We love hearing a guitar solo in a studio recording. It’s an art form that has been lost somewhat in the modern age. It’s nice to revisit some of the best guitar solos in history, but what’s even better is getting to watch them. We may not have been present for the iconic moments below, but through the power of the internet, we can pretend we were. These guitar solos are so powerful that if you couldn’t see them performed, they’d be unbelievable.
Videos by American Songwriter
“A Day in the Life” (Jeff Beck)
“A Day in the Life” might be a Beatles staple, but Jeff Beck staked his claim on the track at a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame concert. Instead of hearing John Lennon sing the opening verse, Beck’s guitar takes on vocal duties.
Mirroring the famed melody, Beck meanders in and out of intricate riffs and straightforward notes. Despite the absence of lyrics, the listener doesn’t get the impression that anything is missing. The rich sound of Beck’s guitar does the work of many band members.
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (Prince)
Circling back to Beatles covers, the next entry on our list is Prince’s iconic guest appearance on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” at the Rock Hall. The cover below features a stacked lineup of giant musicians, but Prince had no trouble stealing the show.
Many casual listeners wouldn’t immediately think of Prince’s guitar skills when considering his merits. His songwriting and stage presence are usually the first things to come to mind. However, this cover proves that not considering Prince a guitar great is a grave oversight. Few artists could take a guitar solo that has been played countless times and breathe new life into it.
“Eruption” (Eddie Van Halen)
Eddie Van Halen is revered for his technical skills. While all the artists on this list are master guitar players, Van Halen approached the instrument in his own way. Van Halen fans will tell you that no guitarist in recent memory measures up.
While not everyone will agree with that statement, the solo below makes it hard to refute. In the clip, Van Halen plays “Eruption” to an eager crowd. The close-up shots of his guitar bridge prove how adept he was at hammering out a solo–Not to mention the mid-solo cigarette break that only added to his cool factor.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ilpo Musto/Shutterstock
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