Rock music and electric guitar solos are synonymous with each other. From iconic riffs to blazing solos, the guitar has been the driving force behind some of the greatest rock anthems of all time. For intermediate guitarists looking to elevate their skills and expand their repertoire, mastering classic rock solos is essential. In this blog post, we'll delve into 10 rock solos that every intermediate guitarist should learn to sharpen their techniques and add flair to their playing.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play rock guitar from a master musician like Paul Gilbert? Try some free online guitar lessons now!

"Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses:

Kicking off our list is Slash's legendary solo from "Sweet Child O' Mine." This solo is a masterclass in melodic phrasing and control, featuring both fast runs and emotive bends. Learning this solo will improve your dexterity and sense of timing, making it a must for any aspiring rock guitarist.

"Hotel California" by Eagles:

Joe Walsh and Don Felder's dual guitar solo in "Hotel California" is iconic. This solo is a great exercise in harmonizing and blending two guitar parts seamlessly. It also teaches valuable skills in playing with feeling and expression, essential for any rock guitarist.

"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin:

Jimmy Page's solo in "Stairway to Heaven" is a rite of passage for guitarists. Known for its intricate fingerpicking and dynamic shifts, this solo will challenge your finger coordination and control. Mastering this piece will elevate your playing to new heights.

"Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd:

David Gilmour's emotive solo in "Comfortably Numb" is a showcase of tone and phrasing. Learning this solo will improve your bending technique and teach you how to convey emotion through your playing. It's a timeless piece that every guitarist should have in their repertoire.

"Highway Star" by Deep Purple:

Ritchie Blackmore's solo in "Highway Star" is a high-energy tour de force. Known for its blazing speed and intricate runs, this solo will push your technical abilities to the limit. It's a great exercise in alternate picking and string skipping, essential for any rock guitarist.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn blues and rock guitar techniques from a true master of the instrument like Jared James Nichols? Try some free online guitar lessons now!

"Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits:

Mark Knopfler's solo in "Sultans of Swing" is a lesson in tastefulness and restraint. Known for its fingerstyle picking and melodic sensibility, this solo will improve your finger dexterity and ear for melody. It's a must-learn for any guitarist interested in classic rock.

"November Rain" by Guns N' Roses:

Another classic from Slash, the solo in "November Rain" is epic in every sense of the word. Featuring sweeping arpeggios and soulful bends, this solo will teach you how to build tension and release in your playing. It's a challenging piece but well worth the effort.

"Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin:

Jimmy Page's riff-heavy solo in "Whole Lotta Love" is a staple of classic rock. Known for its raw energy and bluesy licks, this solo will improve your sense of groove and timing. It's a great exercise in playing with attitude and swagger.

"Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne:

Randy Rhoads' solo in "Crazy Train" is a shred masterpiece. Featuring lightning-fast runs and virtuosic techniques, this solo will push your speed and precision to the limit. It's a challenging piece but incredibly rewarding to master.

"Enter Sandman" by Metallica:

Kirk Hammett's solo in "Enter Sandman" is a lesson in metal riffing and soloing. Known for its aggressive tone and fast-paced runs, this solo will improve your palm muting and downpicking technique. It's a must-learn for any aspiring metal guitarist.

Mastering these 10 rock solos will not only expand your repertoire but also sharpen your skills as a guitarist. From iconic riffs to blazing solos, each piece offers valuable lessons in technique, expression, and musicality. And for those seeking further guidance, online guitar lessons from renowned instructors like Paul Gilbert and Jared James Nichols at ArtistWorks offer comprehensive courses tailored to rock guitarists of all levels. 

So, whether you're looking to improve your electric guitar skills or dive deeper into the world of rock guitar, these courses provide the perfect opportunity to take your playing to the next level. Start your journey today and unleash your inner rock star!

READ MORE:

Master Your Guitar Sound: 5 Must-Have Effects for Rock and Blues Players

Mastering Speed and Precision: Advanced Scale Exercises for Rock and Shred Guitarists

Blues Rock Guitar Lesson: Phrasing with Jared James Nichols