The intro to the Beatles’ “Day Tripper” is certainly one of the most recognizable 11-note guitar riffs ever written.
I’m sure everyone has heard the Beatles’ version, but have you heard these versions? More after the break!
Jimi Hendrix, “Day Tripper”:
Whitesnake, “Day Tripper”:
And even Mae West!
I also enjoy looking for riffs where the writer seems to have thought, “I really want this tune to sound like ‘Day Tripper,’ but I want it to be my own song, so… I’ll just change a couple notes.”
Check out the opening of Nick Gilder‘s “Got To Get Out”:
And the Japanase singing duo, Puffy, has a stunning riff at 0:37:
“Take It Home” by Utopia is an interesting reworking of the riff. (Starts at 13:11)
Are there more? Keep your ears open, and see what you can find!
And yes, I’ve got one too. This was recorded as a “test” demo when I bought my first ADAT recorder back in the 90s.
Long Live Day Tripper!
Thank you,
Paul