<Ul> <Li> file </Li> <Li> help </Li> </Ul> <P> "You Really Got Me" is a song written by Ray Davies for English rock band the Kinks . The song, originally performed in a more blues - oriented style, was inspired by artists such as Lead Belly and Big Bill Broonzy . Two versions of the song were recorded, with the second performance being used for the final single . Although it was rumoured that future Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page had performed the song's guitar solo, the myth has since been proven false . </P> <P> "You Really Got Me" was built around power chords (perfect fifths and octaves) and heavily influenced later rock musicians, particularly in the genres of heavy metal and punk rock . Built around a guitar riff played by Dave Davies, the song's lyrics were described by Dave as "a love song for street kids ." </P> <P> "You Really Got Me" was released on 4 August 1964 as the group's third single, and reached number one on the UK singles chart the next month, remaining for two weeks . The song became the group's breakthrough hit; it established them as one of the top British Invasion acts in the United States, reaching number seven there later in the year . "You Really Got Me" was later included on the Kinks' debut album, Kinks . The song was covered by American rock band Van Halen in 1978, peaking at 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 . </P>

Who played guitar on you really got me