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[2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with awesome guitar solos

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!

Suddenly, but do you like guitar solos?

In recent years, debates like “We don’t need guitar solos anymore” regularly flare up online.

But in reality, guitar solos continue to evolve even now in the 2020s, and plenty of awesome solos are still being created.

Not just in rock—since the 1950s, in blues, jazz, soul, and many other genres—there are countless cases where a standout guitar solo has essentially defined a song’s appeal.

In this article, we’ve compiled classic Western tracks with “cool guitar solos” as the theme, regardless of era or genre.

We also introduce the players in detail, so guitarists should definitely check it out!

[2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with cool guitar solos (61–70)

ReapersMuse

Muse – Reapers [Official Lyric Video]

ReapersMuse

Muse is a British rock band boasting over 15 million records sold worldwide.

They excel in a variety of styles, including alternative rock, progressive rock, symphonic rock, and progressive metal.

They have a particular emphasis on guitar solos, and most of their songs feature memorable solo parts.

Among them, a standout recommendation is Reapers.

Its crisp, cutting guitar solo is especially compelling, so be sure to check it out.

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No One KnowsQueens of the Stone Age

Queens Of The Stone Age – No One Knows (Official Music Video)

No One KnowsQueens of the Stone Age

This is a track distinguished by a guitar solo with a uniquely commanding presence.

The dry, desert-like texture of the sound enhances the song’s sense of mystery.

It opens with a riff that resonates from the very first listen, and the guitar solo—unleashed in interwoven lines over the tight rhythm laid down by Dave Grohl—is truly stunning.

Released as a single in November 2002, it was included on the band’s third album, Songs for the Deaf.

It achieved significant commercial success, including reaching No.

1 on the U.S.

Modern Rock chart.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking an energetic yet otherworldly melody.

Listening to this track will open up a new horizon of music before your eyes.

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Here Is No WhyThe Smashing Pumpkins

[HQ] The Smashing Pumpkins – Here Is No Why

Here Is No WhyThe Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins are a quintessential alternative rock band of the 1990s and are still actively performing today.

Even among their alt-rock peers, they’re highly skilled musicians—the combination of Billy Corgan, who executes technical passages with flair, and James Iha, who excels at more off-the-wall, effects-laden playing, is especially distinctive.

The song introduced here, Here Is No Why, appears on the classic Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, a double album that achieved record-breaking sales.

While it wasn’t released as a single, it’s a hidden gem I strongly recommend for its simple riff and beautifully melodic guitar solo.

Don’t miss the moment when Iha’s guitar harmonizes with impeccable timing at the end of Billy’s solo.

Be sure to check it out!

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Gotta Move On (ft. H.E.R.)Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton – Gotta Move On ft. H.E.R.

Gotta Move On (ft. H.E.R.)Toni Braxton

Singer Toni Braxton, who debuted as a member of the five-sister group The Braxtons before launching her solo career, included the song “Gotta Move On ft.

H.E.R.” on her album Spell My Name, released on August 28, 2020.

The track drew attention for featuring singer-songwriter H.E.R.

Her lyrical guitar solo delivers tearful, emotional phrases that perfectly match the song’s mood.

It’s a wistful number, and you should also pay attention to the phrases that color the vocal melody toward the end.

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Hoshino Takashi

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In conclusion

I introduced songs featuring cool guitar solos by guitar heroes who have left their mark on the global rock scene.

If you like Western rock music, I’m sure they were all classic standards you’ve heard before.

However, there are still many great songs I couldn’t cover this time, so if you’re interested, please check out the others as well.