In putting together this post, I have to admit …. I looked at a ton if Internet lists; The Top 100 Guitar Solos of All Time, Ten Best Guitar Solos Ever, All Time Greatest Guitar Solos, etc, etc, etc. In the end, I've included some of those for sure, oh and now that you are here, look for your instrument at runthemusic.com.Now Perhaps my criteria are different. Skill ….. of course. Speed …. not so much. Originality …. yes! Dynamics and feel …. you bet! I looked for solos that are well constructed and that are so unique and well-played that they have you eagerly waiting for the rest of the song to "move along" so that you can get to the "good" part. Also …. I did not rank them. This is subjective enough and there are so many not included. Why rank? So they are in no particular order. They are all just very very tasty! Each can stand alone as a crown jewel in the history of Classic Rock!
Here they are:
Hotel California – Don Felder/Joe Walsh
This one is on a LOT of lists. Composed with a great deal of originality and melodic as can be, with some gorgeous harmonies it builds to a wonderful climax before gently fading into the sunset!
Sultans of Swing – Mark Knoffler
A great demo solo for that crisp, characteristic Strat sound, Lots of technique and tricks. It builds to those unmistakable triplets. Knoffler excels with this style of play! In the days of vinyl, you'd pick up the stylus and advance it to the break.
My Old School – Jeff "Skunk" Baxter
Wow ….. when I first heard this solo, it was so original that it just blew me away …. the staggered phrasing and attack were fabulous! Cool harmonics and more. There are two parts so be sure to listen to both.
Stairway to Heaven – Jimmy Page
This is #1 on many lists and for a very good reason. The whole song has an "epic" feel …. artistically grand and so it needed a guitar solo to match. Jimmy Page delivered perhaps the most memorable collection of riffs and phrases ever. This solo soars!
Fallen Angel – Doug Macaskill
You probably won't know this one. Former Stampeders and Moxy guitarist Macaskill added his subtle stylings to a predominantly keyboard 80s band from Toronto … The Arrows. This is a really well-crafted guitar solo in a riches to rags story. It begins with a single note melody line and grows into an amazing piece!
Al Along The Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix
Hard not to include at least one of Jimi's songs. What really gets me about this solo is the variety within the work. He moves from one technique and soundscape to another seamlessly. When you listen from front to back, it's marvelous!
People Get Ready – Jeff Beck
I'm looking for a word here … perhaps it's ethereal. This is a haunting solo which is all about sounds. Sounds and technique. It seems like no one quite masters the subtle use of the whammy bar like Beck. He takes notes to new places. You can feel the spirituality in this work … as it should be!
Free Bird – Gary Rossington/Allen Collins
Way up on a lot of lists. Can you say energy? From the moment the tempo in the song changes, it indeed does "fly". So do the guitars. Speed is somewhat important in this one. Maybe the best shared solo ever. What an amazing sonic ride!
Everybody's Everything – Carlos Santana
I've mentioned that some solos build their intensity as they progress. Not this one! The picture shows Carlos because he plays it live. Give Journey guitarist Neal Schon credit for the studio recording. This solo soars from the moment it begins and from then on it is a showcase in virtuosity. Wonderful!
Forever Man – Eric Clapton
This is everything a rock solo should be. The song is uplifting and the guitar maintains and even elevates that feel. Eric Clapton has a distinguished catalog and this work is among his best!
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Yeah man! great stuff my buddy! Keep it coming. I was just on yer website learning Pretty Woman.
Thanks man ….. I’m workin’ at it!
My 9yr old son has been taking lessons for 1.7 yrs now and is learning some great guitar riffs. He is currently learning the Smoke on the water solo. This is the first web site I looked at for free downloads of this song. Since your last name was
Mace I decided to e-mail you. We are from Ohio.
Nice to hear from you Mike and glad your son is showing so much passion for learning. Always nice to hear from a Mace … there aren’t too many of us!
Thanks for your videos……….. Learning some cool stuff.Cheers
You are most welcome Tom … enjoy!
Hi Jackson, it's great stuff,i'm a huge Mark Knoffler fan.I watched he and my hero Hank B Marvin play a duet of going home,tremendeous.I really enjoy what you send,I just wish my old hands were a bit faster on the fret board.
Cheers Mate.
Ah yes … Hank Marvin .. The Shadows … Les Girls. I bought the soundtrack to Summer Holiday and wore out the instrumental tracks.
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