The Clash was one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time, and their music continues to inspire guitarists today.
Though they didn’t have as many hits as some of their contemporaries, the quality of their songwriting and musicianship is undeniable.
If you’re looking to get into playing The Clash on guitar, these are 8 essential songs to start with.
From classics like ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’ and ‘London Calling’ to deep cuts like ‘Straight to Hell’ and ‘Career Opportunities’, these are the essential Clash songs for any aspiring guitarist.
So, if you’re looking to add some classic rock to your repertoire, look no further!
Table of Contents
8. “Rock the Casbah”
“Rock the Casbah” by the Clash is a classic rock song that was released in 1982.
It was the third single from their fifth studio album, Combat Rock.
The song was written by the band’s lead guitarist and principal songwriter, Mick Jones, and it reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.
The song is about the Iranian government’s ban on rock music in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The lyrics tell the story of a king who orders his people to stop playing rock music, but the people disobey and continue to rock the casbah.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and is widely considered to be one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s.
The Clash were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1976.
They were one of the most influential bands of the punk era and are considered one of the most important bands in the history of rock music.
The band’s original lineup consisted of Mick Jones, Joe Strummer, Paul Simonon, and Topper Headon.
They released six studio albums between 1977 and 1985, and their music was a mix of punk, reggae, and ska.
7. “I Fought the Law”
The Clash’s iconic song, “I Fought the Law,” is a classic punk rock anthem that has been covered by many artists since its release in 1979.
Written by Sonny Curtis of the Crickets, the song was originally recorded by Bobby Fuller Four in 1965.
The Clash’s version, however, is the most widely recognized version and was released as a single in the UK in 1980.
The song is a tribute to Curtis’ experience with the law, and is a warning to listeners about the consequences of illegal activities.
The lyrics are simple and direct, and the song’s fast-paced, driving beat is a perfect accompaniment to the lyrics.
The Clash’s version of “I Fought the Law” is a timeless classic that has become a staple of punk rock and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and video games.
It is a testament to the band’s influence and legacy that this song has endured and continues to be a fan favorite.
6. “Clampdown”
The Clash’s song “Clampdown” is a powerful and timely anthem that speaks to the struggles of the working class.
Written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, the song was released as part of the band’s 1979 album London Calling.
The song is driven by a driving and repetitive guitar riff, and features Strummer’s passionate vocals as he sings of the need to fight back against the powers that be and the struggles of the working class.
The lyrics are particularly relevant today, as they speak to the need to stand up against oppressive forces and fight for a better future.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in films and television shows, such as The Departed and The Wire.
The Clash’s influence on punk and rock music is undeniable, and “Clampdown” stands as one of their most iconic and powerful songs.
5. “The Guns of Brixton”
The Clash’s song “The Guns of Brixton” is a classic punk rock anthem that speaks to the struggles of the working class.
Written by bassist Paul Simonon, the song is a reflection on the harsh realities of life in Brixton, London during the late 1970s.
It was released on the band’s third album, London Calling, in 1979, and has since become a staple of their live shows.
The song’s lyrics are a combination of personal experience, political commentary, and social observation, and its musical style is heavily influenced by reggae, a genre that was popular in Brixton at the time.
The song’s main guitar riff is based on a traditional Jamaican rhythm called “Brixton Cat,” and its lyrics are full of references to the area’s poverty, police brutality, and racial tensions.
The song has become an anthem for the working class and a symbol of the power of punk rock to challenge the status quo.
It has been covered by numerous artists, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and has been used in films, television shows, and video games.
4. “Tommy Gun”
The Clash’s 1978 punk anthem “Tommy Gun” is a blistering, hard-hitting track that encapsulates the band’s signature sound.
Written by lead singer Joe Strummer and guitarist Mick Jones, the song is a powerful political statement about the rise of the IRA in Northern Ireland.
With its driving rhythm and urgent lyrics, the song has become a classic of the punk genre, and it remains one of the band’s most iconic songs.
The song’s chorus of “Tommy gun in my hand/It’s gonna be alright” is an anthemic call to arms that speaks to the band’s commitment to social justice and the power of music to effect change.
The song was a Top 30 hit in the UK and was featured on the band’s seminal album Give ‘Em Enough Rope.
It has since been covered by numerous artists, including U2, and has been featured in films and television shows.
The Clash’s “Tommy Gun” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
3. “Train in Vain (Stand by Me)”
“Train in Vain (Stand by Me)” by the Clash is a classic punk rock song that has stood the test of time.
Released in 1979, it was the first single from the band’s third studio album, London Calling.
The song was written by lead vocalist Joe Strummer and guitarist Mick Jones, and it was one of the first songs to combine punk and reggae elements.
The song talks about a relationship that has gone wrong, with the protagonist trying to find a way to make it work.
The lyrics are full of emotion, and the song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a great sing-along.
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including the Foo Fighters, and it has been featured in several films and television shows.
It is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Clash, and it remains one of their most beloved songs.
2. “London Calling”
The Clash’s song “London Calling” is an iconic punk rock anthem that has become a classic in the genre.
Written by the band’s lead singer and guitarist Joe Strummer and bassist Paul Simonon, the song was released in 1979 as the title track of the band’s third album.
The song is an ode to the city of London, and its lyrics reflect the band’s punk-rock sensibilities, with references to the city’s political and social turmoil.
Musically, the song is driven by a fast, hard-hitting beat, with a driving bassline and a powerful guitar riff.
The song’s chorus is an iconic call-and-response between Strummer and Simonon, and its lyrics are an urgent warning about the dangers of nuclear war.
The song has become a classic in the punk rock genre, and has been covered by a variety of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, U2, and The Killers.
It remains one of the most iconic songs of the punk rock era, and its influence can still be heard in modern rock music.
1. “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
The Clash’s iconic song “Should I Stay or Should I Go” is a timeless classic that has been covered by countless artists since its release in 1982.
Written and composed by the band’s lead singer Joe Strummer and guitarist Mick Jones, the song is a perfect blend of punk rock and reggae that has become a staple of the genre.
The song’s lyrics explore the tumultuous relationship between Strummer and Jones, as well as the band’s tumultuous relationship with their record label CBS.
The song was released as the lead single from their 1982 album Combat Rock and quickly became a hit, reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100.
It has since been featured in numerous films and television shows, and has been covered by artists such as The Ramones, Miley Cyrus, and U2.
The song’s legacy has endured for decades, and is a testament to the lasting impact of The Clash and their influence on punk rock and reggae music.
More than 10 years of experience playing and writing about guitars! When not writing, I can be found strumming away some Johnny Cash tunes. Favorite all time guitar is the Gibson Les Paul. #TeamGibson
