When the phrase “guitar solo” comes to mind, you picture a guy just shredding apart a fretboard on stage to a crowd going absolutely crazy. This may hold true for some instances, but there are just as many great, even better guitar solos that only consist of a few notes…and are absolutely breathtaking.

David Gilmour – Time

Not only is the Dark Side of the Moon one of my favorite albums, but David Gilmour is most definitely one of the greatest guitar players and songwriters of all time IMO. The subtle melodies that Gilmour creates on the album are truly incredible. I love this solo. It’s not flashy at all, but it’s so slow and entrancing that it literally sucks you in. (3:29-4:54) –
Click for Pink Floyd guitar tabs.

Stevie Ray Vaughan – Little Wing

As far as guitar playing is concerned, SRV is truly a legend. The electric blues, a genre in which he either helped create or bring it to the mainstream, is something that only HE could play as well as he did. His playing on both of these tracks is both flashy and fast, and slow and sultry. Both Riviera Paradise and Little Wing are instrumentals, and for good reason; his guitar playing will never cease to keep you captivated. I don’t give a time for these songs because they’re both filled with multiple guitar solos. He’s one of my favorites. Don’t forget, he’s got TONE FOR DAYS!
Click for Stevie Ray Vaughan guitar tabs.

Eddie Van Halen – Eruption

Yes, a predictable addition to the list, but it’s a must. I don’t say Eruption is one of the greatest just because it’s absolutely insane, but it’s because of how innovative EVH was with the tapping and legato stuff. These were techniques that few, if any at the time, were using. He made his own style, perfected it, then pushed it one step further.
Click for Eddie Van Halen guitar tabs

John Mayer – Wheel

I assume you know who John Mayer is. You’re probably wondering why you’ve never heard this song before. If you have, you know it’s a jam! If you haven’t, check it out. Off his sophomore release Heavier Things, Mayer infused a lot more electric guitar playing than his first album. In an attempt to shake off the teeny bopper appeal and grab ahold of what he really loved to do (play electric guitar) he wrote some extremely great music. This song is one of my favorites, and there’s something about this solo that’s so beautiful. His phrasing is perfect, and it just feels like he put a lot of heart and soul into it. (2:51-3:26)
Click for Jon Mayer guitar tabs.

Jimi Hendrix – Bold As Love

Aside from really awesome set-the-bar-for-clean-guitar-tone, this is such a good song. Jimi Hendrix was another really gifted songwriter, and the shredding he lays down on Bold As Love is super nasty. His tone is unmatched, and he was an innovator beyond what most will ever be. (1:50-end) — Click for Jimi Hendrix guitar tabs.

I could keep going on, but the list won’t end. How about you add some of your own to the list, and let us know why they’re such great guitar solos?

Originally published on: Dec 7, 2014 @ 15:55