In the music world, there have always been debates on what makes a guitar solo one of a kind. Whether it be the person behind the music or how the guitar itself responds, some solos stand the test of time and to this day cannot be perfected since it's creator.
As someone who strives for intricate guitar work, my three favorite solos always find a way to send a shiver down the spine and are jaw-dropping to anyone who listens. Though the list could genuinely go on forever, I had to cut it down to just three, but this also leaves room for a series for the future!
Alas, here are my top three guitar solos that make you believe that someone could make a guitar talk through not just sound, but pure emotion!
Three fantastic and timeless guitar solos
"Watermelon In Easter Hay" (1979), Frank Zappa
The guitar hero himself, Frank Zappa, makes his way to my list once again with his legendary track, Watermelon In Easter Hay," for more reasons than one; this song is the definition of a masterpiece. From the ludicrous lyrics to ultimately shredding a guitar nonstop, he is everything and more.
What is special about this track to me is the fact that it gets better the longer the song goes on, and he is actually repeating the same riff for its entirety, but switches the delivery in every stanza. It's one of those emotional tracks where he's actually sharing a story of how musicians need to feel free, and so do people.
The album, Joe's Garage (1979), was actually a story about how music was under attack by the government, and Zappa's counterattack was this album.
Beautiful, really, knowing music was his ultimate strength and created one of his most beautiful melodies of all time. To be fair, Zappa was one of the best guitarists this world has ever seen, and it's sad we won't have another Zappa again.
Possibly one of the most innovative music wise, this solo was different. It brought comfort and ease, almost as if you're getting a hug from a guitar if it were to ever be possible.
"Althea" (1980), Grateful Dead
One of the most optimistic bands of its time, the Grateful Dead were my pioneers of jam bands and how music can translate to ultimate happiness. Possibly one of the best, the Grateful Dead had a distinctive sound for various reasons, and one of them was because of their frontman, the late Jerry Garcia, who do jam band to a whole different atmosphere.
He was kind, generous in sound, and sang with pure passion in his heart. As one of the kindest musicians, he had a way to enchant his listeners and make them feel at ease due to the sound he could create with his guitar. Despite his lifestyle in the music scene, it does not extinguish the loving sounds he was able to push through a guitar.
"Althea," being one of the most beautiful melodies done by the band, was a song of pure love and compassion. It is timeless, even 45 years later, knowing how much one person can feel due to one song. Garcia knew how much love he released with this song, and it's a reminder of how much we as humans can feel due to the experiences we have.
This song is the definition of a perfect sunset on a summer day after feeling loved by everyone in your life, and it just so happens you know how to shred a guitar in the process.
Thank you to the Grateful Dead for not just being jam band pioneers, but spreading an abundance of love in your sound that continues to be appreciated and respected to this day.
"Free Bird" (1972), Lynyrd Skynyrd
Saving the ultimate best for last, you can't get away with guitar solos without talking about Lynyrd Skynyrd. Alas, the most heroic solo of all time, "Free Bird," is purely everything. I can't picture a life without this song, as it brings back nostalgia of family, confidence, and letting go. This song is everything authentic and pure.
You'll become a changed person once this solo hits you for the first time. This song has gotten me through various periods of my life, for which I'm forever grateful. It was a reminder that life is okay and you'll always make it through, no matter what happens in between. It was an anthem to live.
The solo towards the middle of the song transitions from heartbreak to rock star reassurance, you'll know what it means to become a FREE BIRD. It's the best song ever created in history, and the world was perfect when it had Lynyrd Skynyrd's guitar solo to get you through the day!
This song has every element of surprise, and it just makes you want to get up and dance your heart and soul out. To the best guitar solo of human history, a round of applause to the entire band for their outstanding contributions to the music world, and may we always remember to fly high as a free bird!