[2025] A Collection of Classic Western Songs with Cool Guitar Solos

Let It BeThe Beatles

The Beatles – Let It Be – Let It Be (STEREO REMASTERED)

An immortal classic everyone knows, and the last single the Beatles released while they were still active.

Considering Paul McCartney’s state of mind at the time, his piano-and-vocal performance and the melody feel achingly melancholic and heart-rending.

The guitar solo may not be singled out very often, but George Harrison’s playing is deeply emotional, with beautifully controlled bends that are a highlight.

In fact, there are two different versions of the song, so I recommend listening to both and comparing them.

VooDoo ChileStevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble – Voodoo Chile (Live From Austin, TX)

A masterful cover by blues guitarist extraordinaire Stevie Ray Vaughan of a song by his idol, Jimi Hendrix.

It’s included on the classic album Texas Flood, released in 1984 under the name Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble.

Many guitarists have taken on Hendrix’s songs, but Stevie—arguably a true successor—delivers a performance that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

His fiery Strat-driven guitar solo really comes alive in live footage, where its intensity comes across even more than in the studio recording.

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.

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.

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.

Beast and the HarlotAvenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold – Beast And The Harlot [Official Music Video]

Avenged Sevenfold is a five-piece metal band that captivates fans with an aggressive sound incorporating elements of post-hardcore and emo.

“Beast and the Harlot,” which opens their third album City of Evil, makes a strong impact with its high-velocity beat and shouted vocals right from the start.

The guitar solo, featuring fluid, lightning-fast phrases, achieves a beauty that draws you in.

Beyond the solo, the track is packed with melodic guitar lines—a cool metal tune through and through.

AlivePearl Jam

Pearl Jam – Alive (From the BBC)

This song, based on Eddie Vedder’s real-life experiences, can be called a masterpiece of grunge.

Its sweeping arrangement and heavy guitar sound are striking, and the solo in the latter half by Mike McCready—bursting with Hendrix-influenced wah and vibrato—is particularly acclaimed.

Released as the first single from their 1991 debut album Ten, it originally appeared on a Coca-Cola pop music sampler.

The lyrics, depicting the struggle of living, are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who questions their own existence.

It’s a must-listen not only for guitar lovers but also for those wrestling with inner conflict.