[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 (51–60)
Sympathy For The DevilThe Rolling Stones
This is the globally famous Rolling Stones classic known in Japan under the title “Sympathy for the Devil.” It’s a track packed with ideas—such as a samba-style rhythm driven by percussion, Nicky Hopkins’s piano, lyrics inspired by Russian literature, and the absence of a rhythm guitar—and precisely because it departs from the usual rock format, Keith Richards’s guitar solo, rich with string-bending vibrato, leaves an especially striking impression.
Man in the BoxAlice In Chains
Alice in Chains, a rock band from the United States that rose to popularity during the grunge boom of the 1990s, achieved both musical and commercial success.
“Man in the Box,” a track from their debut album Facelift, is a memorable number featuring lyrics themed around animal cruelty and a rock sound characterized by looseness and a languid atmosphere.
The guitar solo, unfolding with wah-pedal tones and edgy phrases, meshes with the ensemble and draws you deeper into the song’s world.
It’s a message-driven rock tune with a tight sound that lingers in the ears.
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!
Sleep Now in the FireRage Against The Machine
A masterpiece packed with quintessential Tom Morello playing that, it’s no exaggeration to say, changed the very concept of rock guitar.
Rage Against the Machine, who shattered the boundaries between hip-hop and rock with their innovative sound and political ethos, released this as the lead track on their third album, The Battle of Los Angeles, in 1999.
Beyond the unmistakably Morello-esque, original riff, the solo—unleashed through a special technique that masterfully manipulates the toggle switch—hits with such impact that you might wonder if it’s even being produced by a guitar.
[2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with cool guitar solos (61–70)
Ain’t that peculiarFANNY
Fanny, known as one of the first all-female bands to gain both critical acclaim and commercial success.
The opening track of their 1972 album “Fanny Hill,” “Ain’t That Peculiar,” stands out with its clear, airy vocals and lively ensemble.
The soulful guitar solo, featuring prominent slide guitar techniques, gives the song a powerful, undulating drive.
The contrast between the percussion-led intro and the slide guitar also creates a strong impact, making it a catchy pop-rock tune.
That LadyThe Isley Brothers
Formed in 1954, the Isley Brothers are a music group that, despite lineup changes and many twists and turns, continue to be highly active today.
Their song “That Lady,” included on the 1973 album 3 + 3 and also known as “Who’s That Lady,” is a classic of soul music.
Its powerful, bluesy phrases and sound design that makes full use of effects pedals are likely still startling to modern guitarists.
It’s an emotional number with an extended guitar solo that keeps you riveted.
Cherry BombThe Runaways
The Runaways are a rock band from the United States, composed entirely of female members, and they drew attention for having an average age of 16 at the time of their debut.
Their song “Cherry Bomb,” released as a single from their first album The Runaways, is a rock tune that could be called the band’s signature.
The old-school guitar solo, though brief, blends seamlessly into the track and tightens the ensemble.
Punkish yet sexy, it’s an immortal classic.