[2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with awesome guitar solos
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!
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[2026] A Collection of Classic Western Songs with Cool Guitar Solos (21–30)
Iron ManBlack Sabbath
Known as pioneers of heavy metal and doom, they are held in very high esteem by many artists and bands.
In Japan, it’s well known that Ningen Isu has been influenced by their musical style.
Among their works, a track I recommend for its memorable guitar solo is Iron Man.
Since the song is built around a science fiction concept, the guitar solo isn’t a typical one; it’s crafted with a distinctive, unconventional melody.
CrossroadsCream
This is a signature song by Cream, the supergroup that brought together legendary players Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, and Ginger Baker.
The performance, in which three highly skilled musicians clash without yielding an inch within the band ensemble, had a tremendous impact on later bands.
Rooted in the blues and infused with a harder edge, the flowing guitar solo is among Eric Clapton’s most celebrated performances.
Purple HazeThe Jimi Hendrix Experience
It’s a single released by the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967, a masterpiece brimming with the psychedelic vibe of the ’60s.
It’s also famous for featuring the phrase known as the “Hendrix chord,” devised by the guitar god himself.
The solo, played with his signature Octavia effect, is filled with a distinctly psychedelic, floating sensation.
Hendrix often used a style where he adds embellishments while holding down chords, so it’s interesting to listen to the vocal sections with that in mind as well.
Highway StarDeep Purple
It’s one of Deep Purple’s signature songs, standing alongside classics like “Smoke on the Water” and “Burn.” There must be guitar kids all over the world who’ve tried to copy this track.
Beyond its innovative use of J.S.
Bach–inspired chord progressions that bring in classical elements, the guitar solo—firing off sixteenth-note phrases with full picking—is insanely cool.
Every passage you pick out serves as a model for rock guitar, so it’s no wonder it shows up in most instruction books.
Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana
Even people who aren’t very familiar with rock will probably think of this all-time classic when they hear the name Nirvana.
The raw, power-chord-driven intro riff is the most memorable part of the song, but the guitar solo that traces the melody also has a deeply appealing character.
It’s a technique that could easily feel cheap, but precisely because the underlying melody is so brilliant, the solo ends up fitting for a historic masterpiece.
LaylaDerek and the Dominos
One of the greatest guitarists in the world, Eric Clapton, left behind this masterpiece during his Derek and the Dominos era.
In Japan, the song is known by the title “Itoshi no Layla,” and as soon as you hear the main phrase, anyone will think, “Oh, that song.” It’s not only one of Clapton’s signature tunes, but also a classic that stands in the history of rock.
The stark change in mood between the first and second halves is striking, and the tasteful slide guitar that leaves as strong an impression as that famous riff is the work of Duane Allman.
You could say it’s a truly luxurious track that lets you savor solos from two legendary guitarists.
Sultans Of SwingDire Straits
Dire Straits are a British band known for their edgy style that doesn’t conform to prevailing musical trends.
While their sound is rooted in roots rock and blues rock, their musical range broadened as their career progressed.
One of their standout tracks featuring a memorable guitar solo is Sultans of Swing.
The solo has been highly praised and was ranked among Guitar World magazine’s Greatest Guitar Solos.
Be sure to check it out.