10 Greatest Hard Rock Guitar Solos Of All Time
1. Sweet Child O Mine - Guns N Roses
When it comes to describing what a hard rock musician should sound like, Slash has all the trappings that make for a great guitarist. His influences from BB King to Jimmy Page to Joe Perry led him to create one of the most lyrical guitar styles of all time.
Though Slash may see it as a joke, "Sweet Child O Mine" is the moment where most people realized his playing was on another level. Originally coming up with the riff as a joke, the band quickly pounced on the idea and Slash set to work on the solo sections. The first lead breaks are very subdued, almost like you're hearing a great singer warm up their vocal cords before letting loose.
Once the song goes in a heavier direction, Slash really lets his guitar sing, going through different blues licks that seem to tap into every single emotion he'd ever felt. From cascading triplets to singable bends, the solo doesn't overstay its welcome, as it provides just the right sonic spice to turn this song from a great ballad to something otherworldly.
This might not be the hardest thing to play from a technical standpoint, but it's virtually impossible to play it with the same attitude and feeling that Slash routinely conjures up.