[2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with awesome 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!
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[2026] A Collection of Classic Western Songs with Cool Guitar Solos (21–30)
Ball and BiscuitThe White Stripes
The White Stripes, the rock duo featuring guitarist Jack White—whose talent has earned him the reputation of an American Renaissance figure.
Their song Ball and Biscuit, from the fourth album Elephant, features a cool, bluesy ensemble highlighted by razor-edged guitar tones.
While the guitar solo doesn’t rely on flashy, highly technical runs, it delivers loose, groovy lines that are quintessentially guitar-driven.
And with a main riff that’s as catchy as the solo is expressive, it’s a number guitarists should definitely try tackling.
Highway StarDeep Purple
It’s one of Deep Purple’s signature songs, standing alongside classics like “Smoke on the Water” and “Burn.” There must be guitar kids all over the world who’ve tried to copy this track.
Beyond its innovative use of J.S.
Bach–inspired chord progressions that bring in classical elements, the guitar solo—firing off sixteenth-note phrases with full picking—is insanely cool.
Every passage you pick out serves as a model for rock guitar, so it’s no wonder it shows up in most instruction books.
Purple HazeThe Jimi Hendrix Experience
It’s a single released by the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967, a masterpiece brimming with the psychedelic vibe of the ’60s.
It’s also famous for featuring the phrase known as the “Hendrix chord,” devised by the guitar god himself.
The solo, played with his signature Octavia effect, is filled with a distinctly psychedelic, floating sensation.
Hendrix often used a style where he adds embellishments while holding down chords, so it’s interesting to listen to the vocal sections with that in mind as well.
Sultans Of SwingDire Straits
Dire Straits are a British band known for their edgy style that doesn’t conform to prevailing musical trends.
While their sound is rooted in roots rock and blues rock, their musical range broadened as their career progressed.
One of their standout tracks featuring a memorable guitar solo is Sultans of Swing.
The solo has been highly praised and was ranked among Guitar World magazine’s Greatest Guitar Solos.
Be sure to check it out.
Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana
Even people who aren’t very familiar with rock will probably think of this all-time classic when they hear the name Nirvana.
The raw, power-chord-driven intro riff is the most memorable part of the song, but the guitar solo that traces the melody also has a deeply appealing character.
It’s a technique that could easily feel cheap, but precisely because the underlying melody is so brilliant, the solo ends up fitting for a historic masterpiece.
CrossroadsCream
This is a signature song by Cream, the supergroup that brought together legendary players Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, and Ginger Baker.
The performance, in which three highly skilled musicians clash without yielding an inch within the band ensemble, had a tremendous impact on later bands.
Rooted in the blues and infused with a harder edge, the flowing guitar solo is among Eric Clapton’s most celebrated performances.
Muffin ManFRANK ZAPPA
Frank Zappa is one of America’s greatest artists.
Not only was he an exceptional musician, but he was also a formidable public commentator, voicing a wide range of opinions—from critiques of the Christian right to pointed takes on politics and the music industry.
He has many classic tracks, but the one I especially recommend is “Muffin Man.” Black music lies at the core of his musical sensibility, and you can feel that background particularly in the guitar solo on this track.
It’s a gritty, incredibly cool solo—highly recommended!