11 easy guitar solos: learn each in less than 5 mins

You picked up the guitar and you're eager to get to the part where you're just gliding up and down the fret board, hitting each note perfectly, and impressing all your friends.

Well, that's going to take some time. Sometimes it will take lots of time.

But there are great ways to get started practicing lead guitar and surprisingly, there are some simple solos that can be picked up even before you've got the hang of rhythm guitar patterns.

I don't recommend jumping straight to lead guitar; however, you will gain an appreciation for the instrument quickly when you practice guitar solos. Here are 11 easy solos for beginner guitar players.

What makes a guitar solo "easy"?

To create this list I first went through all the other top easy solo lists on Google, YouTube, and Reddit to see what other people came up with but I realized that something critical was was missing.

No one has defined the criteria that separates an easy guitar solo for beginners from a hard guitar solo. So we made our own.

Meet The Guitar Difficulty Index.

How to read the chart:

1. On the left are the 8 primary techniques used in any guitar solo.
2. Left to Right: Whether or not the techniques are incorporated and the degree of difficulty that they're executed.
3. Top to Bottom: Degree of difficulty of the technique itself. Quite simply tapping in the middle of a solo is much harder than executing a double stop for example.
4. It's not perfect. There isn't a perfect science to measuring the difficulty of a solo. Some slow solos can be extremely difficult and maybe there's an easy solo out there that throws in a harmonic half way through. Take it all with a grain of salt.

Guitar Difficulty Index criteria:

• Single vs Double Notes. Requires accuracy from the fretting hand to hit double or even multiple notes in the middle of a solo without an improperly fretted string (buzz/muted) and without missing a beat.
• Speed BPMs. Typically, the faster it is, the harder it is.
• Fingers Needed. Some solos can be played with one finger. Others even get your thumb involved.
• Hammer-ons & Pull-offs. The first real playing techniques to be learned but can get difficult with the incorporation of multiple strings and speed.
• Bends & Vibrato. Harder than simple Hammer-ons & Pull-offs because they require a lot of strength and accuracy.
• Harmonics. Hard to do in general but especially in the middle of a solo.
• Tapping. Oh hello Eddie Van Halen.

11 Easy Guitar Solos

Ok, so now that we have a framework to think about difficulty here are 11 easy guitar solos for beginners that meet the rules above and can quickly impress a few friends or YouTube subscribers.

1. The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army | Video

Let's start with a real anthem. The opening riff of Seven Nation Army is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in modern music. It's also one of the easiest guitar solos to learn. The solo is played on one string, making it perfect for beginners.

2. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit | Video

Smells Like Teen Spirit is one of the most iconic songs of the 90s - and not just because of its music video. The guitar solo is short and simple, but it's also very effective. It's a great solo to learn if you're looking to improve your alternate picking.

3. The Beatles - I’ve Just Seen A Face | Video

I’ve Just Seen A Face is a classic Beatles song that features a fun and upbeat guitar solo. The solo is played in the key of D and features a few simple pentatonic licks. It's a great solo to learn if you're looking to improve your pentatonic scales.

4. Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze (Intro) | Video

The intro solo to Purple Haze is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history. It's also one of the easiest guitar solos to learn. The solo is played on one string and features a few simple bends.

5. Oasis - Don't Look Back In Anger | Video

Don't Look Back In Anger is a classic Oasis song with a signature Noel Gallagher guitar solo. The solo is played in the key of C and consists of a few simple pentatonic licks. It does however include a number of double stops and bends that will take time to perfect. (Also, what seem like simple chords have a bit more going on underneath - check out the video linked)

6. The Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated | Video

I Wanna Be Sedated might just be the most popular punk song ever and its solo is literally one f*$king note! In fact, I think this will go down as the easiest solo on the list and one that a fresh guitarist could pick up in just one week of playing. It just goes to show that you don't have to be talented at all to come up with an iconic solo.

7. Green Day - Holiday | Video

Holiday is a classic Green Day song that features a fun and upbeat guitar solo. The solo is played in the key of G and features a few simple pentatonic licks. It's a great solo to learn if you're looking to improve your pentatonic scales.

8. Weezer - Island In The Sun | Video

Island In The Sun is a fun and catchy song that features a simple guitar solo. The solo is played in the key of D and features a few simple pentatonic licks. It's a great solo to learn if you're looking to improve your pentatonic scales.

9. The Beatles - Let it Be | Video

A lot of lists included Let It Be as an easy guitar solo so I've included it here too but personally I would say this borders on being an intermediate guitar solo. There are quite a few double stops and bends throughout the solo making it more difficult than most the other songs on this list. It has Harrison's signature melodic solo style all throughout and is just an iconic piece of rock history.

10. The Killers - When You Were Young | Video

This one isn't as easy as I Wanna Be Sedated, but When You Were Young by the Killers is up there with simple lead guitar skills that anyone can master. The solo is played entirely on the B-string and can be played with just one finger moving up and down the neck. Hence why it's one of our easiest awesome solos, would be a great first solo to learn, and ranks quite low on the GDI.

11. The Cure - Love Song | Video

Whenever I'm alone... I play the solo of Love Song. It's a fun one, potentially borderline riff vs solo due to its short length. This solo only requires two fingers on two strings of the guitar throughout making it pretty easy on our GDI. Don't forget to check out the version from 311 for a little bit more of a reggae vibe.

Soloing on Acoustic vs Electric Guitar

Soloing is always easier on an electric guitar than playing on an acoustic guitar due to thinner necks and lighter strings. However, acoustic guitars are for more than just playing guitar chords with and there are some amazing acoustic guitar solos like Wish You Were Here to be learned.

Here's a fun practicing tip. If you're finding it difficult to learn a particular solo on the electric - maybe it's too fast for example - switch and learn to play it on an acoustic. This seems counterintuitive but the idea is that when you then go back to playing it on an electric guitar your fingers will almost instantly feel unlocked - going smoother and faster across the neck

Guitar Solo Techniques - 9 Tips To Help You Improve

Learning guitar solos can be challenging, but with the right techniques, it can be easier and more enjoyable. Here are some techniques to help you learn guitar solos:

1. Slow Down

When learning a new guitar solo start slow. This will help you understand the notes and timing of the solo. Once you get comfortable with the notes, you can gradually increase the speed.

2. Practice Sections

Break the solo into sections and practice each section separately. This will help you focus on the difficult parts and make the learning process more manageable.

3. Use a Metronome

A metronome is a great tool to help you keep time and improve your rhythm. Start by playing the solo at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable.

4. Learn the Scales

Learning scales will help you profoundly. I was a tablature and play by ear guitarist for too long (15 years!) before I figured this out. Learning scales allows you to improvise, intuitively understand what notes will work next, and actually become a better play by ear guitarist.

5. Use Tablature

Talking about tablature, tabs are a great tool for learning guitar solos. Tabs will show you the notes and timing of the solo clearly but also include inflections like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and bends which we've covered extensively here.

6. Practice with a Backing Track

Practicing with a backing track will help you improve your timing and rhythm. It will also make the learning process more enjoyable. YouTube is a great source of backing tracks.

7. Video Yourself Playing

Have you ever been shocked to hear the sound of your own voice when its recorded? Playing guitar, especially a good guitar solo, is very similar. Hearing your solos and watching them objectively allows you to find all these areas of opportunity that you weren't able to pick up on while playing in real-time.  

8. The Importance of Finger Positioning

Playing a solo isn't just about hitting the right note at the right time. You have to anticipate what's next and use your fingers accordingly. If the next note requires an up-bend for example, you'll most likely want to make sure you hit it with your ring finger as its the strongest and most controlled bend you can deliver.

In some solos, you'll want to keep the resonance of previous notes going while playing the next note. Think about this and think about which finger is best used to remain on the note while transitioning to the next one.

9. The Importance of Guitar Tone

Finally, tone. Tone can make or break a solo and the most iconic guitarists all have a tone recognizable to themselves. If you ever listened to While My Guitar Gently Weeps you can immediately tell that this is a solo with bends and vibrato that sound similar to George Harrison but are clearly the more sophisticated Eric Clapton with his iconic warm bluesy tone.  

Practicing Regularly

Remember, playing guitar solos takes time and practice. You have to put in the reps. I picked up the guitar at the age of 12 and for every summer of highschool I played for 5 or 6 hours a day!

Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually develop the skills you need to play impressive solos.

To become proficient at playing guitar solos, regular practice is essential. Here are a few tips for practicing regularly:

• Set a regular practice schedule: It is important to set aside a specific time each day or week for practicing guitar solos. This will help you to stay motivated and make progress.
• Warm-up exercises: Before practicing guitar solos, it is important to warm up your fingers and hands. This can be done by playing scales or simple chord progressions.
• Break it down: When learning a new guitar solo, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller sections. This will make it easier to practice and memorize.
• Use a metronome: Practicing with a metronome will help you to develop your sense of timing and rhythm.
• Record yourself: Recording yourself while practicing can be a great way to track your progress and identify areas that need improvement.

Anyone can learn to play guitar... solos with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to solo on acoustic or electric guitar?

The answer to this question depends on personal preference and playing style. Some people may find it easier to solo on an acoustic guitar because the strings are thicker and require more pressure to play, making it easier to bend notes. Others may find it easier to solo on an electric guitar because the strings are typically lighter and easier to press down, allowing for faster playing. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of guitar they prefer to solo on.

What are some guitar solos that sound hard but are actually easy?

There are many guitar solos that sound difficult but are actually quite easy to play. Some examples include "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath, and "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses. These solos are great for beginners because they are fun to play and can be learned relatively quickly.

What are some of the best intermediate guitar solos to learn?

There are many great intermediate guitar solos to learn, including "Hotel California" by The Eagles, "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits, and "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd. These solos require a bit more skill and practice than beginner solos, but are still accessible to most intermediate players.