10 Overlooked Great Guitar Solos
Introduction
There are dozens of lists of great guitar solos on the internet. Stairway to Heaven, All Along the Watchtower, Comfortably Numb… the usual suspects. Indisputable.
But what about those that have slipped under the radar? Growing up in a home with three older siblings during the 1960s, I was exposed to The Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show—the dawn of the golden age of rock and roll. Thanks to my siblings’ album collections, which ranged from The Allman Brothers to The Moody Blues, I discovered a uniting factor: the guitar solo.
Apparently, I wasn’t alone in this romance, as the guitar became the most popular instrument—and one that I eventually learned to play myself. I understand how a solo can both elevate and complement a song, and I know firsthand the immense talent it takes to pull that off.
All this to say, I’ve compiled this list with a deep knowledge of guitar solos. Some come from well-known players, others from those unfairly overlooked. If you play guitar or simply love solos, these tracks are worth hunting down and judging for yourself.
1. Inca Roads – Frank Zappa (One Size Fits All)
Frank Zappa is a phenomenal guitar player. The challenge is navigating his vast catalog, much of which is unconventional and not for everyone. Despite his intricate musicianship, his lyrics and song structures sometimes overshadow the brilliance of his playing.
One Size Fits All (along with Apostrophe) stands out as one of his most accessible albums. In this four-minute live-recorded solo, Zappa delivers masterful hammer-ons and pull-offs through a half-open wah-wah pedal. It showcases what he could do when he would “shut up and play his guitar.” Superb.
This kind of innovative complexity leads us to another guitarist who pushed the boundaries of technique and tone.
2. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape – Bill Nelson (Be Bop Deluxe, Live in the Air Age)
Bill Nelson is one of the forgotten shredders of the late British Invasion. Armed with an ES-335 and two major seven chords, he delivers a clinic in this four-minute solo. Pre-dating Eddie Van Halen’s finger-tapping and Eric Johnson’s string-skipping, Nelson’s tone and vibrato shine, even if he runs out of steam toward the end.
His harmonic range, which extends beyond typical pentatonic riffs, foreshadowed the lead guitar trends of the 1980s.
From British innovation, we move to a guitarist whose raw power even impressed Jimi Hendrix.
3. Poem 58 – Terry Kath (Chicago Transit Authority)
Jimi Hendrix allegedly said Terry Kath could play “better than me,” and this two-chord jam explains why. With a heavily overdriven tone, Kath’s solo is melodic, dynamic, and lightning-fast. It’s indulgent and expansive—a perfect bookend to 25 or 6 to 4.
Next, we shift from Kath’s raw intensity to the smooth, refined mastery of a legendary session guitarist.
4. Spiral – Larry Carlton (Crusaders, Those Southern Knights)
Larry Carlton is famous for his session work (Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Hill Street Blues), but many forget his years with the Crusaders. Spiral captures Carlton stretching out during his studio heyday. His trademarks—tone, bends, vibrato, and melodic lines—are all on display here.
Carlton’s fluid phrasing over complex changes with precise arpeggios defines his style. This solo is pure “tastiness.”
Carlton’s sophistication sets the stage for another jazz innovator with dazzling technical skills.
5. Have You Heard – Pat Metheny (Pat Metheny Group, The Road to You Live)
Pat Metheny is a legend, but his expansive catalog of straight-ahead jazz can be daunting for rock fans. The Road to You is a great starting point, offering an overview of Metheny’s supporting and spotlight roles.
This solo features dizzying open-string chromatic runs—technical brilliance that leaves listeners in awe.
Now, let’s turn to a rock icon whose fiery solos once made him the definitive guitar hero.
6. Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad – Eric Clapton (Derek and the Dominos, In Concert)
Clapton at his absolute finest. The solo begins with a call-and-response between Clapton’s wah-wah and Jim Gordon’s drums. He then unleashes a series of riffs against minor chords before a climactic finale over a major seven chord.
This is Clapton when he was still, as they say, “God.”
Next, we dive into the blues-jazz brilliance of Robben Ford.
7. Monmouth College Fight Song – Robben Ford (Yellowjackets, Casino Nights Live at Montreux)
In the late 1970s, Robben Ford and the Yellowjackets were pioneers of melodic, blues-infused jazz. Captured live at Montreux, this solo highlights Ford’s blues/jazz hybrid style as he effortlessly navigates multiple chord changes.
From Ford’s soulful phrasing, we explore the fusion mastery of Buzz Feiten.
8. Jungle Fever – Buzz Feiten (Neil Larsen, Jungle Fever)
Buzz Feiten is more famous for his tuning system than his playing, which is a shame. In the 1970s and 1980s, his solos with Neil Larsen were thrilling and melodic. This import-only CD is a treasure trove of jazz/rock fusion.
The Jungle Fever solo stands out for its dynamic breaks and the incredible riff at 5:31. The rhythm section of Willie Weeks and Andy Newmark adds extra firepower.
From Feiten’s dynamic grooves, we move to the soaring rock energy of Steve Lukather.
9. I’m Home – Steve Lukather (Greg Mathieson Project, Baked Super Live)
This import-only CD is worth tracking down. A young Steve Lukather steps in for Larry Carlton and has a lot to prove. Over Jeff Porcaro’s deep grooves, Lukather blends brilliant rhythm work, atmospheric swells, and a soaring guitar climax.
Finally, we close with a Steely Dan alum delivering pure melodic brilliance.
10. How Do Those Fools Survive – Skunk Baxter (Doobie Brothers, Minute by Minute)
Skunk Baxter is celebrated for his work with Steely Dan (My Old School, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number), but his solo on this Doobie Brothers track deserves more recognition. With his guitar plugged straight into the board, Baxter delivers a fade-out solo full of octaves, blues licks, chromatic runs, and pure melody.
Fun fact: Baxter later became a defense contractor analyst. (Yes, really—Google it!)
Conclusion
These overlooked solos offer a fresh perspective on some exceptional guitar talent. Each one showcases technical skill, melodic creativity, and a unique voice. Whether you’re a guitarist or just a fan of great solos, these tracks are well worth a listen.
These guitarists all share in elevating their songs with flourishes of virtuosity. Moreover, they can provide an entry point into the catalogs of artists you may not have explored before.
Rock on! 🎸