In Guitar

Top 10 Acoustic Guitars Solos To Learn

February 27, 2022 7 Mins Read

If you’re just starting out with acoustic guitar playing, you may be looking for some good music to play that’s not too difficult but still sounds great and shows off your skills. If so, here are the top 10 acoustic guitar solos that you should learn. Each of these solos features an exciting combination of techniques and will be a challenge to learn, but the payoff is well worth it when you can play one of these classics!

Best Acoustic Guitar Solos

The following 10 acoustic guitar solos are among the most iconic in popular music history. They will help you improve your fingerpicking and chordal skills as well as your soloing chops.

1. Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here

This song is a staple of acoustic guitarists everywhere, especially those interested in learning some easy acoustic guitar solos. Written by Pink Floyd’s lead guitarist David Gilmour, Wish You Were Here is notable for its light but intricate fingerpicking style—and most notably, for its beautiful and straightforward two-chord structure. David Gilmour is one of the best living guitarists in the world today. If you’re just starting out on acoustic guitar, you should try practicing his iconic song Wish You Were Here as one of your first lessons.

2. Sublime – What I’ve Got

What I Got is a classic rock hit from Sublime’s self-titled album that introduced them to mainstream radio listeners in 1996. Like most of Sublime’s songs, it’s simple and easy to play by any musician looking for an acoustic guitar solo in D major. Even if you don’t want to cover a full version of What I’ve Got, there are many good licks within this solo worth trying out. If you’re stuck on your next solo or are learning how to improvise on acoustic guitar, you may also find inspiration here.

3. The Beatles – And I Love Her

The opening song for The Beatles’ 1964 album A Hard Day’s Night, And I Love Her is a straightforward acoustic guitar solo that also uses a simple chord progression. Some of McCartney’s best writing can be found in his songs like this one. And I Love Her was written about his girlfriend, Jane Asher.

While it’s not as easy as Yesterday, And I Love Her has a simple acoustic guitar solo that beginners can pick up quickly. Plus, it’s one of The Beatles’ most famous songs.

4. Eagles – Hotel California

This song is not only one of the most famous songs on an acoustic guitar but is also one of the Eagles’ signature tunes. The intro features a 12-string acoustic guitar strumming a D major chord three times. While it can be played with just one finger, for your first attempt at a 12-string acoustic guitar solo, try using all five fingers to play each chord.

This tune is a staple of every aspiring guitarist’s repertoire and deserves its spot on any list of easy acoustic guitar solos. This track has several acoustically-driven verses, as well as a catchy (and often-imitated) guitar riff that you’ll be playing for years to come.

5. Guns n Roses – Patience

Patience by Guns n’ Roses is one of the best acoustic guitar solos to learn. The entire intro is just a masterpiece from start to finish, complete with everything from natural harmonics and slides, arpeggios, and even a bit of double picking for good measure.

It’s certainly not an easy solo to learn, but it’s definitely worth it. We recommend learning about half of it on each string before moving on to other solos to master some of Patience’s techniques and gain confidence.

6. Eric Clapton – Layla

Layla is a love song written by Eric Clapton and performed by Derek and The Dominos. In 1970, inspired by his unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his best friend and fellow musician George Harrison, Clapton penned Layla.

While Layla is far from Clapton’s best-known tune, it boasts one of his most beautiful guitar solos—both for its execution and staying power. Many acoustic rock musicians cite it as a favorite. It lends itself well to being played with just about any instrumentation. Once you learn it, keep an eye out for similar fingerpicking patterns in your other favorites, so you can internalize them. It will elevate your playing style significantly.

7. Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana is a hit song covered many times since its 1991 release. This grunge rock staple was written by Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic and performed by Cobain with his band Nirvana. The song is one of several listed in Rolling Stone’s top 500 songs of all time. This song features a slowed-down verse followed by an almost punk-like chorus featuring loud guitar chords and strained vocals.

8. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication

Californication is a single released by Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1999. The song was a worldwide hit and even won two Grammy Awards. It is also ranked 40th on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of all time list and remains one of its most well-known songs.

Indeed, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of rock’s most iconic bands, known for their unique sound and frontman Anthony Kiedis’s rapid-fire lyrics. Their hit single Californication is an excellent lesson in fingerpicking—it features catchy but straightforward guitar lines throughout. It’s an excellent acoustic guitar solo to learn, but it takes a long time to master. Use it as an exercise in working out complex melodies on a single string.

9. Radiohead – High and Dry

There are hundreds of acoustic guitar solos to learn, but there are a few that you simply must get under your fingers. For the beginner, High and Dry by Radiohead is one of the best acoustic guitar solos to learn. It’s a very well-known acoustic guitar solo for beginner guitarists. It’s straightforward and beautiful, with chords that you’ll want to revisit over and over again.

High and Dry is off Radiohead’s third album, known as OK Computer. It was released on June 16th, 1997, and sold over four million copies in its first year. The song came out as a single, reaching number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996.

10. The Animals – House of the Rising Sun

The Animals didn’t just offer one of the best acoustic guitar solos ever. They basically made one that could be repeated indefinitely with seemingly limitless expression and feeling. Originally a folk song, House of Rising Sun has been covered by many artists over time, but perhaps none are more iconic than The Animals. This song has one of The Animals’ most famous riffs, and it’s an excellent place for beginners.

In this song, Hilton Valentine’s now-famous electric guitar A minor chord arpeggio opens the tune. You can play House of The Rising Sun using open chords only: Am, C, D, E, and F. Many guitarists like to strum this song with short down strums on all beats, emphasizing the first and fourth beats. If you want to play a fingerstyle version, you can easily do it since the pattern is simple too.

Conclusion

From classics played by the Beatles and Eric Clapton to alternative rock fits from Radiohead and Nirvana, these songs are great for beginners, intermediate players, and even advanced players looking to get in some practice on their solo-playing chops. These acoustic guitar solos will really help open up your sense of music and help you expand your repertoire.

In Guitar

Top 5 Emotional Guitar Solos

February 21, 2022 6 Mins Read

An emotional guitar solo evokes emotion, whether it’s awe, inspiration, sadness, happiness, or any other feeling in between. While many guitarists can play technically proficient solos, it takes a great guitarist to create an emotional connection with their audience.

Guitar solos are usually a chance for the guitarist to show off their technical abilities, but some solos put emotion over technique. Here are five of the most emotional guitar solos ever recorded:

5 Emotional Guitar Solos To Learn About

Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb

Comfortably Numb is a song by English progressive rock band Pink Floyd, written by David Gilmour and singer Roger Waters. The song was released as a single in 1980, and it is one of their most popular songs. Comfortably Numb appears on their 1979 album The Wall and it peaked at number 21 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and number 18 on UK Singles Chart.

What David Gilmour pulls off during his solo is a masterclass in emotions. This solo was played with just 4 notes, 3 main and one passing note; yet anyone who listens to it knows exactly how David felt while playing it.

Guitarist magazine named Gilmour’s solo as the finest guitar tone. In 2021, Guitar World magazine voted Gilmour’s solo the 3rd best guitar solo of all time.

Funkadelic – Maggot Brain

Formed in 1967, Funkadelic was one of George Clinton’s funk-rock bands and arguably one of his most famous acts. Their hit song Maggot Brain peaked at number two on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart in 1973.

The song is a 10-minute bluesy ballad with audacity and emotion. It begins with short, eccentric poetry from George Clinton, but the song’s overall focus is on Hazel’s expansive fretwork, which has since become a legendary guitar solo. In 2012, a Rolling Stone reader poll voted it the best guitar solo of all time. It beat out solos by Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton.

Guns N’ Roses – November Rain

In a list of Top 5 emotional guitar solos, there’s simply no way you can leave out Guns N’ Roses and their classic November Rain. Slash delivers one of his best performances on this nine-minute epic from Use Your Illusion I. The song’s story speaks about the pain of being separated from a loved one, and Slash’s solo reflects that anguish through its anguished bends and soaring notes.

This song was first released in 1991 on Use Your Illusion I and has become known for Slash’s emotive guitar playing. If you’ve seen Slash live, then you know that he always plays November Rain with his signature top hat and Les Paul slung low like a true rockstar.

Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven

This is Jimmy Page’s crowning achievement and one of rock’s most famous guitar solos. The seven-minute epic opens with an acoustic guitar. It builds in intensity until Page takes over his electric guitar on a solo that pulls on the heartstrings.

This emotional guitar solo by Jimmy Page, also known as the forbidden riff, makes you feel his pain and is a perfect example of an ascending guitar line that just reaches higher and higher. This song is so emotional because Page’s playing speaks to an experience everyone has had, loving someone more than they love you. Stairway to Heaven really captures that pain. And if that isn’t enough for you, then there are those mysterious lyrics and a haunting Robert Plant voice to top it all off.

Prince – Purple Rain

Prince was one of the most melodic, bluesy, and seductive guitar players in rock history. But he could also play some seriously emotive guitar solos. One of his best was in Purple Rain, the title track from the film and soundtrack album. The song is a big power ballad, but Prince’s guitar solo lifts it to another level.

This is one of the best emotional guitar solos ever written and performed. It is difficult to play and has been covered many times but never quite matched. Originally written as a slow ballad, Prince rewrote it into a rock song after performing it live. Here, Prince used many techniques to make listeners think he’s feeling sad and upset while playing the guitar solo.

What is a guitar solo?

A guitar solo is an art form in and of itself. It’s a chance for the guitarist to shine, to take center stage, and to show off the mastery of their instrument. It’s also a chance for guitarists to show off their emotional side — to really connect with the music they’re playing and the audience for which they’re playing it.

That said, some solos strike deep chords and make a real connection with listeners. Some solos are also so powerful that they can change lives and inspire people to take up guitar in the first place.

How can you add emotion to a guitar solo?

One of the most important parts of a guitar solo is the emotional aspect. It’s not enough to simply play fast or have the most complicated technique. To make a guitar solo sound good, it has to convey emotion in its melody and phrasing.

To make a guitar solo emotional, you can use numerous techniques that add character to your guitar playing. Variations in the amplitude, timbre (how hard/soft you’re hitting the strings) of each note, and the time you place in between each note are all ways to convey emotions while playing guitar. If you change them up, you’ll get more expressive music.

Indeed, the lyrics might do the storytelling in songs, but the guitar emphasizes the emotion behind it–whether it’s happiness, sadness, or anger.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a guitar solo to blast when driving down a lonely highway or listening to as you get ready for a night out, this list provides excellent choices. They have an emotional impact on listeners, evoking love, longing, and melancholy. Hopefully, they’ll become part of your go-to collection of guitar solos that will give you goosebumps for years to come.

In Guitar Solos

What are the best Queen guitar solos?

February 13, 2022 6 Mins Read

What are the best Queen guitar solos? There are numerous guitar solos from Queen that will bring you to the edge of your seat. Some of the best ones are from “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Killer Queen,” “Keep Yourself Alive,” and “Stone Cold Crazy.” However, perhaps the most iconic one is from “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Brian May is a beast when he’s holding his guitar. He created some of the best guitar solos in the music landscape and is one of the reasons why the name Queen is forever cemented in the world of rock and roll music.

If you’re an avid fan of Queen, asking the band’s best guitar solo performance is like asking what’s the best movie of all time, or when did you have the most fun in your life, or how life on Earth began. There are just a lot of things we have to consider before we can identify the single best guitar solo of this legendary band.

However, what we can do is to take a closer look at some of the guitar solos that have made Queen an integral part of music history.

Best Queen Guitar Solos

From 1973 to 1995, Queen was able to produce a total of 15 albums. That’s why it’s not surprising to find multiple guitar solos from their numerous songs that really made an impact on their fans. Here are some of them that you should know of.

“Crazy Little Thing Called Love”

This song completely showcases the talent of each member of the band. Despite the melody not having too high notes, Mercury was able to add some flavor to it. Deacon’s bassline and Taylor’s drum track are also quite playful and blend perfectly with the main tune. However, it was May’s guitar solo that really took the spotlight.

The song’s entirety is significantly different from the usual Queen songs, as this one sounded more like it’s from Elvis Presley. Nonetheless, it was well-received and became the band’s first number-one hit in the United States.

In stage performances, May would often use three different guitars to play the song. In the first verse, May would use an acoustic guitar. He would then switch to a Telecaster to perform the guitar solo and then to another electric guitar for the singalong part of the song.

Next: 14 Easy Guitar Solos for Beginners

“Keep Yourself Alive”

Queen’s first-ever single, “Keep Yourself Alive,” is a song about living life by being yourself and not focusing on becoming popular or rich. Brian May was actually the one to write the music and lyrics of the song. The band first recorded it on their own, without the help of a sound engineer.

When the time came that they had to re-record it to release a studio version, May thought they weren’t able to capture the magic that the first recording had. They had about seven or eight different versions of the song mixed by different sound engineers until they settled with one they were happy with.

“Keep Yourself Alive” saw May’s guitar effects and recording techniques. He experimented with tape phasing, delays, and lots of other processes to make the riff and solo sound the way they do in the song.

“Stone Cold Crazy”

Queen has been performing this song perhaps ever since their band began. However, it was only in their third album called Sheer Heart Attack that they released “Stone Cold Crazy” as a single.

The song is a reflection of the band’s unorthodoxy, lasting only two minutes and 13 seconds. It’s loud but fun, wild but entertaining. The guitar solos in this track are also an introduction to May’s great command of the instrument. It leans more on the rock genre, but of course, it undoubtedly has the magic touch of Queen.

“Killer Queen”

If we’re going to talk about the best guitar solos from Queen, maybe we should ask the man himself, Brian May, which one he thinks is his most notable guitar work. “Killer Queen” really showed how important May is to the band’s success.

According to May, the work and experimentation he put into the solos in “Killer Queen” are comparable to “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He says it was like stepping into the unknown and adding complex melodies and flavors to the guitar solo.

Needless to say, May is very proud of his guitar work in this song, and he regards the solo in it as his favorite of all.

Next: 7 Best Guitar Solos of All Time

“Bohemian Rhapsody”

We could end this article by saying that “Killer Queen” is the best guitar solo from Queen. After all, it’s May’s favorite. However, we obviously can’t talk about Queen and anything related to it without talking about “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

We’re sorry, sir Brian May, but we’ll stick to our guts and say that “Bohemian Rhapsody” has the best guitar solo from Queen. It might even have the best guitar solo among all the other bands we could think of. It’s one of the most mysterious songs out there, and May made sure that everyone remembers it by adding a remarkable solo.

In “Bohemian Rhapsody,” May didn’t use overdubbing. Instead, he played a tune that counterparts the melody of the song. He listened intently to Mercury while recording the vocals and thought of how he could continue the song’s story with his guitar solo. Well, we can all agree that he nailed it, considering his signature guitar solo and the song became a global success.

Fun fact: “Bohemian Rhapsody” stayed on the number one spot in the UK music chart for nine weeks. It was replaced by Abba’s “Mamma Mia,” which is rather ironic considering how “Bohemian Rhapsody” has a line that goes,

“Mamma mia, mamma mia
Mamma mia, let me go”

Conclusion

Queen will forever be part of the music industry. With movies, commentaries, and documentaries talking about Freddie Mercury and the band itself, we will certainly hear about them for the decades to come.

This is especially true when you consider the fact that Queen also made some of the world’s most iconic and remarkable guitar solos. Brian May, after all, is a genius and a wizard when he holds his guitar.

In Guitar Solos

What is the longest guitar solo ever recorded?

February 6, 2022 6 Mins Read

What is the longest guitar solo ever recorded? The longest guitar solo lasted just 5 minutes shy of 25 hours! This marvelous feat was executed by guitarist David Didonato who broke the Guinness World Record for the most extended guitar solo, which went on for 24 hours and 55 minutes.

Guitar solos are arguably the heart of every rock and roll track. A fantastic solo takes the spotlight from the vocalists and bridges listeners to a climactic finish – but you do not necessarily wait that long until the final chorus kicks in.

According to a study by the Audio Engineering Society, an average guitar solo lasts for 35 seconds (given that the song itself only lasts three to four minutes long). We know many think solos last longer than this, but it’s probably because of all the replays we’ve hit.

If you ask us, the debate over the greatest guitar solos of all time has been too oversaturated. Instead, let’s look into something we can objectively assess – the longest guitar solos of all time.

Next: 14 Easy Guitar Solos for Beginners

The Longest Guitar Solo: It’s Longer Than a Day!

Would you believe that the world’s longest guitar solo took more than a day?

Believe it or not, this extreme feat was achieved by David Didonato, a local music instructor and band member from Austin, Texas.

At the Austin club Red 7, the Modok guitarist played for 24 hours and 55 minutes. This session broke the Guinness World Record for the most extended guitar solo. The said record was previously held at 24 hours and 17 minutes – meaning Didonato had beat the record by 28 minutes!

Red 7 revealed that the monumental session was live-streamed globally (via UStream and Gawker.com) along with a roaster of a live audience for verification. And, of course, Didonato had to take a few breaks to breathe and freshen up!

However, with such a remarkable feat came an array of backlash.

“Oh… and not repeating one lick?” said the former Guns N Roses guitarist and living ax legend, Slash, in an interview with Tone Deaf. The icon, known for solos as well, questioned the validity and criteria of the record: “If you keep doing the same thing over and over again, is that still considered a guitar solo?”

Slash, then, proceeded to further joke by saying he expected the record to be longer – about a week, to be exact! Still, he congratulated DiDonato for the once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

Before being written down in music history, DiDonato played with several underground bands before working as a music instructor.

Here’s a clip of Didonato at hour 19 of the solo:

The Runners-Up

As mentioned earlier, the record broken by DiDonato was an almost equally astounding 24 hours and 17-minute session. If you ponder it, it’s astonishing how tightly packed the records are if ranked.

With what guitar legend Slash mentioned, you might be wondering: what about the longest guitar solos in popular music? If that’s the case, we’ve got you covered (try comparing this to the average guitar solo length of 35 seconds!).

Note: these solos are noted based on their studio versions. Live versions are typically more extended!

Dazed and Confused by Led Zeppelin. It was re-recorded for Led Zeppelin’s debut album, with new lyrics and vocal lines. It was a hallmark song and a performance mainstay for most of its history. It has a 1 minute and 30-second guitar solo.

Fade to Black by Metallica. Metallica’s first power ballad was released as the first promotional single off their second studio album. Guitar World readers voted the song as having the 24th greatest guitar solo of all time, spanning 1 minute and 55 seconds.

Hotel California by The Eagles. The title tune from the Eagles’ album is of the same name. The song is the band’s most well-known track, and its 2 minutes and 18-second guitar solo were deemed the greatest guitar coda of all time by Guitarist readers.

Green Grass and High Tides by The Outlaws. It’s the tenth (last) tune from Outlaws, its debut album. One of their most well-known songs, it has two extended guitar solos that stretch the song to over ten minutes. These solos last a total of 2 minutes and 21 seconds.

Blue Sky by The Allman Brothers. A song that appears on their third studio album. The song is more country-influenced than many others in the band’s discography. Overall, three guitarists alternated as leads during the song’s guitar solo, resulting in a 3 minute and 5-second coda (almost the length of a typical pop song).

I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Creedence Clearwater Revival. The tune has been covered by a medley of performers, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, who created an eleven-minute version for their album, Cosmo’s Factory – in addition to being issued multiple times by other Motown singers. This already lengthy rendition of the classic song contains a 4-minutes and 52-second guitar solo!

Next: 7 Best Guitar Solos of All Time

What’s the Point of a Guitar Solo?

A lyrical, instrumental segment or whole piece of music created for a classical guitar, electric guitar, or acoustic guitar is a guitar solo. They span from solo works for a single guitar to compositions using a few accompanying instruments as support.

For something to surpass the test of time, it must serve a specific purpose. What’s the deal with guitar solos anyways?

Guitar solos (also known as lead breaks) have a long history, dating back to the call and response labor songs performed by enslaved people in plantations. The “caller” would establish the song’s tone and rhythm by calling a musical phrase. The rest of the workers would react with a modification or repetition. Others may contribute their own interpretations, and so on. When guitars and other instruments were available, they could experiment and evolve.

It is now used for several reasons. In many songs, a solo serves as the grand finale. Still, it also serves as an emotional experience of the song’s concept. It also provides an opportunity for recognition to the guitarist.

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Final Thoughts

This read has been long – but not as long as the guitars solos we’ve listed.

Indeed, lead breaks add an extra kick to any track when done right. They also put the often overseen guitarist up on a pedestal where they can be rightfully appreciated.

Still, behind the extended guitar solo is hours of composition and practice. So next time you listen to your favorite guitar solo, pay your hugest respect to the talented guitarist.

In Guitar

14 Easy Guitar Solos for Beginners

January 14, 2022 7 Mins Read

Are you a beginner-level guitarist? If yes, you can probably relate to how amazing it feels to play your first solo.

Even though learning to play solo can be pretty challenging, nothing is impossible. Certainly not learning to play a guitar solo – you can easily practice on many famous melodies and get started.

We have listed down some of the easy guitar solos you can learn to make the job easier for you.

Easy Guitar Solos for Beginners

Song # 1: Dust in the Wind by Kansas

Kansas was almost through composing and recording the Point of Know Return album when producer Jeff Glixman asked for more songs.

Livgren despised playing this song, especially on acoustic guitar, even though the band members insisted on recording it. Basically, Livgren was unimpressed with this track and even refused to promote it.

Fortunately, the other members of the band outvoted him, and “Dust in the Wind” became their most popular song.

The catchy tunes make it such a breeze to practice your solo. Check out this tutorial here.

Song # 2: We Will Rock You by Queen

We Will Rock You, which is probably one of the most hit songs in the world, contains a lead guitar section in the song’s last act, which is what we will be focusing on.

The guitar solo has a consistent style and repetitive strumming, so if you get the separate pieces down, it’s not that difficult to nail.

Next: 7 Best Guitar Solos of All Time

Song # 3: Billie Jean by Michael Jackson

Billie Jean’s groovy guitar solo would be a terrific practice set for new guitarists.

Although, It’s not as easy as it sounds; you must concentrate on your strumming. The solo mainly consists of two phrases, so be sure to bring in all your groove.

Song # 4: Perfect by Ed Sheeran

As popularly known, Ed Sheeran composed this particular title for his then-girlfriend, Cherry Seaborn. “Perfect” for an old friend, Cherry Seaborn.

In 2017, the English vocalist published his third album, which he composed. It topped the UK charts at number four on the Top Singles Chart. In the same year, Billboard highlighted “Perfect,” stating that track “would be the album’s fourth single.”

If you wish to learn the guitar solo, here is a tutorial for you.

Song # 5: Angels by Robbie Williams

While Robbie Williams’s singles or tracks do not offer many solos, Angels seem to be an exception.

It is a lovely tune that you can play with even your basic chords, and it also contains a beautiful solo for novice guitarists. If you like, you may use a guitar slide for this since it adds an excellent effect.

Song # 6: Black Magic Woman by Santana

Learning Santana’s solos are a wonderful delight as he’s one of the greatest musicians in the world.

We would recommend practicing this track phrase after phrase because it’s played on the D minor scale and includes a lot of technical components. Try to find a few live performances and practice along the videos.

The way he delivers the song is not even half of it – if you could capture that essence, you are good to go!

Song # 7: Californication by Red Hot Chilli Peppers

If you are looking for a basic solo with few complications, then this is your song.

It’s free of excessive notes, and despite its simplicity, it sounds fascinating. If this is your first time trying out guitar solos, this is the perfect track to practice on because it has a few good bends that would help you improve your technique.

Song # 8: It’s my life by Bob Jovi

This song contains multiple string bends, which are designed to replicate Richi Sambora’s talkbox during the song.

If you want to truly master this track, it would be best to check out this tutorial video and give it a shot!

Song # 9: Free Falling by Tom Petty

One of the smoothest transitions of rock stars from the 1970s to the 80s was of Tom Petty. With the delivery of “Free Falling,” Petty proved to the world just how versatile he could be.

Free Falling was truly a gift to our ears and eyes. It was an immediate hit – one of the best-sellers of Petty’s singing career.

Given its history, we believe this song is perfect to practice for your first solo – don’t be shy, get your rock on!

Song # 10: High and Dry by Radiohead

Another great example of an uncomplicated solo that you can grasp quickly.

However, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind before beginning your practice sessions. Most important thing to remember is to check if your fretting fingers are doing the job correctly; otherwise, the high E string may not play as it should.

All in all, this track is an excellent example of a basic solo that doesn’t sound forced onto the music; it blends right into it and just adds to the melody.

Song # 11: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Guns n’ Roses

This is the Guns n’ Roses cover of Bob Dylan’s legendary song.

While the cover adds more of a rock feel to the classic tune, it is undoubtedly one of the best things out there in the music industry.

Slash performs two outstanding solos, both of which you can easily get a hang on if you practice consistently, so make a routine and get practicing. You should be a Guns n’ Roses pro in no time!

Moreover, not only are the guitar solos worth mentioning, but the vocals in this track are out of this world – Axl truly delivers and exceeds expectations within this one.

Song # 12: Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd

While this Pink Floyd track has some amazing riffs, what you should be paying attention to is the solo that comes after these riffs.

It’s performed on acoustic guitar, which can be tricky for starters. It has a little bit of everything from slides, bends, hammer-ons, to double stops.

This is probably the most difficult solo to learn, so don’t be discouraged if you cannot seem to get it in one day. What you should be focusing on is practicing the song consistently and then perfecting your solo.

Song # 13: Fix You by Coldplay

This solo, which is less of a complete solo and more like a portion of the melody, mixes beautifully with the tune’s remainder.

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be learning this, because such solos let you showcase your range and variety through using various instruments. This particular advantage comes in handy when you eventually move on to composing your music.

Song # 14: American Idiot by Green Day

American Idiot’s solo is relatively easier to get a grip on.

Pretty much, any beginner should be able to do it. It combines finger-picking that lets you play the same notes in two octaves at the same time, giving you beautiful melodies.

It is a relatively simple technique, and it just has to be executed right.

Final Thoughts

We have listed some of the best solos to learn for all newbies or those simply looking to practice. You can choose your favorite song or opt to practice all of them one by one.

Practicing and learning solos is way easier when you are choosing a song you enjoy listening to. This way, it won’t feel like work, but you will be having fun throughout the process.

So, pick a song you like from the list and get started with that first. Good Luck!