Attention all aspiring guitar heroes!
If you’ve been dreaming of unleashing your inner rock god, buckle up for a wild ride. This blog post is your ticket to guitar greatness, guiding you through ten legendary solos you can start tackling today.
Each is a finger-blistering, ear-melting masterclass in epic playing that’ll have you shredding like a pro (or at least feeling like one).
Stairway to Solo Heaven
Jimmy Page’s solo in “Stairway to Heaven” is nothing short of legendary. It starts with a dreamy, melodic line and crescendos into a whirlwind of challenging and gratifying notes.
Focus on mastering the bends and vibratos. The emotional depth of this solo comes from its dynamic shifts. Timing is essential here – the pauses are as important as the notes.
Sweet Child of Axe Skills
Slash’s handiwork in “Sweet Child o’ Mine” is pure gold. The opening riff grabs attention, but the solo truly rocks. It blends bluesy licks with rapid-fire blues scales, making it a playground for shredders.
Pay special attention to Slash’s use of slides and pull-offs. These little tricks add a layer of sophistication.
Hotel California
The dual guitar solo by Don Felder and Joe Walsh in “Hotel California” is a dialogue of guitars. Felder’s melodic approach balances perfectly with Walsh’s energetic, bluesy flair.
Practice both solos separately before merging them, as timing and phrasing are key to nailing this performance. This one pushes you to coordinate your fingers and ears.
Back in Black and Solo in Color
Angus Young’s riff in “Back in Black” is the stuff of rock legend. The solo is deceptively simple, focusing on pentatonic scales and pinch harmonics.
Beginners will love this one for its accessibility, yet even professional players find joy in its raw energy. Emphasize the staccato notes and make sure your bends hit just right.
Comfortably Numb
David Gilmour’s solos in “Comfortably Numb” are emotional rollercoasters. The first solo is smooth and soulful, while the second builds into a crescendo of expressive bends and sustained notes.
Focus on the phrasing and let the guitar sing. This isn’t about speed but rather the feeling in each note. Use your whammy bar subtly to mimic Gilmour’s signature sound.
Smoke on the Water
Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple is a must-learn rock anthem for guitarists of all levels. Its simple yet catchy intro riff, played with power chords, makes it perfect for beginners, while seasoned players still enjoy its iconic sound.
Mastering this solo feels like an actual achievement, and Roger Glover’s bass lines offer depth for those looking to explore further.
Eruption
Eddie Van Halen’s “Eruption” is a groundbreaking rock guitar solo. It features fast tapping, quick pull-offs, and intense whammy bar dive bombs.
To master it, you must work on accurate alternate picking and smooth fretboard transitions. Practice tapping slowly and speed up as you improve. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm, even when playing fast. Use alternate picking to keep the notes clear.
ELECTRIC GUITARS FOR BEGINNERS
Ibanez GIO GRGM21 MiKro Electric Guitar, White
FEATURES: Frets: 24 Medium
OTHER INFO: Scale Length: 22.2”
- Affordable entry point for quality electric guitars
- Smooth and comfortable neck profile for fast playing
- Stylish white finish adds a touch of elegance
- Compact size makes it easy to transport for on-the-go musicians
- Tuning stability may require periodic adjustments, especially with heavy use
- Not everyone appreciates the subtlety of a clean tone.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha Pacifica 012, Black
FEATURES: Scale Length: 25.5"
OTHER INFO: 0.009-0.042
- Cosmetically well-painted with no noticeable blemishes.
- Decent sound quality for its price range.
- Good fretwork with no sharp edges.
- Versatile pickup configuration with a humbucker and two single coils.
- Affordable entry-level option for beginners.
- Plinky higher note frets, indicating potential setup issues.
- Neck feels rough and unfinished.
- Limited potential for ultra-low action due to setup constraints.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
LA Electric Guitar by Gear4music, White
FEATURES: Scale Length: 25.5"
OTHER INFO: 3x Single Coil, pickup configuration
- Striking white finish for an elegant and stylish appearance.
- Balanced and rich sound suitable for various playing styles.
- Affordable quality.
- Effortless tuning with precise tuning mechanisms.
- Lightweight design reduces fatigue during long sessions or performances.
- Basic accessories may require additional purchases for a complete setup.
- Glossy finish attracts fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Bringing Down the House:
Performing Your New Solos
Learning guitar solos is like adding sprinkles to your musical cupcake, making it delightful and exciting.
- Beginners: "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Slash offers an approachable challenge that's fun to play.
- Professional players: Eddie Van Halen's "Eruption" is the crème de la crème of guitar prowess.
- Balanced solo: David Gilmour's "Comfortably Numb" is technically accessible and emotionally expressive.
- Classic rock flair: Jimmy Page's enchanting solos in "Stairway to Heaven.
- Harmonized guitar parts: "Hotel California" by Don Felder and Joe Walsh features intricate, melodic dueling guitars.
- Regal experience: Angus Young's riff in "Back in Black" is worthy of Queen.
- Finger-picking legend: "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple.
Whether shredding in front of a mirror or serenading a crowd, these solos will elevate your guitar skills and keep you entertained on your musical journey. Keep those strings sizzling!
While I appreciate the classics you’ve listed, Hugh Richardson, I’d argue that including more contemporary solos could inspire a broader audience. Artists like John Mayer and St. Vincent are crafting solos that are just as impactful and could resonate with younger learners. It’s about blending the old with the new to keep guitar playing fresh and exciting.
totaly agree with GuitarGuru101, love the oldies but we gotta mix in some new stuff too.
I see your point, GuitarGuru101, but don’t underestimate the timeless appeal of the classics. They’re classics for a reason. However, adding some modern tunes into the mix could indeed attract a wider audience.
Eruption is epic, man. Took me months to get anywhere close. It’s all about persistence.
I noticed ‘Electric Guitars for Beginners’ mentioned at the end, and I’m keen on learning more. Is there a specific model that works best for someone just starting? Looking forward to diving into this new hobby with your guidance,
Hugh .
Really digging the song selection, Hugh Richardson! ‘Hotel California’ has some sick solos. Always wanted to nail that one. Got any tips for tackling those fast parts?
yeah man, wondering the same. anyone got shortcuts to share?