The TOP 20 GREATEST GUITAR SOLOS (according to WatchMojo)

[@MusicisWin]

Which solo would you include in this list?

[@rocketland]

The jake e lee solo from 1984 live performance of suicide solution

[@sebbbbbb3947]

One metallica

[@Cullan-Welman]

Sign of the times, europe

[@homedepotman4219]

Free bird🤣

[@dylanuttam2881]

Eruption or Spanish fly instead of beat it for EVH

[@jakelaprise]

kirk's intro solo in fade to black will forever be my favorite, so much emotion and heartfelt energy poured into it and it fits the song and lyrics perfectly. beautifully composed and almost has a classical feel to it

[@aidencareyy]

his outro aswell is so emotional i love it

[@theyetidude]

It's great and all, but if you listen to Judas Priest's "Beyond the Realms of Death" it's basically the same song and I prefer Glen Tipton's solo to Kirk's.

[@Captain_Jackk_Sparrow]

@@theyetidude imo it must be in top 10. Amazing solo. The whole song is a masterpiece. But people are crazy they are just fcking listening painkiller.. Their best albume is Stained Class.

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

@@theyetidude the outro is as as good

[@suraceryan]

Agreed and outro as well

[@darrenchesterton6410]

While I do love the closing solo to November Rain, I've always thought the middle solo is such an iconic one. Not overly hard to play, but goes sooo well with the song. And as for Pink Floyd... TIME!!!! TIME NEEDS TO BE ON THIS LIST!

[@gggz420]

i agree totally about gnr! and about pink floyd it could of defs been time or comfortably numb as well

[@JohnDoe9764]

Totally agree on GnR an Pink Floyd!!!! The solo from "time" is absolutely genius and probably my personal favourite guitar solo. I do also agree Tyler's opinion about "Killer Queen". Absolutely amazing solo.

[@keanedavies9480]

@@JohnDoe9764 I agree I think time is probably my favourite of all time, you ever heard that amazing prince solo in while my guitar gently wheeps in the live performance at the rock hall of fame?

[@JohnDoe9764]

@@keanedavies9480 not yet, but I will

[@keanedavies9480]

@@JohnDoe9764 it’s on KZbin. 100% worth the time. Let me know what you think

[@AntonPeck]

One solo that always gives me chills when I hear it is Zakk Wylde in No More Tears.

[@GentlemanJakk]

Miracle Man*

[@stellaotto5654]

Ohhh hell yesssss. That song will always be among my favs

[@daveglander1]

This was on my mind too. It was a solo that made the hairs on your arms stand up,

[@depracated]

His best solo bar none

[@RaccoonHenry]

for me it's Mama I'm coming home

[@ozzythekid]

Dogs is Gilmour's guitar masterpiece. Overall, the whole middle section from the harmony part to the solo following it is one of my all time favorite guitar moments. The whole song has killer leads though. I do have to agree that I'd probably have gone with Comfortably Numb for the "iconic" factor.

[@Spectre-kf2td]

Oh my god I was about to say that Edit: that whole album is so underrated

[@SharkVsTree]

The solos in the version of Dogs that Doyle Bramhall II and Snowy White did on In The Flesh - Live were just... chef's kiss.

[@ozzythekid]

@@SharkVsTree That is a great video! I saw them in KC and in Chicago on that tour!

[@goatboy150]

"Animals" is ridiculously underrated. The whole thing is a masterpiece.

[@Mcperson823]

Echoes is pink Floyd's masterpiece

[@tiggetty]

Dimebag's solo in "Floods" by Pantera is typically heralded as his greatest and I definitely feel it easily cracks this list. This mojo list really focused on much older music, it seems, which is sad because the urge to avoid recency bias probably robbed some younger musicians of whatever fleeting notoriety can be got from a watchmojo video ranking.

[@greendemon2859]

Yeah same, some of the fanbase would think this would be a weird pick but I think Danger Line by Avenged Sevenfold could have been on here

[@rdspam]

“Iconic and influential”, not “technically challenging/proficient”. If being listed would provide “fleeting notoriety”, it doesn’t meet the selection criteria.

[@cincox3919]

The Highway Star solo kinda introduced the world to the idea of neo-classical. Likely a big influence on Yngwie

[@stevehughes275]

Quite possibly the first neo classical shred

[@Kylora2112]

@@stevehughes275 At least in a pop song context, anyways.

[@MrMaynardWR]

Uli Jon Roth is the neo classical bridge between the two in my opinion

[@padmakshkhandelwal1832]

The guitar solo is not even the best solo on the song imo. Jon Lord created the true shredding neo-classical heavy metal solo on a keyboard, which is heavier and more metal than the anything at the time, even more than the guitar solo itself.

[@agamemnon9918]

@@padmakshkhandelwal1832 Jon's solo is legendary, but a lot of classical stuff has been done on keyboards anyway, unlike guitar, Ritchie was introducing a new idea here, not totally new but still.

[@Aidan.w]

As a huge Rush fan it was interesting to see Freewill as the first entry. Quite a random choice (I probably would have chosen Limelight, Kid Gloves or Mission) but I agree that it's easily one of Alex's best solos as it perfectly captures his chaotic style.

[@Aidan.w]

@Dev's Corner Great choice. Though technically there are two solos: A Lerxst in wonderland which is the slowly building up one, and Danforth & Pepe which is the complete and utter chaos one about 3/4 through the song lol

[@TwilightZone13]

I think that the solo from Marathon is Alex's best solo.

[@astre7904]

La Villa Strangiato has the most iconic Alex Lifeson solo imo but I'm just happy there was Rush

[@alporan7423]

The solo to yyz is one of my most favourite solos of all time

[@levig384]

i think it’s probably because it’s just really fast and epic and impressive

[@artxavBR74]

I absolutely adore 1-Eric Clapton- I feel free 2- Marty Friedman - Tornado of souls 3- Jimmy Page - Ten years gone 4-EVH - Jump and 5-Jeff Beck - Blaze of glory

As my own choice, maybe i’d put eruption instead of jump, but i actually would be happy abt jump so…

[@challenger4157]

Was just about to comment that not including ToS solo should be blasphemy...

[@Odaiiiii]

I was really surprised when i realized the didn't put tornado of souls on that list, i mean it already on every other list i've seen, its like an anthem for the metal comunity

[@ff7fanboi]

Finally someone mentions tornado An absolute master piece

[@eccehomer8182]

Good choices Artur. Ten Years Gone is one of Zep's best and Physical Graffiti is a really overlooked album. From a purely personal perspective I'd have gone for "I'll Wait" for my favourite EVH solo, even though it's not that iconic. And I agree with Challenger... Tornado not being on this list is blasphemy.

[@greendemon2859]

Honestly surprised there wasn't even a mention of Metallica, considering how much the solos in Master of Puppets and One made in an impact on guitarists as a whole

[@Dclerkin17]

Well, Rebecca doesn’t listen to metal, so… No Synyster Gates solos on there either😢

[@Cosmefulanito-63-14]

@@Dclerkin17 Rebecca is dumb

[@Dclerkin17]

@@Cosmefulanito-63-14 Yeah the title is “Greatest Guitar Solos” but it’s more like “Greatest Classic Rock Solos”

[@Cosmefulanito-63-14]

@@Dclerkin17 yeah. Maybe it's nostalgia or fear but people always tend to think old means better

[@SpammusX]

Kirk Hammett solos do not deserve to be on any list

[@dixiemcgee8535]

Out of Ritiche Blackmore solos im definitely going to have to go with Stargazer. Rainbow is such an underrated band compared to Deep Purple. Sad it gets overshadowed when really it's the most creative and inspiring work.

[@gibby9298]

Rainbow is God tier man. Richie Blackmore and Dio made such an awesome combo. And Stargazer has to be one of my favorite songs of all time, especially with that drum intro.

[@cruz1nator_242]

Stargazer is killer, but the Child in Time solo is something else. The way the whole song builds up and up, then the solo hits, it's incredible

[@lntxp01]

I think the gates of babylon solo is by far the greatest rainbow guitar solo and there are others that I would put above the stargazer solo tbh

[@matcoffidis1135]

My fav. Gilmore solo is the one on Time. It's perfectly phrased and gorgeous tone....❤️

[@CMHobbies]

Yes. First serious guitar solo that I learned note for note and I never get tired of playing or hearing it. Perfection.

[@Hello_I_Must_Be_Going]

It’s his best

[@philgbrittain]

I was in a band as a lead guitarist. This was the only lead I didn't play in our sets. I preferred the singer/rhythm guitarist play it. It meant so much to him to do that so I was happy to just play rhythm for that one.

[@pumbar]

Agreed!

[@GraveyJones86]

Came here to say this. Time is some of the best guitar work I’ve ever heard.

[@jamesrichardson4988]

Duane Allman ripping it up on Statesboro Blues from Live At Fillmore East, Billy Gibbons showing why he might be the coolest guitarist on Just Got Paid, and just to show my love for a newer player...Gary Clark Jr's Next Door Neighbor Blues on his Live album...brilliant stuff

[@abhaytyagi1666]

Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd would be a no brainer for me

[@tanguis19]

Right

[@bennywooly304]

True!

[@Theoutlawtorn6]

Fr

[@John_Bryant_Lifts]

Fsfs

[@jeffm5991]

Ya. Why that not here???

[@ricardorodriguez5549]

“Impossible Germany”’s solo from Nels Cline is astounding: passion and technique in the service of the song

[@XxSkydog71xX]

In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, Duane Allman’s solo (second solo in the song) live at the Fillmore East is absolutely insane.

[@mandaleoan9708]

That song lasts for 40 minutes if I'm not mistaken

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

​@@mandaleoan9708 you are mistaken. That's Mountain Jam. In memory of Elizabeth Reed only, 12 minutes.

[@mandaleoan9708]

@@joaquinlezcano2372 Ah yes you are right I got them mixed up

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

@@mandaleoan9708 great song

[@mandaleoan9708]

@@joaquinlezcano2372 yes it is

[@dracojoule]

For Stevie Ray Vaughan I'd have to go with Look at Little Sister. Him playing that live, breaking his high E and continuing to play perfectly while someone brings him a replacement guitar is iconic and the solo itself is incredible

[@defecito]

It's an amazing moment, never get tired of seeing that but for me is the Life Without You solo, how it builds up, how it ends, i love it

[@stylekbender2650]

id go with couldn't stand the weather. so climactic and epic.

[@stellaotto5654]

Riviera paradise

[@noahquinones4386]

That was faked. look it up

[@FlippyD1998]

Honey Bee or Couldn’t Stand the Weather for me

[@Redoubt1989]

"Blue Sky" by the Allman Brothers Band is a great mix of pentatonic/diatonic scales

[@MrMaynardWR]

Beautiful

[@XxSkydog71xX]

Duane Allman and Dickey Betts man

[@ricardocota3683]

Nuno Bettencourt's solo in the Get The Funk Out is one of my favorites, even though Extreme is not always recognized as a great band and Nuno as one of the best guitar players, I mean... Jack White, come on. (My opinion)

[@QuarterMag]

Big Fan here also - just listen to Brian May when he talks about that solo. Good Band, sensationel Player .

[@elgatonegro1703]

I mean, it's a youtube content factory doing a top 20 list, obv there's going to be some things on it that are meant to send everyone to the comments section without being obvious bait. And of course there's more paths to a memorable solo than creative application of technical prowess...I wonder how a 'top 20 solos' list would look if it was curated by people who weren't guitarist or particularly big fans of rock / metal?

[@Elwab73]

Yes! I freaking love that solo and have to 'sing' it when it's on!

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

Nuno is an underrated player as far as Im concerned. Hes not known outside of guitar circles. Ive even mentioned him and Extreme to guitar players I know and they didnt know who or the band are.

[@srogers500]

The solo for Play With Me is pretty amazing too. Nuno is a god. I'm not a big Extreme fan, but they have a few songs I dig.

[@bearroar]

Dude, Slash rising up from the ocean while playing his solo part in the end of the video for Estranged is also a great moment in guitar solo history! 😆🤣🎸

[@matthewtaylor1785]

Here’s just a few of my favorite solos that could’ve been on this list, but aren’t simply due to it only being a top 20: Tornado of Souls - Megadeth Get the Funk Out - Extreme Eruption - Van Halen (although I think that one has been on other WatchMojo lists like this) Powerslave - Iron Maiden The Unforgiven - Metallica I could go on forever, but these are just a few great ones imo

[@receivethelearn]

I'd put Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues above a lot of these. Whole lotta love is in my top 5 for sure. Black Crowes - Hard to Handle, although it's a cover, is also up there.

[@polaristrans]

Or Parisienne Walkways.

[@ronaldwilson9525]

@@polaristrans That’s the one I would have picked

[@colbyboggs5365]

Still got the blues 👌👌👌

[@eddieyakin5528]

I agree, Gary moore is criminally underrated. I think blues just isn’t as popular as rock so people are quicker to dismiss it

[@matbouche]

David Gilmour has often harmonized his solos himself (on studio albums of course) and it's been one of his hallmarks. This particular solo is one if not the best example of this 🙂

[@tankdarla637]

Heck, the whole list could have been Gilmour and I would not argue. Animals has been my favorite album for a few years now...

[@michaelpurdieabbott7743]

@@tankdarla637 the last solo in Dogs is one of my fav guitar solos ever. The weird af harmonies he’s doing with the guitar are so cool

[@Spectre-kf2td]

Dogs 100%

[@johnwilliams1223]

@@michaelpurdieabbott7743 Agreed!! BTW nice profile pic. 😀

[@theo01]

Hey Tyler, I really liked that you added your favorite guitar solo to the artists in this video so that we have another top list which includes the same artists, but more very good solos!

[@KlonCentaur8]

Thanks! I would add People Get Ready by Jeff Beck

[@jeanlessisjeanless992]

domination is the absolute top of a list like this. i'm sorry but there's no competition. domination may be one of the best solos ever recorded in any music. it's just so damn powerful and has dime's discordant magic in it. it's so goddamn good.

[@matthewdrysdale260]

I’d totally agree. In my opinion that’s the #1 solo of all time, especially with the breakdown.

[@creepysplatter9260]

Tornado of souls?

[@nemesis8626]

As a fan of both Pantera and Megadeth I would say Domination hits me alot harder than tornado of souls

[@jimbo15151515]

The live version in USSR is so sick

[@dustinrainbow]

I think all these Top Guitar Solo programs always unfortunately miss one of the greatest solos of all time. And that’s the solo by Terry Kath of Chicago in the song 25 or 6 to 4. It’s a ripping solo that only a few top guitarists could even come close to emulating. Terry Kath was a monster guitarist. Even Jimi Hendrix praised him as a better guitarist than himself. It’s unfortunate he died so young. I wish these programs would recognize this incredible guitarist.

[@henryriddell5996]

I would also say make me smile, its a awesome one!

[@MarkFromHawaii]

Yeah I shoulda included Terry Kath in my list too.

[@nikolajdam9556]

Well he’s just not iconic enough to be part of a list titled GREATEST.

[@joermnyc]

I love that Jimi tried to shine a light on other guitarists, like Terry and Lolly Vegas (from Redbone).

[@hotwax5623]

Preach!!!!

[@datboizaneliske2450]

I will always die in the hill that Elliot Randall’s solo in Steely Dan’s Reelin’ in the Years (with it being a one take) or Larry Carlton’s solo at the end of Steely Dan’s Kid Charlemagne should be respected much more. Never see them on big videos like this.

[@dominicking8089]

Absolutely agree, Steely Dan have some amazing solos. My fav is Peg (another one take I'm fairly sure). Apparently the solo on Reelin in the years is Jimmy Page's favourite solo ever.

[@datboizaneliske2450]

@@dominicking8089 I read that somewhere recently too. I mean it’s not a bad solo that’s for sure.

[@chasegleason6948]

HELL YES on the kid Charlemagne pick, all I’d say is maybe I’d pick don’t take me alive over that

[@elpolitemexa2272]

Kid Charlemagne has one of my top 5 solos of all time in general not just rock/pop, and same thing goes for Larry Carlton as a guitarist.

[@evanismakingmusic]

agreed, i would also add josie as well

[@mildchaos6037]

Crossfire definitely has my favorite SRV solo in it. That solo made me fall in love with guitar

[@v_angel2854]

I find these "react" types of videos really entertaining because you provide so much info and opinions for so many songs

[@dominicking8089]

I'm with watchmojo on the solo in the middle of November rain being the superior one. The shred at the end is awesome too but the soaring simplicity of the middle solo is perfect.

[@bobbyalvarez]

The fact that Slash played it outside a chapel is insane.

[@agiammarco94]

I don’t know if it’s one of the best but one of my favourites is Eddie Van Halen on Dreams. My favourite of their songs and the solo just fits it so much

[@sonnief]

Eric Johnson's Lonely in the Night, is definitely somewhere in my top 20 list... the last solo in that song hit my brain like wave after wave ..!

[@boy.marciano3839]

I've always loved the solo from "Cherub Rock", as "dirty" as it sounds, It's just delicious, so 90s and an iconic piece from The Smashing Pumpkins 👌

[@tiggetty]

I'm more partial to the solo in "Mayonaise" but most of the Corgan solos where he goes full weirdo are great.

[@formulajoe2]

The solo from “Soma” is another good one! I slept on this song for far too long and now I put it up there with Cherub, Hummer, Mayonaisse, etc.

[@michaelpopowich5095]

Well I just got on question for you: Who wants honey? As long as there's some money who wants that honey?

[@brucelangsteiner4599]

I always get a kick out your reviews of the WatchMojo lists. I certainly believe that no one at WatchMojo has ever picked up a guitar, let alone attempted any of these solos. I agree with your changes to the list.

[@TheUnmitigatedDawn]

Icky Thump’s solo is gnarly and fits the song. But Top 20 greatest guitar solos? Nah.

[@alabamaguns3684]

Ball & Biscuit anyone?

[@less_than_zero05]

For Led Zeppelin I would choose Since I've Been Loving You but I understand why Stairway is always on the first spot.

[@Aakarsh1068]

Absolutely. My favorite Zeppelin song. Especially the TSRTS version. The starting is just gnarly. Hell it's gnarly all the way through.

[@SomeRandomPangolin]

I watch ur vids alot, but not until now have I realised how much of a genuine and kind guy you seem to be, your also AMAZING at guitar man!

[@bim41337]

I gotta say Mr. Crowley is the single most awesome guitar solo in my opinion. It's so well composed, fits into the song like an extension of the whole mood while it's almost a song inside the song by itself. I'm not even a big Ozzy fan. Metallica is my favorite band by far, but the Mr. Crowley solo can't be beaten.

[@eccehomer8182]

Blizzard is a fantastic album! Revelation (Mother Earth) is up there with Mr Crowley. Edit: And of course... Crazy Train!

[@jordan442]

Very glad to see this comment. IMO this is the best solo of all time!

[@Alianbow]

I fell asleep listening to the albums Paranoid , Blizzard of Ozz, For Those About To Rock, Back in Black, and High Voltage in my 5 CD Changer every night when I went to bed for school.

[@VitaBjornen]

I feel like a guitar solo that nobody talks about is the solo for Metallica's Bleeding Me. A number of years ago Kirk Hammett even said (at the time) it was his favorite solo to play because it incorporates almost everything he's learned on guitar.

[@SpammusX]

He still has very much to learn. He just won't.

[@padmakshkhandelwal1832]

That's a great one, but my favorite and arguably the best Metallica solo will always be Ride The Lightning. That's a perfect metal solo, in the likes we call Domination, Tornado of Souls, Crazy Train, it should come in that same list.

[@bobbymcbay1586]

Good call, one of my favorites too

[@MrThebigredone]

@@SpammusX Predictable idiot is predictable

[@mattyratty7]

Very cool to hear a shout out to “Bleeding Me”, good call, man! It has a very satisfying and inspiring melodic quality. Very well written song all around.

[@drummer97ty]

John Petrucci's solo in Under A Glass Moon is my favorite guitar solo. I can't believe I haven't seen any comments or anything about Mark Tremonti. The solo section on Blackbird by Tremonti and Myles is SOOO good. Might be too "new" for a list like this, but Mark Tremonti definitely deserves some recognition.

[@pobsdad]

Michael Schenker's solo on UFO's Rock Bottom is freaking epic! Build and builds, and just when you think it's going to end, it builds some more!

[@autk]

Great solo, but prefer Lights out

[@jonathandepue629]

Love to love has a great solo as well

[@zbazza6978z]

Rosanna is the greatest solo of all time. It's packs so much feeling in such a short section. The outro solo is incredible too

[@johnhamilton7797]

Lukather is a bad ass. Although I would go with a few of their more obscure songs. Check out Jake to the Bone from Kingdom of Desire and White Sister off of the Hydra album. 🍻

[@oscarkez]

To make the best guitar solo ever. You gotta be subbed to Guitar Super System.

[@Karankvlogs01]

i need a promo code

[@chazbrown7497]

I enjoyed this better than the normal watch MOJO. But Tyler I would like to see a top 20 of your favorite guitar solo. Because you have a very diverse music tastes. And would think it would be interesting

[@stellaotto5654]

Agree

[@davedee2224]

Always surprised that Rory Gallagher and Alvin Lee never get mentioned on these lists, also Gary Moore should have definitely been included.

[@flea1972]

RG 'When You'll Be Mine' is great even though it's a cover.

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

Because those were guitarists that sadly didn't live enough to achieve stardom. Depite being critically acclaimed in them times

[@MrMaynardWR]

Firth of Fifth - Steve Hackett, Europa - Carlos Santana, High Flyer - Michael Schenker, Lila's Dance - John McLaughlin, Cause we've ended as Lovers - Jeff Beck, City Night - Allan Holdsworth etc

[@peterwinters8587]

1) A Man I'll Never Be 2) Hitch A Ride 3) There Was a Time 4) Sometimes I feel Like Screaming 5) Do You Feel Like We Do (Live)

[@IanAppleSeed]

Tyler, I think you should make your own list after watching the watchmojo one. It would be cool to see your opinion.

[@drandau79]

Slash had two solos in November rain. Equally awesome.

[@johnbennett7279]

Definitely Domination by Pantera the solo sound so amazing on studio recording and the one played live is even better because is sounds electrifying 🤘🤟

[@ryanpsencik6350]

I might pick WALK over Domination. It's just so damn tasty. And that two-hand slide... chef's kiss.

[@johnbennett7279]

That can I also agree

[@MaxW7549]

Domination is sick! But floods is dime's best solo for me

[@blazemoon4028]

My favorite solo of all time is Them Bones I just love how it starts out mirroring the riff and then jerry just lets loose. Great solo.

[@elcompaqueso5214]

Surprised I didn’t see Jimi’s bold as love solo or George Harrison’s something solo. Those two are really great solos in my ears

[@guitarist4609]

Hotel California is my personal fav, the harmonies on guitar, the bends, it’s all so perfect to me tbh

[@jackjackson845]

I second that. Amazing solo and so fun to play as well

[@muklpi]

WHERES FREEBIRD

[@SupaTNT_OG]

Nah its foul I clicked on this video for free bird, prob one of my fav solos

[@Hollisyerton99]

Ha! Foul.

[@Ninjametal]

Here's my top 20. I chose by considering if fans of each artist would agree the solos are pretty top notch examples, and if they might appeal to non musicians as well Satriani: "Ice 9" Vai: "Tender Surrender" Johnson "Cliffs of Dover" Gilmour: "Money" Young: "You Shook Me..." Slash: "Paradise City" Hendrix: "Star Spangled Banner" Zappa: "Black Napkins" Page: "Heartbreaker" SRV: "So Excited" May: "We Will Rock You" Blackmore: "Lazy" EVH: "Eruption" Buckethead: "Jordan" Eddie Hazel: "Maggot Brain" Iommi: "War Pigs" Moore: "Still Got the Blues" Nuno: "Get the Funk Out" Dimebag: "Walk" Trower: "Too Rolling Stoned" (this solo alone is better than anything on Mojo's list.)

[@Flibberty-Giblets]

I’d swap “play with me” in for “get the funk out” but can’t go wrong with either.

[@Ninjametal]

@@Flibberty-Giblets "Play With Me" might actually have more appeal to non musicians, so that might be a good swap

[@stiensel05]

I would swap ‘walk’ with ‘domination’. It’s one of the most powerfull solo’s ever

[@Ninjametal]

@@stiensel05 I love "Domination" solo...and "Floods," and "10s," and "Cowboys from Hell," etc. That was tough, and there are many I listed that aren't my favorites. I chose "Walk" because it is really good, and more people know of it.

[@delriogw]

As a huge Queen fan, Brighton Rock is absolutely the solo I would choose. The full solo has so much layering and 'Brian style'. And it's just him fully unleashed balls to the wall and it's great.

[@beirch]

What makes the Van Halen solo in Beat It so great to me is that Eddie was asked to do a feature, and he was sort of reluctant at first cause it was a pop song and he wasn't really that into MJ and didn't really know a lot about him. He went on to do it in a short session, thinking no one's going to hear it anyway. Little did he know. That, coupled with the absolutely raw sound of it, the incredible close feel and how it just fits perfectly in the song makes it great. It might not be the most intricate or impressive solo, but the sense of melody, pacing, and phrasing he translates through it is astonishing. Seriously, it even sounds great isolated, which is really hard for a solo to do.

[@JoVisionist]

Gilmour's entry should have been "Time" My list would have been a lot different but possibly my all time favorite solo is Marty Friedman - Symphony of Destruction. I also would love to have seen some Lynyrd Skynyrd. Probably "That Smell"

[@stellaotto5654]

Yessss

[@tankdarla637]

Symphony of Destruction ....yes

[@GraveyJones86]

That Smell is insanely good.

[@sofhispalis]

♥️ November Rain (all solos) Most of a band's solos imitate the melody that the voice makes... But Slash likes to tell “another story” in his solos, as if they belong to another world, different from that song.

[@michaellewis9167]

I nominate Lindsey Buckingham's outro solo on "Countdown" and Robby Krieger's iconic "Light My Fire" workout.

[@AshMooreGuitarX]

Agreed!

[@quality147]

10 of my favorites: 1. Rainbow - Gates of Babylon 2. Rush - 2112 (Overture) 3. Queen - Somebody to Love 4. Santana - Black Magic Woman 5. Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys 6. Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond 7. Gary Moore - Still Got the Blues 8. Marillion - Forgotten Sons 9. Beatles or Prince - While My Guitar Gently Weeps 10. Free Bird

[@sprmn14]

Surely the reason this list is so much better is that your voice has been heard by Watch Mojo. They have humbly listened to and learned from someone who actually knows they’re talking about… What a difference you’ve made in the world, Tyler!

[@Zebraworm-fj6kn]

Personally for a Van Halen solo i would probably put Ice Cream Man instead of Beat It. Also being a massive Rush fan I would probably put either Limelight or Spirit of Radio.

[@thebestfrenchfry4096]

As a Van Halen fan I think you are right.

[@almosthuman1398]

I like Catherine, but most people have never even heard it. Eddie plays every instrument on that track.

[@Master_RoSSShi]

I know a lot of snobs hate this solo because it “doesn’t fit” but the solo from “Like a Stone” is amazing. Sure it’s not as mellow as the rest of the song, but I would argue it still fits quite well. Those pitch-shifted notes convey a lot of emotion to me. I don’t think that song would be as iconic with any other guitar solo.

[@tankdarla637]

That song blew me away, it is the only Morello song I can play, not because its easy, because its the only one I cared to learn and play. Audioslave was great...

[@dougberry5003]

Martin Barre playing the OG solo on Aqualung , still one of my top 5 !!!

[@stellaotto5654]

Oh yesss... a good suggestion

[@gregmiller7123]

You never have to guess what song is starting based on Martin's iconic lick!

[@guiturd]

The first son I learned front to back was Love Song by Tesla. I still absolutely love that guitar solo!

[@bschi11]

my personal top 20 would be this (not in numerical order just numbered so i didn’t lose count) 1- Eruption Van Halen 2- Cliffs of Dover Eric Johnson 3- Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin 4- Alive Pearl Jam 5- Nothing Else Matters Metallica 6- Through the Fire and Flames Dragonforce 7- Killer Queen Queen 8- Smooth Santana 9- Man in the Box Alice in Chains 10- Comfortably Numb Pink Floyd 11- Killing in the Name Rage Against the Machine 12- Panama Van Halen 13- Kickstart My Heart Motley Crue 14- Enter Sandman Metallica 15- Freebird Lynyrd Skynyrd 16- Sultans of Swing Dire Straits 17- Let’s Go Crazy Prince 18- Voodoo Child Jimi Hendrix 19- Crazy Train Ozzy Osbourne 20- La Grange ZZ Top

[@SuperLocrian]

Dude, you're on the money with Tightrope.... that solo at the end is ferocious! In Step was a - no pun intended - a huge step forward for SRV. Would have loved to see what he would've have done next. And his solo(s) on Life Without You (on Live Alive) are gut-wrenchingly beautiful. I certainly would have a different list, but for WatchMojo, not terrible. I mean.... no Boston?

[@eddieyakin5528]

I really wonder what SRV would’ve done too. He was playing better than ever and experimenting with different styles that he played perfectly.

[@SuperLocrian]

@@eddieyakin5528 me and my friends were lucky enough to see him three times, twice after he got sober! Just amazing, I'm paraphrasing I think maybe, Dr John who said at that point in his life he lived and breathed music...

[@RolandDeschain1]

Mark Knopfler's greatest solo is in 'Telegraph Road'. A slow, devastatingly beautiful blues number.

[@davidatkinson-Music-and-More]

Yes, definitely Knopfler's best.

[@mikestaff3042]

Brothers in Arms , is awesome and the live version from ‘On the night” album is sublime

[@BDogGrizzly]

Okay, that’s it! “Welcome Home” by Coheed and Cambria is top 20 material. How they get constantly get ignored is criminal.

[@roysutherland4681]

So Hard to come up with a top ten, but my picks would be vastly different. A few that would be way up there for me: 1) Glen Tipton - Beyond the realms of Death. A perfect solo in so many ways 2) Blackmore - Burn. (good call!) 3) Johnny Winter - so many great ones. 4) Synyster Gates - Buried alive. So good and so hard to play 5) Jim McCarty. Cactus - No Need to Worry 6) Robin Trower - Too Rollin Stoned 7) Of course Gilmore and EVH, but never saw the attraction for Rhodes or Dimebag...

[@triplejudy]

My choices as top three guitar solos: 3. “Intro. To Sweet Jane” Steve Hunter / Dick Wagner on “ Lou Reed; Rock n’ Roll Animal. 2. Mountain “Dreams of Milk and Honey” Leslie West .. Mountain Live: Flowers of Evil. 1. Mick Taylor: “Sympathy for the Devil” Get your Ya Ya’s Out; Rolling Stones Live.

[@averagejoe2798]

Gary moore has to be talked about more, his empty rooms solo from Stockholm 1987 is the best solo I’ve ever heard

[@alexsuperpower1]

Gary moore is my fav guitar player. What about ''End of The World'' killer.

[@XxXBattleStarXxX]

My favourite is the first solo from fear of the dark 🤘😃

[@allanc9043]

I was looking for a Maiden comment 👌 Solo and interlude from 2 Am is nice too

[@dnikiforovskii]

Tornado Of Souls, Cliffs of Dover, For the Love of God, slow part in Master Of Puppets. That's only the ones which are no-brainers! There is a lot of melodic death metal anthems, prog masterpieces and thrash bangers which are not for everyone but still worthy. More worthy than Jack White (not so hot take)

[@stellaotto5654]

Agree. Some good ones. Especially steve

[@stellaotto5654]

And marty

[@daffy627]

It's crazy during the Randy Rhoads Mr. Crowley part you talked about re-listening to songs specifically solos OVER AND OVER as a youngster, because that was one of my fondest memories as a young musician was that just crazy passionate love that I had for specific parts to music. I also have a distinct memory of re-listening to The Wicked End by Avenged Sevenfold on my CD player and i remembered the time stamp for when the solo started. Do yourself a favor and go to 2:48 of the Wicked End by A7X (i mean the whole song is great but the solo specifically was an underrated masterpiece).

[@michaelaiello9525]

Really ought to be a Boston song on the list. I suggested another but I agree with other comments here “Hitch a Ride”’s dueling 6 strings capture such a transcendent uplifting vibe.. which is archetypal electric guitar. 3/4 of the way in they find a whole new gear which has to be the sound of the spirit breaking free from it’s chains, the sound of pure human liberation!

[@marcinmcula99]

3:53 seems like you've never listened to gates of babylon or kill the king, my friend. Seriously check these songs and solos out they're jaw-droppingly good

[@YepMarko]

It's Rainbow Ritchie is far more wilder there. full Rising album is full of great solos.

[@darrylbutt2570]

Blackmore never gets enough love.

[@zinoliopas]

LMAO YES HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW GREAT OF A GUITARIST RITCHIE IS! HE IS THE ONLY GUITARIST WHO ALMOST NEVER PLAYS BORING PENTATONIC SHIT! LISTEN TO GATES OF BABYLON, KILL THE KING, HUNGRY DAZE, THE STORM, THE BATTLE RAGES ON, DEAD OR ALIVE, TAROT WOMAN, STARGAZER, NOT RESPONSIBLE, KING OF DREAMS, I SURRENDER, ETC.... WHAT A FUCKING GUITAR NOOB TYLER IS 😂

[@marcinmcula99]

@@zinoliopas Totally, Ritchie is the reason why yngwie malmsteen exists. He's alongside Michael Schenker, Alvin Lee and Uli Jon Roth as one of the creators of shred and neoclassical rock

[@zinoliopas]

@@marcinmcula99 Yes! He is the reason why I play guitar and he is also the reason why I started learning classical music on my electric guitar and trying to play solos which are classicly based. I'm glad and proud that I am a neoclassical rock guitarist and not some pentatonic blues player. Thanks Ritchie! 🤘

[@christianschramm1805]

Telegraph road outro solo by Mark Knopfler (dire straits)

[@jacobgetlan5609]

100% agree. It’s sad that this masterpiece is considered one of their deep cuts

[@stellaotto5654]

Good one

[@cwbassmsncom]

Deep Purple, Made In Japan, Sweet Child In Time, my favorite guitar solo ever.

[@LukiMetal]

9:26 I am a huge fan of Ozzy and Randy duo, especially when it comes to Blizzard Of Ozz album. I have always heard opinions that Crazy Train solo is the greatest of Randy's solos. It's a really great song and the main riff is so iconic, the solo and the rhythm during the solo part are also really good. But, I wouldn't say that the Crazy Train one is the best of Randy Rhoads's. Mr. Crowley solos are much more outstanding, especially the outro solo. I remember when I listened to this track for the first time, I was so impressed how this song was great and I loved this piece all by my heart. The solos are mix of dark, shreddy, melodic and beautiful. I always cry when I listen to the outro solo or play this on the guitar, the lead and rhythm parts wark perfectly and make a solo that I can call a perfect guitar solo. This is definitely my favourite guitar solo section of all time and has a very special place in my heart.

[@3oaks]

Thanks man for real reignited me playing !!! I am teaching my kid to play !! You da man always !!

[@josephkitchen3059]

Maybe many will disagree but Alice in Chains Them Bones solo is phenomenal. Also God Was Never On Your Side by Motorhead

[@Captain_Jackk_Sparrow]

Beyond the Realms of Death such an underrated song and solo.

[@goudielock]

I’ve always thought the guitar solo in The Knack’s “My Sharona” was underrated. Also, surprised that a Boston tune didn’t make this list.

[@KeeperOfPoops]

the extended version of the solo from my sharona is so good and Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X said it's one of his all time favorite solos in his cover of it with the drills

[@Cody_Lemon]

Hitch a Ride solo hands down

[@Itza-Me]

Just a couple of my favorites which weren't in this video I'm leaving here: Pink Floyd - Time Dire Straits - Telegraph Road Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird Traffic - Mr. Fantasy Prince (HOF) - While My Guitar Gently Weeps Alvin Lee - The Bluest Blues Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child The Black Keys - Weight of Love Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond Guns N' Roses - Estranged Porcupine Tree - Dark Matter Molly Hatchet - Fall of the Peacemakers Boz Scaggs (Duane Allman) - Loan Me a Dime The Strawbs - Autumn: Heroine's Theme/Deep Summer's Sleep/The Winter Long Naked Giants - Green Fuzz (Most underrated modern band imo) Blue Öyster Cult - Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll Kingston Wall - Shine on Me I hope I helped someone find a couple new songs :)

[@joaquinlezcano2372]

Great selection of songs, here's also some of my favorites: Camel - Summer Lightning Steve Hackett - Every day Camel - Ice Wishbone Ash - Sometime world CCR - I put a spell on you Rainbow - Catch the rainbow Procol Harum - Repent walpurgis Yes - Starship trooper Journey - Of a lifetime

[@gibbsncis3800]

Elliott Easton .. just what I needed! For some reason that one gave me fits to learn! And I was so proud when I did!

[@billmozart7288]

Didn't one of the older lists at least have "One" on them? The Solo from the end of "One" definitely belongs on this list, if not the top spot. And my personal favorite Tom Morello solo is the boss battle from guitar hero 3

[@minasgeorgopoulos7508]

Under a Glass Moon by DT is probably the greatest solo "section" ever

[@rjwhite907]

There is only one best guitar solo, David Gilmore's "comfortably numb" hands down!!

[@sixsledges5474]

My top 10 1. Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb (could as well be Shine on You Crazy Diamond - the whole song is an incredible solo) 2. Megadeth - Tornado Of Souls 3. Van Halen - Eruption 4. Ozzy Osborne (Randy Rhoades) - Crazy Train 5. Jimmy Hendrix - Voodoo Child 6. Pantera - A New Level 7. Ozzy Osbourne (Zakk Wylde) - No More Tears 8. The Eagles - Hotel California 9. Black Sabbath - Iron Man 10. Iron Maiden - The Trooper

[@craighumphrey1761]

It's been mentioned several times, but the solo on Kid Charlemagne needs to be on any best guitar solo list. Duane Allman- Statesboro Blues Robben Ford should be on my list, so I pick Politician because I love that tone so much! Eddie Hazel- Maggot Brain John Mayer- Gravity Matt Bellamy/Muse- Reapers Johnny Winter- Be Careful With A Fool

[@spencer6072]

Id say invincible for muse, what a solo though

[@markdeckard1146]

I feel like there has to be a Kirk Hammett solo on here. Whether it be master of puppets because of how iconic it is or fade to black maybe

[@hamesjetfield2442]

Ride the lightning

[@CMHobbies]

@@hamesjetfield2442 Easily his best. Should’ve been on here.

[@ellwoolf]

Unforgiven

[@matthewwilson9749]

You know a list was made by non guitar players when Jeff Beck isn’t on the list

[@keysersoze657]

Wouldn't be on my list tbh

[@matthewwilson9749]

@@keysersoze657 çhacun son gout

[@KeeperOfPoops]

my favorite solo from Beck was his beastly solo on Cause We've Ended as Lovers

[@RoaldKoger]

Same goes for Steve Vai IMO.

[@everythingbutnot3986]

I would personally put “Eruption” as the greatest solo of all time, reason being just the recognizability alone

[@moritzkohn4396]

I personally love Slash's Nightrain Solo, gets me every time..

[@travisgularte4792]

Awesome vid bro!!!

[@riffdex]

I think Crazy Train solo should be on the list

[@moncalimarimoncalimari8964]

Mr. Crowley has a better solo

[@harryevans4994]

@@moncalimarimoncalimari8964 facts