Top 10 Guitar Solos: '70s And '80s

The definition of metal changes every decade as musicians continually push the genre to new extremes, writes Chris Gill of Gibson.com. But several elements have remained consistent throughout the years: distorted guitar, heavy riffs, and lightning-fast solos. Some of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded can be found on metal classics from the '70s and '80s, and many of those solos were recorded using Gibson guitars.

What makes a guitar solo great? While technical precision and speed are certainly important, a good solo should also be inventive and imaginative. The solo should support the song, and the best solos are ones that are so melodically strong that you can sing them while you wail away on your air guitar.

“Whole Lotta Love”

Led Zeppelin, Led Zeppelin II [Atlantic, 1969]

Jimmy Page

Although it was released in 1969, “Whole Lotta Love” formed the foundation for hundreds of great heavy metal tunes that followed in the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond. Page’s solo at the climax of the “orgasm” section exploded with primal fury, accentuated by double stomping power chords that defined “heavy” and “metal” with a one-two punch. The entirety of Led Zeppelin’s second album is full of awe-inspiring solos, but with “Whole Lotta Love,” Page made his point loud and clear that the guitar hero for the modern age of rock had arrived.

“War Pigs”

Black Sabbath, Paranoid [Warner Bros., 1971]

Tony Iommi

Tony Iommi’s epic solo begins with a majestic symphonic line that would make Tchaikovsky proud before bursting into an impressive display of descending triplets and bluesy howls. Ozzy Osbourne’s lyrics may have painted a brutal depiction of war mongers, but Iommi’s solo made listeners feel like they were in the middle of battle, surviving an onslaught of machine-gun bullets, screaming rockets, and bomb blasts. One of Black Sabbath’s finest moments.

“Rock Bottom”

UFO, Phenomenon [Chrysalis, 1974]

Michael Schenker

This tour de force showcase of Schenker’s formidable guitar talents was the metalhead equivalent of “Freebird,” and it became the centerpiece of UFO’s live performances (captured brilliantly on Strangers in the Night). Schenker’s extended solo displays virtuoso skills that left an indelible mark on numerous Euro-centric players like Yngwie Malmsteen and Eddie Van Halen.

“Stranglehold”

Ted Nugent, Ted Nugent [Epic, 1975]

Ted Nugent

Another extended guitar solo, Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold” summoned up a barnyard full of squawks, squeals, and howls along with hypnotic melodies that make this song a sort of heavy metal “Bolero.” Nugent’s use of a Gibson Byrdland—a guitar normally associated with jazz—was certainly unorthodox, but thanks to his uncanny ability to tame feedback he used it to great advantage.

“(Don’t Fear) the Reaper”

Blue Öyster Cult, Agents of Fortune [Columbia, 1976]

Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser

Buck Dharma’s exotic solo on Blue Öyster Cult’s breakthrough hit takes the song to a dark underworld full of tension and wonder while retaining the tune’s somber, minor-key mood. Dharma’s Middle Eastern, raga-esque lines were unlike anything heard in hard rock before, but they fit perfectly.

“You Shook Me All Night Long”

AC/DC, Back in Black [Atlantic, 1980]

Angus Young

Angus Young has always insisted that his main influence was the blues, and here he shows his roots in smashing form. But instead of fiddling about in the pentatonic box, Young delivers a rich, melodic solo that you can sing along with. An AC/DC classic.

“Flying High Again”

Ozzy Osbourne, Diary of a Madman [Epic, 1981]

Randy Rhoads

Any of the solos that Randy Rhoads played during his brief time with Ozzy Osbourne could easily make the list, but “Flying High Again” fits just about everything that Rhoads was about as a player into a tidy package. You can hear Rhoads’s classical influences in the melody and his Van Halen inspiration in the tapped flourishes, but, in the end, this solo is all about Rhoads’s impeccable taste and immaculate phrasing, which few players since have matched.

“Stand Up and Shout”

Dio, Holy Diver [Warner Bros., 1983]

Vivian Campbell

The year 1983 should go down in history as the period when the new age of shred officially began, and Vivian Campbell deserves recognition for helping to kick-start this trend. No one knew who Campbell was when he joined Dio, but after they heard this blistering, thousand-notes-a-second solo they had to find out more.

“Thunder and Lightning”

Thin Lizzy, Thunder and Lightning [Warner Bros., 1983]

John Sykes

John Sykes is another shredder who completely turned the guitar world upside down with his stunning speed and tasteful technique. Like the song’s title, Sykes’ playing was loud and flashy yet mysteriously mesmerizing. Sykes later enjoyed even greater success and fame by helping craft Whitesnake’s breakthrough album, but from a guitar player’s perspective this remains one of his finest moments.

“Welcome to the Jungle”

Guns N’ Roses, Appetite for Destruction [Geffen, 1987]

Slash

By 1987, every guitarist was shredding like mad and studying exotic scales at GIT. Slash ripped across the grain with his boozy and bluesy playing on “Welcome to the Jungle,” which evoked Joe Perry’s raunchiest moments with Aerosmith. Sure, other players may have had more polished technique, but few of them could match Slash’s sweet emotion.

Five Overlooked Metal Solos You Should Know:

“Sails of Charon” Scorpions (1978)
Uli Jon Roth’s epic Euro shred masterpiece.

“Hammerhead” Pat Travers (1979)
The prototype for ’80s speed metal.

“End of the World” Gary Moore (1982)
The two-minute intro is the NWOBHM answer to Van Halen’s “Eruption.”

“Far Beyond the Sun” Yngwie Malmsteen (1984)
Still awe-inspiring — many have imitated Malmsteen, but he’s still unequaled.

“Mr. Scary” Dokken (1987)
George Lynch’s off-kilter instrumental fireworks make ’80s hair metal seem okay after all.

Thanks for the info to Gibson.com.

Comments

[Assassinate]

Where the hell are metallica or something substantially heavy? i love all these bands but we're missing the true definition of metal, the one solo, slayer, maiden, anything!

[rush4life]

Fermented Offal Discharge = Best Metal Solo

[ValoRhoads]

Once again, these articles are opinion, read them, enjoy them, but don't bitch, opinions cannot be wrong...

[IlikeMetal]

ValoRhoads wrote:

Once again, these articles are opinion, read them, enjoy them, but don't bitch, opinions cannot be wrong...

+1

these lists are lame, and just a matter of personal taste no matter how neutral you try to be.

[Comeback Kiddd]

I really like Blue Oyster Cult but i dont think they did a real "heavy metal solo"

[mac_attack10]

master of puppets anyone ? .. like come on

[sashki]

It's Chris Gill. He writes for Guitar World aswell.

[vilhelm_nielsen]

Where is Comfortably Numb?

[sowhat360]

not to mention the sweet child of mine solo is better than welcome to the jungle.

[TalonbladE]

Maiden?

[Izz]

I wouldn't say Welcome to the jungle got a very good solo. It got some real awesome riffs but the solo's ain't what doing the song what it is.
I'd be happier if they took Nightrain, Rocket Queen or something else off of Appetite.
Meeh, I love Slash so anything by him is good.

[nevermindaboutm]

I like how it says 70s or 80s then immediately starts with the 60s :P.Much better solos from Page then Whole Lotta Love and Slash's solo on welcome to the jungle doesn't have anything on Rocket Queen.

[Mr.Garreth]

Im just going to ignore this poll. My opinion though: highly inaccurate.

[One Inch Man]

WAR PIGS!!!!
Such lists are useless and no one needs them!

[TC1223]

Wasn't this article here once before?

[not_dead_enough]

Any one of Dave Mustaine's solos

[Jackolas]

I quite like this list, at least it tries to be sort of original.

Btw, I bet most of you won't have heard it (no offense).

Check out the Thunder & Lightning solo by thin lizzy.

IT'LL MELT YOUR FACE.

You don't hear many people play like that, especially today. DAYUM!

[that1l)ude]

Rock Bottom is the only one i think should be there.
I like Randy Rhoads being on the list, but i wouldn't have put flying high agian on there

Didn't you get it? They're only referring to solos recorded with or by people who are trademark Gibson users. Of course it's going to be a bit "biased."

Checked.

[Jackolas]

It's the solo at 30.

So bluesey yet so ****ing fast and awesome. Some of the best use of rhthmic displacement you will EVER hear. Peace.

[metalhead_365]

wheres eruption?

[xBassgirl123x]

always this lists are very uncorrect where sweet child o mine or eruption because even if you hear one bar of the music you can like guess it

[Jdwannabe]

Some idiot asked where the heavy is... Ozzy is Light Rock now????

[acidhammerdrums]

This is clearly just an ad for Gibson, its from Gibson's site, and all the players use Gibson guitars... so really this list means nothing.

[MXFNCK]

i agree with acidhammerdrums

[figerade]

What about Extreme?

[Stonewall X]

Another solo countdown? Why do they keep doing these?

[arondadi]

If Jackson made a top 10 guitar solos, I think we would see something tasteful!

[thejester]

whole lotta love's solo? um theres really not much there. how about heartbreaker from the same album

[jpast]

Why isn't the title best guitar solos by guitarists who use Gibson's from the 70s and 80s? Just throwing it out there.

[metallica99]

the solo in "bark at the moon" by Ozzy Osbourne definitely should be there too!

[Cobalt Blue]

they're putting up to many of these lists... techically they're not news, they're opinion.

there's a lot of solo's on here that aren't even the guitarists best solo... but glad Whole lotta love is on there and not stairway. I would have put Bark at the moon on here, it's recently become one of my favorite solo's.

[Josh-]

This list needs some megadeth, metallica, pantera, and anthrax.

[joshua029]

arondadi wrote:

If Jackson made a top 10 guitar solos, I think we would see something tasteful!

oh yeah! +1 baby...

[Dethdrummer]

If Dean did a top ten that would kick butt. Dimebag, Mustaine, and more. ,'m'

[SomeMetalLover]

its impossible to make list about these things,, top 10 albums, solo's , guitarist ... its just impossible

[matalliam]

i know a lot of people are not going to like what i say but i dont care:

im sick of slash and jimmy page always being in these types of articles, sure they've wrote some good solos but theres way better guitarists than those 2

[linny4england]

i don't trust this list as it said 70's and 80's then they put whole lotta love in so i think its shit and i reckon metallica should be in there!!

[Reddaz]

i actualy think its a decent list, although Gary Moore, the irish blues master, NWOBHM(?!?!??)

[buckethead_jr]

*Sigh* more of these lists making UG news.

And of course, this isn't bias at all is it?

[el-gilberto]

while i like metallica, i dont think any of their solos should be here and i dont see why so many people thimk otherwise! kirk really does not rate as much as a guitarisy... ok he's not a bad guitarist, but i dont think he has anything on the likes of gilbert or becker. by the way, becker for president :L

[el-gilberto]

^that shoulda been a smiley by the way....

[South-of-Heaven]

Well one metal song on a list of best solo's from "metal" sure ain't bad.

And Whole Lotta Love isn't even from the 70's or 80's.

[cHIZZX-00]

where is Van Halen???

atleast Dio got mentioned

[SabbathBeatles]

Im glad to see blue oyster cult finally on something. i love dont fear the reaper....Buch Dharma is awesome too.

[guitgrinder]

the lack of Master of Puppets solo strips this article of it's credibility.

[Reiatsu]

Where's Eddie VanHalen's Eruption?
Where's Metallica's One?

LAME... there was another top ten solo list done a while back which I think was much more accurate, can't remember if it was on UG.com or not.

[acoustic kid]

hell no van halen's solo in Dreams, (the second one) is the number one

[yawn]

Um...I really doubt Tchaikovsky would be proud of War Pigs' solo. >

[yawn]

Or rather, would have been.

[zerodeck]

not you shook me all night long again, WHOLE LOTTA ROSIE solo is way more difficult and better, but why is the word metal overmentioned in this article? most bands are not metal (didn't even were in their time)

[stumaster18]

nice list

[\m/Torin\m/]

acidhammerdrums is right. but gibson make a bad ass guitar. i love gibsons but there are better solos fom different players.

[rush4life]

Ok, this morning it said best Metal solos. Now the article name has changed, making my comment at the very top look stupid. Thanks UG.

[masterdude]

Not a good list... You shook me all night long?! Thats a hell easy solo!

[rush4life]

rush4life wrote:

Fermented Offal Discharge = Best Metal Solo

This morning the title was "Best Metal Solos".

Why did it change, thus making my comment look retarded?

[PekarGuitar]

I personally don't see the why some people are fascinated with Angus Young and AC/DC. Oh well... How bout some different Zeppelin solos like Achilles Last Stand or No Quarter, now those two have amazing solos!

[papersun87]

No Def Leppard = instant phail.

[str84ever]

Thank god a list which for once just isnt

top solos
1. eruption
2. some song involving slash
3. some song involving kirk hammnet etc.

[PastaOfMuppets]

This should say "top 10 solos played on Gibson guitars" or something like that.

[str84ever]

and to all the people saying solos are easy.

It doesn't have to be easy to be good, when will you ever learn.

[str84ever]

that should be hard ^ instead of easy

[Kirkcrimson]

^absolutely ive come up with some pretty easy solos myself and every body around here thinks they sound damn good, i thought they were a little simple though so i just changed the frets i was hitting about five frets up and a string down, etc etc, and kept some of the same frets, just to give it looks when your playing them, personally i like the list,its well balanced between, ill kill you, and i hate you.
so every things good!
but flying high again?
that is questionable. every thing else though!

[metalisimortal]

man, guitar solos are guitar solos, and when you hear one that sounds so cool that it sticks in your head. and you never forget it those are the greatest solos. anyways i think welcome to the jungle is a great solo just because of the rhythm backing it up, im pretty sure he wrote that solo then wrote the rhythm after and it changes during the solo and sounds soooo cool lol

[SURFraptor7]

they should have said top METAL guitar solos or something because, in my opinion, this list is complete shit.

[Wilomentena]

looolll war pigs solo!!! not so good list

yawn wrote:

Um...I really doubt Tchaikovsky would be proud of War Pigs' solo. >

lol. Twas a silly comment.

Checked

[rockmachine666]

What. The. Fuck. whoever said its cuz they all play gibsons is probably right. Black sabbath? COME ON!

[matth05]

Where's the classic Stairway to Heaven solo played on Page's trusty GIBSON SG? I stand by my comment that I previously got cautioned for. These lists are silly. Opinions are not news.

[BlindMelon45]

bull shit list....Pink Floyd- Comfortably Numb Hello

[troyponce]

I like Rainbow in the Dark more than Stand Up and Shout personally, but I also ****ing love how Vivian Campbell jumps out of absolutely nowhere in what may be the best/worst music video ever made.

[NickSK]

matth05 :
Where's the classic Stairway to Heaven solo played on Page's trusty GIBSON SG? I stand by my comment that I previously got cautioned for. These lists are silly. Opinions are not news.

...

The Stairway to Heaven solo was played on a Fender Telecaster, boyo.

[TheFonz3301]

This list is shit!

[dimebagsmygod]

What wrong with Sabbath?

This list isn't the best but still . . . a few good songs.

[dfresh91]

look there are alot of solos people like, dont be complaining n stuff, some of the songs on that list i agree, some i disagree, its just a matter of personal taste, dont freak out about it

[blackened5150]

You guys bitch and complain way too much. If you hate every article or anything that is posted why don't you just stop coming to this site? A lot of people are sick of seeing you guys bitch about everything.

[GrungePb]

Pink Floyd- Comfortably Numb

NickSK wrote:

matth05 :
Where's the classic Stairway to Heaven solo played on Page's trusty GIBSON SG? I stand by my comment that I previously got cautioned for. These lists are silly. Opinions are not news.

...

The Stairway to Heaven solo was played on a Fender Telecaster, boyo.

yea it was on a telecaster im assuming maybe a live version

[zapatista89]

i wish people would stop doing these polls, who cares, you like what you like

[360ollie]

ValoRhoads wrote:

Once again, these articles are opinion, read them, enjoy them, but don't bitch, opinions cannot be wrong...

yopu are correct its peoples opinions dont diss them for theie opinions

[the5thhorseman]

I like this list; it's good to see UFO, Thin Lizzy, and Dio get some attention...all of them had excellent guitar players.

[thndrstrck85]

theres 3 things i hate in this world...

1)people who think metal guitarists are the only ones that can play good solos

2) people that think "easy" solos are bad, when writing music isn't about how difficult it is, but how it sounds in a song

3) articles like this, which only stirs controversy, when it is a known fact that a great solo is a matter of opinion and musical taste

[skydemon666]

It could of been beter but the lists pretty good.

[stars_n_bars]

where the **** if free bird?

[dgme92]

free bird, comfortably numb, hell, welcome to the jungle's solo isn't a PATCH on Paradise City's, yet it got no.1 spot. anyway... i just tired of opinionated crap in the form of lists appearing in the "news" section of UG

[grimms]

The list is okay.. but Killing the Dragon by Dio is better than Stand up and Shout.

[psytallica]

shut up and start listening

[norbert.himself]

my favorite is Dire Straits Sultans of Swing. so melodic..

[Ivory_Soul]

I personally think that's a weak list. Where's Megadeth and Sweet Child O Mine?

RockInPeaceDime wrote:

can you all please stop making these retarded lists of opinions...of which have no point? have your opinion all you want, but stop writing articles on it like it's the word from the heaven's...people dont really care about what you think the best solos are (most of the ones you listed aren't even top 10). Stop...

I hope you noticed the "Gibson.com" link at the top.

Checked.

[guitar4life24]

Stairway to Heaven?? Hotel California??

[the_painkiller]

Did they even listen to electric eye?

[matman1310]

Interesting list some great songs there I know its all a matter of opinon so heres mine I could care less if you want to see it or not im going to post it

Mr Crowley-Ozzy
Creeping Death-Metallica
Child In Time-Deep Purple
Sweet Child o Mine-Guns N Roses
Return to Serenity-Testament
Stairway to Heaven-Led Zeppelin (cliche I know but that solo still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up)
Aces High-Iron Maiden
Stand up and Shout-Dio
Mistreated-Rainbow
One-Metallica
These aren't in order although Return to Serenity is my favorite

[jron31]

How about an opinion poll done by people on this site? No mention of anything on Triumph "Thunder Seven"? Rik Emmett is amazing!

[jacob23]

rush4life wrote:

Fermented Offal Discharge = Best Metal Solo

i totally agree dude

[kidsthesedays]

SabbathBeatles wrote:

Im glad to see blue oyster cult finally on something. i love dont fear the reaper....Buch Dharma is awesome too.

needs more cow bell.

[Killer B Dunc]

It really doesn't matter. I could make a list right now that I think would be better, but then somebody else on here would make one that they think is better, and so on, and so on. It's all about personal opinion. With that said, I still think Eruption should be on there. This song comes to mind anytime the word solo is mentioned.

[riceranger12345]

BOOO!!!

[NINNGHIZHIDDA]

NINNGHIZHIDDA wrote:

FUK THIS LIST

Ahhh.... nevermind. Good list.

[tpot06]

THIN LIZZY FTW!!!!!

[Kostas_xatz]

I think that the best solos are contained to joe satriani and vinnie moore! Both guitarists have very difficult but also melodic solos. The bad thing is that everybody thinks that maiden and metallica guitarists are the best. BIG MISTAKE...

[TheAngryMob875]

Two words: Joe Perry

[kirkadolph]

Tallman1984 wrote:

UG, if you're not going to quit making these simless, ill-informed, opinionated articles that waste everybody's time (including whatever biased opinions you add on to whatever articles you've you so clearly rip from blabbermouth.net or mtv.com), could you at least not make these articles top stories on your site? If I wanted to hear some ignorant buttwipe expressing his opinion I'd go watch Bill O'Reilly.

its not that that annoys me, its that everyone comments on it saying which solos should of been in the list, and that they go on and on about how the list is bullsh*t.

[rhcp_freak]

SabbathBeatles wrote:

Im glad to see blue oyster cult finally on something. i love dont fear the reaper....Buch Dharma is awesome too.

Yeah, they are amazing.

[Tele Echoes]

Ummmm, Pink Floyd solos to consider....Comfortably Numb, Money,Time,Dogs (pick which one. I pick 2nds fast solo),Another Brick part II,Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Echoes (Pompeii version)

Personally, I love Slash and Izzy but there is no way the Welcome To The Jungle solo is one of the top 10...
"Paradise City" and it's outro solo would be more fitting for Guns...as well as Mr.Crowley because Rhoads was a madman on that track! Down with these stupid lists, since this is one of the worst ones yet!

[Metallica_Man55]

it's good to see that other bands besides led zepplin get to the top of some lists, even if it is gnr. i'm surprised ac/dc didn't get higher on the list, though. i think good solos are subjective. everyone has different opinions. i personally thought the solo for don't fear the reaper was a little boring.

Kostas_xatz wrote:

I think that the best solos are contained to joe satriani and vinnie moore! Both guitarists have very difficult but also melodic solos. The bad thing is that everybody thinks that maiden and metallica guitarists are the best. BIG MISTAKE...

they may not be the best, but you have to admit the guys from maiden are pretty good. although i do like metallica, i have to admit their solos aren't too technical, and anyone can learn them if they wanted to.

Tallman1984 wrote:

UG, if you're not going to quit making these simless, ill-informed, opinionated articles that waste everybody's time (including whatever biased opinions you add on to whatever articles you've you so clearly rip from blabbermouth.net or mtv.com), could you at least not make these articles top stories on your site? If I wanted to hear some ignorant buttwipe expressing his opinion I'd go watch Bill O'Reilly.

i agree, UG is making these top-news stories these lists of people's opinions, mostly UG trying to squeeze slash or gnr in there somehow. i think the news stories should be more informative, and not someone's opinion.

[CherokeeRocker]

Glad to see The Nuge on something.
"Got you in a Stranglehold baby, You best get outta the way"

[jpast]

BlindMelon45 :
bull shit list....Pink Floyd- Comfortably Numb Hello

I agree its a great solo but David Gilmour plays a Strat, not a Gibson, unfortunately this article is misleading and is only about Gibson players which =GAY

[Metallica_Man55]

buckethead_jr wrote:

*Sigh* more of these lists making UG news.

And of course, this isn't bias at all is it?

this is totally bias, all of these lists. they're classic rock fans who can't get enough of led zepplin, gnr, etc. (no offense to gnr, they're just way overrated). i have no idea how these lists keep making front page UG news though.

[jpast]

I'm not saying Gibsons are gay, they are great guitars, sorry for the double post

[ThePinkFloydian]

No Comfortably Numb means shitty list

On top of all the reasons listed above

[bradyg]

Fuck ya, Rock Bottom > all

[POWERMETAL!]

gibsons were great guitars, now they're much more focused on money than a quality instrument.


Cacophony - Speed Metal Symphony?

beats the "one" solo everyone makes a big deal of.

what about 80's VAI?
(just went to the concert on saturday so i'm still very upsessed with him.

[mrbiscuits315]

I like how half of these solos were preformed by rock artists.

[Dog454]

Wow, how original, Led Zeppelin at the top again.

[GuitaPlaya]

"22 Going on 23" by the Butthole Surfers has one of the best solos ever, it's the only solo (that I know of) that gives you a really vivid picture in your mind. It's all so scary as hell.

It's a shame that nobody gives a shit about creative music, they just wanna hear stuff that is familiar.

[MiG_853]

vilhelm_nielsen wrote:

Where is Comfortably Numb?

+1

[ldnovelo]

Didn't you get it? They're only referring to solos recorded with or by people who are trademark Gibson users. Of course it's going to be a bit "biased."

Checked.

dude, metallica recorded kill em all with gibsons, and even ride the lightning and i think master of puppets, so either fade to black, master of puppets or lepper messiah should be there.

and sweet child o mine, rocket queen or november rain were also recorded with a gibson, so wtf? its better that well come to the jungle

[jane_says]

PekarGuitar wrote:

I personally don't see the why some people are fascinated with Angus Young and AC/DC. Oh well... How bout some different Zeppelin solos like Achilles Last Stand or No Quarter, now those two have amazing solos!

Achilles last stand is my fav song ever, i dont exactly know why it beats out great songs like lateralus, stop, little wing, flavor crystal 7, Man in a box, toxicity, tom sawyer, floods (the list could go onforever) it just does, its just that kick ass of a song

[eddievh2]

...and justice for all?!?!?!?!?!?they HAVE to pu that one on there or i swear i will x-plode

[Jonomir]

"heavy metal" without van halen, extreme, metallica, anthrax, iron maiden, or steve vai

HAHA.

[eddievh2]

i dont know if ...and justice for all was recorded with a gibson nor do i care. it should be there anyway.but it is still an opinion

[NickSK]

Do ANY of you chimps realize this list is only for solos played on Gibsons?

Christ.

[i bleed metal]

wow, metallica was absent from the list...im convinced that this was a joke

[metal-drummer]

where's Yngwie?

[Jonomir]

and I have to agree with whoever said whole lotta love wasn't anything special.

I mean the solo's great...the..10 seconds of it...but it's really simple and the only reason it's cool is that it did fit the song well.

but the point is, this guy went off yelling "heavy metal!!" and these are...gibson classic rock radio tunes.

[MAXPAYNE4664]

No Dragonforce?

[eddievh2]

the most dunbass joke EVER

[Snuggler]

How can Guys forget Master of Puppets Solo or Stairway to Heaven outro solo.

[ToErr]

Smak - Enter to the harem !!!

[joeybones]

there are way better solos from led zeppelin than whole lotta love. i think that stairway should be up there.

[joeybones]

and plus no metallica!?!? this is retarted

[grungeisdead312]

mac_attack10 wrote:

master of puppets anyone ? .. like come on

exactly what i was thinking

MAXPAYNE4664 wrote:

No Dragonforce?

dragonforce is not 70's or 80s

[dinosaur sr]

this should be renamed: Top Ten Guitar Solos on Gibson Guitars

[ryulovesyou]

i disagree and there are some solos that clearly have been over looked! however, i actually love page's whole lotta love solo!

[Lydian_Mode]

dinosaur sr wrote:

this should be renamed: Top Ten Guitar Solos on Gibson Guitars

Agreed.

But BTW, the solo from Freewill by Rush is pretty sweet, and I think Lifeson played a Gibson back then (correct me if I'm wrong).

[ryulovesyou]

No Dragonforce?

dragonforce solos shouldnt be in something like this!
yeah sure there fast and fancy but tbh alot them sound like shit and mindless shredding! i think the solos that have been chosen are wayy better than dragonforce but i still think many solos have been overlooked!
and i agree with either metallicas One or Master Of Puppets!

[Twisted Logic]

Hmm... Pink Floyd - Time solo by David Gilmour, also Jimi Hendrix - Machine Gun missing and please stop this nonsense of top solos. You cannot capture this matter.

[curlycon07]

matalliam wrote:

i know a lot of people are not going to like what i say but i dont care:

im sick of slash and jimmy page always being in these types of articles, sure they've wrote some good solos but theres way better guitarists than those 2

agreed

[Night_Lights]

sails of charon is massive winnage.

[ryulovesyou]

and yeah i also just realised after ranting that this os for gibsons but thats not the point =P

[s/ash]

Assassinate wrote:

Where the hell are metallica or something substantially heavy? i love all these bands but we're missing the true definition of metal, the one solo, slayer, maiden, anything!

Metallica substantially heavy?

[Callum89]

I predict there will be alot of flaming and disagreement... no wait am I too late? These Top 10 lists shouldn't be posted, they always end up a flame fest.

[Nirvana-Man]

i met george lynch!

[monkeyman3dee]

really, what's the point of these top 10's? no one will ever agree.

[ryulovesyou]

POWERMETAL! wrote:



what about 80's VAI?
(just went to the concert on saturday so i'm still very upsessed with him.

exactly! Vai is ****ing awesome live! i saw him back in 2004 with satriani and robert fripp! was outstanding! (Y)

[xjxdxsx]

How about Sweet Child o Mine?

[verona_bassist]

ValoRhoads wrote:

Once again, these articles are opinion, read them, enjoy them, but don't bitch, opinions cannot be wrong...

well said

its always fun to whine about how these articles are, as you said, some guy's opinion..but it gets tiring after a while

[gitarzero89]

i know tons of peple have said this, but again, these aren't really news. they are pretty interesting however and i'm always curious as to who's on 'em, but lets hear about whats going on in the wide world of rock, that's what the news list is for. i really don't think that with thousands of bands in the world there's going to be nothing to post under news.

btw, lets see an alternative-rock-oriented list, UG!

[ctb]

NickSK wrote:

Do ANY of you chimps realize this list is only for solos played on Gibsons?

Christ.

I think about 40% do.

[MTVget0FFtheAIR]

wow, i new instantly i would be seeing a million "OMG GIMME METALLICA DEY IS GODZ" and the same for sweet child.

its a great list of songs, definitely stuff you should check out if you don't know them.

[Lloyd1093]

some songs i agree with...war pigs and welcome to the jungle are definatly among the top...however where the hells stairway to heaven?

[Insane Esp]

Really what about master of puppets solo?

[blasphemus666]

where is Eruption by Van Halen?!?! i thought for sure it would b here. this article is based on REALLY BAD opinions

[Sean-Man]

ValoRhoads wrote:

Once again, these articles are opinion, read them, enjoy them, but don't bitch, opinions cannot be wrong...

well then lets eta babies, thats my opinion

[AsianShredder09]

whole lotta love over stairway? i love the solo in whole lotta love but the stairway to heaven is the probably the most recognized solo ever.

[Insane Esp]

NickSK wrote:

Do ANY of you chimps realize this list is only for solos played on Gibsons?

Christ.

Micheal shenker playes a dean, and randy roads played his own v i believe.

[samm12]

how mayn idiots are in here. quit bitching about master of puppets and eruption. this is a list of heavy metal solos by GIBSON users, not any guitar list. if it's from gibson.com, they wouldn't put master of puppets, cause kirk uses ESP.

[zackk]

thats a pretty good list, randy rhoads in on it and kirk hammet isnt. good enough for me.

[wvguitarguy]

glad to see Randu made the list were is Dime n Zakk tho?

[wvguitarguy]

randy*

[wvguitarguy]

yeah i know dime played Dean but he had a zakk LP

[-heartbreaker-]

pretty good list, actually
I'm not familiar with all of them, but still good

[VoOdOoChIldRHcP]

setting aside the genre, the greatest guitar solo ever recorded (i think) is bold as love by jimi hendrix

R.I.P JIMI

[qotsa1998]

its an OK list. i definately think that BOC on there is a great choice. But wat about 'No More Tears'? i luv that song, and its a classic solo. Master of Puppets has the Breakdown solo, which isnt fast, but is awesome, especially for a metal song. Slayer was a big part of Thrash/speed metal in the 80's, so something from Kerry King should be on there. Sweet Child o' Mine' solo beats Welcome to the Jungle's, by far. and FYI, the solo for Stairway was originally recorded on a Telecaster, which was one of many guitars other than Gibsons that Jimmy used. Malmsteen used Strats mostly. And Sckenker has Dean signatures. about 5 or 6. And Rhodes has Jackson sigs. so no, it isnt totally Gibson users, just made by guys from Gibson.

[kyrreca]

Where is Zappa?
Meh, lists are useless anyway.

[billyof bodom71]

I know that this isn't from the 70's or 80's, nor is it done on a gibson, but in my opinion the greatest guitar solo that has ever been recorded is a song called "kissing the shadows" by "Children Of Bodom". Alexi laiho is untouchable on guitar. He is the best.

[Schmeg Junior]

Ok, about three or more things here. One, Slash was very good, let's face it he's great(my guitar hero along with The Wyldeman and Angus Young)but welcom to the jungle was not his best. Personally, November Rain or Realisticly The Main Riff he converts into a Solo from Civil War (My favorite G'N'R song, look it up) may be him at his very best. Jimmy Page wasn't like the guitar god of his time, he was good but not AMAZING. And he used multiple fender and som other unidentified brand. An dSlahs does all of his studio recording wiht a Les Paul COPY. And Three, Blue Oyster Cult was quiet the metal Phenom at it's time, you have to keep in perspective with the times the band did the songs...adn Metallica, you should be ashammed, Maybe some Megadeath. That's all.

[billyof bodom71]

samm12 :
how mayn idiots are in here. quit bitching about master of puppets and eruption. this is a list of heavy metal solos by GIBSON users, not any guitar list. if it's from gibson.com, they wouldn't put master of puppets, cause kirk uses ESP.

Kirk may use ESP now, but when he recorded master of puppets he used a 1974 gibson flying v custom. So he could have made it on this list.

[Schmeg Junior]

Oh, adn Yngwie plays rather often his nice creamish(?) scallop fretted strat.....just, btw.

[7jj2mackey92]

guitgrinder wrote:

the lack of Master of Puppets solo strips this article of it's credibility.

Master of Puppets is a cool sounding solo, but it is quite easy, just very fast. There is no complexity, and not that much feeling that emphasises the notes. Personally, I think the four solos of "One" should be here, but oh well its not my list

[bjovi400]

qotsa1998 wrote:

its an OK list. i definately think that BOC on there is a great choice. But wat about 'No More Tears'? i luv that song, and its a classic solo. Master of Puppets has the Breakdown solo, which isnt fast, but is awesome, especially for a metal song. Slayer was a big part of Thrash/speed metal in the 80's, so something from Kerry King should be on there. Sweet Child o' Mine' solo beats Welcome to the Jungle's, by far. and FYI, the solo for Stairway was originally recorded on a Telecaster, which was one of many guitars other than Gibsons that Jimmy used. Malmsteen used Strats mostly. And Sckenker has Dean signatures. about 5 or 6. And Rhodes has Jackson sigs. so no, it isnt totally Gibson users, just made by guys from Gibson.

actually Randy Rhodes used White Gibson Les paul Customs.

[Schmeg Junior]

Last thing.....Eric Johnson(metal, sorta)did the best solo/intro of all time...listen to cliffs of dover, you will quiet litterally crap all over yourself, but he played strat...adn wasn't "metal" but this intro all though nto completely crazy distortion, does tend to have rather metally sound to it in his use of scales and striads, soctave leaps etc.

[Schmeg Junior]

soory for all the random s's...my keyboard sucks.

[bjovi400]

He used the Les Pauls AND his Jackson sigs.

[FRDesign]

He never got to play the Jackson Sig RR. He had a few prototypes but never the actual Jackson RR

[Asthia]

TO EVERYONE:
It says "guitar solos"
NOT metal solos.
Get over the lack of heavier tracks.

[joelfaessler]

Well, it does say solos of the 70's and 80's so that would eliminate alot of metal

[GuitarJunkie]

Angus Young has always insisted that his main influence was the blues, and here he shows his roots in smashing form. But instead of fiddling about in the pentatonic box, Young delivers a rich, melodic solo that you can sing along with. An AC/DC classic.

that solo is almost completely in a pentatonic box

[Davis1232]

Where thee HELL is metallica-one???

[St. Angry]

sorry just remembered Dragonforce are new. nevermind.

[the4stringmf]

i know this is all opinion but CACOPHONY...

[Schmeg Junior]

Dude....if this offends anyone...DEAL WITH IT! But Metallica was just dudes who could play minor scales fast and tried to make 80's crotch metal actually seem moderate in their style...scorpions..that's eighties metal that's actualy good. Metallica is really not that great.

[The_Guvn0r]

I personally don't see the why some people are fascinated with Angus Young and AC/DC. Oh well... How bout some different Zeppelin solos like Achilles Last Stand or No Quarter, now those two have amazing solos!

I can't see why everyone's fascinated with Led Zeppelin. AC/DC own hard, but I've never really liked Led Zep.

[the4stringmf]

i know this is all opinion but Cacophony's SpeedMetal Symphony is the single hardest thing to play an its not even there!

i dont know who does these lists but they're really inaccurate.. in my opinion most of these solos are average compared to what should be there

[Schmeg Junior]

Really Alex LIfeson is another one, the solo on "Working Man" Is really quiet amazing...it'a quiet metal if you listen to Rush Alot as I do(trying to find moving pictures and Caress of Steel...any help?)

[atkm2891]

best solo ever: EXHUMING THE INFESTED by ABORTED

[Skuzzmo]

qotsa1998 :
its an OK list. i definately think that BOC on there is a great choice. But wat about 'No More Tears'? i luv that song, and its a classic solo. Master of Puppets has the Breakdown solo, which isnt fast, but is awesome, especially for a metal song. Slayer was a big part of Thrash/speed metal in the 80's, so something from Kerry King should be on there. Sweet Child o' Mine' solo beats Welcome to the Jungle's, by far. and FYI, the solo for Stairway was originally recorded on a Telecaster, which was one of many guitars other than Gibsons that Jimmy used. Malmsteen used Strats mostly. And Sckenker has Dean signatures. about 5 or 6. And Rhodes has Jackson sigs. so no, it isnt totally Gibson users, just made by guys from Gibson.

Yes, Schenker uses Dean now, but for years and years and years he used Gibson.

Just so ya know.

[renegadepancake]

Hard != good.

The article states that, in their opinion, good solos aren't just about speed or technical ability. Invention and catchiness matter too.

There goes your Metallica / Megadeth / *favorite metal band here*. Mustaine's a great shredder, but all his solos essentially follow the blues scale and repetitive hammer-ons.

[Schmeg Junior]

I agree with the Not really Finding Led Zep that amazing

[Skuzzmo]

Also, solos being hard to play dosen't make them good and solos that are easy to play dosen't make them lame.....

Just needed to add that.

[Schmeg Junior]

renegadepancake(love the name)I really agree wiht the whole thing about Metallica, but I do really enjoy Megadeath as well.

[Schmeg Junior]

I'm gonna go check ou tsome tabs, so I'll never be in here again, peace out homes (in a plural standing) Anyway, whoever you like keep shredding/rocking/w/e you do.....it's up to ur opinion.cya

[Coo0P]

there's just way too many solo's out there for their to be a "best."

[Dnalrafcmb3]

list suks, these bands are all great, but where's the true definition of metal like metalica or somfin...

[Flesh N' Blood]

OMFG, "Mr. Scary" has finally been recognized! That song is nasty! Yeah GNR'S "Rocket Queen" is phenomenal and my fav. song to play. Im very glad to see Metallica off a list for once! Why "War Pigs"? that song is all about the drums?!? But cool to see Randy Rhoads acknowledged. Rock the 80's!

[Jawshuwa]

I've no clue why people think the solo to "One" is better than "Master of Puppets." "One" may have better phrasing, but honestly, which is more metal ? Which is more...I dunno...in-your-face ? Exactly...'Puppets.'

[Yamiyo]

Why does UG need these sorts of lists? They're all just one guy's opinion. Who cares, really.

[Jawshuwa]

Come to think of it...where in the **** is "Cemetary Gates" / "Floods" ?

[DoTheDew up urs]

WHERES FRANK ZAPPA!????? WTF IS THIS

[stars_n_bars]

samm12 wrote:

how mayn idiots are in here. quit bitching about master of puppets and eruption. this is a list of heavy metal solos by GIBSON users, not any guitar list. if it's from gibson.com, they wouldn't put master of puppets, cause kirk uses ESP.

again...where the **** is free bird, lynyrd skynyrd used gibsons...WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!

[PolishHedbanger]

not_dead_enough wrote:

Any one of Dave Mustaine's solos

Wake Up Dead

[The_Guvn0r]

The article states that, in their opinion, good solos aren't just about speed or technical ability. Invention and catchiness matter too.

There goes your Metallica / Megadeth / *favorite metal band here*

You have clearly never EVER listened to Metallica if you're saying solos like One and Fade To Black are only good because they're fast and technical.

[The_Guvn0r]

again...where the **** is free bird, lynyrd skynyrd used gibsons...WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!

I 100% agree! One of the best solos of all time, hands down.

[Mojo89]

how did whole lotta love beat heartbreaker. come on.

[genolk]

I'll add my 2 cents worth...
I really dig Zakk Wyldes solo on "Fire it up"
and also the set of solos out of the Iron Maiden Song "powerslave"
plus also the set of solos out of the Song "seventh son of a seventh song"

i don't think anyone will ever be able to write a list that people would be happy with. Far too many great solos to pick from, and far too many great guitarists. Angus young is quite subtle, zakk wylde attempts to pick every single note he plays, slash is loose and greasy, dave gilmour is the master of restraint. then you have people like tommy emmanuel who consistantly play great solos but would never make a list like this (yes i know, gibson solos, heavier artists etc etc). the point is that this'll be an argument that NO-ONE will ever win.

It's nice to see someone appreiciating some stirling guitar work, but would have been better if the article had been named "list of 70's and 80's solos that I really dig"

[genolk]

samm12 wrote:

how mayn idiots are in here. quit bitching about master of puppets and eruption. this is a list of heavy metal solos by GIBSON users, not any guitar list. if it's from gibson.com, they wouldn't put master of puppets, cause kirk uses ESP.

recorded in 1986 with a gibson flying v if memory serves me correctly (but I could be wrong).... the metallica boys didn't start using ESP for a few years AFTER that

[flamingstrat.]

LOl all hose solos practically came from Gibson users.

[xXConzaxahXx]

Thats rediculous Kirk Hammett is one of the Top 3 greatest guitarists ever and there is not one Metallica song on there...pshhh thats lame as SHIT!

[genolk]

renegadepancake wrote:

Hard != good.

The article states that, in their opinion, good solos aren't just about speed or technical ability. Invention and catchiness matter too.

There goes your Metallica / Megadeth / *favorite metal band here*. Mustaine's a great shredder, but all his solos essentially follow the blues scale and repetitive hammer-ons.

One would think that a great solo would be defined by it is "memorable", rather than fast, technical, catchy etc

For MY mind I think The solo out of Of Wolf and Man is quite excellent... i think it is memorable.

as for the "one" solo... i'd pick one of the first two solos over the last one... the final shred/tapping fest is fantastic, but the first two solos really helped create the moodiness and sombreness of the song.

and also regardless of how repetitive and locked in Mustaines solos are, some of them are in fact quite memorable.

But as we've all said countless times before, these are just opinions

[sk8r taylor]

alright since all of you hate this list ill make a list based on what you guys want (no specific order)

one- metallica
stairway to heave- led zeppelin
mr. crowley- ozzy
sweet child o mine- guns n roses
free bird- lynard skynard
comfortably numb- pink floyd
master of puppets- metallica
whole lotta rosie- AC/DC
paradise cty- guns n roses
eruption- van halen

[The_Guvn0r]

I'm happy with that list, sk8r taylor. Mine would be a bit different, but all of those of quite deserving of being on such a list.

[koolfoolinapool]

Metallica should seriously be on this list!

And Van Halen!

[Dance_of_Death]

Your missing Mr Crowley and/or Crazy train!

[raulbitran]

METALLICA?????

[chimairapwns]

Assassinate wrote:

Where the hell are metallica or something substantially heavy? i love all these bands but we're missing the true definition of metal, the one solo, slayer, maiden, anything!

I can't answer for all the bands, but I know Kirk Hammet uses ESPs. Since this was on Gibson.com, i highly don't they would give great guitarists the recognition they deserve, just because they used different gear than the one they were trying to promote. I know, its sad that our world has sunk so low, but bias like this is quite normal, and sadly there is nothing we ca do, at least i don't have a way of fixing it yet.

[Diamond Dave]

something by judas priest had to make that list, i say the most deservent would probably be Glenn's solo in beyond the realms of death

[MetalliRage]

i hate these things cause they r so bias against things that are really heavy like metallica

[NickSK]

The moderators are going to have a field day with this tripe.

[BlindMelon45]

where the **** is Buckethead, he plays a custom White Gibson Les Paul and he is ****in Crazy on guitar

[BlindMelon45]

another amazing solo by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour is Echoes pt.1, especially on the DVD Live at Pompeii, David is More than a god when it comes to playin guitar.. and i know he plays fenders but i jus thought id add this

[genolk]

chimairapwns wrote:

Assassinate wrote:

Where the hell are metallica or something substantially heavy? i love all these bands but we're missing the true definition of metal, the one solo, slayer, maiden, anything!
I can't answer for all the bands, but I know Kirk Hammet uses ESPs. Since this was on Gibson.com, i highly don't they would give great guitarists the recognition they deserve, just because they used different gear than the one they were trying to promote. I know, its sad that our world has sunk so low, but bias like this is quite normal, and sadly there is nothing we ca do, at least i don't have a way of fixing it yet.

I've said this before, but Master of puppets came out in 1986 and james and kirk were BOTH using gibsons at this time... they joined ESP at a later date

[SimpleMan008]

^^buckethead wasnt from the 70's or the 80's ^^

[MasterofOrion]

ok, some good solos. But There are better, much better.

[l)ragonForce]

vilhelm_nielsen wrote:

Where is Comfortably Numb?

wow ur right i completly forgot about that one... greatest solo of all time

[Sintera666]

personally, Master of Puppets or Ride the Lightning by Metallica should have been in here. And also, i dont think the solo for Welcome to the Jungle was all that great, or great enough to take the place of any Metallica solo, period. This list sucks.

[metal_head_9191]

metallica99 wrote:

the solo in "bark at the moon" by Ozzy Osbourne definitely should be there too!

thats right, that solo is unbelievable

[matteo cubano]

wheres sweet child o'mine? or one by metallica?

[Doodleface]

I'm glad to see Don't Fear the Reaper made the list, my favourite solo of all time. It gives a very good description in the list. What a great middle-eastern vibe with dark tones Dharma pulls off, its amazing!

[not_dead_enough]

SimpleMan008 wrote:

^^buckethead wasnt from the 70's or the 80's ^^

Technically he started in 1989.

NickSK wrote:

The moderators are going to have a field day with this tripe.

Bleh, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him stop being stupid. Watching the basement virgin metal elitist crowd who haven't realized it's a Gibson-only list has been kind of amusing.

Anyway, checked. Any "this list sucks" posts will be met with a warning.

Checked.

[Set-Abominae]

Decent list. Whole Lotta Love's solo is what got me into playing lead. Also, this list could have used some Maiden.

[blackened5150]

I think the solo in Hero of The Day should DEFINATELY be in this. This top 10 is so far off!

[PowrSlave]

My quick opinions on style and capability, since analyzing what solo is best is pretty foolish.

Zakk Wylde: Most ultra fast pentatonic box alternate picking ever. Done. Pinch Harmonic capabilities on par with Dime. Not to be touched in these areas.

Dimebag: The mega beast of two fingered hammer on pull off rundowns EVER. Satanic mastermind behind the furthering of the floating tremolo squeels. He showed that sweep picking was not the only way to sound mega fast, while even sounding more aggressive.

Malmsteen: The guy basically brought neoclassical shred guitar into existence. Up until he came around, just about everything in rock/metal were heavily blues influenced and it was very hard to get away from and that goes for Hendrix, Clapton, Blackmore, and just about everyone else from the 60s/70s although all of them pushed the rock style very far. But Malmsteen took it far, far beyond in regards to this technical matter and looked to the ancients for his influence.

Kirk Hammett: You people are absolutely completely insane to underestimate his playing. Sure, he is a fan of the minor pentatonic, and I am sure very few of you have progressed beyond this pattern yourselves, which is why you think you can "hang" and claim to understand his methods. Well, you don't. It's simple. Every player has a favorite style that they stick to and it just so happens that Kirk is the master of the minor pent. But feel free to go and write the next "And Justice for All" album with whatever you have. I'll be waiting.

Dave Murray, Adrian Smith: These guys have legato technique mastered beyond any other that I have heard. While often a misunderstood and underestimated technique, even a lot of very good shredders cannot begin to get fluttery legato down. They rarely touch sweeps, and they don't need to in my opinion.

Vai/Satriani/Friedman: Is there anything that even needs to be said about these guys? Uber lords of melody, key, and open ended, patternless liquid style. Pure amazingness.

Dave Mustaine: This guy brought aggressive speed into the mainstream in the 80s. Real, blistering, speeeed.

and yeah, Thin Lizzy pretty much has the patent on dual guitar melody's from a modern standpoint, though Maiden eventually took it farther.

[Hart_Attack]

how could they not post ace frehleys shock me under the 70's solo list maybe even let me go rock n roll.

[acidhammerdrums]

So Slash really probably deserves to be at the top or close to the top of any greatest guitarist list. He may not be the fastest or most technical, but his ability to play the right notes at the right time is almost incomparable. I love Metallica, but Kirk Hammett (and guys like him) is only fast, and can play in key, but that's about it.

And as for all the "Where's sweet Child" etc. comments... have you heard any of UYI I or II, any VR, or ALL of Appetite for that matter? because SCOM is far from his best work.

[blackened5150]

acidhammerdrums wrote:

So Slash really probably deserves to be at the top or close to the top of any greatest guitarist list. He may not be the fastest or most technical, but his ability to play the right notes at the right time is almost incomparable. I love Metallica, but Kirk Hammett (and guys like him) is only fast, and can play in key, but that's about it.

And as for all the "Where's sweet Child" etc. comments... have you heard any of UYI I or II, any VR, or ALL of Appetite for that matter? because SCOM is far from his best work.

Slash is good but he is very overated. UYI 1&2 were good but Appetite was his best work. As far as VR goes, I don't really care for them. They are called a 'supergroup' but they sound mediocre at best. STP should get back together and I don't give a shit to see if GNR does a reunion or not, Axl is a money hungry prick. Anyhow, Slash had a lot of good stuff but his best was on Appetite, after that it just started getting repetitive and boring.

[bassboy 999]

I want to know who writes these things.

This is about the fifth one of these telling me what were the best ablums, bands and songs of the 70's, 80's and 90's.

I demand to know whos behind this shit. It's god damn unbelievable.

[Sodaman]

dirk gently you said it only was gibson players who are on the list... well what about slash?? he plays a GIBSON les paul... well well

[FunkasPuck]

ValoRhoads wrote:

Once again, these articles are opinion, read them, enjoy them, but don't bitch, opinions cannot be wrong...

but its not news is it. who compiled this list?

[not_dead_enough]

PowrSlave wrote:

Kirk Hammett: You people are absolutely completely insane to underestimate his playing. Sure, he is a fan of the minor pentatonic, and I am sure very few of you have progressed beyond this pattern yourselves, which is why you think you can "hang" and claim to understand his methods. Well, you don't. It's simple. Every player has a favorite style that they stick to and it just so happens that Kirk is the master of the minor pent. But feel free to go and write the next "And Justice for All" album with whatever you have. I'll be waiting.

That may all be true, but Kirk Hammett gets his own solos wrong live half the time. If he wants to make a statement with his solos, he should at least be able to reproduce them live. For lack of a better comparison, Dave Mustaine has consistently played solos live that are generally harder perfect each time! (I love both bands and both guitarists)

I completely agree that emotion makes a good solo, and mindless shredding (i.e. Kerry King) sux, but, most people who hide behind the 'my-solos-have-soul' explanations (e.g.Slash) are just making excuses for why they cannot play fast.

And for the record, Hammett only got writing credits on 4 out of 9 songs on ...And Justice For All (which were minimal contributions anyway).

[captmorgan_36]

I don't see the point of these best and worse lists. Total waste of time cause nobody is ever satisfied. Too many great solos get missed and dissed. One of my favourites is Young's solo in AC/DC's Ride On. A true blues n rock tour de force with a nod in the direction of Peter Green and BB King. Good to see Slash and Jimmy Page in there tho.

[fretsonfire74]

yea guns n roses got first. guns n roses = great.

[saiyanprince47]

And Zakk Wylde, and Dimebag Darrel, C'MON!

[Your41Plague12]

rush4life wrote:

Fermented Offal Discharge = Best Metal Solo

+1. Best solo in metal.

[SurfinWithSatch]

Since when are Led Zep, or AC/DC and to an extent GNR "Metal". When I think metal I think Metallica and the like. I don't think rock. Which is what these bands are, proper good old fashioned rock, not metal, rock. So what they are doing on here I have no clue.

[KerSkater]

Nitro- freight train = fastest 80's solo

Checked.

Any of this "Where's Metallica/Maiden" comments will result in a warning. Notice that all these guitarists played Gibsons.

[Pete24v]

lets not forget Ed's solo on 'Beat It', possibly the finsest moment in rock, every technique is used fully and it's mega melodic too!

[Caustic]

[quote=paintITblack39]Notice that all these guitarists played Gibsons.[/quote]

Exactly. Why is UG printing Gibson advertisement/promo material as newsworthy?

[Twixted]

not_dead_enough wrote:


That may all be true, but Kirk Hammett gets his own solos wrong live half the time. If he wants to make a statement with his solos, he should at least be able to reproduce them live. For lack of a better comparison, Dave Mustaine has consistently played solos live that are generally harder perfect each time! (I love both bands and both guitarists)

I completely agree that emotion makes a good solo, and mindless shredding (i.e. Kerry King) sux, but, most people who hide behind the 'my-solos-have-soul' explanations (e.g.Slash) are just making excuses for why they cannot play fast.

And for the record, Hammett only got writing credits on 4 out of 9 songs on ...And Justice For All (which were minimal contributions anyway).

Kirk Hammet does make mistakes in live gigs but (when he does it right) his solo's have a mixture of fast and melodic which is pretty hard to compose.

[Lee41]

where is bohemian rhapsody?? or Hotel california??

[nadav183]

lolz ppl if ull just look at the actuall artical at gibson.com ull see that all the guitarists are usein gibson guitars so if u dont see a solo that u liked so cheack the guitar used for the solo

[Jackolas]

PowrSlave wrote:

My quick opinions on style and capability, since analyzing what solo is best is pretty foolish.

Zakk Wylde: Most ultra fast pentatonic box alternate picking ever. Done. Pinch Harmonic capabilities on par with Dime. Not to be touched in these areas.

Dimebag: The mega beast of two fingered hammer on pull off rundowns EVER. Satanic mastermind behind the furthering of the floating tremolo squeels. He showed that sweep picking was not the only way to sound mega fast, while even sounding more aggressive.

Malmsteen: The guy basically brought neoclassical shred guitar into existence. Up until he came around, just about everything in rock/metal were heavily blues influenced and it was very hard to get away from and that goes for Hendrix, Clapton, Blackmore, and just about everyone else from the 60s/70s although all of them pushed the rock style very far. But Malmsteen took it far, far beyond in regards to this technical matter and looked to the ancients for his influence.

Kirk Hammett: You people are absolutely completely insane to underestimate his playing. Sure, he is a fan of the minor pentatonic, and I am sure very few of you have progressed beyond this pattern yourselves, which is why you think you can "hang" and claim to understand his methods. Well, you don't. It's simple. Every player has a favorite style that they stick to and it just so happens that Kirk is the master of the minor pent. But feel free to go and write the next "And Justice for All" album with whatever you have. I'll be waiting.

Dave Murray, Adrian Smith: These guys have legato technique mastered beyond any other that I have heard. While often a misunderstood and underestimated technique, even a lot of very good shredders cannot begin to get fluttery legato down. They rarely touch sweeps, and they don't need to in my opinion.

Vai/Satriani/Friedman: Is there anything that even needs to be said about these guys? Uber lords of melody, key, and open ended, patternless liquid style. Pure amazingness.

Dave Mustaine: This guy brought aggressive speed into the mainstream in the 80s. Real, blistering, speeeed.

and yeah, Thin Lizzy pretty much has the patent on dual guitar melody's from a modern standpoint, though Maiden eventually took it farther.

THAT WAS FUCKING BRILLIANT.

I agree totally. You know your shit mate. 100% agreed on Hammett. Idiots think they understand his playing and just "pent scale lolz"... they know **** all and it shows. Kudos to you for taking the time to write such a kick arse low down on the whos who of hard rock guitarists imho.

[Dethdrummer]

[Dethdrummer]

PowrSlave :
My quick opinions on style and capability, since analyzing what solo is best is pretty foolish.

Zakk Wylde: Most ultra fast pentatonic box alternate picking ever. Done. Pinch Harmonic capabilities on par with Dime. Not to be touched in these areas.

Dimebag: The mega beast of two fingered hammer on pull off rundowns EVER. Satanic mastermind behind the furthering of the floating tremolo squeels. He showed that sweep picking was not the only way to sound mega fast, while even sounding more aggressive.

Malmsteen: The guy basically brought neoclassical shred guitar into existence. Up until he came around, just about everything in rock/metal were heavily blues influenced and it was very hard to get away from and that goes for Hendrix, Clapton, Blackmore, and just about everyone else from the 60s/70s although all of them pushed the rock style very far. But Malmsteen took it far, far beyond in regards to this technical matter and looked to the ancients for his influence.

Kirk Hammett: You people are absolutely completely insane to underestimate his playing. Sure, he is a fan of the minor pentatonic, and I am sure very few of you have progressed beyond this pattern yourselves, which is why you think you can "hang" and claim to understand his methods. Well, you don't. It's simple. Every player has a favorite style that they stick to and it just so happens that Kirk is the master of the minor pent. But feel free to go and write the next "And Justice for All" album with whatever you have. I'll be waiting.

Dave Murray, Adrian Smith: These guys have legato technique mastered beyond any other that I have heard. While often a misunderstood and underestimated technique, even a lot of very good shredders cannot begin to get fluttery legato down. They rarely touch sweeps, and they don't need to in my opinion.

Vai/Satriani/Friedman: Is there anything that even needs to be said about these guys? Uber lords of melody, key, and open ended, patternless liquid style. Pure amazingness.

Dave Mustaine: This guy brought aggressive speed into the mainstream in the 80s. Real, blistering, speeeed.

and yeah, Thin Lizzy pretty much has the patent on dual guitar melody's from a modern standpoint, though Maiden eventually took it farther.

Heck yeah man. Finally someone who understands that Dave and Kirk are BOTH awesome. And the rest of the statement its right on. LIVE ON DIME!!!!

Oh and sorry for the empty post above...

[mrjimborinsane]

jpast wrote:

Why isn't the title best guitar solos by guitarists who use Gibson's from the 70s and 80s? Just throwing it out there.

hahahahaha, dude, your just f**king right, enough said

[Korzack]

True - This is Gibson's legendary PR machine on the roll again. Look at the actual page & there's even the specific guitars they played, in a very 'And it's all because of us' way. The guitars might be Very nice, but I'm slowly taking an increasingly dim view of them for the PR and the Politics they use.

[Duh4994]

WAR PIGS!!!!!

[jodellny]

damn the left out van halen, metallica, sultan of swing by dire straits, led zeppelin stairway to heaven, my fav solo is LED ZEPPELINs The Rover, sweetchild of mine, you cant say the solo in beat it by MJ that van halen did is awesome,some of the steve stevens solos rock, and definilty something from Skynard face it they left out to many the ones the chose are good but not the best, too many to name we could go on for days

[matthedrivein]

metallica is thrash metal, different kind of music

[Frusconbage]

Right Bands, wrong songs.

[Schmeg Junior]

stars_n_bars wrote:

samm12 wrote:

how mayn idiots are in here. quit bitching about master of puppets and eruption. this is a list of heavy metal solos by GIBSON users, not any guitar list. if it's from gibson.com, they wouldn't put master of puppets, cause kirk uses ESP.


again...where the **** is free bird, lynyrd skynyrd used gibsons...WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!

Skynyrd wasn't metal genius.....SOUTHERN ROCK!

[Only-Slash]

THIS IS BULLSHIT !!

[AerialOverdrive]

mac_attack10 wrote:

master of puppets anyone ? .. like come on

yeah def...ur prob talkin about the song but that whole album is roughty...where's pantera...are they too new???.....

[gocaps99]

Here's the top 10. Not in order.

Metallica - Fade to Black
EVH - Eruption
Pantera - Cemetary Gates
Guns - Sweet Child O' Mine
Iron Maiden - there are a few that could be up here. Probably Aces High
Led Zeppelin - Stairway
Metallica - One
Ozzy - Mr. Crowley
Zakk Wylder - Fire it Up

not_dead_enough wrote:
That may all be true, but Kirk Hammett gets his own solos wrong live half the time.

I think that also means we get to totally underestimate Eric Clapton, The Eagles, and every other band or guitarist that improvises. I disagree with that statement. And he does master most of his solos live. The only one he messes around with is Fade to Black - and if you listen to enough live stuff he clearly KNOWS the solo. The fact that he chooses not to play it doesn't matter. He is still an underestimated guitarist in the eyes of the forum world.

[gocaps99]

I only had 9. Add Bohemian Rhapsody

[gocaps99]

And I called it Zakk Wylder. Sorry, I'm a new guy to this particular forums and can't find the edit.

[schecterkryst]

Dokken only gets a brief nod at the end? George Lynch can shred with the best of them, and he was doing it before they were too

[GEARS_OF_DETH]

Dethdrummer wrote:

If Dean did a top ten that would kick butt. Dimebag, Mustaine, and more. ,'m'

very true
but you got to admit i really love rock bottom ..amtter a fact i love sheckner

heres my list (not going in order just showing solos i like )
1.fade to black-metallica
2.not again/time is the enemy-shawn lane
3.on sail-greg howe
4.floods-pantera
5.holy wars-megadeth
6.this dying soul-dream theater
7.my teeth are a drumset-paul gilbert
8 viking kong-racer x
9 power of love-jimi hendrix
10 the crusade -trivium

thats my list so far i could name a 100 that i like but i like these so far

[heavyprog]

well, the article DID say that it was the best solos of the 70s and 80s, not specifically metal solos. I mean, come on, Numb should have been there. And I'm sure a lot of Who and Queen fans are pissed right now. Not to mention completely overlooking looking Satriani and Blackmore. And actual metal bands like Maiden and Metallica. I did like the Vivian Campbell nod though.

[metallica5177]

No Metallica? No Van Halen? No Hendrix?

...

[LD_Luke D]

no part of this list says anything about there being metal solos, i thihnk there sholud be but thats just my opinion

[stratdud39]

ok im sorry but the welcome to the jungle solo isnt slash's best work

[stratdud39]

and like eruption is a solo itself and thats like the greatest solo ever, or one of them

[wildchild6660]

This list is ****ed up.I would write my own list but I'm too lazy to type.

[KaspiantheGreat]

Pantera- Domination, that was a killer solo. RIP Dimebag Darrel

[Shreddinator]

What about Alter Bridge? Mark Tremonti is amazing! So many good solos, Blackbird, Find the Real, Ties That Bind, Rise Today, Down to My Last...

[Shreddinator]

I realize this is for 70's and 80's, just felt they deserved credit too...

[ce12872001]

whole lotta love isn't even from the 70's...wtf? Another bogus list...and I don't feel that this is just opinion, I think the rock gods would be utterly dissappointed

[ce12872001]

oh yeah shreddinator...alter bridge? really? Where did that come from...

[paul_wilson]

"Top 10 Guitar Solos: '70s And '80s" Doesn't say metal solo.

[paul_wilson]

Oh and BTW MUffin Man by Frank Zappa is the greatest solo of all time, even ask wikipedia. *goes to edit wikipedia*

[hoppy_pantera]

pretty sure floods by pantera shod be there. The solo outa that song is ****en beautiful