The Best Guitar Solos of All Time

Willy Zygier - steel guitar - Deborah Conway at Fitzroy Gardens
Photo by avlxyz

Guitar solos performed poorly can come across as the most self-indulgent form of music. Everything halts for a moment to focus on the obvious prowess of one individual, which often doesn’t integrate well with the rest of the track or exhibit any particular flair. That’s what makes it all the more special when artists transcend this egotistical mindset and deliver solos that are iconic, technically impressive, and beautiful to listen to. Here are five examples of this phenomenon:

A great starting point is the collaboration between Eric Clapton and Duane Allman on “Layla.” These two guitar geniuses worked together so brilliantly that people said they had a kind of telepathy. In this track, both of them get solos, allowing each to shine and showcasing Allman’s exceptional bottleneck slide skills as well. There may be individual tracks by both artists that arguably display more talent, but it’s the collaborative nature of their work on “Layla” that makes it truly remarkable.

Another shred hero worth mentioning is Joe Satriani. His work as a mentor to Vai is evident, and his solos have gained even more fame. “Surfing with the Alien” is a classic example of soloing at its best. Satriani is someone who can make shredding evoke emotions rather than merely cater to the posturing often associated with mainstream shred rock music. For a solo that showcases the full potential of what a guitar can do, this track is a top recommendation.

Pairing two great guitarists may seem like cheating, but when it comes to solos in a single track, it’s hard to ignore “Layla.” Eric Clapton and Duane Allman make this piece irresistibly heart-wrenching and exciting simultaneously, making it an unparalleled experience. Just like “Stairway to Heaven,” certain moments become timeless classics for a reason.

“Whispering a Prayer” is a Steve Vai track that demonstrates him as possibly the best technically skilled guitarist in the world today, while also being unusually accessible as a melody. However, it’s the man who inspires Vai that defines the epitome of guitar solos. Jimi Hendrix is a name that will long outlive even rock music as a whole, and “All Along the Watchtower” is perhaps the finest demonstration of his genius.

These guitar solos exemplify the true artistry and mastery that can be achieved when a guitarist goes beyond mere technical skill and connects with the music on a deeper level. They serve as timeless examples of what can be accomplished when a solo becomes more than just a showcase of ability, but a memorable and integral part of the overall musical experience.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME