Top 100 Greatest Guitar Solos

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Top 100 Greatest Guitar Solos

12.22.07 at 3:21 pm

greatest guitar solos

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{ 203 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Woody 01.23.07 at 5:45 am

This list is horrible. First and foremost, where the hell is Buddy Guy. He’s only the greatest blues musician of our generation but he can’t make the list.

Not to mention that the list is cookie-cutter. All classic rock and metal. Not one indie band, nothing from the last couple of years. MMJ, DBT, Ben Harper, White Stripes not to mention that Warren Haynes is nowhere to be found on this list. Plus there’s not one mention of the Boss.

Lastly, how the hell do you put this list together. A more apt name should have been 100 Most Well Known guitar solos.

2 Woody 01.23.07 at 5:47 am

I also enjoy the one mention of Jerry. Its as if he felt compelled to mention him so he wouldn’t catch shit from Deadheads, and could only remember hearing Truckin’ on the radio a couple of times.

3 Anonymous 01.23.07 at 1:01 pm

Where’s the Boss?!? What are you, f@$%ing nuts?

It’s “Greatest Guitar Solos”, not “some moron standing with a guitar that he can’t even play and mumbles his words” list.

Stinksteen sucks and that’s the list he should be on, “suckiest guitar players.”

4 oz 01.23.07 at 4:44 pm

Wow. There’s a lot of anger in Anonymous.

5 Woody 01.23.07 at 5:17 pm

Easy fella. If the solo from a Jacko song can make it than so can The Boss.

6 Tacos 01.23.07 at 5:31 pm

Lists like these are going to get people pissed. It is impossible to make a subjective list like this, without everyone throwing in their 2 cents.

I challenge HearYa.com to make a better list.

I am not saying this list is perfect (or even that good), I just think it is impossible to please nearly anyone when making these kind of things.

7 Tacos 01.23.07 at 5:53 pm

Instead of greatest solo’s, lets see a list of the Top 100 Indie* songs by HearYa.com.

For a definition of Indie please refer the post “Commercial Success Reminds Me of a Sloppy Makeout”

8 Hope Shore 01.23.07 at 11:56 pm

Thanks for the list. Had fun reminiscing these top guitar artists.

9 Woody 01.24.07 at 5:59 am

Tacos, those are solid points. It is a subjective list. My biggest problem with the list is the perceived lack of effort.

There is barely anything from the last 10 years. Whether I like the act or not, I find it hard to believe that there hasn’t been a solo worth a damn in 10 years. To the best of my knowledge the latest songs on the list are from Pantera, Radiohead and Rage and they are all from appx. 10 years ago.

Maybe Sting wrote this list. Maybe this guy doesn’t like any new music. I just find it hard to take serious when the last 10 years are left off as if they haven’t happened.

10 Tacos 01.24.07 at 9:32 am

You are totally right Woody, it is ridiculous. This post reminded me of a conversation I had with my buddy about how guitar magazines are getting more and more commercial. To find a page without an add, or a real article on a modern band I like, is as hard as finding a music video on MTV.

To me it is like the current state of the radio. If you set your expectations for good music as low as possible, it might actually surprise you every now and then.

I was serious about the list of Indie songs. I realize I wrote it in kind of a pissing contest way, sorry about that, but I think it would be cool to have the HearYa.com community compile a list of say the “50 Indie tracks you must hear – in no particular order”.

11 Woody 01.24.07 at 2:45 pm

Alright Tacos. you’re on. give us a week or so to pop out a 100 great indie songs in no order.

12 wharfrat 01.26.07 at 1:58 pm

i concur with woody. and what no peter green or rory gallagher?

13 DJ 01.27.07 at 10:36 pm

This list sucks!!!!

there are no solos from iron maiden, judas priest, and there is only 1 AC/DC solo on here. You guitarworld bums need to listen to new stuff and look into good classics. all im seeing in led zeppelin, Van halen, and other popular nitwits!!! wheres the real good solos?????

14 DJ 01.27.07 at 10:40 pm

Now I am a music fan and none of those songs are bad. I mean I love Led Zep., Halen, and all of those songs, but they could have picked better.

15 Kevin Graver 01.28.07 at 2:49 pm

I got into a discussion with a guy up here about this list. Now, though we did disagree, I had to concede on a few points. Yes, not much of the music on the list was written in the past 10 years. However, I feel as though the solo has become a tired music device since then. Most songs on the radio had to have a solo to hold listeners’ attention. Recently, with “pop” music becoming so repetative and vacuous, the backlash has caused “indie” music to create increasingly complex and complicated music without the use of solos. The amount of different time signatures, counter melodies, and rhythmic complications has increased dramatically. I think its fine that most of the solos are from a time when they seemed to be the qualifier of what a “good” song was, but now the qualifications have changed. Different things make “good” songs

16 oz 01.28.07 at 9:02 pm

Great comment and I’d have to agree. Every once in awhile, I hear a great guitar solo, but they surprise me these days. I remember listening to music in the 80’s and 90’s, holding my breathe, waiting for the guitar solo. “Listen, no not yet…just wait…CC DeVille is going to rock your world, here it comes…Ahhh”

There are very few moments like that today, outside of blues music. I think its a blessing. The guitar god is dead. I prefer stellar songwriting.

17 Woody 01.29.07 at 2:02 pm

Kevin, that is an excellent point and one I am willing to live with, and embrace, but I have to believe that something out there would have to make this list. I know that DBT and MMJ have a few decent solos to speak of.

Wharfrat, nice catch on Rory Gallagher.

18 Sam 01.31.07 at 11:44 am

Cmon guys, this is list is not SO bad but where are the very best solo ?

like songs of Dream Theater, Malmsteen, Jason Becker
Paul Gilbert, Symphony X, Stratovarius, Blind Guardian, Eric Johnson….

SO this list contain good songs but not the best, for sur !!!

19 Reaper 02.20.07 at 12:15 am

WHAT! wheres Children of Bodom on here? you cant have a list of the greatest guitar solos without some bodom! and im sure that Cradle of Filth had better guitar solos then Kiss….screw kiss…

20 ktbhayrhwngiahuinyua 02.25.07 at 6:54 am

‘Machine Gun’ deserves to be top three. for sure. ‘Comfortably Numb’ is the best by far. I would have ‘Stairway To Heaven’ at more like #5. “All Along The Watchtower’ is a top five as well.

1. Comfortably Numb (David Gilmour, Pink Floyd)
2. What God Wants, Part Three (Jeff Beck, Roger Waters)
3. Machine Gun (Jimi Hendrix, Band Of Gypsys)
4. All Along The Watchtower (Jimi Hendrix, The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
5. Stairway To Heaven (Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin)

21 Gabriel 02.28.07 at 12:14 pm

This list is Crap, it seems like the “Top 100 most POPULAR solos” tahn the best. Where are Michael angelo Batio’s “No Boundaries” or Freight train with the Quad guitar, or Dragonforce’s “Through the Fire and Flames”. Iron Maiden had better solos than some listed here as well as Judas Priest like in Electric eye or Exciter. Children of Bodom has awesome solos. And there are many other guitarists that haven’t been listed!

22 Jake 03.02.07 at 12:06 am

1. Floods- Dimebag Darell
Nuff Said

23 sipa 03.05.07 at 1:12 am

96. Honky Tonk Women from Let It Bleed album doesn’t exist. On that album (1969) a country version of that song is named ‘Country Honk’. There is Single at that time with studio version of HTW and Live version from ‘Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!’ album (1970. Which one is no96 on this list?

24 Mississippi Sheik 03.06.07 at 3:48 am

Whilst not the greatest of lists – no Rory for starters, its not bad for bringing back the memories. Thought there would be at least one Lizzy track as well. Not to mention where is the “great” solo in Bohemian Raspberry, a great song though but the solo – NO!

With reference to some of the comments about missing artists, great technical abilities and ott flashiness (quad guitars etc) do not make great solos.

25 yacobilt 03.14.07 at 4:17 pm

not a bad list, but where is 25 or 6 to 4. not the best but in there some where.

26 PAGE_FAN 03.14.07 at 4:41 pm

Good job on the stairway to heaven being #1, its true, its the greatest song that will ever be written. The rest isn’t that great though, there should be more steve vai, and maybe even some buckethead.

27 MikeCar62 03.16.07 at 1:46 pm

My only comment would be to point out the two or three seconds of stunned silence that is noticeable at the end of Michael Schenker’s magnificent solo in the song ‘Love to Love’ included in the UFO’s Live album ‘Strangers in the Night’.
Those people had just been witness to one of the most incredible guitar solos in the history of Rock.

28 Rocco 03.16.07 at 3:20 pm

Ok reaper y would cradle of filth and children of Bodom be on this list sure they have good solos but they dont go along with the bands on the list. And wheres tiptons painkiller solo that should be on here

29 Rocco 03.16.07 at 3:23 pm

AC/DC solos sucks they sound all the same and Angus young just improvises and plays random shit like hes good i like AC/DC but im not a huge fan

30 Rocco 03.16.07 at 3:24 pm

Wheres the Judas Priest?

31 Brian 03.17.07 at 1:05 am

Not a single Buckethead song in the top 100? Well as it says in the disclaimer “These rankings should be representative of the thoughts and opinions of Guitar World’s readership.” As has been stated before, it is just a most well known list. Buckethead is not nearly as well known as all of the above mentioned which is a shame because not only can he play fast with the best of them, he can compose good music that can actually touch the soul.

32 chris 03.21.07 at 3:56 pm

I could definatly see why u would be angry about this list when u say they have no artists in the past ten years.. this issue of guitar world however this came out april 1998 this being 9 years ago.i do however agree that even at the point and time that it was written it was an unjust list

33 VegeM8 03.25.07 at 1:02 am

No Roy Buchanan!!! … go figure.

34 Tommy 03.25.07 at 3:21 am

I think that the top list is pretty good, but the rest…..
I mean come whats up with putting Little red Corvette on 64,
then they put Purple Haze on 70????
so the Solo on Purple Haze was worse than the solo on Little red corvette,
or Van Halens arguably second greatest solo “Beat It”, behind the lame ass solo of “Little Red Corvette”?
I mean no offence but even I can play the Little Red Corvette Solo without struggling, but the Beat it solo and the Purple Haze solo are way harder to play.
maybe this is only my opinion but they’ve made a huge mistake on that one.

35 J 03.28.07 at 5:40 pm

This list is blasphemous. You’ll kiss ass to guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton but only contain three Metallica(Kirk Hammet) guitar solos. You forgot the mention songs like “Tornado of Souls”, or “Hangar 18″ from Megadeth. Their is two of the most complex guitar tracks ever but you must find them too hard rock. How can you include Prince or Kurt Cobain, two mediocre guitarists. Working Man by Rush is one of the hardest songs to perform and you put it at 94? You fill the list with the popular guitarists and their most popular songs instead of actually listening. This list is terrible and is simply a list of mediocrity yet popularity.

36 andrew 03.29.07 at 6:50 pm

The list is good for someone who is trying to get the idea of a great solo but it is not really great. First off, I mentioned this before, Kurt Cobain is a great song writer, not a great guitar. I have been attempting to play a guitar for a side hobby for a few months and when I found out that Heart Shape Box was on guitar hero 2 and it had is as more difficult as Danzig Mother I proved to my friends that John Christ is a better guitar player than Kurt Cobain buy picking up the guitar and playing Heart Shape Box after playing guitar for three months, his guitar playing is nothing but 4 to 5 chords with little different sounds due to change in the amp. so his stuff is really easy to play so none of his solos should even be on the list. Jeff Beck is once again underrated, to me he is the best guitar player of all time and is the reason why I am playing guitar. He only has one solo though at number 99 on the list, what about songs like Beck Bolero, or Freeway Jam, or Shape of Things, he is one of the best of all time. And where is Cowboys From Hell, that riff is almost impossible to play along with the solo, Dimebag (R.I.P.) is awesome. So the list is ok but get rid of Cobain and add more Beck it is more of a list of the greatest guitar solos of well known songs, for a good list look at DigitalDreamDoor.com, and with list like this one has to be a little bias so Stairway to Heaven is going to be 1 because a lot of people like Page and Led Zep, but my number 1 is Comfortably Numb than One.

37 Stoney 03.29.07 at 7:08 pm

These list are usually placed as filler between lessons, interviews, and tablature inside most of the Guitar magazines. The ads for new gear tend to become overwhelming (especially when it’s some shitty pedal that they can’t get any musicians to endorse and are forced to scour the streets of L.A. for pretty people who lack the committment to learn to play) so every once in a while they make up some sort of article that makes them sound like an officiating voice inside the music world. Now, the important thing to remember, is that the guys who are editing these magazines probably play music and didn’t make it big, or are journalists who are die hard rock fans who wanted to be involved anyway they could.

Do they believe in this list, probably not. And I’m certain that the arguements, namecalling, votes, and (most likely) fistfights in the GuitarWorld conference rooms were far more intense than our cheezy blogs or forums.

Do I think that Buddy Guy should have been on the list…FUCK YES! Is it appauling that nothing from the last ten years is on this list…my opinion, NO! In order to be in the Rock Hall of Fame a song has to stand a test of time, and it’s alot more than ten years! I think VooDoo Child (Slight Return) from Hendrix should be booted for Stevie Ray Vaughn’s…but I think that the 15 minute VooDoo Chile of Electric LadyLand should beat out all of Jimi’s other works. I think Cortez the Killer is a way better song than Hotel California. I think the Beatles should be removed from the list on account of their several years as a boy band. Why were’nt live cuts included in the list. Claptons version of Stormy Monday makes my brain fall on the floor. And if you want to talk about live cuts…Dazed and Confused from The Song Remains The Same Movie…Smoke a Jay and watch that…then try to imagine why anyone in the world has never heard of Led Zeppelin. I think Lazy from Purple should be in the top ten…now you think I’m insane……but that’s the beauty of music.

So many different opinions, and each one of them can be justified. Why, because it’s art. Music is art. And art that requires actual developed skills and talent. (Unlike the Salvador Dali exhibit which rings in a 9.9 on my “This-is-the-dumbest-thing-I-have-ever-seen-O-Meter”)

So, will an accurate Greatest solo, bands, guitarist, album…etc list ever be made that satisfies everyone…or even minimizes the arguements that follow suit of their release…. sure, the same day that Rap dies as hard as disco did.

38 sweet guitarist 04.02.07 at 6:50 am

anyone who thinks that this list is retarded is a dumbass. it was probably done as a poll of some sort so of course its not going to appeal to everyone. i would want a red hot chili peppers song on there but i got over it so all you assholes who are complaining that some you like isnt on there should go die!

39 Dick Phallus 04.06.07 at 4:08 pm

I agree with everyone that says buckethead should be on here. http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_guitarsolo.html

40 Jammin 04.16.07 at 11:52 am

Why could you have the Knack on there “MY SHORANA”
That song has a hard solo! Besides all the songs you’ve listed were easy!

41 df101 04.25.07 at 11:12 am

“through the fire and flames” by dragonforce….listen to that shit, then you will hear a true solo…not this crap of old druggies just slamming on a guitar

42 Illinois Vagrant 04.28.07 at 1:40 pm

I hate when people say that nothing from the past ten years can compete with older stuff…that’s just simply untrue.

Some of the musicians on the scene (mainstream or underground) are just as great if not better than the older guitarists. Different styles, different genres, but talent is undeniable.

By the way – this list kind of sucks. Where is Dream Theater? Where is “The Sleep” by Pantera? Instead you put Kurt Cobain? Has he EVER soloed? Please. Rewrite this, ASAP.

43 Steve 04.30.07 at 4:32 am

No matter what you guys say, this list will not be perfect and your opinions are not the only ones that matter. I bet if everyone who grudged against this list made their own, no one’s list would be liked by everyone.

44 ajit 05.02.07 at 4:50 am

Recently Buddy Guy was in India and he played some stuff…blew my mind completly….ohh man some music that guy….i would anywhere in the world to hear him……i cudnt believe my luck that i got oppurtunity to hear him……

45 S o c r a t e s ® 05.03.07 at 5:35 pm

WTF!!!!!!!
and where is BUCKETHEAD!!!!!!!!!!

46 James 05.09.07 at 12:27 am

Hmm… I think we all know the obvious ones. But I agree with all the angry Buckethead fans. He can shred like a motha-fucka, oh and did we mention feeling and soul. Here are some songs that should be on that lil list they call “GREATNESS”.

Buckethead- Nottingham Lace (Just reminds me off a less sloppy Hendrix with better techniqe)
Buckethead- Soothslayer (Step aside Gilmour share the spotlight)
Buckethead- Big Sur Moon (If you like Eruption you will like this)

47 Zach 05.09.07 at 9:56 am

THIS SHITTY LIST NEEDS GEORGE LYNCH….NOW…bitch..

48 niko 05.15.07 at 6:12 pm

the best guitar solo is comfortably numb.Look for that song in the concert PULSE.

49 Mad B 05.22.07 at 10:19 pm

There’re many popular songs up there but best… I don’t think so but the biggest let down in my opinion is no Buckethead. Big B may be insane but artistry with a guitar is as stellar as any other guitarist ever. He packs so much into a song it is unreal. No Meta Matic, Soothsayer, King James, Nottingham Lace, Stick Pit, Angel Monster, Whitewash, Speedmetal, Baseball Furies, Well,Well,Well, Wishing Well, Fountains of the Forgotten, Cannibal Holocaust and on and on. No single Big B song, sad, just sad. Another list based on popularity instead of actual talent and skill, sad.

50 Lady KAT Swings 05.24.07 at 12:28 am

The greatest guitar solo ever…Not many have heard it……But They soon will……Jordan Rivers one of the greatest guitar players in the world from Rock,Blues and Gospel music ……..listen to the song on his CD called Electric Son Rise………I predict movie themes of this………it’s pur….r…r…fectly perfect.The greatest solo I ever heard. So maybe you don’t believe me ?…check him out……C ya Lady Kat

51 synyster gates is awesome 05.24.07 at 8:31 pm

I know this list is almost 10 years old and most of there songs wern’t out yet but here are some some with great solos to check out : Sidwinder, Second Heartbeat – Avenged Sevenfold, Six, The Air I Breath – All That Remains, Open Your Eyes – Alter Bridge, Take Me Home – Iron Savior, Through The Fire And The Flames – Dragonforce, Rising Force – Yngwie Malmsteen.

52 The Destroyer 05.27.07 at 1:34 am

To put in simple terms: THE LIST SUCKS! I know there are a lot of good guitarists in that list, but what the lsit lacks is its title :GREATEST SOLOS. I mean, where is Megadeths ‘Hangar 18″ and “Tornado of Souls” ,Pantera’s “Walk” and “Domination” and Iron Maidens “Trooper” and “2 minutes to midnight” ? Is Guns n’ Roses even metal ? The list is a pure disgrace to metal fans throughout the world.

53 hero rocker 05.28.07 at 8:00 am

avenged sevenfold

54 G5 06.03.07 at 10:19 am

weres buckethead

55 trousers 06.06.07 at 9:45 pm

this list is a wee bit of bullshit where is iron maiden? only 1 acdc? a lot of soloss on this list suck. specialy nirvana kurt cobain cant play for shit and they dont have solos. this list is all wrong. oh and btw try slipknots pulse of the maggots solo.awesome.

56 Kevin 06.07.07 at 5:13 am

estupid = stupid on the internet? thats what i’m gonna go with from now on.

also, yes, bad list, morons, so on and so forth, but impossible germany definitely goes on the list in my mind.

57 drew 06.07.07 at 8:37 pm

i remember seeing this list a while back and felt really frustrated with it. i love music alot, especially great rock and roll. many would agree that Hendrix is the best guitarist ever but i feel he should have more solos on the list. Bold as Love is without a doubt top 50 of all time. Hey Joe live from Winterland in ‘68 will definitely melt your brain. Are You Experienced with the backwards playing is way ahead of its time. I was disappointed to see blues legends like Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Albert King and many others with nothing on the list.

58 sk8nchance 06.09.07 at 7:05 am

this is the greatest solo’s thing ….. the only problum is …. that u need more of van halen ozzy osborn jimi henderx ac\dc and more of led zep thats all it was great

59 Columbo 06.10.07 at 1:05 am

Lost credibility by being in a mainstream group, but Neal Schon from Journey is constantly underrated. When Carlos Santana asks you to join his band when you’re a 15 year old you have to be pretty damn good. Craig Chaquico from Starship, Gary Richrath from REO Speedwagon. All cursed by “success”.

60 135789 06.10.07 at 8:15 am

The list didn’t miss a thing dumbasses, first off these are some of the particularly greatest solos, thats why they’re the most well known. second, stop crying because they didn’t put all those boring shredders on the list (metal etc.). For the people saying that they can’t believe there is nothing in the past ten years, ur dumbasses. have u even heard music in the last ten years? there are no solos, let alone good ones. john frusciante(amazing) is the only person worthy in the last ten years to have a solo up here, but its not like he even needs it. oh, and for those of you complaining about lack of varitety, the only other music with guitar solos is jazz,(i see one on the list right now actually) which is great, but nothing stands out. You need to closely re-examine this list if you criticise it, because it is spot on. its pretty much perfect

61 synyster gates is awesome 06.13.07 at 6:12 pm

ok 135789 before you start callin people dumbasses and talking shit about metal and how no metal or guitarist or new guitarist can solo and they all suck, maybe you should actually listen to some metal songs because avenged sevenfold, pantera, iron maiden, buckethead, dragonforce, slipknot, shadows fall, megadeth, yngwie malmsteen all have amazing solos.

62 Jerry Sherry 06.20.07 at 3:03 am

I agree also with Lady Kat Swings above……Jordan Rivers is maybe the worlds best guitar player. AWESOME om acoustic and electric.
Rock,Blue’s,classical,jazz he can do it all.
Thanks Jerry

63 Hey Dude 06.20.07 at 3:08 am

Right On Dude, Jordan Rivers. He’s a hip cat of guitar.Even if he is from gospel.Talk about talent.You are right he has got it all.
I’ve heard him on Rhaspody for the first time 2 weeks ago.And on radio driving through Washington D.C.
C ya Dudes……

64 Freddie(TRue metal FAn) 06.28.07 at 1:42 am

You guys are dumb this list and the other list is stupid….Sttairway to heaven is a good song but the solo isnt even fast…and master of puppets??…that song is almost a compete solo itself should be way higher…And Hendix’s star spangled bane is close to the middle??…Dumb…that was a work of art…Its hard as hellto play…it has no words just jimi being jimi he should own mst of the top 50…and whee is michaelangelo batio?….he is a recarnation of jimi hendrix…better than jimi…faster than any body on the list…I guess you people are amused with really long bends and alot of pull offs…Eruption should be atleast 5 or 6

65 Sherwin 06.28.07 at 1:05 pm

To all you the guys above me who have posted their comments in response to the solos pls stop your whining. I personally dont agree with the list myself, but i think everyone got their own personal taste of what a good solo is.

66 jared 07.09.07 at 6:16 pm

Wheres john frusciante? steve vai’s “building the church” is a good one. eddie hazel’s “super stupid” Frusciante’s solo in “i could have lied” or “if you have to ask” both are improv and beautiful.

67 LAITH 07.11.07 at 3:59 am

Dear all ,

i think that kirk hammett have the best performance THE WORLD ! WHY ?
the way he play with the guitars solos you hearing something send you from this world to onther, to imagine a new hope.this is my opinion with this,wishing a good life to all.

68 Dan 07.14.07 at 3:54 pm

I keep looking for Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “Blue Collar” I’m not finding it. It’s hard to take these lists seriously.

69 Johnny Lightfoot78 07.14.07 at 11:48 pm

SHOCKING NEWS!! but True___________I was watching PBS broadcasting, a few weeks back. And guess who I saw play 12 songs. Jordan Rivers. This man can play. And rightly deserves a top 5 ranking. He’s far better than I thought possible. I’ve heard the stories but untill you hear and see him…..then you just don’t realize, just how good this guy is.He is possibly one of the best guitar players anywhere today. If he went up against the best. I think he would be 2nd or 3rd world wide. I’ve seen every top guitar master. This guy is way ahead of Clapton. Maybe Stevie Ray was better.If Stevie was, it’s not by much, I’m trying to think who alive today is better. Jordan has speed, and style for rock-jazz,blues. I can’t see anyone being better than him who is a-live today.His acoustic guitar is the best I’ve heard ever. And his electric is guitar playiny is top 5 for sure.He’s an all around genuis. When you get a chance watch PBS maybe he’ll be back on again soon.He’s real fun to watch,you’ll hold your breath watching his moves.He even un-nerved me a bit, he is truly great.
Oh I found him on Rhasody.com , I type in Jordan Rivers and it pulled him right up.
thanks Johnny Lightfoot

70 nelly bochem 07.16.07 at 4:53 am

Ik wil weten waar je deze cd Top 100 greatest guitar solos kunt kopen of bestellen. Ik wil gaarne bericht van jullie. groetjes Nelly Bochem

Mijn E.mail:p.bochem2@chello.nl

71 Lee Wanfu - Japan 07.16.07 at 9:42 pm

Hi, please forgive my english, I from Japan.
I very happy to go concerting last weekend and hearing Mr Jordan Rivers play in my home town here.
After concert. In front of 1500 people we asked mr Rivers to dinner. He excepted,and very nice person, he make people feel good.
I think he outstanding singer,and best guitar man I ever heard.So exciting for me was that night.I never forget for my life time.He great guitar master,but more than guitar hero,he great man.And me new friend.
Thank you very kindly
Lee Wanfu – Japan

72 Jason Daniels 07.16.07 at 9:50 pm

Stevie Ray Vaughan was the greatest, and is the greatest. There will never be anyone better.
Jordan Rivers, who cares about him,he’s just a gospel guitarist-singer, I have no respect for that. So what if he plays Rock and blues gospel.It doesn’t matter.
No one wants to hear gospel music.
He needs to give it up, he can’t paly with the big boys, no gospel guy can.
So flat out………….
Stevie Ray Vaughan Is the King.He’s the man !! Always will be because- I said so. And he’s the best.
Jason

73 Mark 07.22.07 at 3:26 pm

Below is info I found on Jordan Rivers, on the internet of a college music professor Dr. Timmons talking about Jordan Rivers____________________________________________

It seems Mr Jordan Rivers,waded into the Jordan River with his electric and acoustic guitars. And soon after cause the Jordan River Dispute.Now the river flows into his back yard, as he becomes more well known to the world.
I read on the Internet that Jordan Rivers is of English Royal Blood lines on his fathers side and relatives are from Norway on his mothers side of the family.
So as I understand he’s not from Israel. So where did his name come from ?
A friend of mine heard that as a Christian Singer that Jordan Rivers took that name so he could serve the Lord better. But in truth he was already a very well known guitarist and singer, under another name, who had been on radio over the years with his music.
So…I say all the more power to Jordan Rivers….I guess there’s far worst things humans can do than to serve God.
So I can’t fault him on the name change.
Next…Please understand I am a very good college guitar teacher in muisc and theory.So here’s view on his play style.
As for his guitar playing. I listened to his music for about 2 weeks comparing it to Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Zakk WYLDE, Jimmy Page, and many others.
So how good is Jordan Rivers?
I’ll put it to you this way.
Without knocking down….or taking away from any other great guitar players in the world…..I’ll just say this.
Jordan Rivers is one of the best all around lead and Rhythm guitarist in rock,hard rock,blues,jazz.
He knows lead guitar better than the best. He plays far more than just pentatonic scales , he’s play every major and minor scales and some very difficult chord voicing arrangements.
His timing and style is sweet as can be. He also sings on the beat or the rhythm, most guitars do not.
Drummers would love to play with this guy…..His timing is just that good.
So I do I place Jordan Rivers…..in a List…..well I won’t do that . Everyone has their guitar hero’s….but Jordan Rivers does deserve to be ranked in the TOP 10 of all time.
So what if he’s a gospel singer, his music is stunning,it shines,It screams WORLD CLASS !!.
He’s better than the Santana’s of the world, far better.If he was far more well known in the guitar world, who knows. He could be in the top 5 & maybe the best ever. That’s a hard call still because, the buyers of CD’s and music are the ones who should rate him. They are the customers. And gold records are made by the customers……so there it is. Here’s his web site. It’s already been posted all over the Internet any ways…but here it is for those of you searching for Jordan Rivers

74 Jason 07.26.07 at 3:56 pm

LQQK at This list http://guitarmagusa.blogspot.com/

75 Callum Whyte 07.29.07 at 8:22 pm

Great list! Only one band missing… Megadeth!

Holy Wars
Sleepwalker
In My Darkest Hour
Hangar 18

76 Woody 07.30.07 at 12:31 pm

Skezza,

Last I checked Buddy Guy or Warren Haynes weren’t members of The Kaiser Chiefs or Killers. I would take either one of them over EVH any day of the weak.

And how the hell I am insulting Randy Rhoades and Jimmy Page by asking for a more all-inclusive list.

Wake up and join the 21st centtury. There’s alot good music out there today.

77 Big Fan 08.01.07 at 5:09 am

Hey guys wassup.
I got a few queries I hope you can answer for me:

1) Why does Led Zeppelin top EVERY list even vaguely related to music? They were a great band but really. That solo in Stairway to heaven was great, but the best ever?

2) Why is there only 1 mention of Steve Vai??

3) Why does Hendrix have so many entries in that list?

4) What is Cobain doing on that list at all?

5) And where in the blue hell is Michel Angelo Battio, the fastest guitar shredder in history (also the man who trained Tom Morello)? Go search him up on youtube and see what I’m talking about. Battio would easily shame every single name up on that list bar 2 or 3 greats (Steve Vai, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Page)

78 Jimmy 08.03.07 at 9:01 am

I think the solos from Dani California (Red Hot Chili Pep.) and Sweet Home Alabama (Skynyrd) deserve some consideration for a place on this list. Also I would like to point out one that isn’t as well known. The solo from U2’s song “Out of Control” (on first album) is amazing. And it isn’t a “popular” song, at all. I can’t think off the top of my head about any of The Edge’s other solos, but I can’t believe he isn’t here at ALL. HE could be one of the top 10 guitarists of all time. The parts he has to play are very difficult, for the most part.

Finally, I would like to vouch for a personal favorite. “Doesn’t Remind Me” by Audioslave, has an unbelievable solo, played by Tom Morello, who is already on the list in a couple of places. Though short, in my mind the solo is far better than MANY that are on the list. I think there has been a little oversight as far as recent music (since 1996) is concerned.

It is tough to make a list of the 100 greatest solos ever when there are so many thousands of solos out there, some not very well known. This is a good list–despite the lack of recent music–except I maintain, the solo from “You Shook Me All Night Long” has no place here. It is short and not even that good. But that song is a classic, which gives it an advantage in the eyes of many readers, etc. That’s why Zeppelin is at the top of every list. While Page is a great guitarist, it would be tough to call him the best ever–but they are just so well known, that’s why they get the votes.

79 KFC 08.05.07 at 3:36 pm

Where the heck is buckethead?

80 stewie 08.11.07 at 7:42 am

where the hell is buckethead have you herd any of his songs he is extremly talanted , the song jordan blew my mind , name one other person who can move there fingers that fast!!

81 Slash Rocks 08.13.07 at 5:06 am

I have one complaint to make. Sweet Child O Mine should be WAY HIGHER!!!! it should be like 10th.apart from that it was pretty good.

82 Slash Rocks 08.13.07 at 5:08 am

I have one complaint to make. Sweet Child O’ Mine should be WAY HIGHER!!!! It should be like 10th. apart from that it’s pretty accurate.

83 K-Burty 08.20.07 at 4:49 pm

I remember when this list came out. This one, and all the mags’ best-of lists are totally subjective. Like the man said, it’s art, and there’s no accounting for taste! One man’s meat is another man’s poison. I can appreciate the technique and the hours of practice that go into a shred-fest, but if the aesthetic doesn’t do it for you, then who cares? Al DiMiola was one of my favorite players of the 70’s, unmatched for speed, but after a while it sounded like you were listening to a typewriter……(anybody remember what those were?)

The shredders are totally amazing, but they don’t have broad appeal to the pop masses. I think they are admirably represented by Satch, Vai, and Yngwie, Randy and EVH, Kirk Hammett. Dragonforce is too much….fantastic. They’re so good they’re almost a parody of themselves, but they did come out after this poll.

We also see that the innovaters are here. All the disciples of Ritchie Blackmore, for example, needn’t be listed if they don’t surpass him with a knockout blow. You don’t need to list legions of tappers when you’ve got EVH up there. Anybody reading this can pull off a Chuck Berry solo, but imagine the minds he blew when he first came out, and the legions that he inspired to pick up the guitar.

Which brings up again the subject of technique, and speed. If you don’t have much to say, saying it faster doesn’t help. Cobain’s guitar playing was pretty wretched, but that’s the way he liked it, it expressed what he was trying to say. I guess lots of people liked what he had to say…..(?)
I was really glad to see Neil Young’s Cinammon Girl on there, possibly the best one-note solo ever!

I was a huge Led Zep fan when they hit….thier first album is still my fave. I later shunned them, mainly cause I didn’t want to be associated with the Qualude-chomping hordes that went to the shows….but man, “Stairway” is perfectly crafted. Tells a complete story that blasts you into the finale of the tune. Same with Clapton’s Crossroads solo, very dramatic, especially when you realize it’s improvised. For all-time well crafted solos…..mini compositions…. I have to go with Hendrix’s Watchtower. Other faves: Larry Carlton on “Kid Charlemagne”, Jerry Garcia on “Know you Rider” from Europe ‘72, or all of “Dark Star”, and just about anything by Michael Bloomfield, especially from “Super Session”. It’s been a long time since I heard anyone in the rock world really sing ion their instrument like those guys.

And what happened to the Jazz and the Fusion guys? Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino, Jimmy Bruno, Kenny Burrell. John McLaughlin? The country pickers? Albert Lee, Vince Gill, Brent Mason, Jimmy Bryant, Joe Maphis, James Burton, Brad Paisly, Will Ray? I think we need “Top 100″ lists for each category. Classical players…..fuggedaboudit. At the Guitar Congress at Towson Univ in MD a couple of years ago, I and everybody else was crazy to see and hear Marty Friedman, Albert Lee, Andy Summers, Eric Johnson and Jennifer Batten. The players who blew everybody away were the Classical and Jazz guys.

I think the greatest thing about these polls is the uproar and the mayhem that ensues, as seen on this very same page, The comments are great.
One thing, I’m really sorry to say that I listened to Jordan Rivers on Real Rhapsody and based on that I have to say that the guy sounds pretty lame.
His pitch when bending is almost always off. His timing is really bad. The only interesting thing about “Electric Son Rise” is the Talk Box or whatever effect he’s using. His phrasing is totally scatter-brained. I can tell there’s a lot of passion there, which probably makes for a very engaging live show, but I thought the cd was very amateur at best.

OK, I’m going to go get a life.

84 No Plankspanking 08.21.07 at 12:50 pm

Who cares how fast a guy can move his fingers. The list refers to the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos, not the 100 Most Technically Accomplished Solos. Musical content is more important than speed, which is why there is no room for Gilbert, Satriani et al. I these guys could write a half-decent song they might have a chance.

85 Balsbalsbals 08.22.07 at 12:52 pm

bals

86 fetumpsh 08.26.07 at 11:57 pm

Other misses:
Buck Dharma, live version of “Then Came the Last Days of May.”
Ed Mundell, with either Monster Magnet or Atomic Bitchwax.

87 noddy pocket 08.31.07 at 3:43 pm

Hilarious

A hand me down. Nothing original. Nothing knowledgeable. Lacks soul. A magazine list so I should get over it.

Jimmy page’s STH wouldn’t even make it into his own top 50. And where is his SIBLY?

A prophet is not without honour except in his own country. Thus a pauper’s grave awaits the genius of Michael Schenker.

See you in 200 years maestro. Our ancestors will truly wonder.

I mean ‘beat it’.  EVH rightly dodged the audition for UFO after MS left. Great guitarist as is Eddie, Lacking Schenker’s sense of melody and soul, he was acutely aware that a few right hand taps on the fretboard could never make up for his own lack of genius.

I love Radiohead but even Greenwood would be pissing himself

These list makers are more likely to let others pick up the tabs than learn them.

88 not my real name 08.31.07 at 7:43 pm

Is this serious? kirk hammet’s solos in the top 100? I mean… his solos are fun to listen when you are stoned… but they’re quite repetitive… real solos are when you have a certain feeling when you listen to it… half of the solo’s there wouldn’t even be on a top 1000 in my opinion because half of the solo’s are not played with a real or innovative technique… where are the B.B king’s? The Di Meola’s? The Michael Hedges?…

89 not my real name 2 08.31.07 at 7:48 pm

look for guitarists like erik mongrain, or even virtuoso’s like buckethead… at least what they do is unique…

90 Iron Priest 09.02.07 at 10:19 pm

No way!!!!

Glenn Tipton & KK Downing are the most shocking duo of all time. Solowise and rythmewise all the way.Adrian Smith, Dave Murray & Janick Gers are ripper then any artist on this list. Both of these band sould score every position of this list period.
If somebody have something to say against that it cause you don’t like real music period

91 Iron Priest 09.02.07 at 10:25 pm

I think that Kirk Hammet suck big time caus the only thing he is able to do is riffing ok and i said just ok.

92 Iron Priest 09.02.07 at 10:29 pm

Sorry but a solo is not just something unique, it is something that you feel deep inside of you and i know what i’m talking about cause learned music all my life and i’m almost 24yrs old.

93 Iron Priest 09.02.07 at 10:40 pm

Glenn Tipton have the most impressive guitar sound of all time. Forget the other exept the one i wrote in an other message.

94 Namki Lee 09.09.07 at 8:49 am

Jordan Rivers , is the greatest guitar player ever. He Rocked the building down here in Seattle Last night.
I’m going to hear him again tonight. This guy is the best Rock -jazz-blues man alive. Never been a guitar player better. His singing is better also than guitar player ever. This guys like a ROCKET exploding,forget Stevie Ray Vaughn, forget Eric Clapton…who are they?
No one equalls Jordan Rivers. I see he’s on itunes.com has anyone used itunes? does it work well…..I just have to get this guys album.If I can I’ll buy it in person and get him to sign it.
If not I’ll download it.Maybe I can steel some guitar licks.
Namki

95 Bob 09.14.07 at 8:07 pm

WHY DOESN’T ANYONE GET IT?!?! THE STAIR WAY SOLO SUCKS! THE GREATEST SOLO OF ALL TIME WAS THE ONE IN COMFORTABLY NUMB! WTF?!?!

96 Bob 09.14.07 at 8:20 pm

And would it kill ya to add judas priest, mettalica, andre segovia, or gino vinelli. the guitar gods are

1. Hendrix
2. Clapton
3. Glamour
4. Page
5. Frampton
6. Van Halen
7. Slash
8. Simon

Most of them are on there but in the wrong places

97 Fedex73 09.16.07 at 3:50 pm

There is no arguing on first place Stairway’s solo rocks altough i haven’t seen solos of judas priest, maiden,ACDC and other bands that should be there there. The list shows god solos but there is no point in comparing guitarrists since each one has a different style. This list is good, but it could be better in my opinion.

For me (and this si only a personal opinion) best guitarrists are

1. JYMMY PAGE/ HENDRIX (i cant put one of them below the other)
2.CLAPTON
3.STEVE VAI
4.JOHN PETRUCCI
5.DAVID GILMOUR
6.RITCHIE BLKACKMORE
7.ANGUS YOUNG

98 halim 09.19.07 at 4:17 am

at least they included Guns ‘N’ Roses and Rage Against The Machine in the list. maybe they should make another list with more new-age bands such as Audioslave, A Perfect Circle, and Wolfmother coz most of the band here are considered classic.

99 BOB 09.25.07 at 3:56 pm

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK you

100 ou rooie 10.02.07 at 4:01 am

Guys, there is ONE guitar god. Michael Angelo Batio. The man who plays with 2 necked as well as 4 necked guitars. The man who made a melody of all Zep’s solo’s, just a hell of a lot faster. The man who is the fastest guitar shredder EVER. I won’t deny guys like Petrucci, Vai, Vaughn, Hendrix, Tremonti, McCready their place in the sun but the undisputed best is Batio

101 Holy Springer 10.03.07 at 2:03 pm

I just read all these post. For me it’s Buddy Guy, Clapton, Stevie Ray and what’s with the Stoney guy? The Beatles were a boy band? Give me a break. They are by far the best group from any generation. The solo for The End off Abbey Road is from George, John and Paul and for me ranks in my top 5 of all time. As far as groups out now, can’t think of a one that I even like. They all suck. Between Rap & Nirvana, the music has sucked for the last 15 years or more. No talent.

102 ou_rooie 10.08.07 at 5:43 am

Holy Springer:

I totally agree. Talent has gone out the window. These days the guitar scene is being ruled by 3 or 4 chord songs! WTF? In the glory days of old you couldn’t even count the chords.
However, you should listen to Alter Bridge’s new album, Blackbird. Tremendous vocal talent as well as great guitar skill on that album, so I think you ought to appreciate it

103 Holy Springer 10.08.07 at 10:22 am

ou_rooie,

I will check them out, thanks. I have heard a couple of newer songs that were pretty good, however the days of buying a CD are gone since most of the groups have maybe 2 good songs on a CD. And they have the nerve to say we are all downloading the songs for free as the reason sales are down? Maybe they should find some good talent out there and then we buy!

104 ou rooie 10.09.07 at 3:18 am

Holy Springer:

Haha good point. I just struggle to wonder where music went wrong. Earlier years skill levels were overall high, but recently that is not the case. I got a theory that the singing talent went first (eg the vocalists could only manage 1 or 2 octaves) and the guitar skill fell after that. You did make a good point though. Give us the albums worth buying then we will buy

105 JackW 10.11.07 at 5:04 am

I’ve seen lots of posts about bands, this list is best individual GUITAR SOLOS, not best BAND with guiter solos (a la Iron Maiden, Judas Priest), or best SONGWRITER who happened to perform guitar solos (Jack White, Bruce Springsteen).
Keep in mind also that this wasn’t voted on by pros or industry members, but by the fans of GuitarWorld Magazine, who only know about hits from the mainstream of twenty years ago or more, so of course no indie or experimental bands are gonna get any cred.
And by the way, I agree, “Stairway” and “Crazy Train” derserve a spot on the list, but not top ten placing. And “Smells Like Teen Spirit”? Come on, really?

106 kiss 10.11.07 at 2:29 pm

kiss is the best rock band on earth they should have at least 5 more solos on here ace blows half theese solos away oh ya reaper children of bodom is a sucky solo wheres Detroit rock city when you need it

107 jeff 10.11.07 at 7:19 pm

firstr of all yall r stupid who wants some indie on there …u cant tell me that thats not a good list. All the ppl on there could guitar circles around u and whoever u mentioned

108 forum news 10.14.07 at 2:55 am

forum news Super great informatif forum

109 Kenny Ng 10.14.07 at 10:25 am

No doubt that Stairway to Heaven in #1, but personally I still prefer Comfortably Numb after all.

110 Zac 10.14.07 at 4:11 pm

Jordan by Buckethead
The solo is awesome
o_o

111 KT 10.17.07 at 11:00 am

I personally think that John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) should have two or three solos on here. I think I could have lied is simply the most beautiful solo… technically easy to play but well composed. Also, Fuel the the Fire by Rory Gallagher is one of the best guitar songs in genereal but also has a great solo. RIP Rory.

112 Anonymous 11.08.07 at 9:11 pm

This list needs updated. There have been songs released that have amazing guitar solos since Rolling Stone released this list. Just as an example of a current song that I think should be on this list is Through the Fire and Flames by DragonForce. Yes, we don’t have Hendrix, Van Halen, Page, or any of the other great guitarists around much anymore, but great solos are still being written and performed. Give these newer bands some credit and include there music when comiling a list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Solos.

113 Hrafnkell-Ravenkell 11.12.07 at 1:45 pm

This list is way out of date, besides why the hell havent there been anything alternative on this. No KoRn, no System of a Down and no White Stripes. And out of all the great Pink Floyd songs he picks Money for best guitar solo?? im likin whats there, what i know offhand anyways but thats by far not what id put on the top 100

114 TG 11.14.07 at 7:59 am

Opinions are like ASSHOLES, everybody has one. Once there are more than one song on a list there will be disgreements.

115 Mine is Clarence 11.16.07 at 7:51 am

For me, while all the individual guitar players are great and are amazing players, I think the greater talent is actually arranging and writing the songs. Without that we would never even hear any of these songs on the radio. As far as I’m concerned a simple yet well arranged solo that helps express the emotion of the song is far better than some very fast, very technical solo in a poorly arranged song, no matter how great the player.
I think there are still people putting out music that are just as good and are as amazing guitar players as some of the guys on the list, it just doesn’t get marketed to us as much as other music, therefore unless you search for it you’ll never know. There are still great “albums” being made. Search away, it’s tough but worth it..

116 josh 11.17.07 at 3:25 pm

what about triumph’s rock n roll machine??????????????????????????? thats a sweet solo!!!!!!!!! oli herbert of all that remains is an amazing guitarist. put GOOD solos up there!

117 evo 11.22.07 at 10:38 am

as far as i’m concerned, that whole list should have been steve vai!!!!!! they could put some more joe satriani songs (E.G: “mighty potato head groove thing”). AND WHY THE F*** IS JOHN PETRUCCI SO LOW ON THE LIST! HE’S ONE OF THE GREATEST GUITARISTS EVER! all those solos were chosen based on popularity. are you trying to tell me that led zeppellin is better than steve vai? come on, give me a break. jimmy page is nowhere close… anybody who is a virtuoso should have been on this list. and where the hell are the other metal bands? what about megadeth (dave mustaine,marty freidman)? dragonforce(herman li)? whoever created this list is on crack…

118 bob 11.29.07 at 7:24 pm

the list is about as bad as the rolling stones top 100 guitarists of all time, they are fukking mad especially putting angus young at no. 96 hes top ten EASILY all i know is hes far better than kurt cobain who somehow is at no.12

119 dan 12.01.07 at 7:47 pm

fu*k u

120 weelass 12.02.07 at 4:15 am

WOOAHHH! u guys need to chill a bit.
actually have u seen that “crazy guitar” guy with the rubber hands on utube?
also that fleetwood mac guy is pretty handy, can any of u play “never going back again”
sorry, “stairway” makes me cringe every time.

121 ed's not here 12.04.07 at 10:50 pm

Too right.
Isnt “stairway” banned in most guitar shops
Good comment on the death of the guitar solo, even metallica have succumbed to the trend with the st. anger album.
And look how shit that was…

122 Bassan 12.05.07 at 1:16 pm

The most patetic list ever seen
Not enough Petrucci, Vai, Satch, what about Zakk Wylde?
Under a glass moon, 98??? what tha hell? for me it’s in the first 10 places.
Man, ok, page, hendrix, awesome, in their era, but their solos werent the greatest. Make a new list please

123 stripes 12.05.07 at 10:47 pm

I think that everyone needs to respect everyone elses right to have an opinion. i personally dont agree with about half of this list, but i am not going to bash other people cause they like metal and i dont, or there guitar god is Buckethead, while mine is Jimi. Its retarded. Its all about what fills your sails man… Those metal guys got mad telent, but they dont appease the whole room. and really to find out who is the “greatest” player,  impossible. Everyone who ever picked up a guitar, to play, had an image of their favorite artist, and tried to emulate it. Not so successfully sometimes, but thats still the vision. All im saying, is everyone has their different tastes, therfore different views. My favorite guitar solo song is “Ball and a Biscuit”. Why? stoned, headphones, comfy couch…it sets you free…period. Other Notable mentions in my book “Pick Me Up” by Dinosaur Jr., not too complex, but its 2 and 1/2 minutes long, and hella wicked. War Pigs is definitley another superb solo. Ron Asheton did some crazy work with The Stooges back in the day. Pink Floyd, Hendrix, SRV, Clapton, Zep,these guys are staples to any list with the words “greatest” and “rock”. i know i got a little off track here, but i just wanted to make a quick statement. Just a few of my favorites…i hope nobody bashes my little list.

124 Rafael Brom 12.05.07 at 10:59 pm

We should not forget also group YES

125 ClearEar 12.06.07 at 9:52 am

…still have not heard a solo as impressive as Jimi’s ‘Machine Gun’, or too many as good as his “scat” solo towards the end of ‘Who Knows’ from the same gig for that matter. Strange, for an album considered one of the great “Guitar” albums, those solo’s get short shrift.

126 ROCKER 12.08.07 at 7:57 pm

U dont evan have sweet child of mine. that should be in the top ten

127 ClearEar 12.10.07 at 1:52 pm

.. Somewhere up the line I read that Jimi’s ‘Voodoo Chile (slight return)’ should be replaced by Stevie Ray’s. As much as I love SRV (and a better guitarist you will be hard pressed to find), it’s obvious that his homage to Hendrix is just him imitating Hendrix. And I don’t mean that maliciously. It’s harder to create than re-create. By the way, listen to Jimi’s version and at around 4:20 and he plays what I think is the greatest short riff ever. Stevie sort of fumbles it, and even Jimi couldn’t quite get it again. Anybody know what part I’m talking about?

128 Matryx 12.11.07 at 8:38 am

Ummm… ROCKER… They do have Sweet Child O’ Mine, it’s number 37. Get some glasses or just get away from the computer for a while. It helps.

And for this list thing, it needs to have the solo from Iron Man on it because that solo kicks total ass, and for the Metallica songs, they should replace the solo from Fade to Black with Enter Sandman because that was voted Kirk’s best solo. God! These people are f@$^ing dumb.

129 stripes 12.13.07 at 12:14 am

Hey Clear ear,

130 stripes 12.13.07 at 12:18 am

Hey Clear Ear,

I just Re-listened to VooDoo Child…The whole 4:20 note…pretty sweet. Check out a song called Piss And Vinegar by Against Me!, you might like the opening riffs. Has anybody ever heard Jack White play live? He might surprise you if you are not a believer…

131 stripes 12.13.07 at 12:19 am

Also, check out The Greenhornes…pretty classic sounding stuff, from a newer band.

132 stripes 12.13.07 at 12:28 am

Eds not here,

Ball and a Biscuit- The White Stripes
Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground- The White Stripes

Not to complex, but still pretty good solos from a newer band.

133 "The Truth Shall Set you Free" 12.13.07 at 8:41 pm

This list is completely f$%&ed up. You people who say that “Stairway to Heaven” is the greatest solo ever must not know music. It is a very good solo, probably deserving to be on the list somewhere, but not the best. To all those people who think that Hendrix was the greatest guitarist ever: Take a general music class. Plain and simple. He is a good songwriter and musician, but not a good soloist. All his solos are complsed of feedback, and if you really listen to them without the feedback, they suck. Metal is the same thing. All feedback might make for a good song, but not talent. Any retard can be taught to play a piano, but that dosent mean that he will be the next Beethoven. These lists composed are very SUBJECTIVE, not OBJECTIVE. People who think that Led Zeppelin and Hendrix are the greatest of all time must not actually know music, for they are not the best musicians, but they are popular and thats all that matters when you play music. I would have no problem with the list being named “the most entertaining solos of all time according to ____”, but not simply the greatest.
Also, The Beatles should be given more credit for being the greatest entertainers, pioneers of music, and songwriters of all time. They were so popular that they had to stop touring for their own saftey. They pioneered many recording techniques still used today, inclluding the “dirty guitar” sound featured in “Revolution”, for that is what paved the way for the metal music sound. I know that they were not the most musically talented, but when it comes to overall music making, then they are the best.

134 SAWGOD 12.16.07 at 6:04 am

Skip this whole list! Ther is only one guitar solo to remember! EVH’s Eruption! That guitar solo changed the face of rock forever. So many guitarist took Eddie’s style and used it. EVH in my eyes, is the best of all time. Not because of his hammer on and pull off technique, or his whammy tricks, or speed, but because he was bold enough to throw it into the faces of rock fans forever. Even today, when a teenager here’s Eruption for the first time, he is captivated by it, and plays it over and over. EVH is the most copied, and mimiked guitar player in the world, even today.

Thanks Eddie!

135 Way Cool Jr. 12.16.07 at 6:12 am

Sawgod is right! EVH is awsome! Even today, he does things with his music that puts me into a zombified trance. Just when you think, what could he posibly do next? He blows your mind with some wicked ass riff, and breaks into a bad ass solo that makes you want to pick up a guitar and hammer away! Good job Sawgod!

I TOO THANK EVH, U R AWSOME!

136 John Sinclare 12.16.07 at 10:10 am

People here in this blog say they know about music, but they aren’t talking about who’s the best guitar players, they are talking about their sentimental favorites, well if that was the Olympic games it wouldn’t get the job done.
I heard that Jordan Rivers new Album is comming out in ealier 2008,the talk is it’s the best guitar album ever recorded on rock – blues guitar.
It much better than his first album,how do I know a friend of mine works at the studio that recorded him.
This comming album will shock the music world.
His last album was made in a home studio only , and he was comming back after a 5 year lay off from careing for a hurt wife in a horrible car accident.
Now he’s breathing down the neck off the world with fire in him.
Lets see the world hold him off now.
So anyways folks he’s not going away, he’s gotton better.
John Sinclare the 3rd

137 John Sinclare 12.16.07 at 10:12 am

Also John Mayer is looking a lot better than his top 50 ranking, I have Mayer to be one of the top 3 best in the world now.ahead of Clapton

138 Matthew H. 12.16.07 at 6:25 pm

Where the frig is ram jams- Black betty? that solo definantly deserves to be in the list!

139 LegendOfRock 12.23.07 at 5:10 pm

Where the hell are Hallowed Be Thy Name, Dazed and Confused, and the one at the end of Sweet Emotion? Some of the crap that makes it over those is appalling!

140 little timmy 12.29.07 at 3:56 pm

whers dragonforce

141 Metal militia 01.07.08 at 6:21 pm

Weres “Ride the Lightning”? that song has a wicked solo not to mention all the other deserving metallica songs that had unbeliveable solos. i know that most of these songs are from the 80s but weres Avenged Sevenfold? they have some amazeing solos.

142 Wombat 01.10.08 at 9:43 am

Anybody who says John Mayer is a great guitarist is tone deaf. Plus his singing sucks. And he hits on young girls.

143 Domer 01.11.08 at 12:02 am

Stairway to Heaven is the greatest ever made but i disagree that it has the best solo. wheres “This Love” by Pantera (Dimebag Darrell) its also a disgrace that guns and roses is above Metallica, slash is just an icon and Kirk Hammett is the greatest guitar player to ever live.

144 Thom 01.13.08 at 4:15 pm

lines in the sand and another day by dream theater
blood brothers by iron maiden

145 Rudolf Schenker 01.14.08 at 7:04 am

And Where The Heck is Rock You Like A Hurricane from Scorpions-huh what a jerky chart we have here

146 Red 01.21.08 at 8:43 am

Yes, the list is flawed, but it is not horrible as so many dimwits before me have said. Almost all the solos on that list are really great, amazing solos. Just because they’re popular doesn’t somehow magically make them less good. I do agree that there are some amazing solos in the past 10 years that were neglected as well as some classic blues tracks that were snubbed but some of you people make me sick.

147 James 01.22.08 at 12:08 am

Too much 60s-70s and metal. Frankly, old blues/jazz/country/50s rock solos were generally way better than classic rock solos – possessed of actual melodic content related to the song, coherent structure, and, most of all and especially the bluesmen, the ability to move with the rhythm. Check out some Hank Williams, Link Wray, or Otis Rush to hear what I mean.

Half the soloists on this page don’t even listen to their rhythm sections, just peel off a buncha useless notes. Zeppelin has plenty of great riffs, but Page is a perfect example of the classic rock jerkoff soloist.

As for actual good classic rock solos (other than Hendrix), can’t believe Sympathy For the Devil, 8 Miles High, and I Put a Spell on You were nowhere to be found.

Also, to the guy dissing Hendrix for relying on feedback – holy crap are you clueless. You probably think Hendrix was a ‘black guy playing white music’.

148 Voice of Reason 01.24.08 at 2:20 am

Ok guys not to offend anyone, 95% of the guys posting in on this topic does not know his arse from a hole in the ground. If you want guitar talent, talk G3. Every year the greatest guitarists are assembled on the G3 tour and you can check it out easily enough on Youtube. To name a few: Paul Gilbert, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen etc. Or at least talk old school heavy metal like Nitro, Fates Warning or modern progressive rock. But don’t, please don’t talk white stripes, priest, hendrix, clapton, stevie ray vaughn etc. On skill those guys barely make the cut. To emphasize: Go to youtube, search clapton and look at a solo from him. Then you search Ynwie Malmsteen and and view his G3 solos. Nuff said

149 BizzieG 01.26.08 at 8:07 am

Eddie Van Halen is THE best guitarist in the world!! f- hendrix! i got all hendrix stuff and its garbage! theres no tone its just noise and besides he wrote none of his own songs! all of hendrixes songs were covers!! he is NOT the best guitarist in the world! and i think any1 who says he is siriusly needs to listen to some halen,zeplin, dragonforce! why arnt dragonforce on hear! there unbeliveabley amazin guitarist herman li and sam totman!!

150 bashnagul blues 01.27.08 at 10:34 am

ok im 44,from ohigho an there is one legend that realy can burn up a solo thats neil young out of the blue an into the black..peace allways bkm.

151 BASH 01.27.08 at 10:41 am

S.R.V. S.R.V.S.R.V.S.R.V.S.R.VS.R.V.S.R.V.S.R.V.S.R.V.

152 Ace 01.29.08 at 7:05 pm

I think this list is fine. I mean not by any means perfect but i mean really guys. I dont even know why people get on here and make these everyone has their own opinion and nobody is ever right. as soon as he kicks one song of for one of your guyses songs guess who pops in a guy wondering where the hell is that song. and then rights harsh things on here for no reason let the guy have his opinion. Thats basically what these are for anyway

153 Voice of reason 01.30.08 at 12:50 am

Ace, brilliant comment. Though I do not agree with you with regard to the list, I really feel bashing the list has no place here.

BizzieG: Van Halen is brilliant, and he is one of the most influential guitarists of all time. To drive home my point: go to myspace.com and visit as much guitar virtuoso’s as you can. (eg Petrucci, Vai, Satriani, Malmsteen, Batio, Phillipov, Hess Iseda, Gibson etc) and check what they list as their influences. Basically all of them list Van Halen as an inspiration. And besides, anyone who can play Eruption deserves my respect

154 Johnny Flame 02.05.08 at 12:40 am

I found this top 100 guitar list online, check out the names….infact check out the big boob babe.
I wonder if the Great Kat will make any of these list, I see Jordan Rivers is rated 3 in the country or world now. He’s moving up fast.
http://rockblues100greatestguitarplayers.blogspot.com/

155 salliboy 02.05.08 at 10:02 pm

Since I’ve been loving you #53? No-friggin-way AND…of all Alex Lifeson to choose: Working Man? C’mon…these are no-brainers. No Johnny Marr? C’mon.

156 Voice of reason 02.05.08 at 11:54 pm

Johny Flame:

The Great Kat..I was wondering when I was going to hear that name. Without question she is the greatest female guitarist ever. She was listed as one of the 10 fastest shredders of all time (google it!!!) list among names like petrucci, batio, malmsteen and paul gilbert. Not bad.

157 sam 02.12.08 at 9:49 am

these lists are never gunna please anyone really.
same as the RS top guitarists…that made me feel sick

at the end of the day it all boils down to personal taste or the style of music u listen to…thats always going to have a biased factor…..

ive read comments about malmsteen , dragonforce,etc. …personally i think they fuckin suck……VERY talented players… but (personal opinion) cheesy shredding and fret wankin dont make a top solo.

and someones comment about how these are all “popular solos” instead of “good solos”….why do you think theyre popular….

“no good solos from the last 10 years?” there are great solos from the past decade…… but why the f would anyone mention white stripes…cmon, seriously.

158 rhys hone 02.16.08 at 2:23 pm

Jimi Hendrix is still the best but led zep are just the best band. with there new album out ‘mothership’ more people will probably start to like em.Free bird is good tho. im gutted that ‘Thin Lizzy’ aint there with ‘whiskey in a jar’ because its a great song and solo and i think it should be up there in the 50’s or so.

Well thats all i have to say l8r

159 rhys hone 02.16.08 at 2:26 pm

and where the hell is ‘Dragonforce’ there just full on solo’s ‘Through The Fire And The Flames’ that is a cracking solo listen to it people who make the list

they will blow you away

160 Jeff 03.03.08 at 11:51 pm

Fuck Malmsteen and the shred heads of the 80’s to today like Buckethead…..it really is tedious mindless shit. If you want to hear shred, jazz is where it’s at, e.g. Bireli Lagrene would make those assholes look like plucking idiots! Hendrix does rule and EVH can’t hold his jockstrap but I love him anyway. EVH and Eruption, please…if you want to hear great tapping listen to Stanley Jordan. What the hell is wrong with Zep’s Stairway at #1?? Sad to say but most Alt rock and Indie guitarist suck and John Mayer is overrated but good, however, he can’t carry a tune. My T-Bone Walker and Allman Brother’s CD’s sound better every day!…and thats the memo

161 NewGeneration 03.08.08 at 12:48 pm

Ok, this might be a great list. But it isn’t not up to date at all.
Some recent solo’s from young bands could easily get into the top 20.
I’m talking about Dragonforce and Sonata Arctica (rhys hone allready mentioned through the fire and the flames but sonic firestorm could even make it more far, leaving Metallica behind them XD)

Too bad sucky music gets the lead the last decades.
So fuck MTV!!!
I want Maiden on my tv!

162 "Great" 03.08.08 at 11:51 pm

Greatness is 37 years of music and still recognizing Stairway to Heaven as an extraordinary accomplishment. Everyone talks about these amazing artists from the past 5 to 10 years, but when it comes right down to it, how many will be remembered 20 and 30 years from now? That’s what makes most of the songs in this list the “Greatest”.

163 sideshow45 04.02.08 at 6:48 pm

umm
While I’m well aware that there are some solos missing from the list, and also that there are some issues with the order, there are 2 things that I think need to be pointed out:
A) According to the Guitar World website, this list was compiled in 1998 and published in the September 1998 issue. this means that no, there isn’t any Dragonforce, and no there isn’t any Buckethead or Jordan Rivers either. See, even Guitar World can’t see all the way into the future to see who the obscenely awesome guitarists are going to be in 10 years.

B) the list was a poll of readers. That means that readers sent in post cards or whatever with their top 10 solos on it or something. It also means that popular songs are going to make it on. Purely by statistics, if it’s a good solo, and more people have heard it, it’s more likely to get voted for. I don’t think there’s anybody who has commented on this list who can’t find 10 solos they like in the list.

Also, a solo is not made by sheer technical ability. The reason Stairway to Heaven is such a good solo (and song) is that every note is meaningful. All the crappy 80s rock guitarists don’t really count as soloing. All they do is play the fastest they can and hope it works. That’s why “Smells like Teen Spirit” beats out any AC/DC songs; every note on the Nevermind recording of the solo for “Smells” is meaningful. That, by the way, is why I completely agree with BB King’s inclusion in the list (even though he isn’t really classic rock).

And, since this IS a blog post, and I feel obligated to piss people off, DBT are talentless hacks. Their live shows are basically a guy taking a dump on a guitar while everybody else pretends to be artistic.

164 shahmeen 04.03.08 at 9:50 am

wellllll..looking at all the comments and reading all of’em one thing i got clear is that nobody is really happy about this list…but those furious comment makers have to understand that ppl are different from each other and they have different ideas and favs..well without trying to become the big guy here i would give my opinion..my fav guitarist is jimmy page…no doubt he is one of the most influential guitarists ever lived….talking abt the list i will have to say that the one who madde this list has got it wrong from the very begining….stairway to heaven sure is the greatest classic rock song ever made but it doesnt have the best guitar solo….my number 1 is “no quarter” madison square garden version…that was so great….try to play it but u may hurt ur self…for me thts the best..but i wud have to admitt dat jimi hendrix is the greatest of all time..but this list would have been much cooler with some iron maiden stuff and judas priest….songs like two minuites to midnight have great solos but no mention….more zakk wylde stuff too should be added…and how can any1 forget buckethead??.no mention…so strange…he may not be the greatest of all time but deserve some places in the all time list…in my point of view woody has made some good points to think about…..MY FAV GUITARIST LIST….
1.jimmy page.
2.jimi hendrix.
3.yngwie malmsteen.
4.joe satriani.
5.tony lommi.
and names like kirk hammet,zakk wylde,eric clapton,dave murray,dave mustain,angus young should not ber forgotten………they all are major rajor six string mother fuckers….lol..just an opinion…

165 None 04.10.08 at 12:56 pm

Avenged Sevenfold sucks balls.

166 wiggy 04.13.08 at 4:03 am

No offence but cinnamon girl isn’t even neils best guitar work on that album let alone his carreer of genius music Maybe sumone needs to actually listen to albums instead of ignoring 9 songs out of 10

167 Paul 04.13.08 at 9:53 pm

I am very suprised that Mr. Scary didn’t make the list at all. George is a very talented guitar player, also One and No More Tears should have been top 5. Also if I remember ccorrectly, Page got one of the worst solos of all time with Heartbreaker. (Sorrry to say as I am a huge Zep fan) Vai should also be in there with The Audience is listening, #2 behind Stairway.

168 Asher 04.15.08 at 11:14 pm

My god this list is horrible, whats with all the kirk hammet? sure i like metallica, but theres no complexity in the solos, nor with jimmy page, wheres all the steve vai, whers all the prog? theres like ONE Dream theater solo, theres NO A.C.T solos (If you havent heard them you shud buy the album Last Epic, cross between steely dan queen and dream theater). I dont see any steve lukather, i dont see any steely dan, guitar world are idiots. putting kirk hammet over steve vai or lukather, or his fucking teacher joe satriani…

169 john 04.17.08 at 4:52 pm

Where the hell is jordan by buckethead or through the fire and flames by dragonforce. …and justice for all by metallica?

170 John 04.17.08 at 4:54 pm

Needs more rush like “yyz” or “2112″

171 Alex 04.18.08 at 9:59 pm

c

172 Alex 04.18.08 at 10:00 pm

First: Dragonforce are not worth making it in the list, because they can’t even play this thing you call through the fire and flammes live and there is no emotion, fealing in these song (Dragonforce album sound the same from first note to last)

Second: Jordan have good solo, it is truth, but, It was created only for guitar hero 2 and not in the original version of the song

Third: Stairway to heaven is a good song and the solo IS great because of the fealing and the emotion putted in it, Jimmy page Is a great guitarist (see on mothership dvd)

Fourth: for all those who said kirk hammett is not great didn’t listen to fade to black, blackened,dyers eve, ride the lightning, shortest straw just to name a few ones

Fifth: Speed is not the only thing you need in a guitar solo. When you ear a solo that make you feel alive or put you in an other state of mind then the solo is great. Every solo can be great but in a different way, IT is only a personal perception and opinion.There is more than thousands groups worth making it in the list and thousand and thousand of songs with guitar solo…there is only 100 places in the list so it is normal that not every bands are in…(Maiden is the biggest one missing in my opinion)

sixth: Jimi Hendrix is not the fastest or the more technical player ever …BUT he is great and everyone who know music a least a little should agree on that. By the time he lived, no one played guitar like him: he changed the world of music and that is why (in part) he is considered great. Many of the great guitarist of today would have never touched a guitar the same way if Jimi didn’t existed.

seventh:since the first time I have saw this list, I started listening to all the solo on it and there is no doubt every one of them is great in a way or an other and they are all (exept few exeptions)worth mentions. Each Guitarist should not be compared: I like as much Billy gibbons and Zakk wylde, even if they Have completly differents styles

Last : In the end the is not greatest guitarist/song/solo/album etc… It is all a question of taste

Personal favorites Guitarist:
Randy Rhoads
Zakk wylde
Kirk Hammet
Smith/Murray
Eric johnson
Matt Bellamy
Billy gibbons
David gilmoure
Jimmy page
Jimi Hendrix

ps: I think people should be more open minded in front of musical style and artist, I Love metallica but I still enjoy more classic stuff….

173 Jay 05.16.08 at 1:52 pm

I agree any list is subjective. Anyone ever hear of Roy Buchanan…a true guitar virtuoso who can make you cry with his blues; Mick Box of Uriah Heep check out Salisbury. Albert, Freddie, or BB King???

174 Charles Cohen 05.31.08 at 7:19 am

Paco de Lucia’s solo in Mediterranean Sundance still astonishes me every time I hear it.

175 bucketheadfreak1 06.15.08 at 4:38 pm

wow everyone just be quiet, there have only been a few guitar players in the past ten years that have been worth anything buckethead, oh wait make that 1, ACDC didnt deserve any spot on the list because angus young had no talent, his brother was a far better player he just didnt rock out as hard, there should have been a little more variety but honestly if people think someone who can stomp on a whammy pedal and play pentatoonic is a good guitar player(jack white) then they are idiots, i bet most of you know nothing about guitar playing. You guys make me sick

176 gangsta 06.17.08 at 10:23 pm

ok, i have lots of complaints and things wrong with this list. first of all, freebird is by no means worthy of number three. its just long and fast. thats all. so many people are complaining about that theres no dragonforce.thats because dragonforce isn’t worthy of this list. they’ve probably only heard one song by them and thats through the fire and the flames and they only heard it cause it’s on guitar hero 3. and master of puppets has a better solo than one. one is fast,thats all. master of puppets is more melodic, its actually got something too it. speed isn’t everything like people think it it is. there’s more important stuff like melody and having it flow together.mr. crowley is a better solo than crazy train by far. but randy rhoads has pumped out better solos than either of those two. theres no avenged sevenfold or children of bodom on this list. i’m still tryin to figure that out. theres this person who posted a comment named alex. they know what they’re talking about with how they’re saying that speed isn’t nearly as important as other stuff.there are plenty of solos that should be on here insted of stuff like smells like teen spirit and bulls on parade. for example,seize the day, afterlife,lost,those are all by avenged sevenfold.lip gloss and black by atreyu.that ones amazing.goodbye to romance, and flying high again by ozzy when he had randy rhoads as his guitarist.there’s so many on this list that should be replaced by songs with better solos. i dont know why in bloom is on this list.even at number 65. i think whoever made it was looking for a place holder or something. cliffs of dover shouldn’t be as high as it is and for the love of god by steve vai should be higher up than it is.

177 samuel smith 07.03.08 at 7:50 am

When I think of a great guitar solo on a pop record I go back to the years 1959 and 1960 and listen to two songs: Wilbert Harrison’s “Kansas City” and Jimmy Jones’s “Handy Man”. Wish I knew the names of the two guitarists who soloed on these tunes. I have never been overwhelmed by Zep’s “Stairway To Heaven” since I know that Randy California of Spirit devised the melody. A battle between Page and California would have been interesting.

178 aaa 07.03.08 at 7:23 pm

this cant be, what the hell… there is smashing pumpkins better than beat it and in a betterr position than eric clapton with cocaine this cant be you need to fix it

179 Billy 07.04.08 at 1:48 pm

wat? guys, u gottra see, why will there be white stipes in this list? they barely do any solos, u have to listen to the solos, the heavy metal era is gone with the best guitarists, the solos still speak to us, the guitarists made solos that speak to them and thats wat counts.

the new age of music solo wise sucks, how wold they ever make this list?

180 Shredder 07.06.08 at 7:52 pm

WHAT THE HELL

NO BCKETHEAD AT ALL

181 ben 07.07.08 at 6:02 pm

wheres mikko lindstrom from HIM

182 TAAAAAAANK 07.08.08 at 11:06 pm

to start off please stop mentioning dragonforce. they speed up their recorded music and that can be backed by any live videos of them playing. either they slow down or they sound like theyre messing up in guitar hero.

secondly, their are two Avenged Sevenfold solos that deserve to be in here. 1 being Afterlife and 2 being sidewinder. this list is living in a time period where half the solos are just choppy 16th notes in a pentatonic scale. lets try to live in the present, please?

183 samfox42 07.09.08 at 4:49 am

what the hell is this??you call this 100 GREATEST GUITAR SOLOS!!where the fuck are the IRON MAIDEN, GLASGOW KISS, HADES, AC/DC…??come’on…this is bull shit!!this is 100 GREATEST ROCK’S ASSES…Novembe rain is6.UNDER A GLASS MOON is98..Eruption is2..surfing with the alliens is30….this really sucks…who is the fuckin author of this list?????

184 chris 07.29.08 at 7:44 pm

Yeah, they should add threat signal- counterbalance onto that. That solo is BEAST! check it OUT! & There isn’t ANYTHING from the last 10 years! They should add some. As for what’s up there though, it is a pretty good list I can’t lie. Also they should add some more dream theater onto that, cuz they got good ass solos left and right.

185 alexander anderson. 08.01.08 at 12:08 am

ok, all the people in the forum, are complaining cause there bands didnt got place high in the list, so what? most of this people think that a solo needs to be fast, loud, and anoying to be good, well guess something no! all this metal fans, say everything sucks, just because there horrible bands didnt got place. bands, the only thing they did was make fast anoying solos, for being fast doesnt means its good, i thing this list is perfect, it puts the most famous, the most well known, and the msot good solos ever. end of the story. and have you people seen music during the last 10 years? well it sucks ass!!!!

186 Jeffery Thomas 3rd 08.02.08 at 11:03 pm

Oh man, ever hear of GW Williams, 2 songs rank me baby.He is new on the music scene but man can he play.
I ‘ll list those 2 songs below.
A.)Electric Son Rise
B.)Beyond The Clouds

I researched his website at -

GW Williams Rock,Blues Guitar Blog

anyways keep up the good work here, I’ll tell my friends you have an AAAAAA+++++ website.

C ya Jeffery Thomas 3rd

187 Wayne 08.03.08 at 1:24 am

first off, the reason that kurt cobain has so many mentions up there is because he played a different kind of guitar solo.. can you remember any band before nirvana that played guitar solos like that?? probably not, i’m not saying that kurt cobain is a great guitar player, but he did make a different type of guitar solo..

188 buyvinlys 08.05.08 at 8:38 am

I really must say that is very astounding lists. Some of them I haven’t heard but many are my TOP bests, From Val Halen to Sublime, Pink Floyd..I mean I would on and on, they are simply awesome musicians. But never came across this ranking for all genre of music. But I believe they are tops.

189 u guys r dickheads 08.05.08 at 9:57 am

u guys r dickheads.i like g3 and respect there skill but u dickheads that say hendrix is shit then fuck you. if it wasnt for jimi most of these guys like malmsteen wouldnt be around.evh is also good as he influenced people as did chuck berry. these guys deserve to be on the list. all along the watchtower even today sounds amazing. you can feel every note. micheal angelo should be on the list but he doesnt deserve to be above the likes of hendrix, page,evh,slash because these guys really feel the music and have skill aswell they arent shit if you actually watch any of them live youll see what i mean. These lists will never be perfect so just live with it you twats.

190 Sally 08.06.08 at 3:48 pm

What is this?

I see Rock Blues guitar player,GW Williams name is everywhere.
Really? It’s everywhere,whats up with that?

His name is in press releases,on blogs,forums,on radio and in the news.
He’s selling on Amazon.com and itunes and on Sony records I think.
My question is where did this guitar freak come from?

What makes him one of the greatest top 10 guitar players ever,since he’s only been selling music for 8 months about?
What about Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan?
Instead all I hear about is GW Williams.
I must admit he has several songs that could top the charts, like – Beyond The Clouds and Electric Son Rise and I guess his gospel song, On Easter Morning ,gots the hots in the church world also.
But I rather hear about the old guitar stars.

It’s just I think to be a guitar superstar you need to be around a few years first.
Understand I am not trying to knock the guy, but Gezzzzzz, he’s all over the Internet and everywhere I look these days?

Thanks Sally Frenchbrae
If you don’t know what I am talking about check the link below for your self and do some research !!

P.S. Here’s GW Williams rock, blues Guitar site. – GW Williams Rock,Blues Guitar

191 steve 08.09.08 at 2:47 am

Jimi Hendrix is a god and all but All Along the Watchtower isn’t even close to being his greatest solo and there are plenty of solos ranked lower that I think are better, technically and musically. And Eruption shouldn’t be that high. It is a pretty amazing solo technically, but it is just a bunch of notes strung together and played at a million miles an hour. It is hard and awesome but sounds so boring after a while, you can’t move with it or anything because it has no real “feel” if you know what I mean.

A lot of metal solos aren’t on here because they are just shredding which is totally understandable, i discovered shredding and literally, 2 days later I was playing very very fast solos but got no satisfaction what so ever because of the lack of “feel”.

Angus Young never really had long and mindblisteringly fast solo but hey, they are very dynamic and sound great andthats because they are crafted well. You shook me all night long, Hihway to Hell etc.

192 jasper 08.31.08 at 11:58 am

slayer angel of death is the greatest solo out there

193 josh 09.04.08 at 2:03 pm

going back to the 10 years. i happen to know a whole lot of guitar solos were made. just cuz they are new doesnt make them bad, as has been said. back when slash was new in GNR, doesnt mean he sucks. jsut cuz some band isnt a hair band, or an 80’s, cross dressing, hard rock legend that u know all about, doesnt mean they dont get their props. my biggest problem is the fact that metallica is ranked so low, other than one. try listening to some new ones, like the song jordan by buckethead. crazy ass solo.

194 me 11.04.08 at 7:23 am

OH MY GOD smells like teen spirt b4 mr crowley….some one doesnt know what there talking about

195 guitar 12.01.08 at 6:05 am

actually the guitar solo on little red corvette is played by Dez Deckerson and not by prince.

196 marco guzman 01.08.09 at 3:30 pm

I think that eddie van halen and kirk hamment are the best guitar players because they are so fast with they fingers

197 giancarlo 01.28.09 at 9:54 pm

the incantory notes at the start of ‘man in a shed’ by nick drake sing out to my soul and say more than a thousand notes torn off in pentatonic strips (be they all played in under ten seconds or not)

198 Chad 03.14.09 at 7:22 am

Smells Like Teen Spirit doesn’t have a guitar solo. The guitarist plays the vocal melody.

The End doesn’t have a guitar solo either. It has rhythm guitar accompanying a drum solo.

Three Days, however, has a 3+ minute solo, and, in my opinion, deserves a much higher rank than 100 / 100.

199 Shub Shub 04.04.09 at 9:31 am

Accually Chad Smells Like teen Spirit does have a solo to it
BTw Where the hell is synyster gates!?? HE IS AWESOME!
Avenged Sevenfold has to be on here.

200 REx 05.18.09 at 8:38 am

WHY THE HELL ISNT SYNYSTER GATES ON THAT LIST. have you heard ANY of their songs. Especailly second heartbeat. THis list is a DISGRACE

201 REx 05.18.09 at 8:40 am

whoever made this list is an idiot
waht about SLIPKNOT
SYNYSTER
or any of the others

DUMMIES for lack of a bertter word

202 Alan Wallace 05.19.09 at 4:27 pm

Being an old timer I’ve seen live Hendrix, Clapton, Peter Green, George Harrison, Taj Mahal, The Stones, Cream, Pink Floyd and many others in the 60’s and 70’s. You can’t ever say what are the best 100 Guitar Solos. You can say what are your favourite may be. I have been lucky to have lived through an age of guitar music that I doubt we will see again.
I have just found a young girl here in the UK. She is just finishing her degree at University and then, I think, heading for the good time. Have a look at her on youtube. Her version of Stormy Monday has had over 50,000 hits and this is a kid who has never been promoted.
She is called Chantel McGregor and you cam see her here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBp53TdYvQI

203 Random Poster 06.21.09 at 5:15 pm

If Iron Maiden its not in this list, you can take for granted that its fake.

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