I’m no musician, nor am I a formally trained music historian. I don’t know the history of Rock and Roll, because, frankly, until the turn of the 21st century, I never liked it much. I used to deejay at parties and dances, and if you want to know something about Funk music or Reggae, I’m your guy, and I’m getting to that point with mainstream and smooth jazz. What I am, however, is a music fan with over a half-century’s experience and ADHD that requires I listen to music for most of my waking hours.

I listen to more music than you. I’m certain of that, and we’ve never hung out.

So, as a fan, I sort of bristle when I come across a listing of the best of anything, such as  Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists.” I don’t doubt they’re right, and they surveyed some of the most skilled people around to make their list, but still — what a musician likes is not going to be what I like. I don’t care about the chord complexity. I care about how it makes me feel. And one person’s list means nothing to the next person unless they share similar musical traits. If you don’t care about pitch, emotion, or technical aspects of playing, I’m not gonna like what you like and vice versa. That said, I know my list means even less than others, but this is my place, so I’m listing mine.

Here’s My 10 Favorite Guitarist Solos in no particular order except for how I remembered them. These aren’t necessarily my favorite songs. They are my favorite pieces on the guitar from my favorite guitarists. I’d be interested in hearing yours. If you have an interesting top 10 list, maybe we can feature it here. Cheers.

• Carlos Santana – “Europa”

• Prince – solo on “While my Guitar Gently Sleeps”

• Kenny Wayne Shepherd – “Blue on Black”

• Jimi Hendrix – “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”

• Larry Carlton — “Blues Force” here, live with Bob James, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason, Fourplay.

• Stevie Ray Vaughan — “Little Wing” — I think his version might be better than Hendrix’s

• Rodrigo y Gabriela — “Hanuman” In my opinion, it’s GABRIELA y rodrigo, but no matter. 🙂 If you don’t know why, check out “Diablo Rojo” (Red Devil) by them.
  

• Robert Johnson – “Crossroads” played at the correct speed, which is NOT 78 RPM.

• B.B. King – “The Thrill Is Gone” (studio version)

• Joe “Satch” Satriani — “Wind in the Trees” I’ve actually written lyrics to this song I’ve never let anyone see.

Bonus Track #1: Ali Farka Touré (w Toumani Diabaté) – “Warbé

Bonus Track #2: Prince – “She’s Always in my Hair”