10 GREATEST Guitar Solos EVER Recorded?

[@beneunson]

💥 THE BGC BUNDLE (all masterclasses): www.bensguitarclub.com/p/the-bgc-bundle 💥 The Modern Soloing BUNDLE: www.bensguitarclub.com/p/modern-soloing-bundle 💥 Mini-Lesson BUNDLE: bensguitarclub.teachable.com/p/mini-lesson-bundle

[@jujjeelf309]

Good question! I apologize for overriding the ten solo limit 😊 Terry Kath on “I´ve Been Searching So Long” on the Chicago VII album (1974); Larry Carlton on “Kid Charlemagne”, Dean Parks on “Haitian Divorce”, Denny Diaz on “The Fez” and Walter Becker on “Green Earrings” from Steely Dan´s “Royal Scam” (1976); Jeff Beck "Come Dancing" from his "Wired" album (1976); Steve Khan, “Darlin' Darlin' Baby” from his 1977 album “Tightrope”; Eric Gale on "Angela" by Bob James from his "Touchdown" album (1977); Waddy Wachtel on “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” by Linda Ronstadt on the “Simple Dreams” album (1977). Jay Graydon on “I am Camera”, and “Release Yourself” from Marc Jordan´s 1978 album “Blue Desert; Janne Schaffer on “It´s Never To Late” from his Earmeal album (1978); Lowell George on “Rocket In MyPocket” from Little Feat “Waiting for Colombus” (1978); Lee Ritenour, “Bullet Train”, from the Friendship feat Lee Ritenour self-titled album (1979); Glenn Frey on “I Can´t Tell You Why” from the Eagles album “The Long Run” (1979); Grant Geissman on “Giving It All You Got” from Chuck Mangione´s album “Fun and Games” (1979); Carlos Santana on “Stay (Beside Me”) on the Santana album “Marathon” (1979); Steve Lukather on “Breakdown Down Ahead”, and Carlos Santana on “You Can Have Me Anytime “from the “Middle Man” album by Boz Scaggs (1980); Phil Keaggy”, Full Circle” from his album “Town to Town (1981), especially the ending solo; Neil Geraldo on “Treat Me Right” and “Wuthering Heights” from the Pat Benatar album “Crimes of Passion” (1980) and on “Promises in the Dark” from Benatar´s album “Precious Time” (1981); Neil Schon on “Who´s Crying Now” from Journey´s “Escape”-album (1981); Steve Lukather on “Talk To Ya Later” from the Tubes first album (1981); Mike Landau on “They Danced” by Maxus from their only album (1981); Steve Lukather on “Living in the Limelight” by Peter Cetera, on his self-titled album (1981); Al DiMeola on “Cruisin” from the Electric Rendezvous album (1982); Allan Holdsworth on “White Line” from the IOU album (1982); Eddie Van Halen on “Secrets” from the “Diver Down” album (1982); Gary Moore, “Always Gonna Love from his 1982 album “Corridors of Power”; Either Dean Parks or Hadley Hockensmith on “Rescue” from Koinoinia´s first album (1983); Dann Huff on “Vision” on the “Medals” album by Russ Taff (1985) and on tracks by Michael W Smith such as “Secret Ambition” (1988) and “Place In This World (1990); Eric Johnson on “Desert Rose” from “Ah Via Musicom” (1990); Steve Lukather on “Playing With Fire” on Richard Marx´s album “Rush Street” (1991).

[@beneunson]

Hey Jujje - this is an INCREDIBLE list... and what shocked me even more was that I know EVERY ONE of these solos. Seriously, what a collection of solos you have here. Some of my personal favorites that you mentioned are (and a couple of extras): - All the Steely Dan solos - 'Darlin' Darlin' Baby' - Steve Khan - 'I'm A Camera' - Jay Graydon (Marc Jordan) - 'Bullet Train' - Friendship/Lee Rit - Anything with Grant Geissman from this era - 'Breakdown Dead Ahead' - Boz/Lukather - 'You Can Have Me Any Time' Boz/Carlos Santana - The whole Maxus record with Jay Gruska/Landau - Any Neal Schon solo, particularly from the "Raised On Radio" album ...I could go on forever. Thanks for adding your favorites!

[@bobjanetmart506]

Epic response bro!

[@CAGED1702]

Wow! Janne Schaffer and Earmeal! I had that album! 👍

[@mitchpattimusic]

Love seeing some 80s era Benson getting a shout out. In Your Eyes and 20/20 are incredible albums. I still listen to them all the time.

[@beneunson]

Two of my favorite Benson albums. I listened to both Give Me The Night and In Your Eyes from beginning to end last night!

[@song4night]

Great topic, Ben. Here are some of my favorites: George Benson, Take 5, from the live in Carnegie album. George Benson/Earl Klugh, 'Living inside your love'. John Mclaughlin, 'Joy' from the Skakti album. Pat Martino, 'days of wine and roses'. Prince, his solo and ending on 'Purple Rain'. Jeff Beck, 'love is green'. Lee Ritenour, 'Captain Fingers'. Eric Johnson, 'white cliffs of Dover'. Casiopea, live version of 'Midnight Rendevous'. Russell Malone, 'Jingles'.

[@beneunson]

All excellent choices, I know almost all of these - my favorite is "Captain Fingers", and I also love "Living Inside Your Love". I'm going to check out the Casiopea track!

[@song4night]

@@beneunson glad to hear that😊👍

[@erictripton]

Here is my Ten, Ben. 1) 25 or 6 to 4 from Chicago 2nd album 1969 - Terry Kath (Terry's 16th note blitz that hooked me to that technique) 2) Do It Again from Can't Buy A Thrill Steely Dan 1972 - Denny Dias (A radio hit that reeks of jazz and precise playing) 3) Dazed and Confused from The Song Remains The Same live album 1976 - Jimmy Page (The various fast sections. A little wreckless, but I knew where he was going) 4) Led Boots from Wired album 1976 - Jeff Beck (Phrasing and execution; total control over the notes, vowels, slurs, you name it) 5) The 4.15 Bradford Executive from Sand Album 1987 - Allan Holdsworth ( I weep when I listen to this solo. Doesn't get any better than Al's phrasing) 6) Too Rolling Stoned from Robin Trower Live album 1976 - Robin Trower (Aggressive bluesy, effects/univibe my 8th guide book) 7) Just The Same Way from Journey's Evolution album 1979 - Neal Schon (Another radio hit genius, Neal's lyrical and aggressive playing causes goosebumps) 8) Tales of the unexpected from same title album Mahogany Rush 1979 - Frank Marino (Takes up the Jazzy Jim Hall meets Jimi Hendrix 2 solos dedicated to each) 9) Flight over Rio from Elegant Gypsy 1977 - Al DiMeola (This was huge on my alternate picking phrasing. Precise and very aggressive) 10) D.O.A. from Van Halen II - Edward Van Halen ( Not only the way he executes the notes, but his 'sound' is what excited me the most)

[@beneunson]

Thanks Eric! This list is absolutely fantastic - I know all of these except for "Tales of the Unexpected"... I'm going to check it out. Denny's solo on "Do It Again" is just amazing. "'Elegant Gypsy" is also an album I've listened to more times than I can count. All great stuff here!

[@jdguitar1040]

Uhh... Holy crap!!!! I've been playing and listening to guitar for over 40 years now, and have listened to more music and guitar playing/players than almost anyone I know. That's not to boast, it's just true. I've basically done nothing but listen to music for my entire life. And while I know that it's not possible for even the most dedicated listener to have heard everything, how in the hell have I never heard of Jay Graydon?! You are absolutely right: that solo on that tune The Ending is one of the greatest ever played. My mind is blown. I will turning my friends on to it soon. Thank you...

[@beneunson]

So glad you enjoyed it. It absolutely blew my mind the first time I heard it, it still sounds fresh and exciting today!

[@fabiocecchelli9662]

Carlos Rios - Brother To Brother Ollie Halsall - Give it Away Jay Graydon - Peg Danny Dias - Your Gold Teeth II Django Reinhardt - Django’s Tiger Terry Kath - 25 or 6 to 4 Allan Holdsworth - City Night Ian Bairnson - Wuthering Heights Elliot Randall -Reelin’ in the Years Larry Carlton - Kid Charlamagne ❤

[@beneunson]

All excellent choices!

[@fabiocecchelli9662]

@@beneunson ❤️🇮🇹

[@25dbz-ot9br]

Bringin some shine on Third Wind. Nice. Familiar with all but 2 and headed to check em now. Tks for the hit on lady in my life. Jordan gets recognized for his technique, but his IDEAS and expression are stunning on that piece. Something that doesn’t get any love is Robben Ford’s solo on the Yellowjackets “Monmouth College Fight Song”. My goals are there.

[@beneunson]

Thank you for sharing! Robben's playing with the early Yellowjackets is legendary - my favorite era of his playing. His solo on "Monmouth College Fight Song" is legendary, as is his playing on The Inside Story and the first two Yellowjackets albums...great pick!

[@CJ-nm8sw]

This is not a definitive list since I'm just making this up off the top of my head but here's a decent list of solos: Greg Howe - 'Sunny' (on KZbin) Or any '90s Greg Howe stuff Robben Ford and the Blue Line - 'Tell me I'm your man' Live in San Francisco (also on KZbin) Guthrie Govan - Aristocrats 'Sweaty Knockers' Marty Friedman of Megadeth - 'Tornado of Souls' Brett Garsed and Planet X - 'Alien Hip Hop' Danny Gatton and Robert Gordon Live - 'Cruisin' Deuces' (Bootleg so it's on KZbin) Jess Lewis ft. Alex Hutchings - 'Room 335' (Larry Carlton Cover) Scott Henderson from Tribal Tech - 'The Big Wave' Paul Gilbert of Racer X - 'Technical Difficulties' Eddie Van Halen on Michael Jackson's 'Beat it'

[@santyrolon]

Bueno señora, hacé tu video ahora y dejá de molestar.

[@CJ-nm8sw]

@@santyrolon The fuck are you talking about, brah?

[@jdguitar1040]

Scott Henderson!!!!!! Amen.

[@beneunson]

Excellent list, undoubtedly some of the greatest solos ever!

[@bongo2565]

Am I too late to join..? Such a great topic! These are my personal 10 solos... Larry Carlton : "I Really Don't Know Anymore" from the album “Christopher Cross” by Christopher Cross. Melodic but dynamic solo over a static chord. Beautiful tone. The Edge : “One” from the album “Achtung Baby”. A short solo with minimum notes, but cannot think of any other way to solo… Almost sounds like tear drops.. Brett Garsed : "Alien Hip Hop" from the album “Quantum” Planet X. A serious Instrumental Progressive Metal.. I get goose bumps when the solo kicks in.. Mr. Holdsworth also plays in the album. Carlos Santana : "You Can Have Me Anytime" from the album “Middle Man”.., well.., you all know by who… Just beautiful “singing” solo… I feel like I need take a “Zen” sitting pose and close my eyes when the solo begins.. Steve Lukather : “A Clue” from the album “Down Two Then Left”. Another “singing” solo with a “PURE” tone.. RIVERA with Orange Squeezer..? He was only 20..or even younger…!! Berton Averre : "My Sharona" from the album “Get The Knack” by The Knack. EPIC and FUN…! The fast and double bending part hurts my fingers.. Need lighter strings.. Mike Stern : "Fat Time" from the album The “Man with the Horn” by Mr. Davis. It was a mistake I picked this song for the first time in the bed. (I did not know what to expect..). His solo woke me up and I almost laughed at the end of his solo! David Gilmore : “No more lonely night” from the album “"Give My Regards to Broad Street" by Paul McCartney. The solo begins when the song(Chord?) gets modulated(?). I feel the night falls deeper and darker… Very “Gilmore” and terrific solo.. Scott Henderson : “Elvis at the Hop” from “Primal Tracks” by Trial Tech. Great “rocking & funky” solo with some spice of Jazz. Similar to “Fat Time” it almost makes me laugh.. due to the powerful energy.. Ben Eunson : Cause We've Ended As Lovers (Jeff Beck Cover). The first notes(triad..?) immediately knocked me out… beautiful solo going “in and out” (and perhaps super imposed…?)

[@beneunson]

Absolutely great list! Thank you so much for sharing - I particularly love "I Really Don't Know Any More" (I should have added it to my list!), "You Can Have Me Any Time", "A Clue" (young Steve sounding amazing) and "Fat Time"! I really appreciate you checking this out! 😀

[@bobjanetmart506]

Great solos. Great list Ben, have a nice weekend

[@beneunson]

Hope you have a great one as well!

[@matthiasscheffler548]

Another suggestion would be 'Sails Of Sharon' played by Uli Jon Roth (Scorpoins)

[@steffanwyn-jones1214]

Tim Miller - Solo on Bethany by Janek Gwizdala John McLaughlin - Solo on Spain (Live in Mexico city 1982, with Al Di Meola and Paco De Lucia - kzbin.info/www/bejne/omfPpHyFe991g5I (John Mac's solo starts at 7:10)) Pat Martino - Solo on Minority (from the album Strings!) Eric Johnson - Lonely in the night (from the album Venus Isle) Paul Bollenback - Solo on Donna Lee (from Joey DeFrancesco's album All About My Girl, and Joey is flying too of course) Kurt Rosenwinkel - Minor Blues (live in Dresden 2008 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWqvnXyYosujfbM) Allan Holdsworth - Devil Take the Hindmost (or Tokyo Dream, Bonus Track version) Pat Metheny - All the Things You Are (from the album Question and Answer) James Muller - Solo on Between the Dog and the Wolf (from Chad Wackerman's album Scream) George Benson - Solo on Sky Dive by Freddie Hubbard Thanks for your list Ben, great stuff on there - Hadn't hear 'The Ending' before, lovely phrasing.

[@beneunson]

Thank you Steffan, this is a GREAT list. All excellent choices, I'm so glad you mentioned Benson's solo on "Sky Dive", such a classic. Paul Bollenback is also such a great guitarist who deserves so much more attention. Plus, love the classic Pat Martino - so great! Thanks for sharing your picks 🔥

[@BenBreard]

Totally agreed on "the ending" funny timing because I just got my hands on that CD. Yes I bought a CD in 2024, and am almost done transcribing the solo. Jay is a master at phrasing. This is a really good one to learn IMO.

[@beneunson]

CDs are fantastic, I still use CDs all the time! So great you got your hands on that album!

[@erictripton]

It's all subjective no doubt. Nice respectful list of greats you have, Ben. I forgot about Earl Klugh! Being a rock player, my list would be a contrast for sure.

[@beneunson]

Thanks Eric! Would love to hear what would be on your list

[@matthiasscheffler548]

YES's Steve Howe's 'The Ancient / Giants Under the Sun' - played on nylon! - Not a solo in the classical sense, but still an unmatched solo contribution to a longform song...!

[@thormusique]

This is a stellar list indeed! I'd forgotten about the Tuck Andress record, but it was certainly a great one that I'll have to dive into again. Also, John Abercrombie and Mike Stern have been huge influences on me as well, and I think one thing they have in common is their sensitivity, beautiful phrasing, and dynamic range. A tune played by Abercrombie always struck me as a complete musical story. And coincidentally, his album Getting There not only had some wonderful tunes and musicians featured, but what is for me one of the most emotive and poignant solos of all time by none other than Michael Brecker, on the tune 'Remember Hymn', which was also a huge influence on my guitar playing. Anyway, thanks for another wonderful video, cheers!

[@beneunson]

So glad you like the list! Yes, I absolutely love "Reckless Precision". And such a great point about phrasing and dynamic range. "Getting There" is a classic! Thanks so much for watching and sharing your insight!

[@PascalM-ld9xn]

Thanks 🎸🎶🎵

[@beneunson]

Thanks for watching, Pascal!

[@manuelcreinhardt]

Definitely Pat Metheny's on 3rd wind (funny that you mention it, thougt I was the only one having that one so up high on my list). Other that come to mind are Pat Martino's short solo on Nefertiti or Frank Zappa's on Yo' mama (Album Sheik Yerbouti). Never heard Earl Klugh before, incredible piece, that sound...wow.

[@beneunson]

Great suggestions, thanks so much for watching!

[@danieltanguay5750]

Hello, i will not list all the guitarist i like there so many, for sure you are among that tradition of great guitarist two. Love your playing and sound and tone. I will mansion one that i like great performance live, Wayne Krantz in Leni Stern Band - The Jazz Club Highlights 1990. Have a look.

[@beneunson]

Thank you so much! I love Wayne's playing with Leni Stern, great suggestion!

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Nice list, Ben! Cheers, D

[@beneunson]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@jdguitar1040]

'Nother excellent, fun vid! I'll limit myself to one suggestion for everyone: Steve Morse's solo closing out the studio version of Hereafter from the album Dregs of the Earth. And if you haven't heard this solo, Ben, I know you'd immediately love it. Truly inspiring playing. The tune is, I guess, a rock ballad. But the solo is for sure beyond category. One of the greatest of all time...

[@beneunson]

Absolutely great suggestion - Steve Morse is one of the greatest ever, I wasn't familiar with this solo, but I just checked it out!! Incredible tone, time, feel - everything. Thank you so much for watching, and for your suggestion!

[@motorcitysmitty]

I love Benson's solo on "Modern Times Blues" from JLP's album "Open Mind". Pretty killer stuff.

[@beneunson]

That is a GREAT solo!

[@chipcelley6091]

Sorry, for one of the greatest short form lead solos, it has to be Lee Ritenour's Feel The Night. He's not just riffing away, the solo has a strong melodic structure with a beginning, middle, and end along with the funky guitar-loving dynamics.

[@beneunson]

Agreed. "Feel The Night" is one of Lee's best records. Every track is great. "Wicked Wine", "French Roast" (!!) and "Midnight Lady" are my favorites

[@JohnGriffith-w2w]

Okay Ben now that we know that you played the opening solo someone is going to say that there are to many notes or that phrasing wasn’t right when it sounded lovely until it was written by you! 😂🤣😎🎸😳

[@beneunson]

Haha thanks John, I appreciate you checking it out!

[@Nobox-eg7qu]

I enjoyed this video… I checked em all out. Seeing Stanley Jordan live was a life altering experience for me..I need to check him out playing the Grateful Dead!

[@beneunson]

So glad you checked them all out, thanks for watching! Stanley is brilliant 😀

[@billlandon2160]

No Frank Gambale? I coulda swore I heard some early Frank in your playing.

[@motorcitysmitty]

I was going to say "Leave Ozone Alone". That was an epic solo and when I first heard it, I had to scrape my jaw off the ground.

[@billlandon2160]

@@motorcitysmitty I just went and listened to it again (right after George Benson’s Being With You

[@beneunson]

Frank is a legend, I should've made a list that was twice as long! Maybe I'll make a follow-up video 🤔

[@matthiasscheffler548]

Ben, I urge you to check out Casper Hejlesen's 'Impro on Indie-Jazz Loop' - you'll love it!

[@beneunson]

All great suggestions, Matthias! Thanks so much for sharing your favorites - checking them out now! I know Steve Howe's solo, but I'm looking forward to hearing the others.

[@LMVtron1]

Ben Eunson on Flight of the Aces is definitely a contender 🔥

[@beneunson]

So glad to hear it! Thank you! 😀

[@jon.malowsky]

Great compact list but Wes is missing...I love Twisted Blues the Oliver Nelson version

[@beneunson]

Absolutely! Wes is one of my absolute heroes...great suggestion!

[@craigtodd8297]

Not necessarily the greatest but for me personally: Hotel California Catfish Blues voodoo chile Always on the run - kravitz Dont look back in anger Live forever Echoes Parisienne walkways Little wing Red house

[@beneunson]

Great list! Thank you so much for sharing, this is fantastic!

[@CAGED1702]

Ten of some of my favourite solos: Amos Garrett on "Midnight At The Oasis" David Spinozza on "Airborne" (from his album "Spinozza", it's fantastic!) Lee Ritenour on "Captain Fingers" Dennis Budimir on "On Green Dolphin Street" from the Singers Unlimited album "Feeling Free" Django Reinhardt on "Minor Swing" Jay Graydon's solo rendition of "Star Spangled Banner" (awesome!) Chuck Loeb on "Big Time" from his "In A Heartbeat" album Pat Metheny on "Phase Dance" Robben Ford on "There's No One Else" from The Inside Story album Jørgen Ingmann, known as “The Danish Les Paul” (he was the first guitarist in Europe to similarly experiment with multi-layered recording techniques) on "Stardust" from his 1959 Jazz album "Guitar In Hi-Fi". kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmjVkqZ9pseVbsk

[@beneunson]

Absolutely fantastic list. I know every track on this list, except for the final track from Jørgen Ingmann - absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this, what a great find!

[@TheCompleteGuitarist]

JJ Cale "You Got Me on So Bad", I dont think Cale is the soloist, according to wiki it could be Harold Bradley a session guitarist. It is short, succinct, sublime and I remember it was the first solo I heard and was moved by when I was in my mid teens and just starting out on guitar Forty cough cough years ago.

[@beneunson]

Great suggestion, thank you so much for sharing!

[@Streetbob07]

Bill Nelson Be Bop Deluxe - Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape

[@beneunson]

Thanks for sharing!

[@danielmaisel591]

"Samba Pa Ti" Santana

[@beneunson]

Absolutely, great suggestion!

[@craigtodd8297]

Could you tell us how to have a 'plan of attack' when improvising a solo... Rather than doodling on a scale hoping for the best, I need a solo plan.

[@beneunson]

You might be interested in some of my soloing etudes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d562pH6aYtKenpY

[@flexeos]

my only regret in most of those lists is that they are USA centric ( I know that A Summers is technically from the UK ) as if there was nothing else. What about the likes of Allan Holdsworth, Django Reinhart, Bireli Lagrene or Sylvain Luc? There is so much talent everywhere but you have to widen your horizon.

[@andreasjonsson5823]

Georg Wadenius is Swedish (like me), Andy Summers is a Brit and Ben himself is Australian!

[@beneunson]

All the guitarists you shared are great! Please share some of your favorite solos of theirs! 😎

[@craigtodd8297]

Is not having Tenderly opening the door to classical guitar? In which case Barrios Mangore could be included or Bach's Chaconne by J. Williams. The scope becomes enormous.

[@beneunson]

Absolutely! Great point!

[@puttsky7]

Anything by David Lindley

[@beneunson]

Absolutely! Thanks for sharing!

[@TirtaLeonardi]

Should have Frank Gambale on the list !

[@beneunson]

Frank is a legend, love his playing!

[@howardbaldwin1226]

Larry Carlton? Drew Zingg?

[@beneunson]

Both are favorites of mine! I very nearly added LC's solo on "I Really Don't Know Anymore" by Christopher Cross... but the problem is that I just have too many favorite Larry solos! Thanks for watching 😀

[@gokudegrees]

kurt r - zhivago with frankfurt bigband

[@beneunson]

Great composition and performance! One of Kurt's classics

[@guitarlaurence]

Some nice solos, but no Allan Holdsworth or Jimi Hendrix? Allan and Jimi are undisputedly number 1 and 2.

[@beneunson]

They were both brilliant, without a doubt. You should share some of your favorite solos!

[@terr4c0]

You can't put every great solo in one video.

[@bmoneybby]

Ah yes, putting the same list together over and over again. That sounds so fun.

[@terr4c0]

@@bmoneybby You also have a point.

[@PascalM-ld9xn]

David Gilmour 👍😉

[@wastrel09]

C'mon dude no Joe Pass?

[@beneunson]

You could add Joe Pass for sure! One of the greatest ever.

[@depafranko]

il tuo nome mi fa venire a mente qualcosa che in questo periodo turba gran parte del mondo, sei comunque un chitarrista eccellente

[@beneunson]

Thanks for watching 😎