The 10 Hardest Guitar Solos Ever Written

As any guitarist knows, there are some songs that are just plain difficult to play. Whether it's the complex fingerpicking patterns, the lightning-fast solos, or the intricate chord progressions, these songs can test the limits of even the most skilled players.

So, which songs are the hardest to play on guitar? Here's a list of the top 10, according to a recent survey of professional guitarists:

1. "Eruption" by Eddie Van Halen
2. "Round and Round" by Ratt
3. "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson
4. "The Flight of the Bumblebee" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
5. "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel
6. "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams
7. "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
8. "Hotel California" by the Eagles
9. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
10. "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

These songs are all challenging for different reasons. "Eruption," for example, is known for its blazing-fast solo, while "Cliffs of Dover" features complex fingerpicking patterns. "The Flight of the Bumblebee" is a classical piece that requires incredible precision and speed, while "Canon in D" is a Baroque piece that is notoriously difficult to play on guitar.

Of course, the difficulty of a song is subjective. What one guitarist finds easy, another may find impossible. But these 10 songs are widely considered to be some of the hardest to play on guitar.

Why Playing Hard Guitar Solos Matters

There are many benefits to learning how to play difficult guitar solos. For one, it can help you improve your overall guitar playing skills. When you learn how to play a challenging solo, you'll need to develop your fingerpicking technique, your picking speed, and your fretboard knowledge. This will all translate to better playing in other areas of your guitar playing.

Playing difficult guitar solos can also help you develop your musicality. When you learn how to play a complex solo, you'll need to understand the music theory behind it. This will help you develop your ear for music and your ability to improvise.

Finally, learning how to play difficult guitar solos can simply be a lot of fun. It's a great way to challenge yourself and to push your playing to the next level.

How to Practice Hard Guitar Solos

If you're looking to learn how to play difficult guitar solos, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier.

First, make sure you have a solid foundation in guitar playing. This means being able to play basic chords, scales, and arpeggios. You should also be comfortable with different picking techniques.

Once you have a good foundation, you can start to learn more difficult solos. Start by breaking the solo down into smaller sections. Learn each section slowly and gradually increase your speed.

It's also important to be patient. Learning how to play difficult guitar solos takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually be able to play any solo you set your mind to.

Conclusion

Playing difficult guitar solos is a challenging but rewarding experience. If you're looking to improve your guitar playing skills, develop your musicality, or simply have some fun, then learning how to play difficult guitar solos is a great way to do it.

FAQs

1. What is the hardest guitar solo ever written?

According to a recent survey of professional guitarists, the hardest guitar solo ever written is "Eruption" by Eddie Van Halen.

2. What are some other difficult guitar solos?

Other difficult guitar solos include "Round and Round" by Ratt, "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson, "The Flight of the Bumblebee" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, "Canon in D" by Johann Pachelbel, "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams, "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, "Hotel California" by the Eagles, "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, and "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

3. How can I learn to play difficult guitar solos?

To learn how to play difficult guitar solos, you can start by breaking the solo down into smaller sections. Learn each section slowly and gradually increase your speed. It's also important to be patient and to keep practicing.

4. What are some benefits of learning how to play difficult guitar solos?

There are many benefits to learning how to play difficult guitar solos, including improving your overall guitar playing skills, developing your musicality, and simply having fun.

5. How long does it take to learn how to play difficult guitar solos?

The time it takes to learn how to play difficult guitar solos varies depending on your skill level and how much time you practice. However, with consistent practice, you can eventually learn to play any solo you set your mind to.

6. What are some tips for practicing difficult guitar solos?

Some tips for practicing difficult guitar solos include breaking the solo down into smaller sections, learning each section slowly and gradually increasing your speed, and being patient and consistent with your practice.

7. What are some of the best resources for learning how to play difficult guitar solos?

There are many resources available for learning how to play difficult guitar solos, including online lessons, books, and DVDs. You can also find many helpful tutorials on YouTube.

8. What are some of the best guitarists who play difficult solos?

Some of the best guitarists who play difficult solos include Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Yngwie Malmsteen.