[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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Purple RainPrince
Prince, an American singer-songwriter with world-class guitar skills, was hugely active in the 1980s and rivaled Michael Jackson in popularity.
One of his signature works is Purple Rain.
It’s a piece that seems to encapsulate Prince’s artistry—his exceptional songwriting, emotive vocal delivery, and remarkable guitar technique.
The final guitar solo, in particular, is breathtaking; he wields the guitar as if it were an extension of his own body.
[2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with cool guitar solos (41–50)
Dani CaliforniaRed Hot Chili Peppers
This is a celebrated song from the 2006 smash-hit album Stadium Arcadium, which also won a Grammy.
In Japan, it was used as the theme song for the film Death Note.
It’s a melodious number that feels distinctly like the Red Hot Chili Peppers from their more melody-focused period, carrying a certain wistfulness, and John Frusciante’s guitar solo is incredibly emotional.
The blistering rapid-fire runs unveiled toward the end are just unbelievably cool.
Incidentally, while John emphasized improvisation across much of the album, he reportedly wrote this particular track out on notation and recorded it from the score.
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.
