10 Best Guitar Solos of All Time

guitar solos ever is daunting, to say the least. How many genres do you take into consideration? Is acoustic given an equal consideration with electric? Do you judge it based on popularity, complexity, time length, or other factors? Whose opinion do you listen to? Either way, after reading this list, whether you are in San Diego, Chicago, New York or anywhere else; you will want to pick up the guitar and start jamming. Without further ado, here is one more version of the top ten guitar solos of all time: Eruption - Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen, 1978). From the instant this searing explosion of notes erupts from the speakers, this aptly-named track stands out above all others as the purest pursuit of guitar playing perfection. Eddie's virtuoso mastery of finger tapping, gonzo whammy bar dips, and artificial harmonics all come together in a staggering showcase of a man who forever changedthe way electric guitar was played. Comfortably Numb - David Gilmour (Pink Floyd's The Wall, 1979). Whether the original or live version from 1994's Pulse, it's hard to think of a more emotive and legendary lead from Gilmour. Despite studio disagreements, the solo was laid down several times and became an amalgamation of five or six different takes, using the best parts of each. All Along The Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix (Electric Ladyland, 1968). Many underestimate just how much preparation Jimi put into his work, and this OCD approach often clashed in the studio. When bassist Noel Redding departed in anger, Hendrix himself dubbed the bass parts underneath his distinctive four-part solo, all sections of which were recorded separately, and in differing tones. Under A Glass Moon - John Petrucci (Dream Theater's Images And Words, 1992). From the album that put DT on the map comes one of many breathtaking solos from the 7-string wizard. Aside from the band's technical wizardry as a whole, Petrucci's fireworks begin at the 4:37 mark. Wave Of Babies - Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders, 2009). This relative unknown plays eight strings better and faster than most play six. It's not all about the sheer speed and technical proficiency, either, as Abasi displays complete artistry from style variation to genius-level songwriter. Heartbreaker - Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin II, 1967). No accompaniment, just Page letting his heart pour out onto the strings for a powerful 45 seconds. This solo was recorded after the rest of the album was finished, and the sound levels and tone are noticeably different. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry (1957). With a real swagger for the time period, Berry's infectious, shuffling riff came to define his career. While the song was named after his keyboardist, it actually loosely told Berry's own life story. The swinging blues rocker quickly became the stuff of legend. Floods - Dimebag Darrell (Pantera's The Great Southern Trendkill, 1996). Darrell used his bassist and massive amounts of track doubling for the thick sound of his solo leads. Lots of huge harmonic squeals culminate in a total of four guitar tracks for the final note. One - Kirk Hammett (Metallica's . . . And Justice For All, 1988). Recorded during a stint of 20-hour days before and even during the Monsters Of Rock Tour. Getting that middle solo required a return to the studio, but helped establish the band's first radio and MTV hit. Bohemian Rhapsody - Brian May (Queen's Night At The Opera, 1975). The rumors are true, they actually ran the 16-track tape so thin it was nearly transparent before they suddenly noticed and hurriedly copied onto a fresh tape. There will, of course, be a never-ending stream of feedback in the vein of "Why wasn't included? What about Vaughn, Clapton, Vai, Blackmore, Malmsteen, and countless more?" Perhaps they can be found on a longer list, attesting to the fact that there truly are too many great guitarists and amazing solos for one top ten ranking to contain!