Alter Bridge: Blackbird Tops Best Guitar Solos Poll

Mike Myers’s protestations of "Stairway? Denied" from the 1991 comedy Wayne’s World may well be rearing their heads again across internet forums in the coming days, with the surprise revelation that Alter Bridge’s Blackbird has topped Guitarist magazine’s best solos poll.

The poll, which took nominations from readers, ranked the guitar work of Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy above works by the likes of Slash, Dave Gilmour and Jimmy Page.

The full list is as follows:

01. Alter Bridge - Blackbird (Mark Tremonti/Myles Kennedy)
02. Van Halen - Eruption (Eddie Van Halen)
03. Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine (Slash)
04. Guns N’ Roses - November Rain (Slash)
05. Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb (David Gilmour)
06. Dream Theater - Hollow Years (John Petrucci, Live At Budokan)
07. Dream Theater - Under A Glass Moon (John Petrucci)
08. Led Zeppelin - Stairway To Heaven (Jimmy Page)
09. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird (Gary Rossington/Allen Collins)
10. Megadeth - Tornado Of Souls (Marty Friedman)
11. Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
12. Steve Vai - For the Love Of God
13. Jimi Hendrix - All Along The Watchtower
14. The Eagles - Hotel California (Joe Walsh/Don Felder)
15. Dire Straits - Sultans Of Swing (Mark Knopfler)
16. Led Zeppelin - Since I’ve Been Loving You (Jimmy Page)
17. Gary Moore - Still Got The Blues
18. Michael Jackson - Beat It (Eddie Van Halen)
19. Manic Street Preachers - Motorcycle Emptiness (James Dean Bradfield)
20. Jethro Tull - Aqualung (Martin Barre)

According to RockAAA.com, it’s a status that Kennedy is not entirely comfortable with: "Thank you! Really honoured to have even been included among such iconic solos. A little uncomfortable with the idea that it was voted the ‘best’. I don’t necessarily agree that our solo deserves that title – at least my half. It was an immense honour to be nominated in this poll. Looking at the other listed nominees it seemed absolutely impossible to win. We definitely feel unworthy and want to thank our die-hard fan base for voting!"

The duo unanimously agreed that their favourite solo was Dave Gilmour’s Comfortably Numb, which came in at number 5.

Comments

[hawk_kst]

Full on love Myles and how humble he is, but I agree with him, I don't think the solos on Blackbird are the best ever, or even the best solos Tremonti or Myles have done...

[Gradyogle]

Lol. That's ridiculous.

[DegaDeth]

I was going to vote for it after seeing the live version of it, but decided to vote for Hollow Years instead

[Lion_Slicer]

Huh? I've never heard that song. I don't even know anyone who likes Antler Bridge. Aren't they just Creed with a somewhat less torturous vocalist?

[JFRules]

lol its a good song but best solo haha insane

[Mr_Cbone93]

Lion_Slicer wrote:

Huh? I've never heard that song. I don't even know anyone who likes Antler Bridge. Aren't they just Creed with a somewhat less torturous vocalist?

You should gie them a try. Theyre quite a bit better than creed and i liked creed. I don't know about it being the best solo but it makes me happy to see them get some recognition

[MyUserName777]

Lion_Slicer wrote:

Huh? I've never heard that song. I don't even know anyone who likes Antler Bridge. Aren't they just Creed with a somewhat less torturous vocalist?

MUCH better than Creed, don't even put the two in the same category. Look up Ties that Bind, Slip to the Void, Isolation, Fallout, White Knuckles, and Metalingus for some good Alter Bridge song.

Glad Tornado of Souls got some recognition on the poll

[smack_tallica]

Halo by Machine Head deserves to be up there, easily has the best solo of the last decade or so...the little section after the solo with just the guitars playing still gives me chills

[theotherguy7145]

Slash certainly deserves to be on the list, but these The Nov Rain and Sweet Child solos are getting a bit tiresome on me now.
There's a video on Youtube of Used To Love Her, being played live on a TV show ages ago. THAT is my favourite solo from Slash.

[Minkaro]

It's actually quite a good list. Decent mix of classic rock/shred/metal on there.

Obviously there's solos that I'd take off and put on, but it's a good attempt.

[Ghefly]

Hahaha, I love UG members. When a list is posted with all the obvious songs, everybody goes "ugh, this is all the same!", but as soon as it's different everyone goes "that's rubbish, xxx is much better, and a classic!".

Typical!

[shockdoctor92]

Lion_Slicer wrote:

Huh? I've never heard that song. I don't even know anyone who likes Antler Bridge. Aren't they just Creed with a somewhat less torturous vocalist?

creed's musicians on steroids with an amazing vocalist is a better way to put it. the band is so much more complex and talented now that they dont have stapp holding them back

[shreducator]

That's a little bit bombastic, don't ya think?

[tyler_j]

I'm okay with this.

[RDSElite]

Very interesting this. Music is evolving, good.

[Death-Speak]

smack_tallica :
Halo by Machine Head deserves to be up there, easily has the best solo of the last decade or so...the little section after the solo with just the guitars playing still gives me chills

This. Or any of a number of Machine Heads solos. But yeah, Halo. Awesome song.

[dhruvrajvanshi]

why the hell is eruption up there?

[iammclovin]

Hollow Years Live At Budokan for sure belongs on this list. Absolutely phenomenal.

[talbot02]

finally they get some credit they deserve!!!!

[Eurasian_C]

Lion_Slicer wrote:

Huh? I've never heard that song. I don't even know anyone who likes Antler Bridge. Aren't they just Creed with a somewhat less torturous vocalist?

Am I the only one who noticed Antler Bridge?

[ChucklesMginty]

Why.

[brockjordan]

the blackbird solo isnt even that good

[Powerpro]

Even Mark and Myles would say that Comfortably numb is way better than the Blackbird solo. Also,
interseting that it won in that not too many people actually bought the BB record.

[GodzillaDeth]

haha ive never seen john petrucci or marty friedman on a solos list with stairway to heaven on it.
cool.

[zoso2306]

the solos arent even that good....

[bokma]

Not a bad list I guess minus blackbird being on top of Comfortably Numb and For the Love of God...

However the Top Solos list will never complete without BTBAM's Selkies.
IMHO

[Joe-Floyd-lover]

* Jumps up on stage and pushes Myles back.*

"I'ma let u finish, but Comfortably Numb was one of the best solos of ALL TIME

>_>

[mishax92]

WTF is hollow years doing up there? Under a Glass Moon definitely deserves to be up there, but Hollow Years is arsewater of the most filthy kind.

[guitarist41]

Never heard it.

Alter Bridge aren't my cup of tea. Probably beacause of the singer's voice.

Where's the solo to Green Day's 'American Idiot'?

[KingSquall802]

Looking at the other listed nominees it seemed absolutely impossible to win.

enough said.

They should make a list of top solos from modern bands from year 2000 and above. So all of us can have a fresh list. Coz these classic solos from Slash, EVH, Jimmy Page, Pink Floyd, Hendrix, SRV, Vai, etc. are untouchable.

[shikkaka]

...

[Guitar-Jones]

great band, great album, great solos. best ever? eh..I guess they deserve to have some recognition for a while. But I agree with every1 who says we need a fresh list instead of comparing everything to classics...

[Ljk825]

Never heard this Alter Bridge song...I will have to look it up.

I am surprise/happy that Hollow Years is up there. Notice how it says "live at Budokan"? This is THE version, not the studio version. Go check it.

[Tone Deaf]

Cause it's a damn good solo.

[Nattack_TGD]

I agree with the poll!
Kudos to everyone who voted for having a taste in decent solos.
It's more than the technical skill, it's the feel & the emotion the whole piece puts across & Myles' first part is amazingly soulful. He plays guitar likes he sings, with his heart on his sleeve.
Then Mark comes in & is like *shreds* & then my heart breaks.
Amazing song.

[strat-741]

Aqualung last????!!!

[alexmasucci55]

mishax92 wrote:

WTF is hollow years doing up there? Under a Glass Moon definitely deserves to be up there, but Hollow Years is arsewater of the most filthy kind.

The Hollow Years solo is possibly my favorite solo ever... I'd be really surprised if you watched it and thought it was anything close to bad.

Hollow Years on Live at Budokan is so great (and so much better than the studio recording); I feel like that's a song almost anyone can appreciate live.

[KingSquall802]

Lion_Slicer wrote:

Huh? I've never heard that song. I don't even know anyone who likes Antler Bridge. Aren't they just Creed with a somewhat less torturous vocalist?

Who the hell is Antler Bridge??? And you got so many replies dude.

[Campion95]

Good list its just in the wrong order

[metalmaniac90]

I wouldn't rank it above Sweet Child O' Mine... However, it is a very heart-felt solo and has always deserved an honor of some sort.

[TheBassment]

There's obviously a whole shit ton of teenage Alter Bridge fans subscribed to Guitarist Magazine.

[run_likehell]

KingSquall802 :
Looking at the other listed nominees it seemed absolutely impossible to win.


enough said.

They should make a list of top solos from modern bands from year 2000 and above. So all of us can have a fresh list. Coz these classic solos from Slash, EVH, Jimmy Page, Pink Floyd, Hendrix, SRV, Vai, etc. are untouchable.

Totally agree, these lists are fairly predictable at this point.

[Kenjisan231]

The only songs most people have heard by Alter Bridge are Rise Today and Watch over You off their last album.

When I listened to Blackbird a couple years ago its what got me into the band, its a really good solo highlighting both Myles and Marks guitar playing (Myles plays the first Mark plays the second).

I'm not saying a solo has to have emotion to be good, but the song is emotional and the solos complement it really well, and they are distinguished I think if you havn't heard of them and are open, look them up.

I hate 'best of lists' because there never is really a best anything in my opinion,, the term is so relative to the viewer its pointless, however I think its a great solo and a great song.

[MarkSlayer2009]

Another list of the most popular, well known, commercially successful guitar solos...
Anyway, glad to see Mr Gary Moore getting the recognition he deserves, albeit posthumously.

[SkepsisMetal]

Surprised there's no Metallica up there. I'm glad there isn't...but just saying, everyone usually votes for them when it comes to a poll.
Glad to see AB getting some good recognition finally. Massively underrated band, and anyone who knows Tremonti just thinks of him as another shredder, whereas he's actually an incredible guitarist across the board, songwriter and singer.

[dmiwshicldply]

Jimi hendrix doesn't appear until number 11, eric clapton and stevie ray vaughn are completely missing. So is duane allman who directly inspired practically every slide guitarist since the second half of the 20th century. Without these guys chances are mark tremonti never plays electric guitar, and Im a fan of him but i've yet to see him do anything ground breaking enough to be number one. Make the list? Sure! But not at number one

[Powerpro]

Joe-Floyd-lover wrote:

* Jumps up on stage and pushes Myles back.*

"I'ma let u finish, but Comfortably Numb was one of the best solos of ALL TIME

>_>

HAHAHAHA, love it

[greensmith999]

Totally agree they should make a 2000's list.
To stop us having the same list and making amazing solo's become boring to see.

[hardrocker64]

a poll? wonder how many actual voters there were. im surprised but whatever, that dude can jam. not my fav however.

[khujo1023]

This is.... unfortunate news.

[GodzillaDeth]

wow that solo is actually cool

[metal15head]

smack_tallica wrote:

Halo by Machine Head deserves to be up there, easily has the best solo of the last decade or so...the little section after the solo with just the guitars playing still gives me chills

for sure, i love that solo and that entire song. hell, that entire cd has some pretty good solos all over. easily one of the best, if not the best, metal albums to have come out in the past decade or so, but thats just my opinion

[Brandon1993]

THIS IS FUCKING RIDICULOUS HOW COULD IT BE BETTER THAN: ERUPTION, STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN, AQUALUNG, HOTEL CALIFORNIA, AND COMFORTABLY NUMB!

[goddamncanadian]

Floods anyone?

[MonsterOfRock]

*cough* Blasphemy *cough*

[Brandon1993]

AND WHERE ARE CLAPTON, SRV, AND BLACK SABBATH!

[Brandon1993]

AND PANTERA!!!!!

[Lion_Slicer]

Huh that IS a great solo, and that song is pretty rad. I have it good and stuck in my head now, which isn't really a bad thing. I'll definitely have to dig into them a bit more... They get points just for not sounding anything like Creed, who I've hated my entire life.

Also, I don't want to dwell on who should have made the list, but I just wanted to say: SELKIES.

Lastly... Holy crap how my fingers have betrayed me. I snorted my lunch out at work when I saw that typo. Antler Bridge... wish I were better at photoshop...

[Josherz]

How about any Stevie ray Vaughn solo. They are better than half the solo's on that list. What a joke.Agualung?,Beat it?. How about paul gilbert, or yngwie, or Metallica. Suprised Paramore or Jonas brothers are not on the list.

[Todd Hart]

I'm listening to the solo, and it's, to be frank, mediocre at best. It just a regurgitation of the chorus' vocals for the most part.

[mattiwillohouse]

I think the thing people need to remember is that this poll is 100%, purely a matter of opinion. Therefore a lot of people obviously rate Blackbird, and that's cool.

Personally, Hotel California has my favourite solo, closely followed by Another Brick in the Wall.

Chill out guys, it's just people's opinion

[Brandon1993]

^Yeah but the Solo sucks!

[Muck27]

Kenjisan231 wrote:

I'm not saying a solo has to have emotion to be good, but the song is emotional and the solos complement it really well, and they are distinguished I think if you havn't heard of them and are open, look them up.

I'll say it for you.. Solo's need emotion to be good. Running up and down a scale faster than the human ear can comprehend (such as batio) isnt even close to good for me. That entire top 5 (maybe even top 10 but im so sick of stairway) are full of raw emotion/soul. Great list IMO. As much as i like tremonti (especially that solo in particular, mood swings from myles to mark is amazing), maybe that should be in a different order. Alas, im glad to see them get some recognition. More importantly im glad its not the same "#1 stairway, #2 Insert jimi hendrix solo here" style list.

[sg4ever]

dmiwshicldply wrote:

Jimi hendrix doesn't appear until number 11, eric clapton and stevie ray vaughn are completely missing. So is duane allman who directly inspired practically every slide guitarist since the second half of the 20th century. Without these guys chances are mark tremonti never plays electric guitar, and Im a fan of him but i've yet to see him do anything ground breaking enough to be number one. Make the list? Sure! But not at number one

Good thing he is humble enough to agree.

[TheResults]

Just listened to blackbird studio and live... not impressed. Good guitar work for sure but... best solo, thats a snowballs chance between your teenage moms legs

[TheResults]

OH AANNNDDDDD, no artist should be allowed on twice, thats BS. Pick one and get over it

[scd2010]

I also just checked blackbird out not that impressed. not a bad solo just does not belong any where near a best solo list imo.

[boknoykatok]

hey kids. stop being posers! make your own lists and stop whining. its just another ****ing list! wtf is wrong with the world?

[Vinushka]

On a side note: All Paul Gilbert solos were excluded since the poll only included human players.

[TripleN666]

Sure its a nice solo, but no way it should be first. And why is The Sleep by Pantera not on the list.

[Holoogamooga]

As much as I love me some AB - Myles is my favorite musician - I don't think Blackbird is THAT good. Oh well. Good to know they're being acknowledged. I don't know a single other person here who even knows the name.

[theogonia777]

lol at everyone who takes these lists seriously and gets upset that their favorite guitarist doesn't get on the list because they aren't super mainstream.

[Zell182]

Alter Bridge are one of those strange generic as hell bands that everybody seems to protest aren't generic as hell. Weird.

[JFRules]

#1 should be Mr Crowley

[Brandon1993]

I'm actually amazed that there are no Nirvana fans wondering why Smells Like Teen Spirit isn't on here.

[mantiz]

glad to see Tornado of Souls on the list.. that song got me into metal in the first place.

[Minivirus2]

MyUserName777 wrote:
Glad Tornado of Souls got some recognition on the poll

+1 Love the solo in Tornado of Souls and I've always loved the final Lucretia solo a ton which I think deserves more credit than it's ever gotten.

The only thing that really needs to be said in retaliation to this poll is: "La Villa Strangiato?"

[EVHtremontiSRV]

guitarist41 wrote:

Never heard it.

Alter Bridge aren't my cup of tea. Probably beacause of the singer's voice.

Where's the solo to Green Day's 'American Idiot'?

Really?

[Kylianvb]

Hmm, I don't really remember a solo in the Beatles' Blackb-....

WAIT A MINUTE.

[iheartgun]

im just happy there is something remotely new on that list. how many times do we have to hear sweet child of mine, november rain, ERUPTION, voodoo chile? its the same stuff over and over and over again.granted they are all great songs, but isnt it time for some new guitar greats?
mark has been a beastly guitarist for years! to me its about dang time he gets some more recognition.

[cooljew]

i always thought sultans of swing had some great picking, but hey i'm old school

[drmrfzl]

Zell182 wrote:

Alter Bridge are one of those strange generic as hell bands that everybody seems to protest aren't generic as hell. Weird.

It's not so much that they have a totally unique style or are defining a new genre, I think it's more that they just have a very high level of musicianship. Sure, they're pretty much playing mainstream rock music, but they are playing at a skill level that's much higher than the average rock band you hear these days. They don't rely on power chords throughout each and every song, Mark and Myles are actually PLAYING their instruments, which on one hand, is sad that that's so unusual, but in this day and age it's rare for a mainstream rock band. They're a major step in the right direction.

[mysticguitar77]

Pretty random choice at the top, you have all the same ones that are one every other list and then Alter Bridge...

Lists mean nothing anyway, it's just another opinion or interpretation of something that is pretty meaningless and that most people take way to seriously ^^^^^ as you can see from most of these comments above.

[DarkValo666]

I think the one in Open Your Eyes is better, but awesome that Alter Bridge wins!

[CLib]

I'm glad megadeth got some recognition, but why is there no metallica on this list?

[gnomegod]

Vinushka wrote:

On a side note: All Paul Gilbert solos were excluded since the poll only included human players.

I was thinking the same thing. lol. He's his own list of which gilbert song has the best solo? and you have to pick between his lead solos and his rhythms lol

[Zeppelin Addict]

i cant see how we can still have these polls that are so vast and general in this day and age... as someone said above, the classics are untouchable when it comes to solos, and i could see these lists coming about when the guitar solo was gaining popularity.. but todays music? there are just too many styles... technically andres segovia could be included for his instrumental work.. the same for andy mckee.. wheres robert johnson and les paul for what they did way back when guitar started becoming a lead instrument? metal bands like nevermore, dream theatre, symphony x are rarely on these lists even though some of their solos are absolutely mind blowing.. i could go on..
i guess what im getting at is the solo ultimately has to be an extension of the song and comparing solo against solo across multiple time periods and styles seems irrelevant because of how music has branched out and progressed... blackbird might be the best hard rock solo of the 2000's but i wouldnt put it at the top of too many other lists..

[CLib]

ZAKK WYLDE?!?!

[Korzack]

theotherguy7145 wrote:

Slash certainly deserves to be on the list, but these The Nov Rain and Sweet Child solos are getting a bit tiresome on me now.
There's a video on Youtube of Used To Love Her, being played live on a TV show ages ago. THAT is my favourite solo from Slash.

Don't Damn Me was always my favourite of his, bizarrely.
Also, it's odd, never even heard of this song - ah well, at least it's free PR for Alter Bridge, if nowt else.

[Raider76]

Thats rediculous.. it will be a cold day in hell when the guitar plyer from creed is better than the great Edward Van Halen

[strat0blaster]

I can play Devil's advocate here - I agree with it in a modern sense. Comparing stuff from thirty years ago to stuff from now is a little skewed, but Blackbird had a beautifully arranged solo that was passionate and tasteful, and spoke just as much as the rest of the song.

I love when players like that get recognition - Kennedy, Cantrell and the like. Personally I prefer a bluesy well versed solo, but that's just IMO.

[Jasonbts]

Eurasian_C wrote:

Lion_Slicer wrote:

Huh? I've never heard that song. I don't even know anyone who likes Antler Bridge. Aren't they just Creed with a somewhat less torturous vocalist?

Am I the only one who noticed Antler Bridge?

No, I caught that one too

[vinnym86]

Clearly, we are headed for 2012's worst case scenario.

[Kenjisan231]

Muck27 wrote:

Kenjisan231 wrote:

I'm not saying a solo has to have emotion to be good, but the song is emotional and the solos complement it really well, and they are distinguished I think if you havn't heard of them and are open, look them up.



I'll say it for you.. Solo's need emotion to be good. Running up and down a scale faster than the human ear can comprehend (such as batio) isnt even close to good for me. That entire top 5 (maybe even top 10 but im so sick of stairway) are full of raw emotion/soul. Great list IMO. As much as i like tremonti (especially that solo in particular, mood swings from myles to mark is amazing), maybe that should be in a different order. Alas, im glad to see them get some recognition. More importantly im glad its not the same "#1 stairway, #2 Insert jimi hendrix solo here" style list.

I was going to say that Myles has more 'emotional solos' but what people consider emotional is different. Anyway I like Alter Bridge for the fact that you can count on Myles for that powerful build up, and Mark usually plays the faster parts.

This is not to say Mark is better or Myles is better, they are both extremely talented in their own right. I suppose im just trying to say they complement each other well.

[mysticguitar77]

Raider76 wrote:

Thats rediculous.. it will be a cold day in hell when the guitar plyer from creed is better than the great Edward Van Halen

I think it's safe to say Creed is not Tremonti's best guitar work. He's mostly considered one of the greatest modern day guitarists for his work in Alter Bridge as being a creative and unique player comparable to a lot of the classic guitar players like EVH.

[gigerigi]

TripleN666 wrote:

Sure its a nice solo, but no way it should be first. And why is The Sleep by Pantera not on the list.

Agreed. The Sleep solo is awsome!

[scarfacesuit]

Out of this list, it deserves a spot closer to the top.

[vans1170]

sure

[me_llamo_juan]

Just went to listen to this song because I've never heard it before. The solo didn't really do it for me... it was good, can't deny that, but I wouldn't call it the best.

[Todd Hart]

Zell182 wrote:

Alter Bridge are one of those strange generic as hell bands that everybody seems to protest aren't generic as hell. Weird.

Amen. I know I'll get ripped apart for this, but whenever I listen to them...they remind me of Nickelback...

[pap58cp]

Avenged Sevenfold MIA

[Skullivan]

KingSquall802 wrote:

Looking at the other listed nominees it seemed absolutely impossible to win.


enough said.

They should make a list of top solos from modern bands from year 2000 and above. So all of us can have a fresh list. Coz these classic solos from Slash, EVH, Jimmy Page, Pink Floyd, Hendrix, SRV, Vai, etc. are untouchable.

Can't touch this! *doo doo doo doo..doo doo..doo doo* HAMMER TIME!

[BillyMays4Pres]

VERY solid list. i'm actually pretty impressed. as far as the order goes, I'm sure we could all collectively agree on some changes. glad to see tornado of souls, still got the blues, and nov. rain on there =)

[CSUTremonti777]

See I LOVE Alter Bridge...favorite band ever. But I gotta disagree with the poll and agree with Myles. It's by far the two greatest Alter Bridge solos...but greatest of all time? Come on now. I'm an AB fan and I'm annoyed by AB fanboys lol

[Smokey Amp]

Yah, there is no solo better than Comfortably Numb. Never will be.

[RockInPeaceDime]

lmao last week UG posted a list of the best metal songs that almost purely consisted of the generic classic metal bands. that article got bombarded by people whining because the list paid no attention to modern metal. so now, we get a list that actually pays some respect to what is a quality solo and a magnificent song that will absolutely go down in history...and more bitching. it's impossible to please people.

*stops reading UG comments*

[Johnnybizzoy]

Aside from this being super stupid, obviously nobody has heard a good solo besides hotel california.

[Holoogamooga]

I'll agree that AB really are "generic as hell" as far as song structure and general sound go, but as was said, it's the fact that each individual is so much better than most generic rock bands. Listening to Myles explain how he wrote his half of the Blackbird solo (on tremonti's instructional DVD) was inspiring because of all the theory he put behind it, whereas I remember an article here about MCR years ago where the guitarist said, "Yeah, that solo was done in seventeen segments and spliced together." It's the fact that these guys know exactly what they're doing and can pull it off that makes them good.

Then consider that on their most recent album Mark and Myles share lead guitar and lead vocals roles.

I'm generally into prog rock (Transatlantic, Spock's Beard), but I still thoroughly enjoy AB. Their generic song structure is seriously my only complaint about the band.

[slaveskinJACKET]

I think this means one of two things:

1)This poll was posted to some kind of Alter Bridge fan site,

2) People have a short memory,

or

3) Both.

[marcorock101]

Lion_Slicer wrote:

Huh? I've never heard that song. I don't even know anyone who likes Antler Bridge. Aren't they just Creed with a somewhat less torturous vocalist?

Well man, get out of your house. AB is insanely good and way better than Creed was. Tremonti learned how to play and how to play good. I'm a huge fan of AB. For me to say it was better than Stairway to Heaven, maybe not. But it is an incredible solo to be in the top 10 easy, worldwide.

[Randomrings]

Out of all the Dream Theater solos there are... Hollow Years?

[Abacus11]

Seriously? These polls are usually ridiculous so I don't know why this even surprises me.

Do people actually listen to this band and/or think that this guy is anything better than an average guitar player?

So stupid.

[Kreuger]

I couldn't vote in this, there's too many amazing songs/bands. But absolutely love Alter Bridge so it's nice to see them get some recognition

[Monkeylover]

I love Alter Bridge. Mark Tremonti is the best guitarist in the world, ever! I've seen them live and they totally rock. They definitely deserve this award and I was amongst those who voted for them. Keep up the good work guys!

[m0o]

guitarist41 wrote:

Never heard it.

Alter Bridge aren't my cup of tea. Probably beacause of the singer's voice.

Where's the solo to Green Day's 'American Idiot'?

you're kidding right?

[whiskychaser]

Who is Alter Bridge?

[Mainer]

Tremonti is my all time favorite guitarist of all time, but I dunno. but best solo of all time? Thats a tough one

[floydrose09]

metal15head wrote:

smack_tallica wrote:

Halo by Machine Head deserves to be up there, easily has the best solo of the last decade or so...the little section after the solo with just the guitars playing still gives me chillsfor sure, i love that solo and that entire song. hell, that entire cd has some pretty good solos all over. easily one of the best, if not the best, metal albums to have come out in the past decade or so, but thats just my opinion

Now these guys know what's up hell yeah Halo!

[YorkieBar147]

hey i ADORE blackbird but nobody will ever be able to agree on this topic

[KrossPoison]

You can never say who's solo truly is the best, it's all down to personal opinion. Everyone on the list deserves a number 1. This is insane though, I'm glad Mark and Myles have gotten the recognition, they're musical geniuses!

[Jasoncow]

A7X sidewinder solo lol or seize the day

[Monkeylover]

All you guys who are saying that they don't deserve the award, go away and listen to some Alter Bridge songs. If you want to hear a great guitar solo then listen to "Open your eyes". Then come back and let us know what you think.

[FallenSaint]

Randomrings wrote:

Out of all the Dream Theater solos there are... Hollow Years?

If you heard the version from that live dvd/cd, you can see why. It's a pretty remarkable solo...should of been on the album.

[K!!LsWiTcH]

best solo? just listened its definitely good, melodic and memorable but others on the list beat it and a few missing from this. dont particularly dig dream theater i feel like they wank but idk the songs up there. Glad tornado is up there cause for a thrash song, the solo is probably one of the best there is in metal entirely. main problem with these lists is that mostly they dont ever change

[James116]

I'll agree that AB really are "generic as hell" as far as song structure and general sound go, but as was said, it's the fact that each individual is so much better than most generic rock bands. Listening to Myles explain how he wrote his half of the Blackbird solo (on tremonti's instructional DVD) was inspiring because of all the theory he put behind it, whereas I remember an article here about MCR years ago where the guitarist said, "Yeah, that solo was done in seventeen segments and spliced together." It's the fact that these guys know exactly what they're doing and can pull it off that makes them good.

I'll agree that thats one of the best bits on Tremonti's(awesome) DVD, and to give credit the entire song is filled with fantastic guitar work. Not flashy, mind. But fantastic all the same.
Off Topic: I'm pretty sure that MCR interview was discussing Welcome to The Black Parade solo, where he said it was *layered* multiple times...you know, Brian May style, not spliced together..just sayin :P

[niel9802]

I know it's not an amazingly huge list, but I'm very pleased to see Marty Friedman's solo on "Tornado of Souls" finally getting public recognition.

[Chase2457]

Where the Fuck is "Mr. Crowley?" (Randy Rhoads)

[Sean Duffy]

This is good to see, because judging by the people I know, Alter Bridge are really under appreciated and underrated, I only know a few people who have even heard them. I saw them last year, and it was a really great performance, really fun gig and they have some fantastic songs, long live Alter Bridge!

[rockstaralex24]

I have to agree... we need a classic list and a modern list. The classics will always be the classics, but there are some solo's nowadays that have everything needed to be a great solo, that rarely get recognised.

You need a seperate list for Alter Bridge, Machine Head, Avenged Sevenfold, Black Label Society, Tool, Lamb of God, Sixx AM, and the likes.

P.S. I prefer AB's Brand New Start solo but Blackbird is still gorgeous

P.P.S. I am not an Alter Bridge fanboy, i've been into them much longer than the current craze. I'm also wickid annoyed by all the people who are on the bandwagon and only know the radio hits.

[feyenoordgvv]

blackbird hasnt got the best solo, but its an amazing song and alter bridge is a really awesome band. if you dont know them you should give them a try!!

[Seven16]

Finally they get some recognition they deserve! The blackbird solo is really one of the greatest solos I've ever heard. It's not your generic, amazingly fast, "look at me I can shred and play like yngwie malmsteen" solo. The reason it's so good is because of the feeling that goes behind it. I mean I love John Petrucci, Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert and all those amazing guitarists who can play really fast and also put a lot of feeling into their songs and solos, but this solo I think has some of the most emotion I've ever felt in a solo before. The song itself is incredible too. Yes Eddie Van Halen is great, Jimi Hendrix was good, Jimmy Page did some awesome things too, and the list just keeps going. But their solos don't capture the same feeling that this one does. But of course, when it comes down to it...it's all about personal taste and opinion. And this is just mine.

[MRoby]

I love Alter Bridge, but this is just rediculous lol

[Photograph]

Yes! It is an amazing solo! Not sure if best though, but definitely a very very amazing solo.

[Porkshorts]

What are half of you talking about? Halo is just shred, nothing more. Anyone can do that.

[mrfinkle213]

Wow.
Just listened to this song/solo.
Beforehand, my impression of Alter Bridge was Creed - Scott Stapp.
Now

FUUUUU

[darkl64]

Just listened, it's a cool solo, but I wouldn't say it's that memorable. I think Back In Black is a great solo that's always overlooked because of THAT riff, but that's just me...

[Abacus11]

Sean Duffy wrote:

This is good to see, because judging by the people I know, Alter Bridge are really under appreciated and underrated.

What?!?! It's the exact opposite. There are thousands of bands that sound just like them that will never go any further than playing local bars.

[GasPipe]

Mark Knopfler! Woo!

[MRoby]

GasPipe wrote:

Mark Knopfler! Woo!

I know, right?!

[BrandonBeaux]

Suck that biznatches! Go AB

[BwareDWare94]

I can't find anything by Antler Bridge on Youtube.

Damn.

[SmittyMan90]

I just cant see how this beat out Pink Floyd, the Eagles or dream Theater.

[Tsunami3000]

no paul gilbert?

**flips table**

[moose1512]

afterlife - avenged sevenfold?
you might hate the band, but its a heck of a solo

[Jasoncow]

Abacus11 wrote:
Sean Duffy wrote:

This is good to see, because judging by the people I know, Alter Bridge are really under appreciated and underrated.

What?!?! It's the exact opposite. There are thousands of bands that sound just like them that will never go any further than playing local bars.

Not saying they are the best, but the solo from Open you Eyes by them is in my opinion way better than a local bar playing band could do.

[gorkyporky]

Hell, i for one agree, its an amazing song, and the solo is wonderfull.

[ProgJazzMath]

Yeah right... I just went and listened to that song. It's a great solo, but in no way does it rival Comfortably Numb, For The Love of God and ESPECIALLY Eruption. Wasn't very impressive either, although it did have a high emotion factor, the solo itself didn't leave me on the edge of my seat with the hair standing on my neck as did the rest of these solos.

I also respect the members feeling of being unworthy.

[COBHC145]

Some group definitely trolled this poll

[blitzbeast]

Porcupine Tree Where we would be?
Or is the song not rocky enough

[slashrock94]

lol dream theater

[SirWurscht]

glad there's tornado of souls on this list. best thrash solo IMO

[FlamingForce]

The only 1 I know from that list is Eruption..And that's one of the most boring, bland and ear-rupturing things I've heard in a good while.

[Tokai09]

So glad Bradders got on this!! =D

[MikeBTE]

Blackbird is amazing and I was always moved by the solo part of the song. I'm glad to see it's recognition but I think Comfortable Numb will always be my favorite solo of all time. Glad to see these list will actually change 1 day and won't stick with the same old stuff. Which you can't blame it really with a lot of the stuff out today but They don't recognize metal bands who deserve recognition.

[cnote430]

COBHC145 wrote:

Some group definitely trolled this poll

I'll say. Where's Opeth or Between the Buried and Me on here?...

[7StringPlayer]

my favorite few solos are not even on the list. Pantera - Floods and Ozzy - No More Tears. I think it's a travesty that Alterbridge is before many of the legends that are on the list. That solo is not that great. Songs on this list should be EPIC

[Cacatorak]

Guns N' Roses? 'Eruption'?

Honestly?

Glad to see Alter Bridge getting the recognition they deserve.

[7StringPlayer]

and that Maniac preacher song wouldn't make it onto my list 100,000 best solos list

[Tallguyalec]

AWESOME! Alter Bridge is such an excellent band, its nice to know they're getting some recognition!

[mach2]

No Judas Priest - Ram it Down? No respect.

[bass-man9712]

I feel Comfortably Numb was better than Blackbird but hey, these lists are subjective. Not saying Blackbird doesn't have a bad solo though

[Vinny_Barberino]

I've never even heard this song, how did this happen? Just the work of a crazed online fan base? I always say Comfortably Numb is my favorite, it closes the song so beautifully. I am gonna go listen to the song now, as winning it accomplished that I guess, as I wouldn't have otherwise.

[Vinny_Barberino]

First time listener of that song, returning with thoughts. Amazingly badass solo, the tone is incredible, I would never make it number one or anything, but that sure is Tremonti's best work. Still weird list..

[CronoMagus]

I would put Hendrix' Little Wing Solo above all the other Hendrix solo's on there.

[Kapalen]

I expect more insight from guitar magazine readers. Where's Satch or Steve Howe or Jeff Beck? I dont really mind what's up there, and if this was a list from Rolling Stone, Id be thoroughly impressed, but we're supposed to be more knowledgeable as guitar players about virtuosos and their solos.

[Chris_09]

This list FAILS!!!!! HARD

[mark3777]

I wouldn't fret over this. It's all subjective.

[ArnaudJ]

What... the ****... is that dumb-ass list ?! I mean, thoses are just generic and popular solos that are not good... It's not DG's best, not JP's best,etc. ... wtf

[John37fold]

i like alter bridge... but this list was missing a couple good solos for instance, crazy train is one of the best and most influential solos everrr, debate me, i dare ya, but i wont respond, cuz i'm too lazy

[proguit933]

If people keep citing emotion as compensation for a lack of technical skill then since I've been loving you, comfortably numb or(f.uck I hate this song) sweet child of mine should have been number 1. If alter bridge illicits any emotion from me it is apathy. Protest the hero needs to get on these lists, they have a good compromise between emotion and technical skill.

[BlizzardThrall]

I'm fine with a part of the list, fine even with the winner, but nothing from Opeth?

[Koloarie]

*Skips comments*

Cool. =)

[pointblankpb10]

..blackbird by the beatles is better

[Grisly_Darkness]

I'm happy for them. And people are right, yeah they are modern, but play on a totally separate level from most other big bands today. And the song as an entity just has a powerful tone. Yeah, its not the fastest, or most insanely technical, but I'll be damned if its not an emotionally driven song.... Unlike most power cord driven Top 40 rock songs today... Look past the technicality, and find the feel of the song. Its amazing.

This coming from someone whos been a long time fan of Creed and AB. And everything else on the list for the matter. Just give it a fighting chance people.

['Merican]

Im actually glad this is how it is. Because i was sick of seeing the same songs just in a different order on a million lists. Finally something to mix it up, ya know?

[DazedConfuzed75]

La Villa Strangiato anyone?

[.h3xagr4m.]

TheResults wrote:
ood guitar work for sure but... best solo, thats a snowballs chance between your teenage moms legs

LMFAO WHAT?

[StrangeDaze-]

Call me generic but I still think Jimi Hendrix's Machine Gun Live at fillmore is the greatest solo EVER.

[vidorsdmf]

ANY TIME EVH IS NOT #1 IS THE DAY THEY CAUGHT HIM SLEEPING

little wing needs to be up there, along with Mr. Crowley, and no more tears.

kirk hammet really needs to have an honorable mention on here.

but seriously, RR, STV, ZAKK, IOMMI, DIME, and ANGUS really should have their spots in there!!!!!

[Biginjones07]

I love how on all these polls, Eruption is always 2nd or 3rd. Gotta love Eddie ^.^

[<TsC>]

goddamncanadian wrote:

Floods anyone?

Without a doubt. Floods is one of the best solos Dimebag ever did, it may not be #1 but definitely needs to be up there

[GenerationKILL]

Wow dude, not even "One" By Metallica eh? What were the "readers" in this "readers poll" smoking to list an Alter Bridge song ahead of Van Halen.

also, one way to describe another "trolling list" on UG

BARF!

[GenerationKILL]

GUYS GUYS GUYS, IMA LET YOU FINISH BUT BEYONCES VIDEO WAS THE GREATEST VIDEO OF ALL TIME!

[SumFX]

Why can't we just have a list of 'newer' songs/guitarists?

IMHO Matt Bellamy (Muse) should be on here, he is freakin' amazing and has his own sound (something the majority of guitarists lack nowadays) tracks like The Small Print, Dead Star, Citizen Erazed, New Born, etc have really great solos.
But thats what i think, no disrespect to any of your opinions.

[mohney66]

goddamncanadian wrote:

Floods anyone?

I definitely thing Floods should have been on here. Also, has anyone heard the solo on Guns N' Roses Chinese Democracy song This I Love?

[Ibanez706]

Alter Bridge > Everybody.
There skill level is far beyond almost any musician.

[GenerationKILL]

Ibanez706 wrote:

Alter Bridge > Everybody.
There skill level is far beyond almost any musician.

whatever TROLLY MCTROLLERSON

[yaaarp]

I just listened to the solo. Obviously I'm a little biased cause I only listened to it twice, but I wouldn't even put that one on the list. I agree with most of the list (except eruption and beat it), they're great solos though I'm not sure about the best

[GenerationKILL]

I just listened to the "solo" and cannot believe it beat out "Comfortably Numb" It sounds like a bad attempt at recapturing that 'Floyd solo.

I seriously think that there was an honest mistake or that this was an april fools joke.

[ThreeFlushDump]

ANTLER BRIDGE?!?!? That is PRICELESS. LOL. LOVE Alter Bridge.

[a7xb4d]

I just listened to it for the first time and I don't think it tops Eruption, but it is pretty damn sweet. I'm thinking about learning it now.

[judo_john]

I think the Blackbird solo is amazing. I myself am a huge Alter Bridge fan. They@re my favourite band without a doubt, but honestly, I wouldn't say that Blackbird is the greatest solo EVER. It's definitely a great solo for sure, but I think there's been some mass voting for AB, just because die hard fans wanna see them get more recognition.

Honestly, don't go thinking that Alter Bridge are just Creed. It's sooooo much better. Honestly, give them a listen. People always say they don't know anyone that likes Alter Bridge, but YOU can be that person that does :O go. givem a go. Go on. go on. go an go an go an go an go an go an go an. go an.

[Most_Triumphant]

Joe-Floyd-lover wrote:

* Jumps up on stage and pushes Myles back.*

"I'ma let u finish, but Comfortably Numb was one of the best solos of ALL TIME
hahaha nice you get a cookie

>_>

[Thrace]

brockjordan wrote:

the blackbird solo isnt even that good

Blackbird solo is epic especially Myles' so nehhh.

[Wakisazhi]

10 bucks says it was a spam of votes. Other than that the list is decent, a few surprises in there (nice to see Tornado of Souls in the top 10, let alone Motorcycle Emptiness in the top 20.) Though on that note I think Motorcycle Emptiness was a bad MSP choice, its iconic yeah but the actual solos are pretty bland compared to say Archives of Pain.

[FamousA]

Allow me to give a diverse opinion. Blackbird IS the best solo according to this pole, there obviously isn't enough haters out there to vote em out when it came down to it. Anybody that knows anything about melody, techniques, rythem, soul and/or speed knows this solo is the best up there. Hands down and case closed, haters go cry to your moms, eat a can of spam and go to bed. ALTER BRIDGE FOREVER!

[miller0786]

This had to have been a mistake.....Vai and Petrucci should be on teh top of the list, as for the Blackbird solo I listened and heard nothing special at all. This is why I hate mainstream media....you never hear of the really deserving musicians winning on these. I can think of at least 20 more guitarists that are less heard of that can beat any of the other guitarists hands down....not including Vai or Petrucci mind you. Either way that poll and outcome were shit.....

[2Megadeth7]

tornado of souls kicks ass that song is very under rated

[edgeyyz]

dhruvrajvanshi wrote:

why the hell is eruption up there?

Agreed, it's irritating to listen to repeatedly. I voted for Comfortably Numb, but after listening to the Blackbird solo, I will say it's great and deserves a spot on the list. Now I just need to listen to some more of Tremonti's work with them.

[edgeyyz]

Oh, and Under a Glass Moon should be the DT one at the top. That solo kicks so much ass it's ridiculous.

[mysticguitar77]

You guys want to hear an underrated solo?

Check out Scar Symmetry's "Ghost Prototype Part 1".

One of the most technically sound solos, Per Nillson uses pretty much every guitar technique in the book for this one. Very jazzy, perfect use of sweep picking since it's not over the top or overused. Incredible speed, clarity and melody, in perfect harmony with the rest of the song... I mean it's probably one of the most perfect solos I've ever heard and underrated as hell. Also, one of Scar Symmetry's best songs altogether. Incredible group of musicians, strongely suggest you check it out on YouTube.

[WheredMyRockGo?]

Wow, I guess these guys are pretty damn big. I do think they're good just didnt realize they had enough fans overtake the others on the list. Anyway, my favorite solo would definitely be sweet child of mine. Serious power in that thing.

[rockstaralex24]

p.p.p.s I hate Eruption ...It just sounds like somebody masturbating with their guitar

[iamtim1991]

Wait, an opinion poll where a more modern, popular song won? UNHEARD OF! And where's my favorite band?? They totally deserve it more than Creeed - Stapp!! I mean really!!

[JRawls]

Everyone loves to hate a list.

[CFH-For-Life]

Porkshorts :
What are half of you talking about? Halo is just shred, nothing more. Anyone can do that

...On what ****in planet?!

Halo is EASILY One of the best songs of the decade for sure. Its a brilliant and for being a 9 minute song i can listen to it all the time every day.
I think it deserves to be on here for sure, along with something by Pantera, wtf? No Pantera? Are people ****ing drunk or high or on some kind of drug?!

[TheHawkdaddy]

Any Frank Zappa solo would wipe the floor with this list.

[liposuctionband]

how is the solo to selkies by between the buried and me not on here? easily one of the greatest ever!

[shredder3386]

slashrock94 wrote:

lol dream theater

even bigger "LOL" for a guy with the name "slashrock" insulting Dream Theater...go listen to Beautiful Dangerous and stfu

[FacelessMan]

HELL YEAH! ALTER BRIDGE FOR LIFE!

[audio475]

i agree with everything on this list except #5. id replace that with passage to Bangkok by rush. when its live its one of the best solos out there.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5FrHuRcqoA

[Tatersalad810]

Minivirus2 wrote:

MyUserName777 wrote:
Glad Tornado of Souls got some recognition on the poll

+1 Love the solo in Tornado of Souls and I've always loved the final Lucretia solo a ton which I think deserves more credit than it's ever gotten.

The only thing that really needs to be said in retaliation to this poll is: "La Villa Strangiato?"

You talking about Mustaine's solo? Cause I always thought that one along with Wake Up Dead were his best.

[audio475]

DazedConfuzed75 wrote:

La Villa Strangiato anyone?

or this

[Tatersalad810]

TheHawkdaddy wrote:

Any Frank Zappa solo would wipe the floor with this list.

HELL YES DUDE!!

What's New In Baltimore is my favorite by far. Fuckin brilliant guitar work

[WiZoRZ]

Marty Friedman deserve to be reconized.. glad they did put tornado on this, this solo is unbelivable

[WiZoRZ]

yeah, lucretia's final solo is played by mustaine, but marty's part is pure awesomeness through my ears!

[djmarklaw123]

Best solo ever in my opinion is November rain!!!!!

[Slivarito]

Vinushka wrote:

On a side note: All Paul Gilbert solos were excluded since the poll only included human players.

Well I dunno... Petrucci is a bear and he didn't make it on the list...
And Alterbridge is... not that fantastic. Solo is ok, but definitely should not be ranked above the greats like Vai, Satriani, Petrucci, Johnson, etc. It's not a bad song, it's just... not that fantastic.

[Slivarito]

He made it on the list* I mean :P

[SomebodySomeone]

Lion_Slicer wrote:

Huh? I've never heard that song. I don't even know anyone who likes Antler Bridge. Aren't they just Creed with a somewhat less torturous vocalist?

far from it. in AB Tremonti and company show their full potential which was not seen during their time with Stapp in Creed. you should give'em a try.

[SomebodySomeone]

first of all for all you saying AB sucks X was better, Tremonti's solos are amazing and i'm a diehard AB fan but there are way too many great solos out there so i take this list with a grain of salt.

and last, i'm POSITIVE the Alter Bridge Thread had something to do with AB getting ranked number 1

:p: :haha:

[WallsBledLust]

guitarist41 wrote:

Never heard it.

Alter Bridge aren't my cup of tea. Probably beacause of the singer's voice.

Where's the solo to Green Day's 'American Idiot'?

I see what you did there.

[mikeiff]

I'm a huge AB fan, and I do believe Blackbird's solo is awesome, not because of its difficulty, or technicallity, it's because it sounds really heartfelt, and really well played... Lists like these are just based on opinions. Voters thought of it as the best and it won, so what? You will still like other solos right? So stop whining about AB being generic and stuff, make a better song or album than Blackbird, and then whine all you want.

[derpdragon]

I don't understand why they even make list considering that no one will ever accept them even half way.

[Thrash.or.Die]

Alot of "extreme" metal bands are overlooked. Inbetween the riff wankery and blasts lie ozzing licks of pure emotion and feeling. Obscura has some of the greatest (albeit rather shred) solos making you feel as if your floating through the cosmos, frozen in time, yet traveling between galaxies and past stars with every note; solo in choir of spirits. The Faceless has superb lead work, with mini solo's here and there but that is what these genres are - the entire song is the instruments voicing themselves. Or take a full instrumental band like Animals as Leaders and listen to one huge metal jazz fusion solo over an entire album.

By the way, Tornado of souls has been my favorite Megadeth song since I first heard it. Definately deserves to be on this list.

[SoA_Joseph]

It's an incredibly well put together solo that really puts forth something incredible into one of today's more widely accepted music scenes. Something we need more than anything..

[SoA_Joseph]

Also double comment to say "F*ck YEAH!" at their favoring the comfortably numb solo.

[The-Social-Cyco]

Good list of solos but.... Gotta have me some "Strangle Hold" by the Nuge (Always been in my top ten). And anything by SRV...

[jimmy'sBridge]

i made a profile just so i could comment on this list

whoever made this list has some pretty lame ideas of thinking that the song blackbird could top any Zeppelin, or Floyd song for that matter, a true amazing solo gives the listener a feeling that you can't describe, a chill is the only example i can think of.

[TaStA_mY_pAsTa]

^ That's why hollow years should be on the top =P

[stepco12345]

*Checked*

[TheAbsentOne]

Under A Glass Moon is not the first Petrucci solo that would come to mind.. But whatever

[Shabütie]

Joe-Floyd-lover wrote:

* Jumps up on stage and pushes Myles back.*

"I'ma let u finish, but Comfortably Numb was one of the best solos of ALL TIME

>_>

THIS^^^


For the most win ever.


But In All seriousness... Will someone explain to me what makes this Alter Bridge solo worthy of being "The Best Guitar Solo of All Time"?

Sure, it sounds nice... Sure, it's got a pretty nifty build up. Ooh! There's a fancy accidental in the twentieth measure of the first part!

I dunno, I just think it could definitely have been made more interesting. Mark Tremonti can shred. Proven. But the really fast shred like just before 60 in my opinion could been more appealing if it was slowed down (with that same kind of rhythm of High mid low mid high mid low mid) but varied the notes up a bit, THEN shredded it.

I'm by no means saying "I could write a better solo than that" or anything ignorant like that. I just think my first impression of "The greatest solo of all time" was "Meh... Sounds like that alter bridge song I heard four years ago..." There should be more impact from it in my opinion.

[kennmi]

bokma wrote:

Not a bad list I guess minus blackbird being on top of Comfortably Numb and For the Love of God...

However the Top Solos list will never complete without BTBAM's Selkies.
IMHO

QFT!
5 years later, and that song is still pretty much my favorite song ever, and the solo still get me

[Paroxysm]

Best solo ever? No.

One of the best songs written in the last decade and of all time? Definately.

[GenerationKILL]

jimmy'sBridge wrote:

i made a profile just so i could comment on this list

whoever made this list has some pretty lame ideas of thinking that the song blackbird could top any Zeppelin, or Floyd song for that matter, a true amazing solo gives the listener a feeling that you can't describe, a chill is the only example i can think of.

I still get that feeling every time I hear the solo from "one" from Metallica. Its that solo that inspired me to learn the guitar. Its insulting that it wasn't included on the list.

[GenerationKILL]

"Manic Street Preachers" at #19...and NOT ONE Metallica song.

Who were the "readers?" In this poll? Abunch of tone deaf kids with downs syndrome?!

[Chronologo]

mach2 wrote:

No Judas Priest - Ram it Down? No respect.

Yeah, Priest have some awesome solos. Like the one that KK does on victim of changes, or the duel in The Sentinel. Tipton's Painkiller solo is just another level.

Alter Bridge are a decent band, they got some good songs but they can't beat all those classics, the poll should have been made into categories according to the different ages of rock,

[Metallidethium]

guitarist41 :
Never heard it.

Alter Bridge aren't my cup of tea. Probably beacause of the singer's voice.

Where's the solo to Green Day's 'American Idiot'?

Idc if you were dead serious, in my book you're kidding (and I love Green Day).

Anyway, I'm sorry but Comfortably Numb is the best solo of all time. The goosebumps I get from that solo are so pronounced, I could count them. I just heard this solo for the first time last night actually, and it is a good solo but not #1. Alter Bridge is a good band though and it's good to see them getting some recognition.

[metalhed420]

2 missing, dimebag for the solo in floods, and kirk hammett for one.

[Lewoozer]

Just to throw this out here:
Anyone who says "Alter Bridge isn't that great" or "They're alright" etc. is on crack and meth simultaneously. Tremonti worked his ass off to get to his level now, and Myles has shed an intense light in the vocal aspect of music from the second Mayfield Four debuted.
Those two working together is angelic. I agree, maybe not THEE best solo of all time, but jesus christ, man. 1) It's a list nonetheless giving all the musicians on it recognition.
2) It's like a combination of Fergie and Jesus.

[Lewoozer]

Paroxysm wrote:

Best solo ever? No.

One of the best songs written in the last decade and of all time? Definately.

Thankyou.

[Azunaii]

Funny how they totally avoid the issue that you can vote multiple times from the same puter/ip/account w/e. So this is just a contest in which band or song has the most feverishly clicking fanbase on the interwebz. That said, I do agree AB's Blackbird solo is the best of everz. :

[uctlaum01]

mikeiff wrote:

I'm a huge AB fan, and I do believe Blackbird's solo is awesome, not because of its difficulty, or technicallity, it's because it sounds really heartfelt, and really well played... Lists like these are just based on opinions. Voters thought of it as the best and it won, so what? You will still like other solos right? So stop whining about AB being generic and stuff, make a better song or album than Blackbird, and then whine all you want.

QFT
well said!

[maowcat]

I listened to the song after seeing the list and it's a really good song, but far from the greatest, it's actually shocking and completely random, in the last decade i could definitely see that though, guitar solos have been pretty shitty the last ten years

[chinos29046]

The fact that Tornado of Souls made the top 10 pleases me. Too many great solos to really make an agreeable list.

[sensui666]

its a pretty good list but of course this list is subjective and will change drastically from person to person as even though i like this list i dont agree with it

[Patrijz]

I really like the song and the solo... it's pure passion!

But the best solo ever...?

But finding 'the best solo' is kinda impossible to start with....

[homair]

Nice to see something different at number one for a change

[boris6491]

We really shouldn't have these lists. Not everyone is going to agree. No doubt though, Blackbird has a great solo and is an awesome composition. I hate ranking solos, rather maybe we should all agree on which solos are good and which arent so good rather than deciding which solo is the best.

[Rendz]

yeah maybe its just a little bit too big for the best guitar solos of all time, but they deserve huge recognition especially for this modern year consider with the other kind of mainstream rock band which i think that its very rare nowadays to find such a great solos and great structure of song like alterbridge, yeah.

[EpsilonJSTC]

No one gives love to Greg Ginn. But whatever, best of lists are pretty pointless anyways. Nice to see something different in a best of list though.

[SlackusMaximus]

This must be a mistake lol

[Chris_09]

JRawls wrote:

Everyone loves to hate a list.

You may be right, but common now.

[stoltobot]

was this some kind of internet meme or something? It's a nice solo and it fits the song but wtf is this? I guess the voters are all modern teenagers so they probably got taught the classic rock songs by their guitar teacher but this is what they listen to, perchance? Not a single solo from the 90s, mostly from the 70s and Blackbird at the top? Interesting.

[venom1stas]

Eruption sounds terrible to me and why is hotel california there, lol seriously that thing in there cant even be called a proper solo

[venom1stas]

btw best solo is in Iron Maiden- phantop of the opera

[venom1stas]

phantom*

[NHECOS]

Alter Bridge!!!
Really??

Too many things wrong in that list.

1 - No Stevie Ray Vaughan
2 - Since I've been Loving You should be higher
3 - No Eric Clapton

These lists are a joke.

[NHECOS]

venom1stas wrote:

btw best solo is in Iron Maiden- phantop of the opera

Certainly one of my favorites.

[KreepinDeth]

Great to see James Dean Bradfield make the list. Criminally overlooked half the time. Deserves some recognition. He really writes his solos, making them an integral part of the song rather then mindless guitar wankery

[jrcsgtpeppers]

I just listened to blackbird and it wasnt anything special. there needs to be more hendrix; ie hey joe from blues and well, that entire album, machine gun ext. buckethead, since 20 buckethead solos isnt any fun, at least add soothsayer, its not even the best, add that and nottingham lace because they are the coolest of his solos. no john frusciante? anyone ever listen to the empyrean? come on.... wheres btbam?? wtf? how can you have a list without colours? no mars volta? omar is a fantastic guitarist! no love for tosin abasi? waves of babies brings waves of semen imo.

[The_Stone_Guns]

Decent list...not sure if I'd agree with Blackbird being number 1...I would've also added Iron Man by Black Sabbath somewhere in the top ten

[haz_uk]

excellent.

[raittarian]

Well...Green Day don't make great solos but good music instead. Don't mix them up.

guitarist41 wrote:

Never heard it.

Alter Bridge aren't my cup of tea. Probably beacause of the singer's voice.

Where's the solo to Green Day's 'American Idiot'?

[daswalker]

great solo, but perfectly agree with this "The duo unanimously agreed that their favourite solo was Dave Gilmour’s Comfortably Numb, which came in at number 5."

[sparkeyjames]

While I like the solo in Blackbird (thanks youtube) I still think Gilmour's Comfortably Numb solo is better.

With that said lists like greatest solos or greatest rock songs of all time suck. Also the solo in the song Stairway to Heaven used to rank No.1 and now it's down to 8 whats up with that?

[Robbgnarly]

The poll must have been conducted in walmart or best buy!! I can think of 10 others that should be WAAAYYY haed of Tremonti. He is very talented but plays bull shit cookie cutter music. and for the record CREED SUCKS and for the rest of you ALTER BRIDGE SUCKS too!!!!

[Metallidethium]

raittarian :
Well...Green Day don't make great solos but good music instead. Don't mix them up.

Actually they do have a couple of decent solos on their first CD, 1039 Smoothed Out Slappy Hours. Just listen to The Judge's Daughter.. but nothing that should make this list, lol.

[Axeman96]

Chase2457 wrote:

Where the Fuck is "Mr. Crowley?" (Randy Rhoads)

+1 **** this list

[Mr_Cbone93]

Slivarito wrote:

Vinushka wrote:

On a side note: All Paul Gilbert solos were excluded since the poll only included human players.


Well I dunno... Petrucci is a bear and he didn't make it on the list...
And Alterbridge is... not that fantastic. Solo is ok, but definitely should not be ranked above the greats like Vai, Satriani, Petrucci, Johnson, etc. It's not a bad song, it's just... not that fantastic.

... PETRUCCI MADE IT TWICE!!!

[Parkl]

I'm quite surprised these solos beat the champ of solos, Stairway to Heaven. All the solos that are above Stairway are really revolutionary in their own might, but Altar Bridge?

I've never heard that song, but apparently this must be one of those VH1 mishaps, that if everyone chooses Welcome to the Jungle in the bottom 10 out of 10, it has enough votes to rain in the first place, because they don't count the placements of the votes.

[Greenday389]

The Blackbird solos aren't even that great. There are plenty of better solos than those!

[Cthrid]

it's hard to compete with those bands yeah they are icons.. but i love alterbridge.. i think they deserve it.. before u say anything about blackbird's solo.. have u played it? have you been listening it for a long time? if you haved.. you can understand why blackbird is in no.1 whenever i play that solo.. i pour so much emotion.. yeah i understand why some guys don't think they deserve it, cause they haven't known alterbridge that well..judging them for the first time.. c'mon people have voted it's just that there are many of us voted AB. and appreciate the talent AB has..

[MrSir4]

okay so I have not read the comments yet but I saw no metallica on there, so I am just going to guess there are a ton of fanboys b**ching about them not being there.....time to go look...

[tallica1983]

This is a joke, right?

Blackbird solo shouldnt even be considered a solo, much less the #1 all time.

How about some real, life-changing solos like Metallica's Fade To Black (which literally saved people from killing themselves) or Cemetary Gates by Pantera.

I agree with Comfortably Numb and Eruption and sweet Child, but I dont know HOW Freebird got #9!!! That should be top 3!....

The rest are "eh"...I would have a totally different list. Just saying.

[MrSir4]

MrSir4 wrote:

okay so I have not read the comments yet but I saw no metallica on there, so I am just going to guess there are a ton of fanboys b**ching about them not being there.....time to go look...

WHO CALLED IT!?

I love 'tallica but they do not have to be every list and they don't have to be NUMBER 1 on every list they are on.

Alter Bridge are very underappreciated as musicians, but I wouldn't call them the best. Just my personal opinion.

[milwaukeerocker]

oh....my.....god.... ok..... this band has been around for how long? not even 10 years? How ignorant and disrespectful of anyone that actually supports this claim. #1 solo ever? this must be an early april fools day joke. i have never played the solo, and never will, not even by accident. "i pour so much emotion when i play this solo," are you serious? please stop playing guitar, you're making the instrument less enjoyable for other players by making statements like that and supporting such obscene claims that this is even remotely close to being a #1 solo. Alterbridge, geez, gimme a break, what a joke. More like this is the #1 most ridiculous UG article of all time, that is a far more accurate statement.

[False_God]

Its not a bad solo, but I cant see it being anyway legendry down the line like many of the solos on the list.

Suprised not to see Teen Spirit there haha

[jas6nq]

'bout time Alter Bridge gets some, my favourite band and favourite solo. Good on ye readers!

[dopelope]

Fanboy says:

"Wheres my favorite band?!"

[Mr.Rodgers]

Death-Speak wrote:

smack_tallica :
Halo by Machine Head deserves to be up there, easily has the best solo of the last decade or so...the little section after the solo with just the guitars playing still gives me chills

This. Or any of a number of Machine Heads solos. But yeah, Halo. Awesome song.

Not Machine Head. They don't really push the boat out in terms of solos... plus some of them... I find myself asking are they really solos. This is from a giant MH fan, and also a giant Alter Bridge fan. I don't think they should be top but it is refreshing that the same olds aren't winning this time!

[ProgJazzMath]

This is outrageous. That solo has nothing exciting about it. It has a nice emotion factor, but it does not hold up to the rest of the solos named on this list.

[chordbreaker]

The fact that a Marty Friendman solo, especially Tornado of Souls, is on this list and a Kirk Hammett solo is not shows that you can trust this list.

[Scream-Machine]

Huge Alter Bridge fan, but comeone...Steve Fucking Vai is on the list...if one guitarplayer plays epically awesome solo's it would have been him/

[Porkshorts]

CFH-For-Life wrote:

Porkshorts :
What are half of you talking about? Halo is just shred, nothing more. Anyone can do that

...On what ****in planet?!

Halo is EASILY One of the best songs of the decade for sure. Its a brilliant and for being a 9 minute song i can listen to it all the time every day.
I think it deserves to be on here for sure, along with something by Pantera, wtf? No Pantera? Are people ****ing drunk or high or on some kind of drug?!

You can teach anyone to play fast and shred, it's not a big accomplishment. Maybe look for something not a lot of other people have been able to do, David Gilmour comes to mind. Say what you want about him, no one can touch his solos.

[cITIzens_EraZed]

Anyone else think that its a slight coincidence that Alter Bridge got best solo and Mark Tremonti is Endorsing the prizes in the advert on UG homepage.....?

(Find The Real Solo is much better)

[BigSpence]

Well...this isn't a UG list. Fans voted for the best guitar solo, and Blackbird won. I do love the song and the solo is incredible.

[BigSpence]

Abacus11 wrote:

Seriously? These polls are usually ridiculous so I don't know why this even surprises me.

Do people actually listen to this band and/or think that this guy is anything better than an average guitar player?

So stupid.

Metalhead? I think yes.

[Reevo]

Abacus11 wrote:

Seriously? These polls are usually ridiculous so I don't know why this even surprises me.

Do people actually listen to this band and/or think that this guy is anything better than an average guitar player?

So stupid.

I listen to this band, and yes i think hes much better than an average guitarist. Dont forget this isnt just about Mark, Myles is also included in that solo since its a 2-parter.

Theres a difference between absolutely shredding your fretboard and turning it into ash and making something has actually has melody, and emotion to it like Mark does in several of his solos.

I wouldnt say it should be #1, but it does deserve a spot on the list IMO. Im not too much into the older stuff, but its time that if UG makes anymore lists like this, there needs to be a pre-2000 and 2000+ list. Music isnt the same as it was back then so these lists are losing more and more meaning.

I think its insanely awesome about how humble both Mark and Myles are about it though, good on ya mate. Beer's on the house

[vomer]

I like Alter Bridge, I agreed that it is not the best solos in this poll. but if you will listen to the song, the essence of putting your guitar on the solo is not just shredding your guitar or whatever to look it good... it is how you deliver it with the song with how you feel. and I think Mark and Myles just do it perfectly with Black Bird. And I would say that they did good job.

[GeorgeNeedham]

Made an account just to say this:

Gary Moore-Empty Rooms (Live 1987)

[Dr3amcast3r]

I don't get it . . . where's the Ted Nugent - Wango Tango ?

[gpeterson133]

Just listened to the Blackbird solo. Is that really the guitarist from Creed?!? Mind = Blown!!