Dragonforce and the Speedy Song: "Through the Fire and the Flames"

Dragonforce is a band well known for their cartoonish sound effects and cartoonishly exaggerated playing speed. Herman Li in particular, is recognized as one of the speediest players around today. This song, "Through the Fire and the Flames" is the band's most recognized, and it features a dual solo so over the top, it seems to be parodying itself with its picture in picture closeups of the players hands....



As if this weren't enough, here is a 100% perfect version of the same song on guitar hero:

Billy Howerdel, A Perfect Circle and an Extended guitar solo from "Orestes"

And now I'd like to pay tribute to one of the most underrated guitarists of our times: Billy Howerdel. Billy is the songwriter behind the unequaled supergroup A Perfect Circle. Formerly a guitar tech for tool and other bands, he joined up with Maynard James Keenan of Tool and several other musicians to realize his artistic vision. Unfortunately, Maynard's fame often overshadows Howerdel's and the latter does not get the credit he clearly deserves.

Howerdel's guitar style is unique, dreamy and a mix of hard and soft. He usually tunes to C# standard and APC's music is marked by chords with open strings, often 6/8 timing, and atmospheric effects shot through with clear lead lines that counterbalance the vocals.

It is extremely sophisticated and artistic guitar music, and APC's two albums must be treasured, for the band has apparently split for good.

Here is Howerdel and co. playing Orestes, a track of their first album "Mer De Noms"

David Gilmour of Pink Floyd: The Soulful Solo From "Comfortably Numb"

David Gilmour's Pink Floyd solos are well known for their soulfulness and 'spacey' nature. The best known example is the ending solo of the song "Comfortably Numb" off of the acclaimed Floyd album "The Wall". This guitar solo is considered as something of a gold-standard for soulful rock outros. It is in B minor and not at all shredlike. Rather, it takes a measured and mournful route, and seems to hit all the right notes.

One definition of a guitar solo is that it is a substitute for a vocal verse and Gilmour's solo almost sounds like the guitar has come to life and is pouring out its pain. David Gilmour rightly has his place among the rock gods and his Comfortably Numb Solo is a clear reason for that status. Here he is in concert, a little older perhaps, but still rocking out

Yngwie Malmsteen and the Rising Force Solo

Yngwie Malmsteen is one of the most loved and hated of all guitarists. Loved and admired because he elevated the visibility of neoclassical shred, and hated by some for creating what my be considered emotionless, technical guitar songs. Whichever side of the debate you stand on, it is clear the Malmsteen must be given his due for technical prowess. Here is is performing Rising Force solo, taken from the song Rising Force on his 1988 album "Odyssey". There is smoke and fog surrounding the performers, but I swear you can almost see the smoke wafting of the fretboard from Malmsteen's warp-speed chops!

Frank Zappa's Interesting Muffin Man Guitar Solo

Frank Zappa is one of the strangest and most experimental musicians ever, but none can deny his impact on the industry. He has put out several solo albums and others with his band the Mothers of Invention. One of his most famous songs is "The Muffin Man", a strange creation with a spoken word intro and occasional vocals by Captain Beefheart. The rest of the song is a amazing, soulful, solo. It is played in a somewhat sloppy style which adds the 'feeling' of the song. The best version is that released on the live album "Bongo Fury" which was recorded in Austin. But here is another rendition of the Zappa solo at a concert.

Kirk Hammett takes on Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing

Here we have an interesting combination. Metallica's Kirk Hammett begins to warm up the crowd with his trademark pentatonic shredding. The crowd is digging it, yelling and shouting for more. Then all of a sudden Kirk switches gears and busts out none other than the solo from Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix. This soulful rendition is given a metallic distortion edge which works surprising well.

A Cool Solo by Joe Satriani

Joe Satriani is known in guitar circles as something of a guitar god and it is clear why. Few have the technical proficiency that he does and he has taught several other outstanding guitarists over the decades. Check out this Satriani solo, particularly the way he draws out every note and makes use of the whammy bar.

Solo from Sweet Child O Mine, Performed by Slash

Who could fail to recognize one the greatest guitarists ever: Slash! He his well known for his playing ability, his les paul guitars, and also his persona. Slash's iconic image includes his ever present top hat, sunglasses and a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth. This video is of a guitar solo which frequently tops the list of some of the most loved: The solo from "Sweet Child O Mine" by the immortal Guns N Roses....

The Stairway to Heaven Solo performed by Jimmy Page

Well to start things off, why not add what is often considered the greatest solo of all time, the emotional centerpiece of Stairway to Heaven with none other than axe-man supreme Jimmy Page:



Simply sublime....