1. Chuck Berry, "Johnny B. Goode" (solo at 0:59)
The quintessential guitar solo! Simple and straightforward, but the intro, solo & licks on this song set the standard for every rock and roll guitar solo thereafter.
2. Led Zeppelin (Jimmy Page), "Heartbreaker" (solo at 2:03)
Page's solos in this song are legend. Les Paul into cranked Marshall, all the classic tricks & licks of rock and roll guitar distilled into one track, claimed as most influential by many subsequent great rock guitarists.
3. Cream (Eric Clapton), "Crossroads" (solo at opening and at 1:39)
This is Clapton unleashed. This solo is a watershed moment in summarizing the influence of the blues on rock guitar and blazing a trail into the future.
4. Pink Floyd (David Gilmour), "Comfortably Numb" (solo at 4:57)
If there is one solo that can elevate you off this planet, it's Gilmour's "Comfortably Numb". It capture's the essence of his playing, proving that every note counts and that technique is nothing without emotion.
5. Van Halen (Eddie Van Halen), "Eruption"
Never have one minutes and 42 seconds of guitar music been so influential. Nuff said.
6. Deep Purple (Ritchie Blackmore), "Highway Star" (solo at 3:34)
Ritchie Blackmore is the man who essentially gave birth to neo-classical guitar by crafting solo pieces heavily influenced by classical composers. One of those solos is the immortal "Highway Star."
7. Eagles (Don Felder and Joe Walsh), "Hotel California" (solo at 4:19)
Delivered by Don Felder and Joe Walsh, the solo section of Eagles' classic track "Hotel California" is generally hailed as one of the pinnacles of rock guitar playing. Melodic, simple, yet hard-hitting and mind-boggling, that's the Eagles boys for ya!
8. The Ventures, "Wipe Out"
Very simple, but easily one of the most recognizable rock and roll guitar melodies ever played.
9. Jimi Hendrix, "Voodoo Child" (solo at opening and at 1:55)
Hendrix at his improvisational finest. This iconic track captures the essence of his guitar playing, the flowing solo lines informed by the blues, the dramatic sweep of dynamics from low to high, his earthy phrasing throughout the rhythm & lead parts.
10. Elvis Presley (Scotty Moore), "Hound Dog"
Classic rockabilly licks & tricks from one the pioneers. Although overshadowed by his boss, Scotty was the swing & twang that backed the King of Rock & Roll.
11. The Beatles, "Twist & Shout"
Doesn't get much simpler, but this is a classic guitar solo that so many beginners cut their teeth on. Very simple chord tone double stops, but perfect note choice & rhythmically right in the pocket. Perfect little gem of a solo.
12. Hank Marvin, "Apache"
You won't see a smoother performace of skill and joy here.
13. Yngwie Malmsteen, "Far Beyond The Sun"
Epic melodies & shredding from the Viking master! If YJM never did anything else, this song alone guarantees he really was as good as he claimed.
14. Charlie Christian, "Rose Room"
Charlie Christian was the birth of the jazz guitar solo in the big band. Rose Room is one of his most famous and timeless statements.
15. Django Reinhardt, "Minor Swing"
It starts with a simple chord tone theme, but the solos are ne plus ultra of swinging, Gypsy jazz! Classic Django.
16. B.B. King, "The Thrill is Gone" (solo at 3:12)
His signature wailing and sustained vibrato alongside the violins makes us lament for the thrill that may have once been, but now is gone.
17. Jimi Hendrix, "Little Wing" (solo at 1:50)
The iconic gem is Hendrix distilling all his beautiful R&B influenced rhythm playing and firey blues based soloing into a small rock song format.
18. Stevie Ray Vaugh, "Pride and Joy" (solo at 1:40 and 3:10)
SRV does it again. The Blues never rocked so hard with this guitar solo.
19. Queen (Brian May), "Bohemian Rhapsody" (solo at 2:40)
May invented the idea of rock guitar as orchestra. He was also one of the most melodic rock guitarists to have ever soloed.
20. ZZ Top (Billy Gibbons), "La Grange"
Gibbons delivers one of his best in a mostlly instrumental song with a relentelssly swinging boogie drive.
21. Buddy Holly, "It's So Easy"
The original Stratocaster master. Although remembered and revered more for his songs and image, he helped pioneer the rock and roll guitar solo with gems like this.
22. Joe Pass, "Night & Day"
This tune opened Pass's Virtuoso album. It was & remains a landmark in solo jazz guitar performance. Brilliantly handling the bass line, melody & chord tones, all at the same time while swinging with ease & panache.
23. Steve Vai, "The Attitude Song"
After touring & recording as Zappa's Little Italian Virtuoso & Stunt Guitarist, Vai recorded his first solo album in in backyard home studio. This song was his Declaration of Independence.
24. Led Zeppelin (Jimmy Page), "Stairway to Heaven" (solo at 5:57)
Apart from being an immaculate piece, this solo stands out for being such a strong part of the whole composition. The true power of this solo lies in the way it elevates the song to a new level and provides another layer of one of the all-time classics.
25. Lynyrd Sknyrd (Allen Collins and Gary Rossington), "Free Bird" (solo at 4:56)
If you ever find yourself in need of a 5-minute guitar solo that epitomizes freedom, give "Free Bird" a listen. The way this solo transforms the tune's slower part into a full-blown rock fiesta is one of the moments of rock music worthy of history books.
26. Les Paul, "How the Moon"
Les was a remarkable innovator & inventor, but sometimes forgotten is that he was also a monster guitar player. Brilliant fun, musical jazz shredding!
27. Bill Haley and the Comets (Danny Cedrone), "Rock Around the Clock" (solo at 1:13)
This is perhaps one the most underrated solos of all time.
28. Robert Johnson, "Crossroads"
Johnson screeches, moans, and howls not only with his voice, but with his guitar.
29. The Beatles (Eric Clapton), "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (solo at 2:10 and 3:51)
Clapton guest soloed on this Beatles classic by Harrison. His solo is wonderfully restrained and melodic while still imparting a sense of passion and drama.
30. The Rolling Stones (Keith Richards), "Honky Tonk Woman" (solo at 1:58)
The main riffs are all Richards playing his iconic mix of blues, R&B, early rock and country. Mick Taylor's licks and soloing take the song to another level of Stones swagger.
31. Erick Clapton, "Cocaine" (solo at 1:25)
The most covered cover song you'll ever hear at your local jam session or bar band.
32. Chet Atkins, "Yankee Doodle Dixie"
The one & only Mr. Guitar displayed his understated, but jawdropping mastery of the guitar in this classic arrangement of 2 tunes at the same time.
33. Jimi Hendrix, "All Along the Watchtower"
Revolutionary use of effects, style, technique, originality and pure genius – This is one of those guitar solos that will inspire generations of guitarists in decades to come.
34. Led Zeppelin (Jimmy Page), "Whole Lotta Love" (solo at 3:05)
Page always knows how to jumpstart a solo and his work here is no exception.
35. Stray Cats (Brian Setzer), "Stray Cat Strut" (solo at 1:13 and 2:18)
Setzer cut his teeth on rockabilly, country, rock & blues, but he put them all together in his own unique playing style in the Stray Cats.
36. Guns n' Roses (Slash), "Sweet Child O Mine"
Slash is an expert at complementing a song with a solo that can be just as moody and conversive as its lyrics sung by Axl Rose.
37. Jimi Hendrix, "Purple Haze" (solo at 1:09)
The opening lines are probably more iconic than the solo. It's a perfect picture of Hendrix making his earthy electric playing fit in the form of a rock song.
38. Aerosmith (Joe Perry), "Walk This Way" (solo at 2:27)
The main riff in this song usually gets the most notice, but Perry knocked out some of his best down & dirty, funky, bluesy soloing on this classic track.
39. Jeff Beck, "Brush with the Blues"
"Who Else?" is a staple of Beck's live sets and showcases just about every trick, technique, and nuance that makes him one of the greatest living guitarists.
40. Chet Atkins, "The Entertainer"
Joplin's ragtime song arranged for solo guitar. Atkins at his finest.
41. Wes Montgomery, "Round Midnight"
There's a calm, easy mood set here with Montgomery's performace. But just you try it and you'll soon see that it's anything but easy.
42. Deep Purple, (Richie Blackmore), "Lazy"
This whole song is essentially a guitar lick over a 12 bar blues. But, add in Blackmore's blazing solos, a blistering tempo a few key changes & you've got a barnstorming song and timeless rock guitar classic.
43. Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Texas Flood" (solo at opening and at 3:23)
This was the slow burn 12 bar blues that announced SRV's arrival on the guitar scene. It's the distilled essence of all his rhythm & lead licks & tricks.
44. Black Sabbath (Tony Iommi), "War Pigs" (solo at 3:31 and at 5:50)
Iommi's rhythm riffs usually overshadow his lead playing. But both are the stuff of classic rock and the pioneering influence of most metal.
45. Joe Satriani, "Surfind With the Alien"
This song refers to comic book hero Silver Surfer, but seeing that it's an instrumental, much is left to the listener's imagination to shape the way his journey is interpreted.
46. Tommy Emmanuel, "Guitar Boogie"
One man band on an acoustic guitar. Tommy is a machine!
47. Freddie King, "Big Legged Woman" (solo at 2:28)
Next to Albert and B.B., Freddie King was the third “King” of the blues. In "Big Legged Woman" Freddie really shows his style.
48. Jerry Reed, "Lightning Rod"
Here's an instrumental tour de force. Classic Reed.
49. George Benson, "Take Five"
Although known by most folks as a jazz-pop singer, Benson is also a jazz bop player with frightening skill & technique.
50. Allman Brothers (Duane Allman and Dicky Betts), "Whipping Post" (solo at 1:32)
1:32 heats up but you best listen to the whole thing for all the guitar goodness.
51. Carlos Santana, "Europa"
It's Santana - nuff said. Just listen to it.
52. Rage Against the Machine (Tom Morello), "Bulls on Parade" (solo at 2:32)
Perhaps Morello’s most iconic contribution, he uses a kill switch and the palm of his hand to create a makeshift scratch pad that sounds eerily similar to a set of turntables.
53. Living Color (Vermon Reid), "Cult of Personality" (solo at 3:00)
There’s something unique and unearthly about Vernon’s playing where he creates this shred-meets-avant-garde reckless onslaught of notes that really makes you sit up and listen.
54. Metallica (Kirk Hammett), "One" (solo at 0:38 and at 5:47)
The first solo shows the melodic opening. The second solo is where he sets s*** on fire.
55. Prince, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (solo at 3:30)
This tribute cover played by several greats is amazing. But Prince basically slays it for the rest of the song. Where did his guitar go at the very end when he throws it up in the air?!
56. Guns n' Roses (Slash), "November Rain" (solo at 4:12)
When you look at this behemoth GNR track you think there's no way this was recorded in a jiffy. Well it was. According to Slash, the majority of the solo came to him upon hearing the piano demo of the song.
57. Eric Johnson, "Cliffs of Dover"
When people talk about using the guitar to speak, Johnson gives an entire speech with this song.
58. Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Tightrope" (solo at 1:20)
You seriously can't beat SRV. Just watch and listen as he tears it apart.
59. Pantera (Dimebag Darrell), "Floods" (solo at 3:50)
Darrell's riffing was epic and his soloing was barnstorming.
60. Ozzy Osbourne (Randy Rhodes), "Crazy Train" (solo at 3:00)
In a tragically short life, Rhoads managed to mix classical and rock into a style so much his own it still sounds unique today. And it's still influencing & inspiring player to this day.
61. The White Stripes (Jack White), "Ball and Biscuit" (solo at 1:26 and 3:39)
62. Machael Jackson (Eddie Van Halen), "Beat It" (solo at 3:10)
Van Halen guest soloed on Jackson's pop radio ready hit.
63. Led Zeppelin (Jimmy Page), "Communication Breakdown" (solo at 1:18)
Page takes a handful of rockabilly and blues cliches and makes them his own with more volume & speed than the original versions.
64. Jimi Hendrix, "Star Spangled Banner"
Hendrix's version of the Banner was his own unique take on the melody that became a symbol of a generation; American melody played with maximum impact rock & roll guitar.
65. Frank Zappa, "Zoot Allures"
Most of Zappa's solos were improvised, a few were composed. All of them were evidence of his unique musical vision & approach.
66. Funkadelic (Eddie Hazel), "Maggot Brain"
67. Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Scuttle Buttin'"
It's's SRV so you best watch the whole thing.
68. Yngwie Malmsteen, "Black Star"
Classical music, meet heavy rock. Go.
69. Queen (Brian May), "Brighton Rock"
How to describe this descending, curly solo that transitions into a gallop all over the fretboard?
70. Jeff Beck, "Cause We've Ended as Lovers"
Beck did many cover songs stamping each with his own unique style. This Stevie Wonder ballad is an iconic example of Beck making the tune his own.
71. Kansas (Kerry Livgren), "Carry On My Wayward Son" (solos at 0:50, 2:48 and 3:26)
This song has a great blend of straight rock and prog rock complex riffing & soloing.
72. Pantera (Dimebag Darrell), "Cemetary Gates" (solo at 5:00)
Darrell scratches his way into this solo but soon picks up speed until there's just fast screeching.
73. Joe Pass, "Cherokee"
Pass's melody and masterful scales in this instrumental are truly not to be missed.
74. Dream Theater (John Petrucci), "Under a Glass Moon" (solo at 4:37)
75. Smashing Pumpkins (Billy Corgan), "Cherub Rock"
Following the heavy emotion and drive of the chorus and verses in “Cherub Rock” wasn’t easy. But Corgan pulled it off with a searing melody backed by a perfectly timed flanger effect.
76. Behemoth (Nergal), "Conquer All" (solo at 2:30)
The best thing is how naturally this solo leads into the sweep pick, and incorporates that modern technique into a brief but classic-sounding guitar solo. It's so good the rest of the instrumentation is composed around the solo.
77. Paco de Lucia, "Entre Dos Aguas"
Some remember him by his collaboration with Bryan Adams on "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?" But he is a flamenco composer and player. His most famous performance is for the rumba song "Entre Dos Aguas."
78. Steve Vai, "For the Love of God"
Vai went on a 10-day fast in an attempt to achieve "relatively altered states of consciousness. Because in those states you can come up with things that are unique even for yourself."
79. Metallica (Kirk Hammett), "Fade to Black" (solo at 5:05)
We're all lucky there's a Kirk Hammett around to remind us that metal solos can have soul AND shred.
80. Shawn Lane, "Grey Flying Pianos"
Lane is virtually unknown outside of the guitar world. His fusion of rock & jazz with unmatched speed, clarity & precision was at times otherworldly.
81. Led Zeppelin (Jimmy Page), "Since I've Been Loving You" (solo at 3:55)
This solo showcases Page’s moody, bluesy, and incredibly intricate guitar playing at its best. He truly throws himself into this one even after having played it for over 40 years.
82. Kiss (Ace Freeley), "Shock Me" (solo at 1:57)
It's always uplifiting when a solo can take a song to a new level. Here's an example of that!
83. Pink Floyd (David Gilmour), "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"
Gilmour beautifully navigates this typical Pink Floyd chord progression. The chords have a few unexpected twists but he follows them with a smooth melody throughout.
84. Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Testify"
Live at Shiba Yubinchukin Stadium in Tokyo, Stevie Ray Vaughan may have performed
the most amazing guitar solo in history here. It is admirable how easy it all looks when Stevie plays the Guitar.
85. Plini, "Tarred and Feathered"
You hear a lot of technique here starting with harmonics, double stop riffs, and complicated scaling.
86. Megadeath (Dave Mustaine), "Tornado of Souls"
When it comes to metal, this solo off Megadeth's 1990 classic "Rust in Peace" is unbeatable by many standards. It's fast and intricate, but still melodic and emotional.
87. Ween (Dean Ween), "Transdermal Celebration" (solo at 1:50)
Dean Ween is an underappreciated guitarist. On the surface he's a pretty straight rocker, but his sense of melody and timing are amazing. His solos are concise and complement their melodies.
88. Metallica (Kirk Hammett), "Master of Puppets" (solo at 3:53)
This is Hammett's most complete solo. It has all the hallmarks of his style.
89. Prince (Dez Dickerson) "Little Red Corvetter" (solo at 1:57 and at 2:59)
90. Chon (Erick Hansel and Mario Camarena), "Knot"
This kind of modern, progressive music isn't always the easiest thing to listen to, but you can't deny that there's serious skill and creativity here.
91. Muse (Matt Bellamy), "Knights of Cydonia" (solo at 4:12)
92. Rage Against the Machine (Tom Morello), "Killing in the Name" (solo at 3:50)
93. ZZ Top (Billy Gibbons), "Jesus Just Left Chicago" (solo at 1:31)
Since the release of the band's debut album in January 1971, ZZ Top has become known for its strong blues roots and humorous lyrical motifs, relying heavily on double entendres and innuendo.
94. Joe Satriani, "Satch Boogie"
Satriani's rock guitar instrumentals rekindled an interest in the genre. His impeccable rhythm & lead playing is a gold standard in the genre.
95. Pink Floyd (David Bilmour), "Time" (solo at 3:14)
It's easy to lose track of time with Gilmour's ethereal wails in his spacey and melodic voice.
96. Pantera (Dimebag Darrell), "Walk" (solo at 3:00)
97. Pink Floyd (David Gilmour), "Wish You Were Here"
Gilmour sets the scene for this song with a melancholic acoustic guitar.
98. AC/DC (Angus Young), "You Shock Me All Night Long" (solo at 2:20)
99. Link Wray, "Winterland" (solo at 1:30)
Maybe the concept of a solo performance doesn't match with him, but Link is the representant of the power chord, and the distorted electric guitar. His influence is in all the electric guitar players that will be included in your list.
100. The Who (Pete Townshend), "Won't Get Fooled Again" (solo at 3:54)
Townshed's playing was often overshadowed by his songwriting. But this track shows his guitar playing was equal to his compositional ability.
101. Santana, "Soul Sacrafice"
102. Thin Lizzy (Phil Lynott), "Roisin Dubh (Black Rose)" (solo at 2:12)
103. Steely Dan (Elliot Randall), "Reelin' in the Years" (solo at 1:57 and at 3:53)
Here's a solo that really maintains the integrity of the rhythm - it's teamwork!
104. Van Halen (Eddie Van Halen), "Outta Love Again" (solo at 1:51)
Sounds like Eddie and Alex are just clowning around and rocking out in the garage. But Eddie is just smoking.
105. Ozzy Osbourne (Zakk Wylde), "No More Tears (solo at 3:25)
Here's an empowering solo that really makes you say to yourself, "No More Tears."
106. Gary Moore, "One Day"
There's some serious awe when a whole song can shred AND make you feel so much.
107. Prince, "Purple Rain" (solo at 3:50)
Prince's guitar playing was overshadowed by his song writing & performance skills. It often seemed just another tool in his amazing kit. But it should never be underestimated.
Prince - Purple Rain (1984) by retrospective1
108. Van Halen (Eddie Van Halen), "Mean Street" (solo at 2:31)
109. Pink Floyd (David Gilmour), "Money" (solo at 3:05)
110. Otis Rush, "Me" (solo at 2:18)
Otis Rush’s solos were remarkable for his long bent notes. His style became known as West Side Chicago Blues. "Me" kicks off with his trademark bent note.
111. King Crimson (Robert Fripp), "21st Century Schizoid Man"
112. Hound Dog Taylor, "Ain't Got Nobody" (solo at 1:33)
Alongside his band the HouseRockers, Hound Dog Taylor was known as the Ramones of The blues. Taylor was and excellent slide guitarist and that is what you find in this solo.
113. Jethro Tull (Martin Barre), "Aqualung" (solo at 3:24)
This song's solo goes up and down, shreds, wails, and sings a song all on its own.
114. Steve Vai, "Bad Horsie"
Steve Vai is always rich in modal variation and melodic inventiveness. Despite the fact that it’s one of his more metal tracks, “Bad Horsie” is no exception.
115. Alman Brothers ( Duane Allman and Dickey Betts), "Blue Sky" (solo at 1:10)
116. The Cars (Elliot Easton), "Candy-O" (solo at 1:17)
Another guitarist with total deference to the song. The solo is short and sweet, but so tasteful and punchy.
117. Prince, "I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man" (solo at 2:43)
118. Allman Brothers (Dickey Betts), "Jessica"
There's a steady, upbeat rhythm here. With Betts as its guitar leader, "Jessica" is going places.
119. Manic Street Preachers (James Dean Bradfield), "La Tristesse Durera" (solo at 2:12)
120. Eric Clapton (Eric Clapton and Duane Allman), "Layla" (solo at 2:27)
This is one of the rare pieces to feature two of the greatest guitar players of all time: Clapton and Duane Allman of The Allman Brothers Band.
121. AC/DC (Angus Young), "Let There Be Rock" (solo at 4:25)
Angus Young was a force of nature. His playing was unhinged rock and roll straight from the source: Chuck Berry licks & blues tricks turned up to 11!
122. Radiohead (Johnny Greenwood), "Just" (solo at 3:07)
123. David Gillmour, "Into The Blue" (solo at 2:49)
Great use of the Whammy pedal!
124. Steely Dan (Larry Carlton), "Kid Charlemagne" (solos at 2:18 and at 3:52)
125. Ozzy Osbourne (Rhandy Rhoads), "Mr. Crowley" (solo at 2:17 and at 4:21)
For shredding, look to Randy Rhoads.
126. Smashing Pumpkins (Billy Corgan), "Soma" (solo at 4:22)
127. Deep Purple (Steve Morse), "Sometimes I Feel LIke Screaming" (solo at 3:35)
Morse takes on the verse melody and drives it to heavenly levels in wailing ascending scales.
128. Yes (Steve Howe), "Starship Trooper" (solo at 8:30)
Mastery of the musical call and response here.
129. Ted Nugent, "Stranglehold" (solo at 1:44)
Here's a perfect example of a solo that clambers its way to a high, sustained note and does good things from there.
130. Dire Straits (Mark Knopfier), "Sultans of Swing" (solo at 2:42)
Standing out as perhaps the man's ultimate piece, this solo is hailed by guitar players across the galaxy. Fun fact: Mark didn't like the song at first! But when he played it through his '77 Strat, it all just magically changed.
131. Thin Lizzy (Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson), "The Boys Are Back In Town" (solo at 0:55 and at 1:49)
132. Babe Ruth (Alan Shacklock), "The Mexican" (solo at opening and at 3:36)
133. The Doors (Robby Krieger), "The End" (solo at 9:07)
Krieger nails the trifecta of melody, rhythm, and moodiness.
134. Jane's Addiction (Dave Navarro), "Three Days" (solo at 4:44)
135. THe Greatful Dead (Jerry Garcia), "Truckin'" (solo at 2:17)
136. Doyle Dykes, "Avalon"
Avalon is an old jazz standard by Al Jolson. This live performance of Dykes with Emmanuel is jaw dropping, sublime and just plain guitar fun from start to finish.
137. Doc Watson, "Deep River Blues"
A classic mixture of country, bluegrass, blues, ragtime. Doc put all it all together in his on unique way.
138. Allan Holdsworth, "Devil Take the Hindmost"
Holdsworth is another legend known mostly only to other guitarists. He mixes jazz & rock in his own utterly unique ethereal style. He is revered as much for his chordal melodies as his blinding speed & angular lines.
139. Danny Gatton, "Funky Mama"
Sometimes billed as the master of the Telecaster or the world's greatest unknown guitarist, Gatton was a monster player that tragically took his own life, but left an amazing legacy of playing.
140. The Smashing PUmpkins (Billy Corgan), "Geek USA"
141. Van Halen (Eddie Van Halen), "Hot For Teacher"
Epic. The solo is a tough competitor to Alex's double-bass drumming.
142. Monte Montgomery, "First and Repair" (solo at 2:07)
The speed achieved here is truly astounding. He also manages to inject a heavy dose of Texas blues and funk, which is prevalent in this track. The solos on both the live and studio version are truly remarkable.
143. Steven Wilson Band (Guthrie Govan), "Ancestral" (solo at 1:00)
Govan showcases an emotional lament in his solo for this song. But there's plenty of skill here, too.
144. Jimi Hendrix, "Hey Joe" (solo at 1:57)
It's Hendrix so you're better off listening to the whole song. But the solo here is a perfect example of creativity and effortless-sounding voicing.
145. Howlin' Wolf (Bryce Robinson), "If I Were A Bird" (solo at 1:55)
“If I were a Bird” is the opening song of Wolfs 1971 album Message to the Young. On this album Wolf cooperated with guitarist Bryce Robinson & John Stocklin.
146. Intervals (Aaron Marshall), "I'm Awake"
Prog rock takes skill no matter how you look at it.
147. Eric Clapton, "Let it Rain" (solo at 2:56)
148. Johnny Winter, "Life is Hard" (solo at 2:01)
This may be a slow blues song, but it's the kind of blues song that lends itself to a brilliant guitar solo by Johnny Winter.
149. Jimi Hendrix, "Machine Gun" (solo at 4:00)
Again, it's Hendrix so just listen to the whole thing. But pay attention to the way he shears through the solo 4 minutes in.
150. Radiohead (Johnny Greenwood), "Paranoid Android" (solo at 3:04 and at 5:39)
The back and forth notes and screeches sure make adds to the paranoia here.
151. ZZ Top (Billy Gibbons), "Sharp Dressed Man" (solo at 2:49)
152. Paul Bilbert, "Scarified"
Classic 80s shredding from Gilbert's band Racer X. Paul's a shredding machine!
153. Brian Setzer, "Sleepwalk"
Originally a Santo & Johnny song, the melody was played on a pedal steel slide guitar. Setzer played on his reverb soaked Grestch in a heavenly cover version.
154. Wes Montgomery, "Four on Six"
The whole song. Amazing!
155. B.B. King, "Good Man Gone Bad"
B.B. King was the king of the Blues and known for his thrilling one-note solos. He
started recording in the forties and kept doing it till the end of his life.
156. The Doors (Robby Krieger), "Light My Fire" (solo at 3:15)
Whilst Robbie has been lauded and is very well respected, he is often underrated as a guitarist and stuck in the shadows of legend of Jim Morrison.
157. Alice in Chains (Jerry Cantrell), "Man in the Box" (solo at 3:00)
158. Earl Hooker, "Off the Hook"
The ease in which Earl Hooker plays guitar is amazing. This is a fast blues
song in which you will see a smiling Earl Hooker perform his best Guitar Solo, which includes some teeth picking.
159. David Bowie (Mick Ronson), "Moonage Daydream" (solo at 3:13)
160. Dr. John (David Spinozza), "Right Place, Wrong Time" (solo at 1:35)
Funk and attitude are all you need to be in the right place and the RIGHT time here.
161. Toto (Steve Lukather), "Rosanna" (solo at 4:48)
Luthaker has no problem soloing with the piano and even upstages it!
162. Soundgarden (Kim Thayll), "Black Hole Sun" (solo at 2:58)
Kim Thayil matches the hectic vibe of the song while maintaining a clear melodic path in the solo. Kudos to Thayil for making nailing a delicate balancing act.
163. Pearl Jam (Mike McCready), "Alive" (solo at 3:29)
McCready delivers a classic rock solo that fills in all the requirements!
164. The Beatles (George Harrison), "And Your Bird Can Sing" (solo at 1:02 and at 1:45)
This is cover version, but still pretty good!
165. John Hammond, "Dropdown Mama"
"Dropdown Mama" is an acoustic blues song by John Hammond, in which he shows us his amazing guitar skill. He is also largely responsible for the revival of delta blues artist Robert Johnson's music.
166. Andy Kirk, "Floyd's Guitar Blues" (solo at 1:00)
Sometimes solos are funny. This can be considered one of them, but don't underestimate the unique voicing here.
167. Son Seals, "Funky Bitch" (solo at 1:25)
Phish covered Son Seals song "Funky Bitch," and occasionally Seals showed up
to play with them. Since moving to Chicago in 1971 the career of this blues guitarist took off.
168. T-Bone Walker, "Goin' to Chicago" (solo at 1:47)
Influential jump blues Guitarist T-bone Walker inspired many a blues guitarist
including Chuck Berry, B.B. King, and Jimi Hendrix. He released his first album Wichita Falls Bluesin 1929.
169. Albert Collins, "Fake ID"
Albert Collins was an inspiration for many guitarists including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, and Johnny Copeland.
170. Magic Sam, "I Don't Want No Woman" (solo at 1:34)
Magic Sam was a very talented Chicago Guitarist. His life and career were cut short when he suddenly died of a heart attack in December 1969. He was 32 years old.
171. Johnny Winter, "Shake Your Money Maker"
Elmore James wrote and recorded this song in 1961, and it has become a blues standard. Johnny Winter's version is faster than lightning and will definitely blow you away!
172. Between the Buried and Me (Paul Waggoner), "Seikies: The Endless Obsession" (solo at 4:42)
This solo played a crucial role in establishing the band as one of the leaders of the modern scene. Intricate, complex, 2 minutes long, and very engaging this is one fine piece we're looking at.
173. The Strokes (Nick Valensi), "Reptilia" (solo at 1:50)
174. Ben Harper, "Reason to Mourn" (solo at 3:04)
This solo nails the feel and vibe of the song. The tone captures every little bit of emotion here.
175. Creedence Clearwater Revival (John Fogerty), "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" (solo at 3:07)
176. Albert King, "Houng Dog" (solo at 1:06)
Albert King was known for his soulful blues songs, and with his remarkable flying V Gibson Guitar, he knew how to show of a Guitar solo, like in this Big Mama Thornton cover.
177. The Stone Roses (John Squire), "I Am the Resurrection" (solo at 4:06)
178. Dinosaur Jr (J. Mascis), "Get Me" (solos at 1:11, 2:56 and 4:04)
179. Yo La Tengo (Ira Kaplan), "Stockholm Syndrome" (solo at 1:22)
Not a textbook "perfect solo" here but a nice reminder, especially for newbies, that it really is about the journey rather than the destination...
180. The Rolling Stones (Mick Taylor), "Sway" (solo at 1:36 and at 2:40)
181. Muse (Matt Bellamy), "Stockholm Syndrome" (solo at 3:46)
182. Buddy Guy, "Sweet Home Chicago"
Alongside Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy learned to play the blues in Chicago. Buddy is one of the last living Chicago Blues artists. His collaboration with Harmonica player Junior Wells is also worth a listen.
183. Clarence Gatemouth Brown, "Okie Dokie Stomp"
Brown did not only play blues, but also violin in a more country style, and rock on his early albums. “Okie Dokie Stomp” is one helluva guitar tune!
184. Sublime (Brad Nowell), "Santeria" (solo at 1:33)
185. The Strokes (Nick Valensi), "Last Nite" (solo at 1:59)
186. Rory Gallagher, "In Your Town" (solo at 1:34)
Irish blues artist Rory Gallagher was known for his charismatic performances and
dedication.
187. Electric Prunes (Ken Williams), "Holy Are you" (solo at 1:54)
188. Nirvana (Kurt Cobain), "In Bloom" (solo at 3:16)
189. Rolling Stones (Keith Richards), "Sympathy for the Devil" (solo at 2:53 and at 4:48)
Richards' spurts of guitar is perfect with the hoo hooing in the background.
190. Lightin' Hopkins, "Talk of the Town"
Texas Blues master Lightnin’ Hopkins was known for his excellent guitar playing.
Hopkins plays his songs mostly solo, but with a backing band together you will see how he makes his songs swing.
191. The Velvet Underground (Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner), "Sweet Jane"
Think sunny days, eyes closed, wind chimes, and ethereal bliss.
192. Rush (Alex Lifeson), "Working Man"
193. Radiohead (Johnny Greenwood), "The Bends" (solo at 1:08)
194. Suede (Bernard Butler), "Animal Nitrate" (solo at 1:45)
195. Blur (Graham Coxon), "Coffe and TV" (solo at 2:55)
196. Neil Young, "Cinnamon Girl"
This is Young's famous one note guitar solo. It's actually more than one note, but it's the same note played over & again for maximum impact.
197. Buzzcocks (Pete Shelley), "Boredom" (solo at 1:25)
Here's a two-note solo that sums up punk's minimalism, which is wrapped up nicely in a song most appropriately called "Boredom." Though it's energy is anything but.
198. Bad Brains (Dr. Know), "Banned in DC" (solo at 1:28)
199. Oasis (Noel Gallagher), "Live Forever" (solo at 2:10 and at 3:48)
200. Television (Tom Verlaine), "Venus" (solo at 2:12)
Huge thanks and shout-out to our awesome community of fellow guitar and music lovers online who contributed:
The Aspiring Guitarist
Unlock The Guitar
Guitar Chalk
Guitar Music Theory
SF Critic
The Owl Mag
SF Guitar Works
Rogue Guitar Shop
Chicago Music Store
Green Leaf Music
Jackson Hole Music Store
Guitar Fella
Metal Sucks
Invisible Oranges
Jungle Indie Rock
Louder Than War
Twang Nation
The Blues Music Blog
Black and Bull Blues
