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)
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