Best Guitar Solos

[MarkL]

While not a "solo" per say, his guitar parts on the Yes cover of Simon & Garfunkle's "America" (be sure to listen to the longer album version, not the "single" version, which cuts out about 1 minute or 2 of Steve's guitar playing). His playing on that song is really something, and in fact when you listen to their version and S&G's version, just wow. They REALLY did something special with the song. It's NOT just a cover.

If you want to see a live version of their take on the song, check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS2FUW7UkR0&feature=related

Steve Howe is remarkable on this song.

Mark

[hugorand]

Neil Young - Like A Hurricane

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPZuR8OZeLw

Not technically the best, but the best

[Question_Assumptions]

Yngwie Malmsteen doing the Star Spangled Banner in Brazil after 9/11:

Quite predictably the tour ran into trouble although not from any by now expected internal ructions. In the wake of the September 11th World Trade Center disaster the band performed a Brazilian gig in Porte Allegre. According to reports Malmsteen closed off his guitar solo section with the customary 'Star Spangled Banner' anthem to which the crowd started to jeer. Band members believed the audience was chanting "Osama! Osama!" and reacted accordingly. At the close of the set Malmsteen alone walked out for an encore blasting through another rendition of 'Star Spangled Banner' and retorting 'God Bless America - F*** you all'.

[wastedyears]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZgluOTJ6Hg

Iron Maiden - Chains of Misery; solo played by Dave Murray.

[wastedyears]

Wow, you haven’t even gotten to hear Rush with synthesizer yet...

Grace Under Pressure, Moving Pictures, Hold Your Fire, Signals, Roll The Bones, Snakes And Arrows...

[wastedyears]

Took to post 156 for someone to mention Alvin Lee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHw9b4BBV9Y

I’m Going Home live from Woodstock ‘69.

[j_tull]

Aqualung-Jethro Tull- Martin Barre

[21twelve]

The album that I really enjoy from Rush is Feedback - covers of the old rock and roll songs they grew up on. Fun to hear the older songs with better sound and Rush’s take on them.

I think that effort got them in the direction for Snakes & Arrows - no keyboards - just guitar, bass and drum.

[wastedyears]

Crossroads sounds pretty good.

[upsdriver]

Randy Bachman, with the Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive

No Time The Guess Who

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXDlwkuInBY&feature=related

Rolling Down the Highway, BTO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjaCh5Akg6Q&feature=related

Looking Out for Number One, nice jazzy tune

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4_0Pt3HAR8

Underrated guitarist, imo.

[SlidingW]

Brad Paisley - Throttleneck

[HangThemHigh]

Thanks for the link.

Yes’ version of America is my all time favorite song by any group, but I hadn’t seen that video. I have at least 4 different versions of America on my computer (and two more by Simon & Garfunkel). And I agree, I S&G’s version of the song was good, but the first time I heard the Yes version, I was totally blown away.

[NewRomeTacitus]

So many citations of great guitar solos are listed here that I have to be contrary and consider the other talents. Neal Peart of Rush took drumming to percussionism after John Bonham led the way. Les Claypoole’s bass work is so distinctive I recognize his work instantly when he sits in for someone else. Rick Wakeman’s mastery of all things keyboard. Unique vocal talents of Freddie Mercury, Pat Benetar, Rob Halford and Ann Wilson. Amy Lee is a sonic laser.

My all time favorite guitar solo, though, is the blatantly commercial “Mr. Crowley” done by the tragically taken-young guitar genius Randy Rhodes. He performed it in one take in a fit of pique at Ozzy and asked if that was good enough for him. Astounded Ozzy agreed it was.

My next favorite is Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home” as it manages to purposely capture nearly every rock riff cliche’ possible in one song...while still being a good song. That took nads and real creativity.

[Revolting cat!]

A Whiter Shade of Pale!

[Revolting cat!]

Any solo by Billy Preston!

[Revolting cat!]

Hey, what about the longest drum soloes?

[dfwgator]

Billy Preston played guitar?

[NewRomeTacitus]

Billy Preston was a keyboardist and songwriter. He will be forever considered the “Fifth Beatle” for his work with them on their last albums.

[Salamander]

Oddly enough, the original version had no cowbell, and neither do any of the live concerts I’ve ever watched.

[but the nuts in the audience *always* bring their own].....:))

[tpanther]

I’ve yet to see Judas Priest or the Cars.