For any guitarist, mastering difficult guitar solos and challenging guitar tracks is seen as a sign of true skill. Some guitar songs are particularly notorious for being incredibly difficult to play, requiring endless hours of practice and a high level of technical finesse.
These are the tracks that often inspire awe and respect from fellow musicians and fans alike. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the hardest guitar solos in history and what makes them so difficult to play.
From the frenzied finger-picking of ‘Eruption’ by Van Halen to the complex and intricate runs of ‘Through the Fire and Flames’ by Dragonforce, there are a number of guitar solos that have gained legendary status for their sheer difficulty. Other notable tracks include ‘Cliffs of Dover’ by Eric Johnson, ‘Little Wing’ by Jimi Hendrix, and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen, among many others.
But what exactly makes these the hardest guitar solos ever? Often, it’s a combination of factors, including tricky time signatures, intricate melodies, fast picking or fingering, and unorthodox techniques. For many guitarists, mastering these tracks is not just a matter of technical ability, but also a mental challenge that requires focus and dedication.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner guitar player, tackling one of these riffs is sure to be a rewarding and challenging experience. So grab your axe of choice and get ready to test your skills with these legendary and notoriously difficult guitar tracks.
Legendary Guitar Solos
There are certain guitar solos that have become legendary in the world of rock music. These solos are often recognized as some of the most technically challenging and musically impressive guitar performances of all time. Below are some of the most famous and iconic guitar solos that have stood the test of time.
Eruption by Van Halen
Eruption is a guitar solo that was recorded by Eddie Van Halen for the band’s debut album in 1978. The solo is known for its fast-paced, intricate finger tapping and use of harmonics. It has been widely recognized as one of the most difficult guitar solos to play ever recorded and has been a favorite of guitarists for decades.
Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Free Bird is a classic rock song that features a guitar solo that has become synonymous with the band’s legacy. The solo, which was played by guitarist Allen Collins, is known for its extended length and emotional intensity. It features a variety of different techniques, including fast picking, string bending, and vibrato.
Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
Stairway to Heaven is one of the most iconic songs in rock history, and its innovative guitar is one of the reasons. The solo, which was played by guitarist Jimmy Page, is known for its slow, melodic build-up and explosive climax. It features a variety of different techniques, including fingerpicking, string bending, arpeggio, and vibrato.
Each of these guitar solos has earned its place in rock history due to the technical skill and musicality of the performers. While there are certainly others that could be considered equally impressive, these solos have stood the test of time and continue to inspire guitar players around the world.
Metal Guitar Solos
When it comes to metal guitar solos, there are a few that stand out as the most challenging and impressive. Here are three of the most difficult metal band guitar riffs ever recorded:
One by Metallica
“One” by Metallica is a classic metal song with a solo that is notoriously one of the hardest to play. The solo, played by Kirk Hammett, is fast and technical, requiring a great deal of skill and precision. The solo includes a number of difficult techniques, including sweep picking, tapping, and string skipping.
Fun fact, you can also find this track on Guitar Hero 3!
Floods by Pantera
“Floods” by Pantera features a solo by Dimebag Darrell that is widely regarded as one of the most difficult and impressive metal solos ever recorded. The solo is fast and technical and includes a number of challenging techniques, such as wide stretches, fast alternate picking, and sweep picking.
The tempo of this riff makes it a difficult solo, and the chord progression will keep you on your toes. The solo also includes a section where Dimebag uses a wah pedal to create a unique and memorable sound.
Technical Difficulties by Racer X
“Technical Difficulties” by Racer X is a showcase of technical guitar playing, featuring a solo by Paul Gilbert that is both fast and complex and will challenge even the best guitar amps. The solo includes a number of challenging techniques, such as string skipping, alternate picking, and tapping. The solo also includes a section where Gilbert uses his signature legato technique to create a smooth and fluid sound.
Overall, these metal solos are some of the most challenging and impressive ever recorded, requiring a great deal of skill and precision to play.
Blues Guitar Solos
Blues guitar solos are known for their soulful, emotional, and expressive nature. The following three solos are some of the most challenging and iconic in the genre.
Crossroads by Cream
The solo in “Crossroads” by Cream, played by Eric Clapton, is a masterpiece of blues guitar playing. The song is a cover of Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues,” and Clapton’s solo is a tribute to Johnson’s original solo. The solo is fast, intricate, and full of Clapton’s signature blues licks. It requires excellent finger dexterity and control to play the notes accurately and with the right feeling.
Texas Flood by Stevie Ray Vaughan
“Texas Flood” by Stevie Ray Vaughan is a classic blues song with unforgettable guitar sounds. The solo is a perfect example of Vaughan’s style, which combined blues, rock, and jazz influences. The solo is a mix of fast runs, slow bends, and expressive vibrato. It requires excellent timing and a deep understanding of the blues to play it with the right feeling.
The Thrill Is Gone by B.B. King
B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone” is one of the most iconic blues songs of all time, and the solo is a big reason why. The solo is a masterclass in phrasing, tone, and emotion. It is slow and deliberate, with every note played with purpose. The solo requires excellent control over the guitar’s dynamics and a deep understanding of the blues to play it with the right feeling.
Overall, blues riffs are some of the most challenging and rewarding to play. They require excellent technique, timing, and feeling to execute correctly. The three solos mentioned above are just a few examples of the genre’s complexity and beauty.
Rock Guitar Solos
Rock guitar solos are known for their technical difficulty and emotional intensity. They require exceptional skill, precision, and creativity from the guitarist. Here are some of the most challenging rock guitar solos of all time.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody, one of the most iconic songs of all time, features a melody that is both complex and emotional. The solo, played by Brian May, is a masterpiece of technique and melody. It starts off with a slow, melodic section, and then builds up to a fast, intricate section that showcases May’s incredible speed and accuracy. The solo perfectly captures the mood and spirit of the song, and is a testament to May’s talent as a guitarist.
November Rain by Guns N’ Roses
November Rain is a classic power ballad that features one of the most beautiful and challenging guitar solos of all time. The solo, played by Slash, is a masterpiece of emotion and technique. It starts off with a slow, melodic section that builds up to a fast, shredding section that showcases Slash’s incredible speed and precision. The solo perfectly captures the mood and spirit of the song and is a testament to Slash’s talent as a guitarist.
Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd
Comfortably Numb is a hauntingly beautiful song that features one of the most iconic guitar solos of all time. The solo, played by David Gilmour, is a masterpiece of tone and emotion. It starts off with a slow, melodic section that builds up to a fast, shredding section that showcases Gilmour’s incredible speed and precision. The solo perfectly captures the mood and spirit of the song and is a testament to Gilmour’s talent as a guitarist.
Overall, jazz, rock and metal solos are a testament to the skill and creativity of the guitarists who play them. They require exceptional talent and dedication and are a true art form in their own right.
The Final Note
These are some of the greatest guitar solos ever written for the guitar. They require a high level of skill, precision, and creativity to perform at the highest level.
Some of the solos on this list are known for their speed and technicality, while others are more focused on emotion and melody. Regardless of the style, each one presents its own unique set of challenges for the guitarist.
It’s important to note that this list is by no means exhaustive, and there are countless others that could easily be included. However, the solos mentioned here are widely recognized as some of the most difficult and impressive solos ever written. Names like Steve Vai, Mark Knopfler, Jason Richardson, and John Petrucci could easily have made this list as well!
Aspiring guitarists who want to tackle these solos should be prepared to put in countless hours of practice and study. It’s also important to remember that while technical proficiency is important, it’s not the only factor that makes a great guitar solo.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to approach these solos with a sense of passion, creativity, and dedication. With the right mindset and a lot of hard work, anyone can master these challenging guitar solos and become a true guitar virtuoso.
A ukulele player pretty much from birth, Edward has gone on to play banjo, lead guitar, and bass for a number of bands and solo projects! Edward loves talking, teaching and writing about music!
