Guitar solos in rock music: yay or nay?

[Maverick]

What do you think and feel about guitar solos in rock music?

Rock in the 70's and 80's overindulged in the guitar solo "thing". Now, it's rarer to hear guitar solos in rock music. I'd be glad to see hear the equivalent of a modern Jimmy Page or Slash in many current rock bands. I like guitar solos as a moment of freedom in the otherwise rigid structure of a song, aswell as a replacement of the vocals.

[Langrenus]

Where's the "solos ARE the music" option?

Bleh

[Maverick]

Where's the "solos ARE the music" option?

Bleh

My favorite guitar players include BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Satriani and Marty Friedman... what about you?

[Powehi]

Where's the "solos ARE the music" option?

Bleh

I lean in this direction as well. The basic material of much rock music is rather simple and 'needs' development and variation to be a satisfying exploration of the ideas, rather than just verse by verse reiteration. I'm a supporter of more solo improvisations overall, involving whatever instruments are used, even voice. Jazz provides a useful model for this type of thing.

[Rajah]

Depends on the musician

I'm finding I like them a lot more since playing this.

[Zergling]

They can sound good.

[Langrenus]

Hurrah, some quality discussion

Satriani, Vai, Page, Rory Gallagher, Stevie Ray, Eddie Van Halen, Mark Knopfler, and John Petrucci figure highly for me. I've never really gotten into Mr King - any recommended albums?

[Maverick]

Good guitar players there... I'd recommend the album "Lucille".

I find some of Pink Floyd's solos mesmerizing. David Gilmour has such a great touch. My favorite one is from "Comfortably Numb".

[Brendan]

Whoever picked any but the first option obviously hasn't had the pleasure of hearing Freebird :rolleyes2:

[Kanamori]

Generally speaking, I like the climaxes/interestng moments that have more than just the guitar doing cool stuff... they tend to be more powerful.