10 Iconic Blues Rock Guitar Solos
Blues rock is a genre that has carved its own distinct place in music, known for its powerful combination of emotional intensity and electrifying displays of virtuosism. It has given rise to some of the most iconic guitar solos in modern music, where technical mastery and emotional expression come together to create magic. In this article, we explore ten of the most iconic guitar solos in blues rock, performed by legendary musicians whose influence remains central to the genre.
These solos represent the essence of blues rock, blending soulful phrasing with powerful bursts and intricate improvisation to produce timeless performances. From the innovative techniques of Jimi Hendrix to the fluid style of Stevie Ray Vaughan, these solos have remained the cream of the crop when it comes to the guitar. This list celebrates the legacy and impact of these performances, recognizing their lasting contributions to our beloved genre.
Enjoy!
Gary Clark Jr. – “When My Train Pulls In”
“When My Train Pulls In” is a volcanic track from Gary Clark Jr.’s 2012 album Blak and Blu. The song showcases Clark’s monster chops as he unleashes this feedback-laced frenzy fest of lead guitar.
The solo in “When My Train Pulls In” is notable for the raw, fuzzy intensity in Clark’s tone and his expansive and fluid phrasing. These, combined with his aggressive playing style, create a truly memorable solo. This performance solidifies Clark’s unique place in the contemporary blues rock scene.
Roy Buchanan – “The Messiah Will Come Again”
“The Messiah Will Come Again,” from Roy Buchanan’s 1972 self-titled album, is a hauntingly beautiful instrumental that highlights Buchanan’s exceptionally expressive style.
The solo in “The Messiah Will Come Again” is iconic for both its emotional nature and technical brilliance. Buchanan’s use of sustain, bending, and volume crafts a mesmerizing exercise in mood creation through the guitar. The solo remains a standout moment in blues rock history and the perfect showcase of Buchanan’s immense, if often overlooked talent.
Joe Bonamassa – “So Many Roads”
“So Many Roads,” a song originally by Otis Rush, was given new life by Joe Bonamassa on his 2006 album You & Me. Bonamassa’s rendition is a tribute to traditional blues while incorporating his unique rock-infused style and modern sensibilities.
The solo in “So Many Roads” is an exercise in dramatic expression and technical mastery. Bonamassa’s clever usage of vibrato bends, and dynamic control creates a stirring performance that ranks among the best in his career. His ability to blend blistering licks with sensible melodic phrasing makes this solo a standout moment in contemporary blues rock.
Cream – “White Room”
“White Room,” featured on Cream’s 1968 album Wheels of Fire is a classic blues rock track that showcases Eric Clapton’s lead work at its best. The song’s distinctive riff and haunting melody lays the foundation for one of Clapton’s most memorable solos.
The solo in “White Room” is a masterclass in fluidity and precision, and Clapton’s use of the wah-wah pedal adds a unique texture to the solo, enhancing its richly expressive quality. His ability to blend blues phrasing with fiery rock dynamics makes this solo a standout moment in blues rock.
Jeff Healey – “As the Years Go Passing By”
The blues standard “As the Years Go Passing By” was covered by Jeff Healey on his 1995 album Cover to Cover. Healey’s unique playing style, using a lap-held guitar, adds a distinctive touch to this emotional track.
The lead work in Healey’s version of “As the Years Go Passing By” remains his best ever for its emotional, larger-than-life intensity. Healey’s expressive bends and fluid phrasing create a deeply moving solo that, coupled with his heartfelt vocal performance, creates one of the most stirring performances in blues rock history.
Jimi Hendrix – “Hey Joe”
“Hey Joe,” a traditional number popularized by Jimi Hendrix, was released as his debut single in 1966. Hendrix’s version is definitive, showcasing his revolutionary approach to guitar playing and his innovative use of effects.
The solo in “Hey Joe” is famous for its improvisational brilliance and mastery of dynamics. Hendrix’s abrasive, fuzz-infused licks and use of feedback create a solo that is both explosive and expressive. This performance cemented Hendrix’s status as a guitar legend and influenced countless musicians in the decades to come.
Gary Moore – Parisienne Walkways
“Parisienne Walkways,” co-written by Phil Lynott and Gary Moore, was released as a single in 1979 and later featured on Moore’s album Back on the Streets. The song is a hauntingly poignant ballad that highlights Moore’s exceptional guitar work.
The solo in “Parisienne Walkways” is known for its lyrical quality and emotional intensity. Moore’s sustain and vibrato techniques are showcased brilliantly, creating a touching and memorable showcase of lead guitar. Alongside “Still Got The Blues”, “Parisienne Walkways” remains the highest point in Moore’s career and a favorite among guitar enthusiasts.
Led Zeppelin – “Since I’ve Been Loving You”
Featured on Led Zeppelin’s 1970 album Led Zeppelin III, “Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a standout track that blends blues and rock seamlessly. Jimmy Page’s ferocious guitar work complements Robert Plant’s impassioned vocals, creating a timeless (blues) rock classic.
The solo in “Since I’ve Been Loving You” is renowned for its emotional depth and dynamic brilliance. Page’s use of dynamics and phrasing builds tension and release, making it one of the most memorable solos in rock history as it explodes into a mid-song climax. The interplay between Page’s guitar and Plant’s piercing vocals adds to the solo’s intensity and overall impact.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – “Midnight in Harlem”
“Midnight in Harlem” is a standout track from the Tedeschi Trucks Band’s 2011 album Revelator. The song features the gorgeous, evocative slide guitar of Derek Trucks, which adds to the song’s tremendous emotional weight.
The solo in “Midnight in Harlem” is celebrated for its melodic phrasing and emotional depth. Trucks’ supreme mastery of the slide guitar becomes evident from the first note, as he weaves fluid and emotionally charged lines that perfectly complement Susan Tedeschi’s velvety vocals. The solo’s eloquent quality and technical marvel make it a standout moment in modern blues rock and solidify Trucks as one of the greatest guitarists the genre has ever seen.
Stevie Ray Vaughan – “Texas Flood”
“Texas Flood,” originally recorded by Larry Davis in 1958, was brought to new heights by Stevie Ray Vaughan on his 1983 album Texas Flood with Double Trouble. This song became a staple of Vaughan’s live performances and showcases his extraordinary guitar skills. The track is characterized by its intense emotional delivery and masterful blues technique.
The solo in “Texas Flood” is majestic due to Vaughan’s ability to express unmatched passion through his expressive bends, fiery vibrato and tremendously fluid phrasing. His technical prowess and raw energy are evident, making the solo a perfect blend of traditional blues and modern rock abrasiveness. Vaughan’s enormous influence on future guitarists can be traced back to this seminal performance which also shows why he’s arguably the greatest blues rock guitarist of all time.
Feel free to leave your choices of iconic blues rock solos in the comments!
Like some of the names on the list but confused how GC Jr was even considered much less put on the list of “iconic guitar solos” other than this is yet another popularity contest list. He is a solid rhythm guitarist and a fair (at best) lead guitarist. He has a lead player in his band. Jimi and Stevie each have at least a dozen better examples of solos (than the ones given ) that display both their technical prowess and their ability to convey emotion. I understand it’s all opinion, but a little more thought and research on the subject may be in order. The description given “powerful combination of emotional intensity and electrifying displays of virtuosism”.
I think Rory Gallagher should definitely have been mentioned in your list.. Very disappointing as he was one of if not the best guitarists of his era!
I agree Karen. Rory is often overlooked in top guitarists. Such a versatile musician. Great bluesman. So original. He’s in my top 3 of all time guitarists for sure.
I’ll take Clapton’s Crossroads solo over White Room any day.
and what about the ABB’s One Way Out which has not 1 but 2 great solos?
Mike Bloomfield again gets forgotten. His guitar work on both Butterfield’s first 2 albums is as good if not better than most of his contemporary’s . Yet he doesn’t get mentioned at all.
You want great solos, listen to Work Song or East West and tell me there was someone better out there at the time.
His slide work and solo on Shake your Money Maker is a window rattling melodic masterpiece!
Two words, John Nitzinger . . Awesome guitarist and song writer, way over looked .
Ron you’re right, Blooms was astounding on the PBBB records (and live too). Thank you for speaking up for him. Another clickbait listicle. Some of the entries aren’t even truly blues.
Mike Bloomfield again gets forgotten. His guitar work on both Butterfield’s first 2 albums is as good if not better than most of his contemporary’s . Yet he doesn’t get mentioned at all.
You want great solos, listen to Work Song or East West and tell me there was someone better out there at the time.
His slide work and solo on Shake your Money Maker is a window rattling melodic masterpiece!
What about Johnny Winter’s , Be Careful With a Fool,or It’s My Own Fault.
Eric Clapton “Let It Rain” solo
What about Robben Ford, listen to any & all his albums. The man is a genius when he plays. Too many great solos to name. One that really speaks to his ability is “Help The Poor” off his “Talk to Your Daughter”.
Absolutely concur with Rory Gallagher – so many, many examples in his repertoire, of amazing guitar solos.
One I particularly enjoy is “Shin Kicker”, from one of his live performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
While perhaps more “rock-blues” than “blues-rock”, in this particular instance, the man was absolutely brilliant, and a performer who gave his all.
Take five minutes, and watch the following, and I think you will see, and hear, what I am talking about about.
https://youtu.be/GazzTFxXGeE?feature=shared
Has the author never noticed the similarity between the Messiah will come and Parisienne walk