Not a bad choice. I remember buying the sheet music from the Lewis Music Store in Kissimmee, Florida to that song many, many, many years ago so I could play it. Of course those sheets didn’t contain the notes to the solo that comes near the end. I had to pick that out by ear.
Other picks by the poll were David Gilmour’s solo on Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” at number two, the work of Don Felder and Joe Walsh on “Hotel California” by the Eagles at number three, the performance of Alan Collins on “Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynrd at number four, and Jimi Hendrix’s playing on “All Along the Watchtower” at number five.
It’s hard to argue with that list, but opinions are so subjective. Such “best” lists often leave out some of my personal favorites.
So here are a few more that come to mind and that I believe should at least get an honorable mention:
- Elliot Randall’s solo on Steely Dan’s “Reeling in the Years.” It’s also a favorite of Jimmy Page, I hear.
- Larry Carlton’s lead on another Dan tune “Kid Charlemagne.” (Okay, I have to say that just about any Steely Dan album will feature a selection of great guitar licks in my humble opinion.)
- Terry Kath’s solo on Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.” He gave his wah-wah pedal a workout to great effect. (Pun intended.)
- Doobie Brothers' recording of “Don’t Start Me Talkin’.” This solo doesn’t feature blazing licks, but it does have a tasty style that really appeals to me.
- Peter Frampton’s “Day’s Dawning.” Frampton has proven he can shred on a guitar solo, but on this one he shows his ability to play some smooth melodic lines.
And I could go on and on like just about anything from Jeff Beck’s “Blow by Blow.” That’s the problem with a list like this. You’re always going to leave so many out.