In a hurry?  

If you’re only interested in the crème de la crème of guitar solos, then the top five listed below should suffice.   

1. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (Guitarist: Allen Collins) ~ 5 min mark  
2. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits (Guitarist: Mark Knopfler) ~ 5 min mark 
3. “Hotel California” by Eagles (Guitarists: Don Felder and Joe Walsh)  
4. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (Guitarist: Jimmy Page)  
5. “Mr Crowley” by Ozzy Osbourne (Guitarist: Randy Rhoads)    

The greatest guitar solos of all time   

1. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (Guitarist: Allen Collins, 1973)  

Brimming with bends that don’t stop coming, Allen Collins delivered the greatest guitar solo of all time on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” His solo drastically lifts the tempo of the song, cementing the transition from the slower, more melancholic side of the track to the full-steam-ahead guitar destruction that you witness in the second half.  

Aside from the fact that this solo absolutely shreds, it also highlights the power of guitar solos when it comes to composition, moving the track from one mood into another, leading the charge with a solo that stretches just over the four-minute mark. Another nice little thing about Collins’ playing is that he often made use of Gibson Designer models such as the Firebird, bringing the brand’s unconventional shapes to stardom.  

2. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits (Guitarist: Mark Knopfler, 1978) 

It’s no surprise that one of the greatest guitarists of all time has delivered so many great solos over the span of his career. In “Sultans of Swing”, Mark Knopfler graces our ears with two awesome solos, alongside tonnes of tasty licks. The first solo is a little more laid back, while the second offers a dramatic rounding off, making full use of Knopfler’s iconic fingerpicking technique and arpeggios.  

Why is this one of the greatest solos of all time? Because it shows that solos don’t have to be overly flashy. “Sultans of Swing” is the case in point, using solos that roll off the phrases and chords used in the song all the way through – even the latter solo matches the vibe of the song without detracting too much from the overall feel. With his fingerpicking, Knopfler can make solos to meet the precise demands of the song. 

3. “Hotel California” by Eagles (Guitarists: Don Felder and Joe Walsh, 1977) 

Two wings of the Eagles, Don Felder and Joe Walsh, come together to create a classic rock extravaganza with their joint guitar work on “Hotel California.” Lasting just over two minutes, this solo is an exhibition of why your band needs more guitarists, it’s the epitome of good old-school American rock.  

If you want to hear two guitarists talk to each other with nothing but their playing, book into Hotel California. Felder and Walsh begin by taking turns on lead before uniting in a stunning harmonised section that finishes the song. Letting two guitarists share the glory of such an epic guitar solo only enhances the greatness of this guitar solo – there’s a reason why this is one that every guitarist has tried to master.  

4. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin (Guitarist: Jimmy Page, 1971) 

Standing as one of the greatest songs of all time, let alone one of the greatest solos, “Stairway to Heaven” is often cited as the most played guitar song in music shops around the world, and for good reason. In the production of the track, Jimmy Page made use of three guitars, blending delicate fingerpicked parts with harder rock strumming, culminating in the legendary solo heard just over halfway through the song.  

The live performance demands of the song meant that Page picked up his legendary Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck. This guitar rose to the challenge, leading to one of the greatest solos of all time. Covering the whole of two necks, shifting speeds, bending, and hammering on – no technique was safe from Page’s dominance with this solo.  

For its sheer skill and making the double-neck the icon that it is, the “Stairway” solo belongs among the top five solos of all time. It’s relentless, roaring, and world-renowned. Gear4Music’s Brooklyn Double Neck Guitar is a great way to give “Stairway to Heaven” a whirl on your own if you dare.  

5.  “Mr Crowley” by Ozzy Osbourne (Guitarist: Randy Rhoads, 1980) 

One of the original metal shred-masters, Randy Rhoads delivers a bone-crushing solo on Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mr Crowley,” spanning the whole expanse of the neck with unbelievable speed and precision. This solo has inspired countless metalheads, using every shredding technique under the sun, from trills and arpeggios to dynamic sweep picking and bends that push the limits of what a guitar can do.  

The ‘Prince of Darkness’ would expect nothing but the best guitarist to accompany him on his solo venture, hence why Randy Rhoads was the shredder he chose. Infusing classical influences with pure metal power, Rhoads’ guitar work on Mr Crowley absolutely rips.  

6. “Minor Swing” by Django Reinhardt (Guitarist: Django Reinhardt, 1937)  

Who would’ve thought an acoustic guitar would feature on the list of greatest guitar solos of all time? Well, this one has earned its place. The biggest name in Gypsy jazz, Django Reinhardt’s playing on “Minor Swing” exercises immense speed, crazy runs, and some super interesting use of chromaticism. Oh, and that’s all while suffering an impairment to his left hand, meaning he could only fret with two fingers! 

Reinhardt’s solo here is one of the greatest of all time because it exemplifies a whole genre – when people think of gypsy jazz, it’s Reinhardt and songs like “Minor Swing” that come to mind. If a solo can define a whole genre, it belongs on this list.  

7. “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica (Guitarist: James Hetfield, 1991)  

Proof that you don’t need to play insanely fast to make one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, James Hetfield unleashes a melancholic masterpiece in the E minor pentatonic scale. While it’s trendy to disavow pentatonic scales these days, the solo form “Nothing Else Matters” will forever lay claim to nailing it in the right way.  

It might come as a surprise that Metallica’s lead guitarist, Kirk Hammett, does not play on the recording. These days, he plays the solo live, but at the time of recording, it made more sense for Hetfield to play it since he wrote every guitar part.

You can get your hands on Metallica signature models like the Epiphone Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V or the ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte if you want to try and let rip like Metallica.  

8. “Samba Pa Ti” by Santana (Guitarist: Carlos Santana, 1970) 

Santana’s solo in “Samba Pa Ti” is one long, reflectively mellow piece, and it’s one he attributes to be a clear depiction of his playing style. Fusing blues, rock, and Latin American influences, Santana starts with smooth, slow-tempo bends. Before you know it, “Samba Pa Ti” is in full swing as the playing picks up pace with faster hammer-ons and pull-offs, along with swift runs up the neck.  

This one takes the eighth spot because of the beautiful combo of influences, bringing Latin American musical themes to a wider audience through the medium of blues – the 1974 international release of the song was actually the first of Santana’s singles to chart in the UK. It goes to show that a great guitar solo portrays the passion and identity of the artist.  

9. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (Guitarist: Slash, 1987)  

A true classic, and yet another song played in countless music shops around the world, the solo in “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is a real screamer. Slash builds this one up slowly with a few drawn-out notes, making that Les Paul sing. The use of a wah pedal gives the solo its characteristic expression, adding to the vocal quality of the guitar.  

If you’re looking to recreate Slash’s iconic “Sweet Child O’ Mine” solo, the  Dunlop SW95 CryBaby Slash Signature Wah Pedal does the trick. Pair that with the Gibson Slash Victoria Les Paul, Gold Top, and you’ll start to look like Slash. It’s one of the greatest solos of all time because of its pure singing tone, making it a flawless hard rock guitar solo.  

10. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (Guitarist: Brian May, 1975)  

With the homemade sound of Brian May’s unique “Red Special” guitar powered through Vox AC30, one of the greatest solos of the twentieth century was born. “Bohemian Rhapsody’s” solo is one that you can sing along to, and it’s meant to be.  

The song captures the ethos of Queen – theatrical underpinnings with a huge rock kick, blending Freddie’s powerful vocals with delicate piano playing, only to be topped off with May’s screaming solo. This one rounds off our top 10, proving that, if done properly, a guitar solo can work with any composition – even if it’s one with a more theatrical twist.  

11. “Bat Country” by Avenged Sevenfold (Guitarist: Synyster Gates, 2005) 

Giving metalheads a taste of that sweet, sweet legato, Synyster Gates absolutely demolishes the solo in “Bat Country.” Brimming with vibrato, the occasional squeal, and a bit of tapping here and there, this solo is the pinnacle of heavy metal guitar. With his dizzying solo, varied tempo and combined techniques, Gates matches the vibe of “Bat Country” to perfection.  

This solo sits near the top of the list as it demos a range of shredding techniques – if you’re an aspiring metalhead, you should give this one a listen to gain a few of the basics. Of course, it also absolutely rips, and Gates shows how fun metal can be when you get it on lock. The Gates Standard is a sure-fire way of getting that shredding feel, and so is the Schecter Synyster Gates Custom 6 TR S Headless, only with a twist.  

12. “Through the Fire and Flames” by DragonForce (Guitarists: Herman Li and Sam Totman, 2005) 

The epitome of speed in a guitar solo, Herman Li and Sam Totman destroy what’s credited as one of the fastest guitar parts. Even non-guitarists recognise this solo as one of immense speed and precision. Making use of hammer-ons, fast alternate-picking and sweeping arpeggios, the duo provides an impeccable power metal performance.  

“Through the Fire and the Flames” must be up there as one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, thanks to its unflinching speed and widespread recognition, even among people who aren’t considered cult-fans. Li and Totman make Guitar Hero look like a doddle with this masterpiece.  

13. “Playing GOD” by Polyphia (Guitarist: Tim Henson, 2022) 

Tim Henson proves that the greatest guitar solos aren’t stuck in the past. With his innovative picking style, heavy use of harmonics and swift phrasing, he boasts a modern arsenal of techniques that make for a super unique playing style.

“Playing GOD” incorporates classical fingerpicked styles. It makes the cut as one of the greatest guitar solos of all time because of the effortless high level of technicality used, seen by many as an almost impossible style to play if you’re not well-versed in certain techniques. If you’re a lefty looking for Tim Henson’s tone, his signature Ibanez TOD10NL is the guitar for you. 

14. “Maggot Brain” by Funkadelic (Guitarist: Eddie Hazel, 1971)  

A destructive 10-minute solo recorded in one take – Eddie Hazel’s playing on the album title track “Maggot Brain” is a mesmerising piece. Covering the E-minor pentatonic scale, the solo is heavily inspired by Jimi Hendrix, using intense vibrato to make his Strat swell, sing, and squeal.

While often overlooked, Hazel has been lauded by Flea, RHCP’s bassist, to be on a par with Hendrix, although both have their own unique quirks.  

“Maggot brain” is one of the most captivating and awe inspiring solos of all time, every time you listen you’ll pick up on little notes or phrases that you missed the time before, making it a timeless masterpiece that certainly needs more attention – not least to pay homage to Hazel’s great guitar playing.  

15. “The Thrill Is Gone” by B.B. King (Guitarist: B.B. King, 1969) 

No one can make single notes sound quite as good as B.B. King can. With his vibrato and string bending, every note is brought to life. “The Thrill Is Gone” is a testament to this. You can tell that B.B. King has an absolute mastery over the guitar, delivering sweeping blues tones with ease.  

Using his unique semi-hollow guitar design with the f-holes removed, B.B. King achieves even more clarity, reducing the feedback often experienced with semi-hollow guitars. If you want to try your own hand at playing like the King of Blues, try out the Epiphone Lucille – a beautiful blues machine.  

16. “Rock Bottom” by UFO (Guitarist: Michael Schenker, 1974) 

If a solo is good enough to rank as Kirk Hammett’s number one solo, I had to include it on our list. Revolving around the Dorian scale, Michael Schenker creates an encompassing solo that builds slowly into a maniacal masterpiece that’s full of fast-paced hammer-ons and pull-offs, only to be ended with a dizzying vibrato bend on the 15th fret.  

What makes this solo even more awesome is that Schenker wrote it when he was 17… Writing such beastly solos at such a young age is a testament to Schenker’s skill as a great guitar player, earning “Rock Bottom” a place as one of the greatest guitar solos of all time.  

17. “Little Wing” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Guitarist: Jimi Hendrix, 1967) 

By far one of the most melodic solos ever written – Jimi Hendrix’s solo on “Little Wing” is the definition of making your guitar sing. From the introductory triple harmonics on the 12th fret to the full bends on the 15th, he turns his Strat into a vocal machine. Hendrix performs this solo as an outro, fading the song out with a blaze of stunning Strat power.  

Every guitarist wants to achieve Hendrix’s legendary tone at least once. You can use the Fender Jimi Hendrix Strat, hook it up to a PRS HDRX 20 “Hendrix” Circuit head and run your signal through a Dunlop Fuzz Face Mini Hendrix for those ferocious, fuzz-laden rock tones. The Dunlop JH01 Hendrix Woodstock Guitar Strap also makes for a fitting finishing touch if you’re going for the full-Hendrix experience.  

For a further insight into Hendrix’s gear and how you can recreate his rig for yourself, check out our rundown of Jimi Hendrix’s setup.

18. “Come as You Are” by Nirvana (Guitarist: Kurt Cobain, 1992) 

If I had to recommend a solo to any beginner guitarist, it’d be Kurt Cobain’s ripping solo in “Come as You Are.” Cobain shows that you can conjure something great with just a few notes, moving from the sixth fret to the ninth and then sliding up to the eleventh. Repeat that three times before bending on the eleventh and moving back down the fretboard in reverse order.  

The “Come as You Are” solo has a sharp biting tone that’s associated with many of Cobain’s lead lines, thanks in no small part to his use of Fender Jags and Mustangs. It’s the epitome of grunge – minimising technicality while maximising a messy tone, making use of distortion pedals like the Boss DS-1 and the Small Clone Chorus pedal. This solo is one of the greatest because it puts tone over technicality. 

19. “Hey” by Pixies (Guitarist: Joey Santiago, 1989) 

Marrying the 17th fret on the G string with the 15th fret of the B string in a series of string bent double stops composes the first part of the solo in “Hey,” resulting in a guitar part that sounds like it’s letting out a series of screams. It’s then followed by some smooth phrases at the lower end of the neck.  

Joey Santiago’s solo acts as his voice, as if he’s talking to us with his guitar. It’s this deep level of expression, combining drawn-out howls with slick licks, that makes “Hey’s” solo so awesome, standing not only as one of the greatest indie solos of all time, but one of the greatest solos of all time.  

20. “Time” by Pink Floyd (Guitarist: David Gilmour, 1973)  

When you think of Pink Floyd, especially David Gilmour’s playing, you think of huge Marshall stacks, fat solos, and sound waves so powerful that you can feel them in your bones. While any of Gilmour’s solos could make the cut as all-time greats, it’s “Time” that takes the cake for me.  

The solo perfectly captures the longing, nostalgia, and reminiscent vibe of the song, with drawn-out notes ringing just long enough for you to dwell on the passage of time and reflect on the lyrics. There’s one thing for sure: a banger like this is sure to last more than a dozen lifetimes. The thick, edge-of-breakup tone is about as perfect as it can get – this solo sets the bar for British crunch.  

21. “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead (Guitarist: Jonny Greenwood, 1997)  

Jonny Greenwood is one of the most innovative guitarists of our generation, and his solo in “Paranoid Android” shows off his unprecedented mastery of the instrument. He manipulates it to get the exact sound he wants, fitting Radiohead’s diverse range of sound.  

His high-attack, swiftly-picked solo with a disjunct melody matches the frenzied state of “Paranoid Android.” We’ve discussed guitars singing and screaming plenty of times in this article, but discombobulating, breaking down and losing control? Greenwood’s solo broke new ground for guitar, cementing Radiohead as a musical force in a world of their own.  

22. “Kiss” by Prince and The Revolution (Guitarist: Prince, 1986)  

Prince’s solo in “Kiss” proves that expression can come from tight control just as much as complexity. In a track built on sharp funk minimalism, he delivers a solo that’s raw, wiry, and unpolished. It slices through the mix with a dry, biting tone that captures that snappy funk feel.  

So far, we’ve seen soaring leads, double stops, and a tonne of string bends in the list, but there’s something about Prince’s solo here that’s just different. It doesn’t do too much yet somehow manages to worm its way perfectly into a song that can be considered ‘too much’ or OTT. It’s one of the greatest of all time, thanks to its effortless groove. It’s sure to get your head bobbing.  

23. “Eruption” by Eddie Van Halen (Guitarist: Eddie Van Halen, 1978)  

Van Halen unleashes pure rock power with his “Eruption.” Doing what it says on the tin, he spews out a series of intense lighting runs dictated by a unique two-handed tapping technique, tapping with his right hand and moving his left hand up the fretboard accordingly.  

Sometimes all you need is a hard and fast solo – this solo is rock ‘n’ roll lead guitar at its finest. Any one of our EVH guitars will satisfy your urge to get on board with Van Halen’s rampant playing style, with many of his Striped series models giving you the potential to really let rip like the legend himself.  

24. “Lay It on the Line” by Triumph (Guitarist: Rik Emmett, 1979) 

Another classic rock screamer, “Lay It on the Line” is a belter among old-school rock numbers. What makes the solo so impressive is Rik Emmett’s effortless multitasking of vocals and guitar work, channelling pure rock energy. Full of fragrant bends, hefty power chords and fluid hammer-ons, “Lay It on the Line” set the tone for ‘80s rock.  

If you want to hear a quintessential classic rock solo, “Lay It on the Line” is the one I’d recommend. While it doesn’t stand out as a completely unique solo like some of the other picks on the list, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to being a retro rock ’n’ roll banger that every guitarist should give a listen to at least once.  

25. “I Wanna Be Adored” by The Stone Roses (Guitarist: John Squire)  

Leading the charge as pioneers of the ’Madchester movement,’ fusing different musical influences of psychedelic rock, new-wave, and post-punk in the 1980s, The Stone Roses are woven into the fabric of British music. John Squire’s lead guitar features heavily on most of their tracks, adding twinkly melodic lines that gradually build into full-throttle grit.  

“I Wanna Be Adored” is one of the all-time classics from The Stone Roses, starting with a delicate guitar solo to set the lead motifs used throughout. Towards the end of the track, Squier pumps out a solo that feels as if the whole song has been building up to release that final explosion of expression. “I Wanna Be Adored” features one of the greatest solos of all time, recognised across generations.  

26. “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” (Guitarist: John Lennon, 1969)  

Yep, you read that right, it was John Lennon, rather than George Harrison, who played the main solo on this track. The track’s heavier, malevolent-sounding guitar parts are broken up with a buttery blues solo that rolls right off the fingertips. While the Beatles pulled off plenty of great solos in their time, “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” offers something original, combining laid-back licks with some heavy arpeggios to break things up.  

27. “Start Choppin’ ” by Dinosaur Jr (Guitarist: J Mascis, 1993)  

J Mascis is one of the greatest guitarists of our generation, combining guitar mastery with gritty vocals that avoid bells and whistles. Everything he plays sounds effortless for him. “Start Choppin’” is brimming with catchy lead parts, only to be broken up with face-melting solos that come out of nowhere. Mascis makes the guitar scream with heavy tremolo use and full bends. The smattering of squeals only adds to this solo.  

If you’re looking to let rip like Mascis, the Squier J Mascis Jazzmaster is an offset that lets you do that at an affordable price. If you’re like me and love your offsets and Dinosaur Jr, this guitar is a must-have.  

28. “Incinerate” by Sonic Youth (Guitarist: Thurston Moore, 2006)  

In typical Sonic Youth fashion, “Incinerate” makes use of whacky open tuning. The D#-D#-A#-D#-G-G tuning, where the low E string is tuned to D#, the A string to A#, and the D string to D#, is what makes Thurston Moore’s playing so unique.

The solo’s tone is dirty, fast, and rugged, working its way up the neck, ending with some fast alternate picking. While it doesn’t last that long, “Incinerate” has one of the greatest guitar solos ever.  

29. “Country Boy” by Albert Lee (Guitarist: Albert Lee, 1971)  

Your favourite guitarist’s favourite guitarist, Albert Lee dominates the fretboard with banjo-style picking in country fashion. Hybrid or ‘Chick’n picking’ – combining a guitar pick with fingerpicking, Lee delivers a fury of notes that roll right off each other. While every aspect of the guitar playing on this track is awesome, the solo stands out with Lee’s signature picking method, making this one of the greatest country solos ever.  

Play your own solo

To try your hand at the solos on this list or even invent your own, here’s some essential gear that will put you on the right track!  

• MXR M133 Micro Amp Pedal: This gives you the boost you’ll need to soar with your solos, letting those notes ring out with impact.  
• Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer: For that dirty saturation that’ll add a screaming quality to your solos, this pedal has everything you need.  
• Boss OC-5 Octave pedal: While not heard in your average guitar solo, adding an octave effect to your solos will add some extra depth to your playing.  
• Line 6 Helix HX Stomp Multi-effects Pedal: If you’re looking to streamline your setup, a compact multi-FX like the Stomp will let you easily set up solo patches. 

FAQs  

What is the hardest guitar solo of all time?  

While solo difficulty will vary from player to player, some of the hardest guitar solos of all time are those that combine high speed with tough techniques, such as: 

• “Eruption” by Van Halen (Guitarist: Eddie van Halen)  
• “Recuerdos de la Alhambra” by Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Francisco Tárrega (Guitarist: Francisco Tárrega) 
• “Fives” by Gutherie Govan (Guitarist: Gutherie Govan)  
• “Through the Fire and the Flames” by DragonForce (Guitarists: Herman Li and Sam Totman)  
• “Juice” by Steve Vai (Guitarist: Steve Vai)  

What is the most iconic guitar riff of all time?  

Solos and riffs are the bread and butter of playing guitar, after covering 29 of the greatest solos, it’s only right that we give honourable mention to some of the most iconic riffs – you’re sure to recognise a few!  

• “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (1989) 
• “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple (1972) 
• “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones (1965) 
• “Johnny B Goode” by Chuck Berry (1958)  
• “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (1991)  

What is Eric Clapton’s greatest guitar solo?  

While Eric Clapton hasn’t made the main list of our greatest guitar solos of all time, he’s delivered plenty to get your teeth into over the years, and there’s no doubt he stands as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His solo in “Layla” by Derek & the Dominoes (1970) shows this, where Clapton delivers a series of sharp, cutting solos that’ll be cemented in rock history for years to come.  

Final thoughts  

Here we are, 29 solos later, having witnessed the greatest guitar solos of all time. We’ve covered everything from classic rock, indie, and blues to country, alt rock, and metal – there really is a solo for every type of guitarist.

Hopefully, you’ll go away and give most of these a listen; you won’t regret it. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even try your hand at learning some of these. “Come as You Are” by Nirvana is a great place to start.