One of the most exciting aspects of learning guitar is the prospect of playing your own solos. The idea of bending strings, creating melodies, and expressing yourself through your instrument is a powerful motivator for new players. While the flashy, fast solos of guitar heroes might seem a world away when you’re just starting with chords and scales, the good news is that learning Simple Guitar Solos is absolutely within your reach.
Learning to solo is a fantastic way for guitarists to inject personality into their playing and apply newly acquired techniques in a creative way. Although some guitar solos are incredibly complex, there are many beginner-friendly solos and riffs that are perfect for those just starting out. Here, we’ll explore ten simple guitar solos that are easy to learn, complete with insights to get you playing them today.
Before we jump into these solos, let’s discuss some essential tips to keep in mind as you embark on your soloing journey.
Essential Tips for Learning Simple Guitar Solos
Trying your first guitar solo can feel daunting, but remember every guitarist, even the legends, began as a beginner. Don’t be discouraged! Here are some helpful tips for beginner guitarists tackling their first solos:
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Start Slowly and Build Speed: Forget about speed for now. There’s no reward for rushing through a solo. Focus on accuracy and let each note ring out clearly. Begin by warming up with scales or finger exercises to ensure your fingers are hitting the right notes. This slow approach builds confidence and accuracy. Once you’re comfortable and accurate at a slow tempo, gradually increase your speed. Mastering the notes and tone is far more important than playing fast and sloppy. Speed will come with practice!
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Break It Down: Learning an entire solo at once can be overwhelming. Instead of trying to master a solo in one practice session, divide it into smaller, manageable sections. Focus on perfecting one section at a time. This approach makes memorization easier and allows you to truly master each part. It might take days or even weeks to learn the whole solo, but breaking it down ensures you learn it correctly and thoroughly.
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Develop Fundamental Techniques: Guitar solos aren’t just about playing the right notes; it’s about how you play them. Techniques like string bending and hammer-ons and pull-offs are what bring a solo to life, adding color, depth, and emotion. Precision is crucial for clear notes, but these techniques inject feeling and character. Experiment with different techniques to understand how they shape the tone and allow you to personalize your solos.
Watch this video to understand how string bending can add a dynamic element to your guitar playing:
Keep these tips in mind as you begin learning your first simple guitar solos. Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect immediately. Learning solos should be enjoyable and a great way to apply what you’ve learned. Now, let’s explore some easy solos to get you started!
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1. “Holiday” by Green Day
If you’re into pop-punk, “Holiday” by Green Day is a fantastic choice. This song offers a simple guitar solo based on power chords and repetition. From their iconic album American Idiot, “Holiday” features a riff that’s perfect for practicing transitions between two-finger power chords on the lower strings.
2. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix’s groundbreaking use of distortion and effects has influenced generations of guitarists. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” features one of his most recognizable riffs and solos. While Hendrix might seem intimidating, “Voodoo Child” is surprisingly approachable as a simple guitar solo for beginners. Dive in, let Jimi take over, and get a feel for string bends with this iconic solo.
3. “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix
You can never learn too many Jimi Hendrix songs! Exploring the classics from one of rock’s most innovative guitarists adds valuable techniques to your guitar toolkit. “Purple Haze” boasts another of Hendrix’s signature riffs and solos. Practicing this riff will help you master half-notes and quarter-notes, combined with expressive string bends, making it a great simple guitar solo to learn.
4. “Apache” by The Shadows
Released in 1964, “Apache” by The Shadows has a distinctive, galloping Western vibe. This instrumental track blends classic rock, rockabilly, and country influences, playing with tempo and technique. Try learning the bridge section of “Apache” as a quick study in how letting notes sustain fully and playing slowly can create a wonderfully atmospheric feel. It’s a fantastic example of a simple guitar solo that’s big on mood.
5. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry
While Elvis might be called “The King of Rock n’ Roll” by some, many guitarists believe that title belongs to Chuck Berry. Berry’s signature song, “Johnny B. Goode” perfectly showcases his guitar skills, blending blues and rock into a fresh, energetic sound. If precision is your goal, try tackling the opening riff of “Johnny B. Goode”—an instantly recognizable sequence of notes that grabs the listener’s attention. This is a foundational simple guitar solo for any aspiring rock guitarist.
6. “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley
Speaking of the (other) King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” provides a great example of a solo that’s slower in tempo but rich in emotion, relying on precise playing to deliver its impact. “Heartbreak Hotel” combines blues and rockabilly to create its signature lonely feel, with a touch of cool swagger. Power chords and single notes interspersed with meaningful pauses make “Heartbreak Hotel” an accessible and enjoyable simple guitar solo for beginner guitarists.
7. “Slow Ride” by Foghat
Who says riffs and solos have to be just single notes? “Slow Ride” by Foghat is packed with memorable guitar moments from this 70s rock classic. It also features a chord progression that forms its rhythmic backbone. When learning this one, “take it easy” and focus on tempo and precise finger placement. While the progression is repetitive, playing it slowly initially is key to mastering it—especially the transitions between the second, seventh, and fifth frets on the same strings. This chord-based approach offers a different take on a simple guitar solo.
8. “On The Road Again” by Willie Nelson
A pioneer of outlaw country, Willie Nelson, with his trusty guitar “Trigger,” developed a unique sound that remains timeless. Nelson hit his stride in the 1970s, injecting country music with a raw edge with songs like “On the Road Again,” celebrating the life of a traveling musician and “making music with my friends again.” Try your hand at this rambling riff—an easy and fun one even for beginner guitarists! The solo features single notes at varying tempos, highlighted by well-placed string bends, giving it plenty of character and making it a charming simple guitar solo.
9. “Pipeline” by The Ventures
Surf guitar is a uniquely fun genre, with riffs that evoke crashing waves and ocean tides. “Pipeline” by The Ventures is a notable cover of The Chantays’ classic. This instrumental piece offers a challenge for beginner guitarists, providing an opportunity to experiment with string bends and hammer-ons and pull-offs for an exciting musical ride. It’s a bit more challenging but still qualifies as a simple guitar solo in terms of structure and approach.
10. “Oye Como Va” by Santana
Carlos Santana’s “Oye Como Va” blends electrifying rock guitar with Latin rhythms in one of his most iconic tracks. The intro riff to “Oye Como Va” is a simple guitar solo for beginners, keeping the melody primarily on two strings but using hammer-ons and familiar fret patterns to create something truly memorable and catchy.
Discover More Beginner Guitar Solos with Fender Play Collections
These ten examples are just the beginning of the world of simple guitar solos that beginner players can explore. Eager for more, or ready for a greater challenge? A free trial of Fender Play gives you access to even more songs, lessons, and guitar collections to further your guitar journey.
From songs and riffs you can learn in under five minutes to more complex lead guitar solos designed to elevate your playing, Fender Play collections bring together your favorite music and help you build upon your existing skills, while encouraging you to explore new techniques. Start your free trial today and unlock your soloing potential!
