Choosing the Big 4 of Guitar Solos

Choosing the Big 4 of guitar solos? Provocative is one word for the task. Thankless is another.

The Ubiquity of Guitar Solos in Rock Music

As we know, most rock songs worth their salt feature a guitar solo. This means there are hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions, of solos out there. At the elite level, there are countless candidates. Making a list and checking it? Exponentially challenging. You could conjure up dozens of four-packs, each containing different songs, and still be correct in your selections.

Criteria for Greatness

What makes a guitar solo great? Musicianship and technique, certainly. But there’s also a discernible attitude—a personality that shines through in the choice of notes and dynamics, making it feel like it could only come from that player.

When all these components align perfectly, the solo elevates the song, often surpassing its melody and hooks. The best solos are as memorable as the songs themselves; you can hum them just as easily and air-guitar them note-for-note with fervor.

Selection Criteria

• No instrumentals: This is a separate category—perhaps a future Big 4?
• No live versions: We focused on studio recordings, where the solos were part of the compositional process. Sorry, “Free Bird.”
• Length doesn’t dictate quality: While great solos should have enough time to express themselves, what truly matters is the impact of what’s played, not how long it lasts.

The Final Selections

After careful consideration and a bit of reckless abandon, we present our Big 4 guitar solos:

“Johnny B. Goode,” Chuck Berry (1958)

Danny Cedrone laid the groundwork for the rock ‘n’ roll guitar solo with Bill Haley & the Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock,” but Chuck Berry elevated it on his first platinum single, “Johnny B. Goode.” His guitar, a Gibson ES-350T, rings like a bell, and the 30-second solo is built around a riff that recurs throughout the song. Berry’s influence is undeniable; just ask Keith Richards.

“Voodoo Child (Slight Return),” Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968)

Choosing just one Jimi Hendrix solo is a monumental task, but “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” from Electric Ladyland is a standout. The song opens with a barrage of licks before Hendrix even begins singing. Recorded during a jam session, the song’s improvisational nature showcases Hendrix’s six-string acrobatics, cementing its place in guitar history. Its seeming randomness enhances its impact, making it a must-listen.

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” The Beatles with Eric Clapton (1968)

During the recording of The Beatles (The White Album), George Harrison invited Eric Clapton to contribute a guest solo to “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Clapton’s guitar work—a 1957 cherry red Gibson Les Paul—takes the track to new heights with two emotionally charged solos. His careful phrasing complements Harrison’s melody, resulting in one of Clapton’s finest performances.

“Stairway to Heaven,” Led Zeppelin (1971)

There’s a reason guitar shops prohibit playing “Stairway to Heaven”—everyone wants to try it out. The epic track showcases a majestic evolution from gentle acoustic passages to powerful electric riffs. Jimmy Page’s carefully crafted 59-second solo is a pinnacle of performance, culminating in a furious flurry of notes that propel the song forward. It’s a classic that continues to resonate with guitarists and listeners alike.

Conclusion

Choosing the Big 4 guitar solos is a subjective yet exhilarating endeavor. Each selection represents not just technical skill but also a unique expression of artistry that has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. While there are countless other solos worthy of mention, these four stand out as timeless examples of what makes guitar solos great.

FAQs

What defines a great guitar solo?

A great guitar solo is characterized by a combination of musicianship, originality, emotional expression, and the ability to enhance the song it belongs to.

Why were only studio versions chosen?

Studio versions were selected to focus on the compositional integrity of the solos, as live performances often diverge significantly from the original recordings.

Can other solos be considered for a future Big 4?

Absolutely! The world of guitar solos is vast and varied, and many other solos could easily contend for a spot in a future list.

What impact have these solos had on guitarists?

These solos have inspired countless guitarists and have become fundamental touchstones in rock music, influencing both technique and songwriting styles across generations.