[2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with awesome guitar solos

You Can’t Bring Me DownSuicidal Tendencies

Suicidal Tendencies – You Can’t Bring Me Down

Suicidal Tendencies, the pioneering act that fused hardcore punk and thrash metal.

This track from their fourth album, “Lights… Camera… Revolution!”—released in 1990 at the peak of their popularity—packs punk’s breakneck drive with thrashy riffs, intertwined to perfection with the funky bass of Robert Trujillo, who would later join Metallica.

It’s a definitive masterpiece worthy of the name crossover thrash.

The solo by ace guitarist Rocky George, who helped steer the band toward thrash metal, showcases fluid speed picking and abundant tapping, shredding from the intro all the way to the end.

Even metal-loving guitarists who aren’t into hardcore will find themselves nodding in admiration at this superb performance.

Free BirdLynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Free Bird (Official Audio)

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and still actively touring today, the five-piece rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd is going strong.

The song “Free Bird,” included on their debut album Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd, is also known as a number dedicated to Duane Allman, who passed away in 1971.

The extended guitar solo that begins when the tempo picks up midway is both hysterical and emotional, shaking the listener to the core.

It’s a track that excels with a floating feel in the first half and a driving sense of speed in the latter, conveying passion amid its lingering melancholy.

Smooth ft. Rob ThomasSantana

Santana – Smooth (Official Video) ft. Rob Thomas

Santana is a Latin rock band centered around guitarist Carlos Santana.

The group evolved from a blues band formed in San Francisco in 1966, and since their 1969 debut they have continued to release hit songs, remaining active at the forefront for many years.

Among his works, one particularly famous piece is Smooth ft.

Rob Thomas.

It’s a collaboration with Rob Thomas, and the Latin-style guitar solos that appear in the first half and during the interlude are especially striking.

Luck As A ConstantPeriphery

PERIPHERY – Luck As A Constant

Periphery is a progressive metal band that began as the solo project of guitarist Misha Mansoor, who had been gaining recognition through his online activities.

The track Luck As A Constant from their second album, Periphery II: This Time It’s Personal, amps up the tension with its contrast between a heavy metal sound and aggressive vocals.

The technically adept yet melodic guitar solo feels strikingly beautiful, even within the metal framework.

With its dramatic, evolving structure, it stands out as a grand, cinematic metal tune.

The TrooperIron Maiden

Iron Maiden – The Trooper (Official Video)

Centered on a bass-driven band ensemble and showcasing a style defined by dramatically interwoven twin leads, Iron Maiden has had an immense impact on the history of heavy metal.

This track, included on the 1983 masterpiece Piece of Mind, is a classic packed with the rousing essence of heavy metal—so much so that the Japanese title “A Fight Without Tomorrow” feels understandable.

Faithful to fundamentals yet executed with solid technique, its melodic guitar solo is the sort of thing any metal guitarist would want to try imitating at least once.

Purple RainPrince

Prince – Purple Rain (Official Video)

Prince, an American singer-songwriter with world-class guitar skills, was hugely active in the 1980s and rivaled Michael Jackson in popularity.

One of his signature works is Purple Rain.

It’s a piece that seems to encapsulate Prince’s artistry—his exceptional songwriting, emotive vocal delivery, and remarkable guitar technique.

The final guitar solo, in particular, is breathtaking; he wields the guitar as if it were an extension of his own body.

Dani CaliforniaRed Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dani California [Official Music Video]

This is a celebrated song from the 2006 smash-hit album Stadium Arcadium, which also won a Grammy.

In Japan, it was used as the theme song for the film Death Note.

It’s a melodious number that feels distinctly like the Red Hot Chili Peppers from their more melody-focused period, carrying a certain wistfulness, and John Frusciante’s guitar solo is incredibly emotional.

The blistering rapid-fire runs unveiled toward the end are just unbelievably cool.

Incidentally, while John emphasized improvisation across much of the album, he reportedly wrote this particular track out on notation and recorded it from the score.