10 Overrated Classic Rock Guitar Solos That Dragged On

Guitar solos have long been a defining feature of classic rock. While many are iconic and unforgettable, some seemed to go on forever, losing focus or overstaying their welcome. These solos, though praised by fans at the time, often feel excessive in hindsight, overshadowing the songs they were meant to enhance.

1. “Free Bird” – Lynyrd Skynyrd

The solo in “Free Bird” is undeniably famous, but it’s also incredibly long. Lasting more than four minutes, it takes up nearly half the song. While the intricate guitar work is impressive, it feels repetitive by the end.

For many listeners, the extended jam seems more like an endurance test than a highlight. Its length often overshadows the emotional buildup of the earlier verses, making the solo feel like it drags rather than builds on the song’s energy.

2. “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin

Jimmy Page’s solo in “Stairway to Heaven” is often hailed as one of the best in rock history. However, some argue it’s overrated. The solo starts beautifully but stretches on, losing the intensity that made the rest of the song so powerful.

The pacing feels uneven, and while Page’s skill is undeniable, the solo risks coming across as indulgent. Instead of amplifying the song’s impact, it sometimes distracts from its mystical, poetic atmosphere.

3. “Hotel California” – Eagles

The twin-guitar solo at the end of “Hotel California” is celebrated for its harmonies, but its length makes it feel excessive. Lasting over two minutes, it lingers far beyond the song’s haunting narrative.

What starts as a brilliant instrumental section can feel repetitive as it stretches on. The solo’s polished nature sometimes overshadows the raw emotion of the lyrics and the song’s darker themes.

4. “November Rain” – Guns N’ Roses

Slash’s solos in “November Rain” are undeniably passionate, but the song features multiple guitar breaks that can feel excessive. By the time the final solo arrives, the emotional impact has started to wane.

The extended instrumental sections sometimes give the impression of filler, drawing attention away from the powerful vocal performance. While Slash’s skill is undeniable, the solos dominate more than they elevate.

5. “Comfortably Numb” – Pink Floyd

David Gilmour’s solo in “Comfortably Numb” is often praised as one of his best, but its slow, drawn-out nature doesn’t resonate with everyone. The pacing, while intentional, can feel too long for some listeners.

The solo’s melancholic tone fits the song’s mood, but the repetition risks losing its impact by the end. What begins as a heartfelt expression sometimes overstays its welcome, making it feel overindulgent.

6. “Eruption” – Van Halen

Van Halen’s “Eruption” is less a solo within a song and more a standalone piece. While it’s technically impressive, its sheer intensity and length can feel overwhelming to some listeners.

The unrelenting pace and showmanship are groundbreaking, but they also lack the emotional connection found in other solos. It often feels more like a demonstration of skill than a musical statement.

7. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” – Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix’s guitar work on “Voodoo Child” is legendary, but the extended solo sections can feel overly self-indulgent. The song’s improvisational nature sometimes sacrifices focus for sheer length.

While Hendrix’s innovation is unmatched, the solo risks overshadowing the song’s groove. For some, it feels more like a showcase of technical skill than a fully cohesive part of the track.

8. “Layla” – Derek and the Dominos

The iconic riff in “Layla” is unforgettable, but the extended piano-guitar outro often divides listeners. The song transitions from a fiery rock anthem to a drawn-out instrumental that can feel disconnected.

While the solo adds a dreamy quality, its length can make it feel more like a separate piece than part of the original song. What starts as an emotional climax sometimes overstays its welcome.

9. “Child in Time” – Deep Purple

The solo in “Child in Time” showcases Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar skills, but its drawn-out nature can feel excessive. The lengthy instrumental sections make the song’s pacing uneven, testing listeners’ patience.

While the intensity builds impressively, the solo’s repetitive structure risks feeling redundant. Instead of driving the song forward, it sometimes stalls its momentum.

10. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen

While “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a masterpiece, Brian May’s guitar solo sometimes feels overshadowed by the operatic sections that come before it. The solo, though emotional, struggles to match the dynamic energy of the rest of the track.

Its placement in the song feels like an afterthought rather than a centerpiece. Though technically sound, the solo can feel underwhelming compared to the groundbreaking creativity of the rest of the song.