The Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance has been awarded since 1980. From 1986 to 1989 the award was presented as the Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist). Years reflect the year in which the Grammy Awards were handed out, for music released in the previous year.

2000s

• Grammy Awards of 2005
  • Brian Wilson for "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow"
• Grammy Awards of 2004
  • Jeff Beck for "Plan B"
• Grammy Awards of 2003
  • The Flaming Lips for "Approaching Pavonis Mons By Balloon (Utopia Planitia)"
• Grammy Awards of 2002
  • Jeff Beck for "Dirty Mind"
• Grammy Awards of 2001
  • Michael Kamen (conductor), Metallica & the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra for "The Call of Ktulu"
• Grammy Awards of 2000
  • Eric Clapton & Santana for "The Calling"

1990s

• Grammy Awards of 1999
  • Pat Metheny Group for "The Roots of Coincidence"
• Grammy Awards of 1998
  • The Chemical Brothers for "Block Rockin' Beats"
• Grammy Awards of 1997
  • Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Dr. John, B.B. King, Art Neville , Bonnie Raitt & Jimmie Vaughan for "SRV Shuffle"
• Grammy Awards of 1996
  • Allman Brothers Band for "Jessica"
• Grammy Awards of 1995
  • Pink Floyd for "Marooned"
• Grammy Awards of 1994
  • Steve Vai for "Sofa"
• Grammy Awards of 1993
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble for "Little Wing"
• Grammy Awards of 1992
  • Eric Johnson for "Cliffs of Dover"
• Grammy Awards of 1991
  • Vaughan Brothers for "D/FW"
• Grammy Awards of 1990
  • Jeff Beck, Terry Bozzio & Tony Hymas for Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop with Terry Bozzio & Tony Hymas

1980s

• Grammy Awards of 1989
  • Carlos Santana for Blues for Salvador
• Grammy Awards of 1988
  • Frank Zappa for Jazz From Hell
• Grammy Awards of 1987
  • The Art of Noise & Duane Eddy for "Peter Gunn"
• Grammy Awards of 1986
  • Jeff Beck for "Escape"
• Grammy Awards of 1985
  • Yes for "Cinema"
• Grammy Awards of 1984
  • Sting for "Brimstone and Treacle"
• Grammy Awards of 1983
  • A Flock of Seagulls for "D.N.A."
• Grammy Awards of 1982
  • The Police for "Behind My Camel"
• Grammy Awards of 1981
  • The Police for "Reggatta de Blanc"
• Grammy Awards of 1980
  • Paul McCartney and Wings for "Rockestra Theme"