Ever since the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and The Kinks established the UK as a centre of rock’n’roll excellence in the ’60s, the nation’s guitar bands have been at the forefront of carving out thrilling new forms of guitar music. Brits played pioneering roles in the creation of metal and punk during the ’70s, they led the way in the jangly indie sounds of the ’80s and brought six strings to the dance floor during the baggy and Madchester years of the ’90s. By end of that decade, Britpop had reminded us that guitars could be frontline tools for a cultural revolution, clearing a path for ever more innovation from rock and alternative bands during the 21st century. Throughout, every scene and style has thrown up its own anthems, songs that light up main stages and mosh pits, elevating good times and salving bruised souls. Here you’ll find the classics from every era alongside the most stirring work of the UK’s rising axe heroes. Our editors regularly update this playlist—so if you hear something you like, add it to your library.