Do the Best Guitar Solos Need to Be Hard to Play?

General
1

I think the best solos are usually slower, melodic, and not super hard to play.

A lot of great guitarists write solos that sound amazing, but then they feel like they have to “show off” with technical stuff, and it kind of ruins the vibe. If fast shredding is used sparingly and in the right spots, it can add to the feeling, but most of the time, it’s overdone and loses its charm.

Playing fast and super technical is impressive but usually doesn’t stick with you like simpler, more emotional lines. There are a few exceptions, though, like when you get into the Mark Knopfler level of playing.

2

Right? It’s like people forget that music is about feeling, not just showing skill. Why write something that’s all flash and no heart?

3

Pax said:
Right? It’s like people forget that music is about feeling, not just showing skill. Why write something that’s all flash and no heart?

Exactly. Feels like this post isn’t a hot take—it’s just the truth.

4

Playing technically doesn’t always mean playing fast, in my opinion. Stuff like vibrato, bending, and timing are technical skills too, and they’re not easy. But yeah, I see where you’re coming from.

5

Frost said:
Playing technically doesn’t always mean playing fast, in my opinion. Stuff like vibrato, bending, and timing are technical skills too, and they’re not easy. But yeah, I see where you’re coming from.

Totally agree with that!

6

This is something people usually say when they can’t play fast.

7

Someone call Marty Friedman, he might have something to say about this.

8

I agree, and honestly, this doesn’t even seem like a controversial opinion.