The electric guitar is inarguably the defining instrument of classic rock (other than perhaps voice). In the mid-20th century, its malleable sound allowed countless bands to alter the course of music.

If the flannelly, lo-fi nature of ’90s grunge killed the hairspray bravado of ’80s hair metal, then the 2000s definitely brought back some of its technicality and musicianship. The first decade of ...

You’ll notice classics like “Smoke on the Water,” “Iron Man,” and “Enter Sandman” missing. And don’t forget the sweet ones: “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “Sweet Emotion.” One could ...