[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)
Muffin ManFRANK ZAPPA
Frank Zappa is one of America’s greatest artists.
Not only was he an exceptional musician, but he was also a formidable public commentator, voicing a wide range of opinions—from critiques of the Christian right to pointed takes on politics and the music industry.
He has many classic tracks, but the one I especially recommend is “Muffin Man.” Black music lies at the core of his musical sensibility, and you can feel that background particularly in the guitar solo on this track.
It’s a gritty, incredibly cool solo—highly recommended!
Paranoid AndroidRadiohead
This is a song that could be called one of Radiohead’s signature tracks, overwhelming listeners with its complex structure and innovative guitar sound.
Featured on the album OK Computer, released in May 1997, the track reached No.
3 on the UK Singles Chart.
The unique world crafted by Thom Yorke’s vocals and Jonny Greenwood’s guitar is captivating.
The frenzied guitar solo that unfolds from the middle to the end of the song is nothing short of breathtaking.
Any music fan has likely heard it at least once.
Listen to this track, and you’ll understand why Radiohead is hailed as the most important band in modern rock.
[2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with cool guitar solos (31–40)
Free BirdLynyrd Skynyrd
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and still actively touring today, the five-piece rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd is going strong.
The song “Free Bird,” included on their debut album Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, is also known as a number dedicated to Duane Allman, who passed away in 1971.
The extended guitar solo that begins when the tempo picks up midway is both hysterical and emotional, shaking the listener to the core.
It’s a track that excels with a floating feel in the first half and a driving sense of speed in the latter, conveying passion amid its lingering melancholy.
Smooth ft. Rob ThomasSantana
Santana is a Latin rock band centered around guitarist Carlos Santana.
The group evolved from a blues band formed in San Francisco in 1966, and since their 1969 debut they have continued to release hit songs, remaining active at the forefront for many years.
Among his works, one particularly famous piece is Smooth ft.
Rob Thomas.
It’s a collaboration with Rob Thomas, and the Latin-style guitar solos that appear in the first half and during the interlude are especially striking.
You Can’t Bring Me DownSuicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies, the pioneering act that fused hardcore punk and thrash metal.
This track from their fourth album, “Lights… Camera… Revolution!”—released in 1990 at the peak of their popularity—packs punk’s breakneck drive with thrashy riffs, intertwined to perfection with the funky bass of Robert Trujillo, who would later join Metallica.
It’s a definitive masterpiece worthy of the name crossover thrash.
The solo by ace guitarist Rocky George, who helped steer the band toward thrash metal, showcases fluid speed picking and abundant tapping, shredding from the intro all the way to the end.
Even metal-loving guitarists who aren’t into hardcore will find themselves nodding in admiration at this superb performance.
Let It BeThe Beatles
An immortal classic everyone knows, and the last single the Beatles released while they were still active.
Considering Paul McCartney’s state of mind at the time, his piano-and-vocal performance and the melody feel achingly melancholic and heart-rending.
The guitar solo may not be singled out very often, but George Harrison’s playing is deeply emotional, with beautifully controlled bends that are a highlight.
In fact, there are two different versions of the song, so I recommend listening to both and comparing them.
While My Guitar Gently WeepsThe Beatles
The Beatles, who had a tremendous impact on pop music.
They’ve produced countless classic songs, but many people might not associate them with guitar solos.
For those people, I recommend While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
As it happens, the lead guitar part on this track is played by George Harrison’s friend Eric Clapton.
Perhaps because of that, the song features a particularly impactful guitar solo.