The Greatest Announcement: Top 10 Guitar Solos of the ’70s: Ritchie Blackmore, David Gilmour, and other more…..

OFFICIAL NEWS: Announcement; Top 10 Guitar Solos of the ’70s: Ritchie Blackmore, David Gilmour, and other more…..

The 1970s marked a golden era for rock music, and with it came some of the most iconic guitar solos ever recorded. As genres like hard rock, progressive rock, and blues-rock flourished, virtuoso guitarists left an indelible mark with solos that were not just technically brilliant, but emotionally resonant. Here are ten unforgettable guitar solos from the ’70s that helped define the decade.

1. David Gilmour – “Comfortably Numb” (Pink Floyd, 1979)
Few solos match the emotional weight of Gilmour’s work on this Pink Floyd classic. His soaring bends and lyrical phrasing turn the song’s climactic solo into a masterclass in expressive guitar playing.

2. Ritchie Blackmore – “Highway Star” (Deep Purple, 1972)
Blackmore combines classical influences with blistering speed and precision. The solo on “Highway Star” is a landmark in early heavy metal and remains a benchmark for aspiring shredders.

3. Jimmy Page – “Stairway to Heaven” (Led Zeppelin, 1971)
Arguably the most famous solo in rock history, Page’s solo builds tension and emotion through phrasing that feels improvised yet perfectly timed.

4. Tony Iommi – “Heaven and Hell” (Black Sabbath, 1979)
Iommi’s dark, fluid soloing on this Sabbath track showcases his unique ability to blend heavy riffing with melodic, doom-laced lead lines.

5. Carlos Santana – “Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)” (1976)
Santana’s tone and phrasing are unmistakable, and on “Europa,” his melodic sense shines. The solo is smooth, passionate, and deeply expressive—blurring the line between rock and Latin jazz.

6. Frank Zappa – “Watermelon in Easter Hay” (1979)
This is one of Zappa’s most emotionally driven solos. Stripped of his usual satirical humor, Zappa channels raw feeling into each note, proving his depth as both a composer and guitarist.

7. Gary Moore – “Still Got the Blues” (Live performances in the late ’70s)
While the studio version came later, Moore’s live performances in the late ’70s showcased his intense blues-rock style. His fiery bends and vibrato left crowds mesmerized.

8. Steve Howe – “Starship Trooper” (Yes, 1971)
A prog-rock staple, Howe’s solo on “Starship Trooper” blends intricate composition with a jam-band feel. It’s a blend of technical skill and spontaneous creativity.

9. Brian May – “Brighton Rock” (Queen, 1974)
May’s multi-layered soloing and delay effects in live performances of “Brighton Rock” became legendary. His precise tone and harmonized leads created a guitar orchestra from a single player.

10. Robin Trower – “Bridge of Sighs” (1974)
Trower channels Hendrix-like textures with his own bluesy flair. The solo drips with atmosphere, showcasing a deeply emotional, slow-burn approach.T

hese solos are more than just flashes of technical brilliance—they’re pieces of art that defined an era. Whether it’s Gilmour’s emotional expression or Blackmore’s neoclassical fire, the ’70s set the standard for what a guitar solo could be.

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