The best guitar solo?
 

I was wondering if anyone has a favorite guitar solo.

Mine is Free Bird, what is everyone else's?

Comfortably Numb

I have to many favorites to list. I guess I chop them into genre's.

Right now

Rock - Hendrix Voodoo Chile (slight return) solo and seque to Purple Haze from the Woodstock DVD.

Jimmy Page's solos on Stairway to Heaven and Since I've been lovin' you

Jazz solos - John Scofield on Toogs (Enroute) and Kurt Rosenwinkel Zhivago (The Next Step)

I could go on for years but I'll spare obscure solos no one knows about :)

anything that David Gilmour does..........the fuckin' guy can make one note sing.

Seconded. On all 36 parts of "Shine On you Crazy Diamond", pretty much every single note he plays is fucking tasty.

Motion has been made and seconded, I call this to a vote.

All those in favor...

/me raises hand.

Damn, mine was taken already. Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

How about Randy Rhodes on pretty much the entire "Blizzard of Oz" album? Basically Ozzy's voice is the rythem guitar to Randy's lead.

Best solo is too difficult, it really depends on my mood. These albums had killer solos though:

Kirk Hammet, Ride the Lightning (Metallica)
Dave Mustaine/Marty Friedman, Rust in Peace (Megadeth)
Dimebag, Vulgar Display of Power (Pantera)
Andreas Kisser, Arise (Sepultura)
Bill Steer/Mike Amott, Heartwork (Carcass)
Chuck Schuldiner, Symbolic (Death)

the most exciting guitarist i have heard in a long time is kawabata makoto from acid mother's temple. really explosive virtuosity, particularly live. on record, there are many many cool bits--but the acid mothers catalogue is huge--and they are really a live band, so live is the way to experience them.

here is an idea, i think:

www.acidmothers.com

i like robert fripp's playing on "evening star" alot.
also on "lark's tongue in aspc" and "starless and bible black"

john mclaughlin's work on miles davis's "on the corner"....

i like gilmour's playing on "meddle" and "ummaguma" much more than on anything from dark side of the moon onward--the later stuff seems to me little more than nice blues guitar playing. i dont mind it, but for nice blues guitar playing i prefer albert collins

there are SO MANY good to great guitarists....yikes....

I couldn't pick one. There's way too many great guitarists out there.

This just puts me in mind of a survey done though, regarding the greatest guitar licks of all time. And number one was...

...wait for it...

Sweet Child O' Mine.

Slash is a great guitarist, but best lick ever? I don't know about that.

I agree with Gilmore, and Hendrix. The others are good too. The one(s) that really stick out with me were played by Sickie Wife Beater of The Mentors. The things he did with a guitar... He would play with his hands opposite what they should be, and hit every note. The guy was great to watch and listen to.

I'm sure there are plenty of others, he just came to my mind first!

Rather than pick one of the usual guitar gods out there, and for the sake of discussion, I'd like to put my vote in for the solo on Lenny Kravitz's "Are You Going To Go My Way"

It has a soaring quality and compliments the song perfectly. The song has a good riff too.

as usual, :lol: flyman speaks the truth, but I could listen to Dicky Betts play 'Blue Sky' over and over again.

Randy Rhodes- Crazy Train
Eric Clapton- Sunshine of your love
Pete Townshend- Won't get fooled again
David Gilmour- Comfortably Numb
Stevie Ray Vaughan- Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Alex Lifeson- 2112 Overture

Dave Davies the intro on the KINKS last studio album Phobia.... fuck any Dave Davies guitar solo that Ray wouldn't fuck around with in mixing. Davies took what Link Wray started and made it his sound, a sound that inspired so many.

Eddie Van Halen's "Hot for Teacher" "Panama" and the band's cover of "You Really Got Me" (actually, I like Van Halen's version better thyan the KINKS only because Eddie and David Lee made it harder edged)..... I think I would have to say eddie in his prime was the best guitarist i have ever heard. So any Eddie solo is well......... second to none.

Marcella Levy from Shakespear's Sister on "Turn Your Radio On" she has a great sound to her guitar and was taught by Clapton so she can't be too bad now, can she?

Vinnie Vincent's guitar on the "Top Gun Theme" I still love that solo sounds so simple but yet so complex

I agree Slash's solo on "Sweet Child O' Mine" but also his solo on "November Rain" is just awe inspiring.

Chuck Berry's "Johnny B Good" the grandaddy of them all.

And Keith Richards' "Satisfaction" licks. Started the whole Rolling Stone sound

How about the intro to Sweet Jane on Lou Reed's R n R Animal? Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner. Do you know about the infamous Aerosmith "Get Your Wings" album?

Jimi Hendrix, Star Spangled Banner from WoodStock...

Hmmm, lots of mention of David Gilmore, I need to get some of his songs.

First off, it's Gilmour, not Gilmore.

Secondly, most of his solo material is a steaming pile. His best work is on Pink Floyd records, roughly Atom Heart Mother through The Wall.

'nother great player........



:thumbsup:

I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet, but David Gilmour is a guitar god. In his prime, he was the definition of best guitar solo.

As a second, Mark Knopfler can make "a guitar cry and sing".

Seize The Day by Avenged Sevenfold has a killer guitar solo. I don't know the guitarists name, but he rocks. Kinda short, though.

BTW Avenged Sevenfold is great. Check 'em out. Still the same singer but on the older songs he was killing his throat. He had some kind of surgery and now sounds different.

I've been listening to Joe Satriani lately and enjoying his guitar playing.

As for how he compares to others, I am not sure, but to me he seems damn talented.

Pretty much all of the above....plus:-

anything by Phil Lynott
anything by George Thorogood.

:thumbsup:

Well my 'classic' all time favorite is probably Comfortably Numb.

My personal favorite is probably the second solo in Opeth - Windowpane... it sounds kind of like something Gilmour would have done, but a little bluesier.

Since we're talking about David Gilmour....my favourite solo by him is the Time solo, but that's followed very closely by the intro to Wish You Were Here.

As for others...

Duane Allman doing Statesboro Blues live at Fillmore East...also Whipping Post
Ritchie Blackmore doing Highway Star
Hendrix - Little Wing, Castles Made of Sand, and Red House
Jimmy Page - Hearbreaker and When the Levee Breaks and Bron Y Aur Stomp
BB King - The Thrill Is Gone
Eddie Hazel - Maggot Brain

I'd say he's still in his prime. Go watch his live DVD from a couple years back. He plays Shine On You Crazy Diamond pts. 1-5 on just an acoustic guitar.

Anything by George Thorogood?!?!?!? Wow.

Probably the one in the middle of "Lines in the Sand" by Dream Theater's John Petrucci.

Opeth is a band I want to like but mr. screamy vocalist ruins it for me

you guys are killing me. it's quite obvious that

Quiet Riot - Cum on Feel the Noise

has the best guitar solo of all time. Seriously though, it's a great solo. You don't see many solos that match a song so perfectly. too bad they had pretty much one hit single. that solo is great.


also, this isn't really a solo (maybe it's a long solo :) ) but you should check out

Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson

good stuff. Very "solo." It's an instrumental.

They aren't bad. Kind of a nostalgic band, not all that original but they put out descent music.

edit
I went back and checked that song you referenced, it's a pretty solo and it's holds its own against mainstream music these days but the fact that it's one of the better recent solos shows how pathetic the current state of guitar solos is. I think back on solos from softer songs and things like Fade to Black (one of my favorite ever), Sweet Child of Mine, November Rain, Unforgiven, Cemetary Gates, etc. and they just shred that.

Break down all of the techniques, who can do it all and who does it best? In my first post, I mentioned Kirk Hammet. I think he's the best of at least the last 30 years. His solo on Ride the Lightning is probably his best work it starts with great tapping, moves to the slow 'with feeling' type of solo, works in effective slides and goes from one end of the guitar and back, throws in some whammy bar work, varies in speed from a mellow pace to blistering speed, and is pretty damn intricate at times.

I can't think of anyone else who has displayed the range he has and the mastery with all forms of rock soloing.

Eddie Hazel on "Maggot Brain" deserves a shout-out.

For Hendrix, I'd go with "All Along The Watchtower" or "Pali Gap" or the live version of "Johnny B. Goode" or "Room Full Of Mirrors" or "Freedom" or "Dolly Dagger." That is, if I wasn't allowed to list another half dozen.

Finally, a nod to a tasteful solo by Jeff Beck on "'Cause We've Ended As Lovers" on BLOW BY BLOW. Stunning, just stunning.

Well if you just can't get past the extreme vocals but still like the music, I'd recommend their Damnation album, which is pretty much all mellow prog type stuff with only clean singing.

I had the exact same opinion about Opeth as you do now about 2 years ago, but somehow it grew on me after a while.

It was funny, I actually bought Damnation expecting some death vocals and loud metal; imagine my surprise. :lol: But yeah it's really good, not only the music but the production strikes me too..

Yes the production is excellent on Damnation... except for the short solo at the beginning of Hope Leaves, sounds like someone forgot to cut out the amp hiss :(.

First and Foremost, anything by Buck Dharma, most specifically in ETI and Perfect Water.

Many things by Zappa. The Solo in Cozmic Debris is most excellent. Great extended solos in The Torture never Stops and My Guitar Wants to Kill your Mama. (Kudos also for the best ever name for a song length solo: Orrin Hatch on Skis) Also, excellent blues fills in Road Ladies and Po-Jama People.

Mark Knopfler: Brothers in Arms and Once Upon A Time In The West

And one more that will very likely not be mentioned: Marc Ribot - Black Market Baby (Off Tom Waits' Mule Variations.)

Second the Intro to Sweet Jane, and anything by Jimi, SRV, and Dave Gilmour. (And though the lyics are weak solo, the guitar is Still fantastic.)

I'm not even going to get into Jazz or that rock/jazz junction where Satch and Steve Vai hang out.

You don't think that is intentional?

^ Agreed, about the Zappa solos. Those records you mentioned are some with the finest guitar work he has done. "Zoot Allures" and "Black Napkins" stand out in my mind, for sure. I also love the stuff on One Size Fits All, most notably the solo on "Inca Roads"...

I am partial to Kanga-Roo from Jeff Buckley's album Grace.

Early and persistent favorites -- Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendix

Evey note, every lick of some albums.

Voodoo Chile -- Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn

now I must go listen

Great picks. Especially Alex Lifeson

I have all of his solo material. While I don't TOTALLY agree with this statement (His self titled is pretty good) I gotta say that out of both his solo albums I only REALLY like one song off of each. Meaning I wanted to listen to it over and over.

His best stuff is definitley with Floyd. He's the G.O.A.T. And he's releasing a new Solo album with 3 instrumental tracks :D Plus doing a 10 date tour in the US! I'd quit my job and blow all the money I'm saving up for a place to catch that show. That is, if he comes to Texas and it's anywhere remotely close to where I live.

Anyone mention Steve Howe of Yes yet? Listen to the begining of Close To The Edge. Maybe not the best solo but certainly the most original and innovative.

I think often times simplicity is overlooked too. Like Justin Haywards guitar solo's on The Moody Blues song Blue Guitar. Nothing too remarkably difficult but great solo's none the less.

Also John Popper's solo album? One song comes to mind "Fledgling" The song really drags on but he finishes it off with one of the best solo's I've ever heard from anyone. You should check it out.

Asta!! :thumbsup:

Almost forgot

Starflyer 59 - Too Much Fun!

Holy fuckin shit!

Check it out :thumbsup:

Asta!!

Although I do love the guitar duo in Freebird lately I've began to like the guitar solos in Stanglehold by Ted Nugent. The whole song just flows so smoothly.

Supertramp - Don't Leave Me Now, Waiting So Long (Off Famous Last Words)
Coverdale/Page - Take Me For A Little While

While My Guitar Gently Weeps (For this one usually anyone who's done it does it great. From the original with Clapton to Jeff Healy but my favourite rendition is when Prince took over the solo)

Clapton also does a great intro on Phil Collins song "I Wish It Would Rain"

Gilmour on (Not previously mentioned) "On The Turning Away" "A Great Day For Freedom" "High Hopes" , etc. etc. etc.

Slash all over November Rain.

Prince on Purple Rain

John Popper on that one Blues Traveler song "Look Around" and their other song "Just Wait" but on that one it's not John

Foghat - I'll Be Standing By

So many great guitar solo's.

Asta!!

Wow, ya don't have someone mention Foghat every day. I wore out Energized in 10th grade in my first car. Saw them in my hometown about 10 years ago and the only original member was the drummer.
Clapton's solo on Badge always gets me. Also It's in the Way That You Use It.

all the dates sold out in under 60 seconds! Just buy his live DVD from one or two year's back, it's unfuckinbelievable

Everything On The Sound Of Perseverance and Symbolic by Death and everything on Heartwork by Carcass.

Damn. Oh hell yes. Thats been on my shopping list for years now haha. That and the live video "The Delicate Sound Of Thunder" that ones really expensive and hard to come by though...Either way I'd blow a fat load a cash on it regardless.

Yeah Foghat are fuckin great. Haven't really FULLY explored their catalog though to be honest. I just have a hits CD :(. I should pick up an actual album of theirs.

Asta!!

How in the hell does everyone miss Jimmy Page playing "White Summer"?????

MY favorite guitar solo then. Watch that DVD i garauntee you'll be impressed.

Stevie Ray Vaughan playing Lenny is always amazing
B.B. King - Worry, Worry from his live at the Regal disk is one of my favorites
John Mayer also plays a really good cover of Lenny into Man on the Side

seconded.............it is fucking killer.

that's off of "how the west was won" right?

It is indeed. I first heard the song on their box set, i dont know which actual album the song is from, but it is on how the west was won. Great clip, its like a 10 minute long song.

"John Petrucci Guitar Solo" from Dream Theater's Once In A Livetime.

either way it always bothered me.

Randy Rhodes-Revelation Mother Earth/Ozzy

Though it is the combination of Guitar and Piano that makes this in my opinion

Steve Howe's solo at the end of Parallels (from the painfully unfashionable "Going For The One" album by Yes).

The whole song is intricate, and features a very good bunch of musicians at the top of their form.

An interesting solo, not my favorite (risking departing from the theme of the thread) is Neil Young's one-note solo on Cinnamon Girl. I've wondered if that was a statement or if he just felt it that way. Anybody know? Either way it's pretty effective.

Back in 1983 an album was released by an almost unheard-of band named Steeler. The band’s guitarist was someone whose name I couldn’t pronounce “Yngwie Malmsteen”. The band was just another 80’s metal group but the guitarist blew me away. Track 4, side one, was entitled “Hot on Your Heels” (remember when albums were big black plastic discs with two sides?) It began with a 2 minute guitar solo that progressed through flamenco to classical to a blazing fast hammer-on metal solo and proceeded into the rest of the song. I had never heard anything like it.

Good pick man! Going For The One is one of my favourite Yes songs.

Asta!! :thumbsup:

Pound for pound, 'Blue Sky' by the Allman Brothers has one of the most beautiful solos ever played.

I'll second these, and add:
Morbid Angel (Trey Azagthoth) - Blasphemy Of The Holy Ghost Remix (The remix of the song on the album contains a great solo about 50 seconds in, the other version leaves it out) - This one is even better live and will last longer
In Flames (Jesper Stromblad) - The Jester Race + December Flower (not quite as complex as some, but great sounding solos)
Yngwie Malmsteen - Far Beyond The Sun (this whole song is basically a really complex solo)
Manowar - Black Arrows (power metal shredding and not much else, but still fun to listen to)

Stone Temple Pilots had some badass solos. the one in Lounge Fly is my all time favorite.

I still can't pick a favourite, but because it hasn't been mentioned yet and because I am seriously pumped about their new album on May 2, I have to nominate Mike McCready from Pearl Jam on the track Yellow Ledbetter. He definitely shows what he's made of on that track.

EDIT - I should mention too that I feel something of an affinity with McCready too, since we suffer from the same illness. I still remember when he announced it and it was in the paper. I was recuperating from a bout of illness at my mother's house and she came in with a paper and said 'some guy from a band has Crohn's.. I don't know who they are, but I think they're called Pearl Jam.'

Kudos for turning me onto that DVD. It's awesome. Beautiful, and lots of closeup stuff. Almost like an instruction video. Hey, I'm terrible but I can play little bits of Gilmour now! (badly)

Another Floyd set I enjoy is from '91. A laserdisc of La Carrera Panamericana, the 50's Mexican race reborn. Gilmour and Mason and about 100 other classic cars racing 2000 miles through Mexican countryside. The music really sets it off. Not sure if it ever made it to DVD.

Eric Johnson, Knopfler, Clapton's work with blues legends is great to watch. Journey's Neil Schon has some nice solo work. So many, so little time...

It makes me very happy to see all the Pink Floyd fans. Shine on you Crazy Diamond, Comfortably Numb, Hey You, Another Brick in the Wall, Time...etc.

I didn't see a mention for Robbie Krieger from The Doors... notably WASP (Texas Radio), Light my Fire, Roadhouse Blues...etc. (I know it's not guitar but a little nod for Ray Manzarek on keyboard solos)

Hopefully I am not alone on this one.

Jason Becker "Temple of the Absurd"

If you have never heard of him--he's pretty incredible