9 Rock Songs with Unforgettable Guitar Solos and Riffs
Free Bird, Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Free Bird”, featured in their debut album, starts as a heartfelt ballad before transitioning into a fiery, dual-guitar showcase, with Gary Rossington and Allen Collins delivering one of rock's most memorable solos.
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Machu Pichu, The Strokes – The guitar work on “Machu Picchu” features interwoven, slightly reggae-influenced riffs that add a unique buoyancy, a quality absent in many of the other tracks from Angles.
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Lipstick Traces, UFO – “Lipstick Traces” showcases a rich mix of acoustic and electric guitar, with Michael Schenker delivering soaring lead solos on electric, while Paul Raymond provides solid rhythm on both acoustic and electric.
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Paranoid Android, Radiohead – The interplay of atmospheric, experimental textures in Jonny Greenwood’s dissonant, distorted guitar creates tension, while Thom Yorke’s melodic lines provide contrast building the song’s dynamic range, showcasing the band's innovative guitar work.
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November Rain, Guns ‘N’ Roses – November Rain highlights Slash’s precision and versatility, with slow, steady solos that build intensity and faster runs in the final solo, increasing the song’s suspense while maintaining melody, building up to a memorable climax.
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Paranoid, Black Sabbath – Tony Iommi’s use of downtuned, distorted power chords creates a dark, ominous atmosphere, while his lead playing adds sharp, biting contrasts, defining the song’s aggressive edge.
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Comfortably Numb, Pink Floyd – Often dubbed as the quintessential Pink Floyd song, the extended version at the band’s live performance at Pompeii, 2016, stands as a testament to David Gilmour’s expertise as a guitarist, creating emotional depth, blending precision with raw, expressive power.
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Take Me Out, Franz Ferdinand – The guitar work on “Take Me Out” is sharp and angular, featuring catchy, driving riffs and rhythmic precision, creating a dynamic, infectious energy.
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Sultans of Swing, Dire Straits –Mark Knopfler's fingerstyle technique creates a smooth, intricate sound, along with his distinctive, melodic phrasing, while being backed by Hal Lindes' complementary rhythm guitar, creating a splendid concluding solo.