5 Career-Defining Guitar Solos In The ’70s
Image via Van Halen News Desk
There are guitar solos, and then there are guitar solos that transcend their songs, becoming defining moments in the careers of the performers and deeply affecting experiences for the listeners. These solos are more than just technical feats—they are emotional journeys that connect the artist and the audience on a profound level, communicating through the language of music alone.
Here are five career-defining guitar solos from the 1970s:
Comfortably Numb
One of Pink Floyd’s most iconic tracks in 1979, “Comfortably Numb” shines thanks to David Gilmour’s extraordinary guitar work. The song features multiple solos, but the final one is particularly memorable. It doesn’t just give you chills; it creates a timeless, almost psychedelic state of euphoria and introspection.
Stairway to Heaven
This song is often considered the pinnacle of hard rock, thanks to Led Zeppelin’s masterful blending of genres into a ten-minute epic. This 1971 track combines a gentle intro, a powerful middle section, and a solo that is the stuff of legend. Jimmy Page’s solo is not only a high point of the song but also a career-defining moment that has influenced countless guitarists.
Eruption
Van Halen’s 1978 debut album opened with “Eruption,” a solo that set Eddie Van Halen apart as one of the most influential guitarists ever. The song showcases Van Halen’s innovative techniques, including fast fingerwork, bends, and his signature tapping. Hearing this for the first time in 1978 was nothing short of explosive for fans and fellow musicians alike.
Hotel California
The Eagles’ 1976 title track features a memorable guitar solo performed in a duet by Don Felder and Joe Walsh. This solo has become synonymous with the feeling of cruising down open roads and perfectly captures the essence of the band’s sound.
Free Bird
In “Free Bird,” Allen Collins and Gary Rossington deliver a breathtaking guitar duel. Their extended solo, which lasts over four minutes, transforms the already epic nine-minute song into a showcase of fiery guitar work. For many, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1973 song was the American answer to British rock giants like Led Zeppelin.
