[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 (41–50)
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.
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.
AlivePearl Jam
This song, based on Eddie Vedder’s real-life experiences, can be called a masterpiece of grunge.
Its sweeping arrangement and heavy guitar sound are striking, and the solo in the latter half by Mike McCready—bursting with Hendrix-influenced wah and vibrato—is particularly acclaimed.
Released as the first single from their 1991 debut album Ten, it originally appeared on a Coca-Cola pop music sampler.
The lyrics, depicting the struggle of living, are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who questions their own existence.
It’s a must-listen not only for guitar lovers but also for those wrestling with inner conflict.
You Really Got MeThe Kinks
Released in 1964, this was a truly revolutionary track that redrew the map of rock music.
Issued as The Kinks’ debut single, the song—written by Ray Davies—is brimming with youth and passion.
Its distorted guitar sound and powerful riff are distinctive, and it’s often cited as a forerunner of hard rock and heavy metal.
Dave Davies’s innovative guitar solo influenced countless musicians.
A powerful, catchy number that seems to embody youthful energy and a love for street culture, it’s recommended not only for rock fans but also for anyone interested in the history of music.
Under A Glass MoonDream Theater
Dream Theater is a progressive metal band featuring guitarist John Petrucci, renowned for his technical and academic playing.
The track Under a Glass Moon, from their second album Images & Words, creates impact with arrangements that make characteristic use of odd time signatures.
The flowing, rapid-fire phrases that epitomize a true metal guitar solo are so commanding that even listeners unfamiliar with guitar will likely be overwhelmed by their power.
It’s a metal tune packed with highlights not only on guitar, but also in the vocals, bass, keyboards, and drums.
RattlesnakeSt. Vincent
Singer-songwriter St.
Vincent, who has experience performing as a touring member for various artists and has continued to attract attention after her solo debut—including winning a Grammy—delivers a striking impact with the track Rattlesnake from her fourth album, St.
Vincent.
The ensemble features a hooky, synth-driven sound that makes a strong impression.
The searing guitar solo, which blends seamlessly into the ensemble, uses a minimal number of notes yet still elevates the song.
It’s an addictive number that guitarists will want to study, particularly from a sound-design perspective.
Still Got The BluesGary Moore
Gary Moore, a guitarist representing Northern Ireland.
His song Still Got The Blues is his biggest hit, released in 1990.
While his musical roots lie in the blues, this track is crafted around a melody that emphasizes those very roots.
After releasing this song, he shifted his style more decisively toward blues-based music, making it an essential track for understanding who he is as an artist.
If you love blues-style guitar solos, this is a must-check piece!