Famous Guitar Solos: Solos That Made History
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Introduction to Famous Guitar Solos:
Imagine a world without the electrifying wail of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar or the lightning-fast fretwork of Eddie Van Halen. Music, as we know it, would be unrecognizable without their famous guitar solos! As a lifelong guitar enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours dissecting the solos that shaped the soundscape of popular music. And let me tell you, it’s been one heck of a journey!
You know that feeling when a guitar solo hits you right in the gut? That spine-tingling moment when the world seems to stop, and all you can focus on is the cascade of notes pouring from the speakers? That’s the power of a truly revolutionary guitar solo. These musical masterpieces don’t just entertain – they inspire, influence, and ignite change across the entire industry.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the fretboards of history to explore 10 famous guitar solos that didn’t just rock our world – they fundamentally altered the course of music. From the psychedelic ’60s to the shred-tastic ’80s and beyond, we’ll uncover the techniques, tones, and pure magic that made these solos legendary. So strap in, turn up the volume, and get ready for a mind-blowing journey through the greatest licks ever laid down!
Famous Guitar Solos List:
1. Jimi Hendrix - "All Along the Watchtower" (1968)
Oh man, where do I even
start with Jimi? The first time I heard his solo on “All Along the Watchtower,” I nearly fell out of my chair. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before – a psychedelic tornado of sound that seemed to break every rule I thought I knew about guitar playing.
Hendrix took Bob Dylan’s folk song and turned it into a technicolor explosion of innovation. His use of effects, particularly the wah-wah pedal and octave divider, created textures that guitarists are still trying to replicate today. But it wasn’t just about the gear – it was Jimi’s otherworldly control over feedback and his ability to make his Stratocaster scream, sing, and whisper that really set this solo apart.
The cultural impact? Huge. This solo didn’t just influence rock guitarists – it changed how people thought about the guitar’s role in music altogether. Suddenly, the guitar wasn’t just an instrument; it was a vehicle for sonic exploration. I’ve lost count of how many guitarists have told me that hearing this solo was the moment they knew they had to pick up a six-string.
2. Eric Clapton - "Crossroads" (1968)
If Hendrix was all about
pushing boundaries, Clapton’s “Crossroads” solo was a masterclass in taking the blues and injecting it with a shot of pure rock and roll adrenaline. This live recording with Cream at the Winterland Ballroom is the stuff of legend – and for good reason!
What gets me every time about this solo is the raw energy. Clapton’s fingers are flying across the fretboard, bending strings and hitting blue notes with an intensity that’s almost scary. But here’s the kicker – despite the speed and complexity, every note feels deliberate. It’s like he’s telling a story through his guitar, building tension and release with each phrase.
This solo was a game-changer for live performances. It showed that improvisation could be just as powerful – if not more so – than carefully crafted studio solos. I remember trying to learn this solo as a kid, and let me tell you, it was a humbling experience. It’s one thing to play fast; it’s another thing entirely to play fast and make it mean something.
Clapton’s performance here didn’t just cement his status as a “guitar god” – it elevated the entire concept of what a guitar hero could be. It’s no wonder that this solo is still studied and revered by blues and rock guitarists alike.
3. Jimmy Page - "Stairway to Heaven" (1971)
Alright, I know what you’re thinking. “Stairway to Heaven” again? But hear me out – there’s a reason this solo is on every “greatest of all time” list. Jimmy Page crafted something truly special here, a solo that’s practically a song within a song.
What always strikes me about this solo is its architectural quality. It starts slow and methodical, mirroring the build of the song itself. Then, as it progresses, it becomes more complex and intense. Page uses hammer-ons, pull-offs, and bends with surgical precision, creating a sense of climbing, of ascending – you know, like a stairway?
The genius of this solo lies in its pacing. Page knows exactly when to hold back and when to let loose. It’s a masterclass in dynamics and tension-building. And that finale? When he kicks into high gear with those rapid-fire licks? It still gives me goosebumps every single time.
This solo’s impact on rock guitar playing can’t be overstated. It showed that a guitar solo could be more than just a showcase of technical skill – it could be an integral part of a song’s emotional journey. I’ve seen countless guitarists try to capture the magic of this solo, but there’s just something about the original that can’t be replicated.
4. David Gilmour - "Comfortably Numb" (1979)
If I had to pick one solo to listen to for the rest of my life, it might just be David Gilmour’s work on “Comfortably Numb.” There’s something about those soaring, sustained notes that seems to reach right into your soul and give it a good squeeze.
Gilmour’s approach here is all about melody and emotion. He’s not trying to impress you with speed or technical wizardry – instead, he’s painting a picture with sound. Each bend and vibrato is perfectly placed, creating a sense of yearning and release that perfectly complements the song’s themes of isolation and detachment.
What really gets me about this solo is its use of space. Gilmour isn’t afraid to let notes ring out, to give the listener time to feel the full weight of each phrase. It’s a reminder that sometimes, what you don’t play is just as important as what you do.
The influence of this solo on future generations of guitarists can’t be overstated. It showed that guitar solos could be emotional centerpieces, capable of expressing complex feelings that words alone couldn’t capture. I’ve seen tough, burly rockers brought to tears by this solo – that’s the kind of power we’re talking about here.
5. Eddie Van Halen - "Eruption" (1978)
Holy smokes, where do I even begin with “Eruption”? The first time I heard this, I thought my record player was broken. It just didn’t seem possible that one person could make a guitar do… that!
Eddie Van Halen’s two-hand tapping technique in this solo was nothing short of revolutionary. Sure, other guitarists had used tapping before, but never with this level of speed, precision, and musicality. It was like he took the guitar and reimagined what it could do from the ground up.
What blows my mind about “Eruption” is that it doesn’t just show off a new technique – it’s a compelling piece of music in its own right. The way Eddie moves from tapping to sweep picking to those wild whammy bar dives… it’s like a rollercoaster ride for your ears.
The impact of this solo on 80s guitar playing and beyond was seismic. Suddenly, every kid with a guitar was trying to tap, to play faster, to push the boundaries of what was possible on the instrument. And while many tried, few ever came close to Eddie’s level of innovation and musicality.
I’ll never forget seeing Van Halen live and watching Eddie play this solo. The look of joy on his face, the ease with which he pulled off these seemingly impossible licks – it was a reminder that at its heart, great guitar playing should be fun. And man, “Eruption” is nothing if not a whole lot of fun.
6. Carlos Santana - "Europa" (1976)
Ah, “Europa.” Every time I hear this solo, I’m transported to a whole other world. Carlos Santana’s ability to blend rock intensity with Latin passion created something truly unique here.
What sets this solo apart is Santana’s incredible control over tone and sustain. The way he makes each note sing, squeezing every ounce of emotion out of each bend and vibrato, is nothing short of magical. It’s like his guitar isn’t just speaking – it’s having a heart-to-heart conversation with your soul.
Santana’s fusion of rock and Latin styles in this solo was groundbreaking. He showed that you could incorporate elements from different musical traditions and create something that transcended genre boundaries. The result is a solo that feels both intimately personal and universally appealing.
I’ve seen this solo’s influence pop up in all sorts of unexpected places – from rock to jazz to even some pop music. It’s a testament to Santana’s artistry that his approach to melody and emotion in guitar playing has resonated across such a wide spectrum of music.
7. Slash - "November Rain" (1991)
In an era when grunge was taking over and excessive guitar solos were becoming passé, Slash came along and reminded everyone why a great guitar solo could still be the heart of a rock anthem.
The “November Rain” solo is all about the power of melody. Slash isn’t trying to melt your face off with speed or technical wizardry – instead, he’s crafting a solo you can sing along to. And let me tell you, I’ve been in more than a few bars where the entire place breaks out into an air guitar frenzy when this solo hits.
What I love about this solo is how it builds. It starts off relatively restrained, mirroring the emotional journey of the song. But as it progresses, it becomes more intense, more passionate. By the time Slash hits those high bends near the end, it’s like the guitar is crying out in pure emotion.
The visual aspect of this solo can’t be ignored either. The image of Slash, top hat and all, playing this solo in the middle of a desert in the music video is now iconic. It showed that the age of the guitar hero wasn’t over – it had just evolved.
This solo’s influence can be heard in countless power ballads and rock epics that followed. It bridged the gap between the excess of 80s guitar playing and the more restrained approach of 90s alternative rock, showing that there was still a place for soaring, melodic guitar work in modern rock.
8. Famous Guitar Solos. Prince - "Purple Rain" (1984)
Prince was a musical genius in so many ways, but his guitar playing often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The solo in “Purple Rain” changes that narrative real quick.
What strikes me about this solo is its use of space and dynamics. Prince isn’t trying to fill every second with notes. Instead, he lets certain phrases hang in the air, giving the listener time to feel the full emotional impact. Then, when he does let loose with a flurry of notes, it hits you like a tidal wave.
The tone Prince achieves here is absolutely sublime. It’s saturated with emotion, every note dripping with feeling. I remember the first time I heard this solo, I felt like I could hear Prince’s heart breaking through the speaker. It’s that powerful.
This solo elevated the power ballad to new heights. It showed that a guitar solo could be the emotional pinnacle of a song, not just a technical showcase. I’ve seen this influence carry through to countless ballads in rock, pop, and R&B. When a guitarist really needs to make a ballad soar, they often look to “Purple Rain” for inspiration.
Prince’s performance here also challenged preconceptions about guitar heroes. He showed that you didn’t need to fit the traditional rock guitarist mold to deliver a solo for the ages. In doing so, he opened doors for a more diverse range of artists to be recognized for their guitar skills.
9. Kirk Hammett - "One" (1988)
Metallica’s “One” is a masterpiece for many reasons, but Kirk Hammett’s solo takes it to another level entirely. This solo is where heavy metal and neo-classical shredding had a baby, and man, is it glorious.
What gets me about this solo is how it manages to be technically impressive without sacrificing feeling. Hammett’s use of the wah pedal adds this expressive, almost vocal quality to his playing. And those rapid-fire alternate picked runs? They’re not just there to show off – they perfectly capture the frantic, trapped feeling the song’s lyrics describe.
The way Hammett incorporates neo-classical elements into his playing here was groundbreaking for metal. Those sweep-picked arpeggios and diminished runs added a new level of sophistication to metal lead playing. I remember trying to learn this solo as a teenager and being blown away by how it combined raw aggression with musical complexity.
This solo pushed the boundaries of what was expected in metal guitar playing. It showed that you could be fast and technical, but also melodic and emotionally resonant. The influence of this approach can be heard in countless metal and hard rock solos that followed.
10. Famous Guitar Solos. B.B. King - "The Thrill Is Gone" (1969)
We’re ending our list with the King of the Blues himself, B.B. King, and his iconic solo on “The Thrill Is Gone.” This solo is a masterclass in the “less is more” approach, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, a single, perfectly bent note can say more than a thousand fast ones.
What always strikes me about this solo is King’s impeccable phrasing. Every note feels like it’s exactly where it should be. There’s no wasted motion, no showing off – just pure, raw emotion expressed through six strings and a lifetime of blues.
King’s vibrato technique is on full display here, and it’s a thing of beauty. The way he makes each note sing and cry is something that countless guitarists have tried to emulate, but few have ever matched. I’ve spent hours trying to replicate that B.B. King vibrato, and let me tell you, it’s a lot harder than he makes it look!
The influence of this solo – and King’s playing in general – on rock and blues guitarists cannot be overstated. From Eric Clapton to John Mayer, generations of players have looked to B.B. King as the gold standard for expressive, emotive guitar playing. This solo showed that technical flash isn’t everything – sometimes, the most powerful statement you can make is also the simplest.
Famous Guitar Solos. Conclusion:
Whew! What a journey through some of the most earth-shattering moments in guitar history. From Hendrix’s psychedelic innovations to B.B. King’s soul-stirring simplicity, these solos didn’t just entertain us – they changed the very fabric of music.
As I sit here, my fingers still tingling from air-guitaring my way through this list, I’m struck by the transformative power of these six-string symphonies. Each of these solos pushed the boundaries of what was possible, inspiring countless guitarists (myself included) to pick up the instrument and find their own voice.
But here’s the thing – the influence of these solos isn’t confined to history books or guitar magazines. Listen closely, and you can hear echoes of Hendrix’s innovation, Clapton’s blues fire, and Prince’s raw emotion in the music being made today. These famous guitar solos are living, breathing entities that continue to shape how we think about and create music.
So, the next time you’re listening to your favorite track and that famous guitar solos hits, take a moment to really listen. Think about the legacy behind those notes, the countless hours of practice, the moments of inspiration, and the sheer love of music that birthed them. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to pick up a guitar yourself and add your own chapter to this ongoing story of six-string revolution.
