognizable Rush songs.
Born and raised in Florida! I’ve been playing guitars for the past 5 years. Love to learn, and I’m always striving to achieve greater heights in music. Currently have a Fender Stratocaster as my main guitar.
