Top Five Greatest Guitar Solos of ALL TIME

Looking for a list of greatest guitar solos that doesn’t include “Stairway to Heaven”, “Comfortably Numb”, or Eric Clapton? Well you’ve come to the right place. We’re a show of opinions, and as four guitar players ourselves, these are our own opinions on the best guitar solos that we appreciate most in our own playing. Part I? Yes, Top 5, Part II? More on that later.

Each of us brought to the show five guitar solos each, without any crosstalk or hints of what we might pick ahead of time. There was no criteria or limitations other than the ability to make your case for why you connected with this particular guitar solo so much.

Each solo would be given a seed, 5 through 1. After presenting them all, we’ll go through a modified version of our hilarious and savage “Love It or Flush It” section, to determine the Top Five Guitar Solos out of all of our selections for the Light the Sky Podcast.

Considering that this was such a blast, we might do a Part II, as this really isn’t meant to be so much of a “Top Five of All Time We Love Jimi Hendrix” list, but an entertaining way to introduce each other and our audience to new music.

(5) Chris – The Rippingtons – “North Shore” (2014)

Guitarist = Russ Freeman

A nice balance of jazz cleanliness and tasteful technicality. Makes me think of those Chicago summers going down to the lake front.

(5) Kevin – Queensryche – “Best I Can” (1990)

Guitarist = Chris DeGarmo

A solo in 7/8 time signature that doesn’t sound like it. Add in soaring lines, a few divebombs, and the tasteful use of the wah pedal, and you have a good combination. Proof that prog leanings can be cool.

(5) Alex – The Knack – “My Sharona” (1979)

Guitarist = Berton Averre

You’ve heard the song a hundred times but are you familiar with its solo/guitarist? Arguably a one hit wonder with a monster of a hidden gem solo. Def had to throw this one in the fire. Such a creamy, smooth solo that makes me want to go down a Berton Averre rabbit hole.

(5) Mark – Marco Sfogli – “Still Hurts” (2008)

Guitarist = Marco Sfogli

Marco Sfogli! (James LaBrie, IceFish) A guitar player I’ve learned several solos for. Well, maybe up to 85% speed. Yes the guy can sweep and shred, but usually doesn’t, which I love. Because his sense of phrasing and the way his lines feel almost inverted is where is playing is truly incredible.

(4) Chris – LeBrock “Call Me” (2017)

Guitarist = Michael Meadows

A modern guitar solo from an unlikely genre that gets stuck in your head and fills you up.

(4) Kevin – Dream Theater “Another Day” (1992)

Guitarist = John Petrucci

In the song that was the gateway to the band for me, I’ve always appreciated this solo. I’m more of a fan of Petrucci’s earlier playing, and this solo shows why. A kick-the-door-down opening, with flashes of speed and fills, this solo still has the rawness, energy and feeling of youth, before this genre became clinical.

(4) Alex – Van Halen “Blood and Fire” (2012)

Guitarist = Eddie Van Halen

The man who inspired me to get a guitar in 8th grade (Got a red Washburn super strat… ehh, close enough?) Could’ve picked ANY solo from Ed but wanted to touch on one of his last studio contributions. A compilation of Ed’s solo tricks all in one and one of my favorite solos of his. He still had it after all these years off after VH3. Also, just listen to how HUGE those chords are at the end of his solo. Incredible…

(4) Mark – Pat Metheny Group “Minuano” (Live 1998)

Guitarist = Pat Metheny

As someone with a jazz background in saxophone, not guitar, Pat Metheny has always been an inspiration. Taken from the incredible 1987 album ‘Still Life’, this true solo showcases Pat Metheny’s incredible command of the guitar and some truly mind-blowing chord substitutions and motifs. Honestly, I should have seeded this #1 or #2 if this weren’t mostly a rock music show…purely for Pat’s blend of technical command of his instrument and incredible musicality.

(3) Chris – Ratt “Lay It Down” (1985)

Guitarist = Warren DeMartini

A rock solo in a sea of goofiness that has classic rock finesse and muscle.

(3) Kevin- Van Halen “Ice Cream Man” (1978)

Guitarist = Eddie Van Halen

“It’s a blues solo!” Yes it is, but what a burner. The only solo on my list I know how to play, but don’t ask me to play it with the recording. This solo exemplifies how a solo can make a song. In this case, not only does it make the song, but it turns this cover tune into something definitively Van Halen.

(3) Alex – Ratt “You’re in Trouble” (1984)

Guitarist = Warren DeMartini

Behind EVH, Warren is my favorite 80s/metal/hair metal guitarist ever. Criminally underrated, the best tone, cool as ice and from what I know, a quiet/humble guy. I like the lion’s share of Ratt’s catalog but “Out of the Cellar” will always be my favorite Ratt LP. Picked my favorite solo from “You’re in Trouble.” Absolute magic with Warren’s bends and wild modal climb at the very end/climax. No offence to Chris’ pick with “Lay It Down” (an all time fav, I just think there’s way more of Warren’s magic in this one.)

(3) Mark – Queen “Don’t Stop Me Now” (1978)

Guitarist = Brian May

What makes this solo incredible is not just the signature tone and playing of Brian May, but also the fact that this is a true solo. This is his only moment in this 1978 mega-hit off the band’s Jazz album, and he delivers a lyrical solo for Queen’s most high energy song that could not possibly be delivered any other way. And the way it continues into the final verse with the bend into the final chorus…possibly one of rock’s finer moments.

(2) Chris – Rush “La Villa Strangiato” (1978)

Guitarist = Alex Lifeson

A fat solo where Alex Lifeson embraces the sexy; he never really did it again.

(2) Kevin – Michael Jackson “Dirty Diana” (1987)

Guitarist = Steve Stevens

But look at the music video! Okay, that might have influenced this pick and the placement a bit. My argument is that this is a great example of pulling out the flash without going a million miles an hour. Dig into the guitar, pull your signature move, let Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, et al. have their space and close out a #1 hit with style. Yes, you can definitely point to Steve solos such as Soul on Ice, Look in Her Eyes and moments on Memory Crash as more impressive, but there’s also a magic here.

(2) Alex – John Mayer “Wait Until Tomorrow” (live 2008)

Guitarist = John Mayer

The live album that sold John for me (I truly think it’s one of the best live albums ever, no I’m not joking.) If you ever thought John was a softy/Jack Johnson type for the ladies, listen to the John Mayer Trio set from this album. The man’s a menace. He can shred with the best of them and I absolute love his take on this Hendrix tune. This solo still makes my hair stand up and the groove with Steve Jordan and Pino Palladino is infectious. Wish I could’ve been there…

(2) Mark – Van Halen “5150” (1986)

Guitarist = Eddie Van Halen

A true madman on guitar, Eddie delivers basically all of his tricks in one frantic minute off the title track from the first album with Sammy Hagar. Yes, Eruption is more influential, but If you want to learn just one Eddie solo, this one has to be it. The spacing and buildup here is as good as he would ever give it.

(1) Chris – Iron Maiden “Paschendale” (2008)

Guitarists = Dave Murray, Adrian Smith

A two part musical journey that moves mountains.

(1) Kevin – Steven Wilson “Regret #9” (2015)

Guitarist = Guthrie Govan

Simply put, this is how I wish I could compose and play guitar, having such command over the instrument where I would be able to make it sound and speak however I want to. Audible vocalization without the use of words. Here, it’s the notes, it’s the tone, it’s the feeling, and what more could you ask for from a solo?

(1) Alex – Ozzy Osbourne “No More Tears (1991)

Guitarist = Zakk Wylde

Idk if he’s my favorite Ozzy guitarist but this may be my favorite recorded “in song” guitar solo. Attainable enough for me to learn and Zakk crafted this so well. From the epic single note lines at the start to the ripping pentatonic blues shred when it kicks in (love his bends that scream out of the back.) And that run at the end? Some people despise Zakk for his overuse of pinch harmonics but I don’t mind it… and they AIN’T IN THIS SOLO!

(1) Mark – Night Flight Orchestra “Gemini” (2018)

Guitarist = David Andersson

OK..maybe it is the song more than just the guitar solo, I absolutely love Songs That Get The Blood Going. But this solo just brings such an additional energy to the song (as if it was needed!) and I have such a blast playing it. Seriously, if you don’t believe me, try it. The turnarounds, the slide down with the keyboard, the rise back up into that final chorus.. may not be anyone else’s number one pick, but for now, it’s mine.