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[2025] A Collection of Classic Western Songs with Cool 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!
[2025] A Collection of Classic Western Songs with Awesome Guitar Solos (1–10)
Stairway to HeavenLed Zeppelin
Despite its length of eight minutes, this quintessential Led Zeppelin masterpiece features a meticulously crafted structure and an endlessly engaging ensemble.
Known in Japan as “Stairway to Heaven,” the song is marked by its melancholic arpeggiated intro and distinctive recorder tones, gradually building in intensity until Jimmy Page’s solo in the latter half bursts forth with emotion—an absolutely thrilling moment.
Centered on the A minor pentatonic scale, his playing could be said to encompass all the fundamentals of rock guitar.
The LoneliestMåneskin
Måneskin, the four-piece rock band from Italy that has dominated charts around the world including Japan.
“The Loneliest,” a track from their 2023 album RUSH!, is especially memorable for its beautiful, emotionally stirring chorus melody.
The phrase featuring a Whammy pedal-driven sound and tremolo picking imparts a sense of speed, and together with the dramatic ensemble, leaves a lasting impact.
It’s a classic rock ballad that showcased Måneskin’s new potential to listeners.
Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles
Among the many hits the Eagles left behind, this is their most famous and truly historic masterpiece.
Its wistful melody, the arpeggios created through layered guitar overdubs, the meticulously crafted band ensemble, and the lyrics that have inspired countless interpretations—the impact this song has had on the music scene is immeasurable.
Above all, the guitar solo—largely penned by Don Felder and traded in turns with Joe Walsh—continues to shine with unfading brilliance as one of the finest solos in rock history.
It’s astounding how they leveraged the distinct characteristics of the Les Paul and the Telecaster, grounded everything in solid fundamental guitar technique, and still shaped it into a melody anyone can hum.
Many people try to copy it, but simply following the sheet music isn’t enough—capturing the nuances is quite difficult.
So be sure to listen to the track deeply and thoroughly!
EruptionVan Halen
A short yet powerfully memorable instrumental track included on Van Halen’s landmark 1978 debut album, Van Halen.
True to its Japanese title “Eruption,” it’s a masterpiece packed with relentlessly technical phrases centered on Edward Van Halen’s two-handed tapping.
Beyond announcing Eddie’s arrival, it’s a historically significant piece that elevated the very concept of rock guitar to an entirely new dimension.
Sweet Child O’ MineGuns N’ Roses
A mellow masterpiece included on Guns N’ Roses’ debut album Appetite for Destruction, which became a global hit, and it reached No.
1 on the Billboard charts when released as a single.
The guitar phrase in the intro played by Slash is very striking, and the weeping guitar solo is also deeply evocative.
Rather than relying on any special technique, it feels like the kind of solo that demands solid fundamentals and expressive ability as a guitarist.
Ego Death (feat. Steve Vai)Polyphia
Polyphia is an instrumental progressive metal band that has gained popularity for its loud sound that fuses pop, funk, and EDM influences.
Their 2022 release “Ego Death feat.
Steve Vai” highlights jaw-dropping, ultra-technical phrases featuring Steve Vai.
The entire track is so technical it could be considered one extended guitar solo, and the eccentric whammy-bar work that appears toward the end—so characteristic of Steve Vai—is sure to leave you in awe.
It’s an exhilarating number born from a collaboration between a next-generation band and a legendary guitarist.
Beat ItMichael Jackson
A song by singer-songwriter Michael Jackson, who is said to be the most successful entertainer in history and is also known as the “King of Pop.” Released as the third single from the 1982 album Thriller, the track’s experimental sound—fusing hard rock and R&B—was groundbreaking for its time and sparked widespread attention.
The thrilling, technically dazzling guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, also known as a revolutionary of rock guitar, delivers an impact that rivals Michael Jackson’s soulful vocals.
It is truly a gem of a guitar solo that distills the best of both hard rock and R&B.