[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 roundup of classic Western songs with cool guitar solos (31–40)
Get The Funk OutExtreme
Extreme set themselves apart from typical rock bands and heavy metal by gaining popularity with a sound that incorporates elements of funk.
While their massively successful ballad “More Than Words” is incredibly well-known, their true essence lies in the so-called funk metal sound centered around guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, whose technique is extraordinary.
True to its title, this track is a classic where funky grooves merge with metallic riffs, and the guitar solo—featuring fluid tapping on full display—is unbelievably cool!
VooDoo ChileStevie Ray Vaughan
A masterful cover by blues guitarist extraordinaire Stevie Ray Vaughan of a song by his idol, Jimi Hendrix.
It’s included on the classic album Texas Flood, released in 1984 under the name Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble.
Many guitarists have taken on Hendrix’s songs, but Stevie—arguably a true successor—delivers a performance that’s nothing short of breathtaking.
His fiery Strat-driven guitar solo really comes alive in live footage, where its intensity comes across even more than in the studio recording.
Luck As A ConstantPeriphery
Periphery is a progressive metal band that began as the solo project of guitarist Misha Mansoor, who had been gaining recognition through his online activities.
The track Luck As A Constant from their second album, Periphery II: This Time It’s Personal, amps up the tension with its contrast between a heavy metal sound and aggressive vocals.
The technically adept yet melodic guitar solo feels strikingly beautiful, even within the metal framework.
With its dramatic, evolving structure, it stands out as a grand, cinematic metal tune.
SomethingThe Beatles
A four-piece rock band that has had an immense influence on artists around the world and is still loved as a legend today, the Beatles.
This song, included on their 12th album Abbey Road, won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song in 1970.
The guitar solo, set against a string-featured backing, never pushes too far to the front, yet its lyrical phrases are deeply moving.
Crafted by George Harrison, the guitar solo uses few notes to bring out the song’s fullest color—an undeniable masterpiece whose enduring legacy is easy to understand.
The TrooperIron Maiden
Centered on a bass-driven band ensemble and showcasing a style defined by dramatically interwoven twin leads, Iron Maiden has had an immense impact on the history of heavy metal.
This track, included on the 1983 masterpiece Piece of Mind, is a classic packed with the rousing essence of heavy metal—so much so that the Japanese title “A Fight Without Tomorrow” feels understandable.
Faithful to fundamentals yet executed with solid technique, its melodic guitar solo is the sort of thing any metal guitarist would want to try imitating at least once.
[2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with cool guitar solos (41–50)
Beast and the HarlotAvenged Sevenfold
Avenged Sevenfold is a five-piece metal band that captivates fans with an aggressive sound incorporating elements of post-hardcore and emo.
“Beast and the Harlot,” which opens their third album City of Evil, makes a strong impact with its high-velocity beat and shouted vocals right from the start.
The guitar solo, featuring fluid, lightning-fast phrases, achieves a beauty that draws you in.
Beyond the solo, the track is packed with melodic guitar lines—a cool metal tune through and through.
For The Love Of GodSteve Vai
Steve Vai is a famous guitarist known as one of the disciples of the great artist Frank Zappa.
He’s a Grammy-winning guitarist with extraordinarily advanced playing technique.
Among his works, one I especially recommend is For The Love Of God.
As you can tell from the fact that he joined Frank Zappa’s band as an official guitarist, you can experience exceptionally high-level guitar technique.
It’s an instrumental track featuring only guitar, so be sure to check it out.
