"Rolling Stone" Magazine recently printed its “100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time” but we at Metromix feel that Detroit has produced more than its fair share of majestic guitar work over the years. From the Stooges’ Ron Asheton and James Williamson to Ted Nugent and Jack White, Detroit is a veritable breeding ground for bluesmen and widdlers alike. Here are 10 of the best guitar-driven tracks that have burst out of the Motor City.

Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels – “Little Latin Lupe Lu”

Before the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Detroit gifted the world with the “great white hope” of soul, Mitch Ryder. Along with the Detroit Wheels and guitarist Jim McCarty, Ryder recorded this song (written by Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers) in 1966.

MC5 – “Kick Out the Jams”

Detroit’s favorite revolutionaries the MC5 were inspired to write this song when popular bands would visit and play over-long jams instead of getting down and playing hard. The 5 would stand at the side of the stage and yell, “kick out the jams or get off the stage.” Guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith led the way with one of rock’s most famous riffs.

The Stooges – “Search and Destroy”

Controversy reigned on Iggy and the Stooges’ third album, "Raw Power." Much-loved guitarist Ron Asheton was ousted from the band in favor of Iggy’s partner in grime James Williamson, only to be asked back to play bass. Still, Williamson knows how to throw out a classic hard rock riff and “Search and Destroy” is considered by many to be the best song the band ever recorded.

Amboy Dukes – “Journey to the Center of the Mind”

Featuring the insane guitar talents of Ted Nugent, The Amboy Dukes recorded this psychedelic, acid-fuelled classic in 1968. With its hippie sentiments, it was a far cry from what Nugent would later record as a solo artist, but it definitely hints at just what type of a talent this crazy guy was to evolve into.

Alice Cooper – “Under My Wheels”

Few artists from Detroit have had as big and consistent an impact around the globe as Alice Cooper. Recorded for the 1971 album “Killer,” “Under My Wheels” featured the fret board wizardry of Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce, and the song still thrills audiences from stages around the world to this day.

Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band – “Roll Me Away”

Detroit’s favorite blue-collar rocker recorded this power ballad in 1982 for the “The Distance” album, though it would later – tragically -- be feature on the “Armageddon” soundtrack. Though it opens with a piano-led intro, those bluesy guitar licks, a trademark of Seger songs, soon kick in courtesy of former Third Power man Drew Abbott.

Negative Approach – “Tied Down”

When hardcore bands like the Necros and the Meatmen were stomping over Michigan with size 11 Dr. Martens’ boots in the early ‘80s, John Brannon’s Negative Approach ruled the roost. Clocking in at just over a minute, “Tied Down” has a similar effect to a sledgehammer on the head and would help secure NA’s legendary status.

Sponge – "Plowed"

No Detroit band shifted units in the early ‘90s like Vinnie Dombroski’s Sponge, and “Plowed” was one of their songs that received heavy rotation on MTV and national radio. Appealing to the grunge crowd and hard rockers alike, Sponge toured with the likes of Iggy Pop and generated an enviable fan base around the world. With Joey Mazzola’s riffs to call on, as heard here, their success was no surprise

The White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”

Jack White’s status as a bona fide guitar hero is no longer in question, and “Seven Nation Army,” one of the duo’s better-known songs, displays exactly why. Starting off at a subdued pace, the song builds to a crushing crescendo of heavy-ass riffing, full of fuzz and distortion. This is Motor City garage rock at it’s finest.

The Von Bondies – “C’Mon C’Mon”

Once the White Stripes took off internationally in the early part of the new millennium, others were quick to follow as record labels were scrambling for all things Detroit. The Von Bondies were soon making waves, thanks in no small part of front-man Jason Stollsteimer’s frightening guitar licks. “C’Mon C’Mon” was a global hit thanks to its pop-rock chorus, and was further proof that Stollsteimer was no slacker when he had a guitar around his neck.

What are your favorite guitar-driven songs from the Motor City? Send in your comments to bjhammerstein@metromix.com