Former Megadeth guitarist, Kiko Loureiro has revealed his five favourite guitar solos to date, which include the names of legendary guitarists and their well-known tracks. Kiko revealed names like Randy Rhoads, Bryan May, Eddie Van Halen, Ritchie Blackmore, and Jeff Beck.
Kiko Loureiro Named His Top Five Guitar Solos
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Naming their favourite guitar solos is never an easy question for any, and Kiko also shares that situation. The former Angra axeman admitted on his Instagram that his list of favourite solos can change over time, but he did manage to sort of compile the five names that are simply a must-have for him.
The first solo he picked up was Rhoads’ exquisite play on Ozzy Ozzbourne’s Mr. Crowley, which was released originally in 1980 as part of Ozzy’s debut album, but it was released as a single in the US a year later. The solo played by Rhoads was certainly powerful and inspirational, especially at that time as he put out such a cool fast and melodic piece that suited the song’s vibe.
Kiko’s second pick for his favourite solos is Brian May on Queen’s famous track, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ which was released in 1975. In comparison to Rhoad’s Mr. Crowley, May’s piece certainly focuses more on its fine melody plus the 77-year-old distinguished sound. Creating catchy melodic phrases that even then non-guitar players would and can hum to.
After Brian May’s solo on Bohemian Rhapsody, Kiko’s third pick goes to the late Eddie Van Halen with his exquisite piece on ‘Hot for the Teacher’, released in 1984. Eddie’s guitar playing doesn’t need any endorsement, especially as he brought in plenty of inspiring stuff during the early 80s. EVH’s solo piece in that track is certainly something that can easily inspire many guitar players, even to this date.
The fourth on Kiko’s list is Ritchie Blackmore’s playing in Deep Purple’s hit track ‘Highway Star’, which was outed in 1972. Blackmore also put on a rockin’ solo that at the time managed to inspire many guitar players, especially those who fancy hard rock music.
The fifth and final list that Kiko picked is the late Jeff Beck’s piece from his song, ‘Cause We’ve Ended as Lover’, which was released in 1975 and written by Stevie Wonder. That song was part of Beck’s platinum album “Blow by Blow” which also peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart list. The solo that the legendary guitarist played in that song is certainly one of those melodic playing that brings out many feels.
All of the solo guitars on Kiko’s list is certainly worthy enough to be recommended for all guitar heads out there. Nevertheless, everyone including us at Rock-Expert also has our preference for the top five favourite solos, which are hard to pick out.
Rock-Expert Favorite Top Five Guitar Solos (for Now)
Not trying to compare or even compete with Kiko’s taste, we at Rock-Expert also have our favourites for guitar solos that are different from the ex-Megadeth’s. Considering that we here grew up listening to and inspired mostly by guitarists of the late 80s and 90s, our reference would be quite different from the Brazilian guitar virtuoso choices.
Rock-Expert are not putting the list in any particular order as we believe guitar playing, including solos, is just a matter of preference which can often change. First of all, the solo that we are inspired and fascinated by would be Vito Bratta on White Lion’s ‘Wait’. The combination of catchy melody with exquisite technique brought us jumping out of our seats, especially when hearing that track for the first time.
Another exciting solo that we truly enjoy and believe combines that fine engaging melody with enough technical abilities would be Kee Marcello on Europe’s ‘Superstition’. That solo has been praised by many to be one of their favourites to hear even up to this date. Combining that speed runs with lovely melody lines that go well with the song is just excitement for the ears.
For our next pick, Rock-Expert opted to choose Richie Kotzen‘s solo on Mr. Big’s ‘Electrified’, some might not see it as Kotzen’s best piece to date but it has that unique energy and brings out that authentic tone from the guitar virtuoso on Mr. Big. That song was on the band’s album “Actual Size” which was the first studio release after Paul Gilbert temporarily left them.
Next on our list would be Nuno Bettencourt’s exquisite playing on Extreme’s ‘Get the Funk Out’ which managed to even get Brian May excited. Nuno’s solo was able to combine excellent melody and technique without leaving the colour of the whole song. Even to this date, many guitar enthusiasts still enjoy this solo and put on their cover track of it.
Since we opted to follow Kiko’s footsteps in putting out five lists, it’s not an easy choice to leave out many options but the solo that Rock-Expert still enjoy every time it’s on would be Paul Gilbert’s fine piece on Mr. Big’s ‘Anything For You’. Although it’s not one of PG’s most exciting playing, the solo that he crafted on that track can bring out that tasty rock ballad melody with enough technical touch as well. The combination of cosy vibrato, melodic licks and well-crafted string-skipping arpeggio blends in magnificently well.
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After hearing out Kiko and Rock-Expert’s five favourite solos, it’s time for you guys to think and maybe create your list. It’s not a competition guys, just a matter of taste so enjoy every solo and share it on the comment as well.
