One of the most recognisable sounds in music, and probably the most commercially successful instrument of all time – Nile Rodgers’ guitar (the celebrated ‘Hitmaker’) has created so many classic records over the years.

With his signature ‘chucking’ style, Nile’s infectiously rhythmic guitar lines have had us dancing for decades – from his defining Disco albums with CHIC (whom he co-founded), to writing and producing for the likes of Bowie and Diana Ross.

To celebrate #NationalGuitarDay – and get ourselves excited for welcoming the man himself to The Cambridge Club Festival 2021 – here are our top 10 Nile Rodgers’ records…

Upside Down – Diana Ross

Kicking off with some vintage Nile ‘ghosting’ (rhythmic strumming without a note), like so many of the songs on our list, it’s the Hitmaker which provides the foundation to ‘Upside Down’. Punchy staccato chords and bassline provide a gorgeously groovy instrumental accompaniment to Diana Ross’s memorable vocal track.

Le Freak – CHIC

Utterly iconic from the first moment, ‘Le Freak’ is a genre-defining Disco number. The shuffling guitar part feels like it’s dancing – you can almost picture it – and interweaves with a funky bassline and soaring strings to create one of the most deliciously Disco-y tracks of all time.

Good Times – CHIC

The Hitmaker plays somewhat a second fiddle role to the world’s greatest bassline in ‘Good Times’, but it’s still a vital element in the overall piece. Instantly recognisable for his much-imitated ‘chucking’ style, Nile’s guitar delicately laces its way over a walking bass famously sampled in Sugarhill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’, among countless others.

Let’s Dance – David Bowie

A departure in style and role, with Nile jumping in the production chair this time, ‘Let’s Dance’ is probably the best Rodgers-produced Bowie song out there (‘Modern Love’ a close second!). The guitars here provide a captivatingly cosmic-sounding accompaniment to Bowie’s genius vocals, with echo and reverb turned up to the max.

Get Lucky – Daft Punk

Quite simply one of the best pop songs of the 21st century, three absolute colossuses in their fields join forces here to create a special 4 minutes of music. Nile on the Hitmaker, with signature chuck in full flow; Daft Punk on its impeccable Disco/House-honouring production; and Pharell Williams on the fabulously catchy vocal, screamed out by millions of people every weekend for the last 7 years. Perfect.

He’s the Greatest Dancer – Sister Sledge

We’re running out of superlatives halfway through our list, but it’s another stone-cold classic from Rodgers and his Fender Stratocaster. The genius in this guitar part is it’s both a singable melody that you remember, and a blended rhythmic accompaniment to Sister Sledge’s vocals. It’s trademark Rodgers, with sampling homage paid by Will Smith in his hit ‘Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It’.

I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross

Another delightfully danceable piece of rhythm guitar, Nile & Diana combine again for perhaps her greatest solo hit. Once again, striking the perfect balance between carrying the groove and supplying the backing track, Rodgers’ chucking keeps the song moving – bouncing us jollily along in glorious celebration. Smiles all round.

Lose Yourself To Dance – Daft Punk

Teaming up with French electro maestros Daft Punk and American superstar Pharell once more, Nile is in a more understated mood on ‘Lose Yourself To Dance’. The guitar part is melancholic and almost moving, whilst remaining supremely foot-tapping. An often-overlooked track from Random Access Memories.

Thinking of You – Sister Sledge

Kickstarting with some classic chucking guitar, here’s another Sister Sledge classic helped along by the Hitmaker. A bit more reserved than his other collaborations with the four Disco sisters, this is one for the end of the night – wistful but positive, upbeat but chilled out. Simply a lovely record.

Soup For One – CHIC

Now it might be impossible to listen to this track without singing ‘Ladyyyy, hear me tonight’, but this is the brilliant original – albeit gloriously sampled by Modjo’s era-defining track from 2000. There’s a reason why Nile’s guitar is one of the most sampled instruments of all time – this is just one more example of his genius.