The Yardbirds

Formed in England in 1963, The Yardbirds are a British rock band rooted in blues and rhythm and blues who moved toward more experimental and psychedelic sounds as the 1960s progressed. They are noted for a guitar-forward approach that featured extended improvisation and unconventional effects, and for a succession of young lead guitarists including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page who helped shape their shifting sound. Their work helped bridge blues-based R&B and early hard rock and introduced techniques and arrangements that influenced later rock guitar playing.