Okay, what's REALLY the best guitar solo of the century? EDIT: So TIL that 2001 is the first year of the century 😅

Guthrie Govan's solo on Drive Home by Steven Wilson is just nuts. It serves the song perfectly. By far my favorite of the 21st Century

Blackbird solo (Alterbridge) is a top 3 IMO

I think Blackbird by Alter Bridge must be up there in top 3, if not the best.

IMHO: It has to be Blackbird by Alter Bridge. It checks all the boxes. It’s beautiful, it’s powerful, it’s dynamic, it absolutely serves the track, it’s technical, and it elevates the track to a whole new level.

In a weird way, I kinda feel like despite inspiring a generation of guitarists, Alexi is underrated. Not many people would pick this solo, but like all of his playing, it really is a treasure. Honestly super stoked on your appreciation for COB, they deserve more love in the modern day!

Wonderful to see you giving Alexi some love. I wish more people (outside of metalfans) knew his work.

Was not expecting the Children of Bodom choice!! That is indeed a killer solo. I remember downloading that music video off Napster or Limewire. Also, being a Bodom fan, I was let down when I heard the band “Every Time I Die” haha! But they became a favorite with their later stuff also 🤘

The weight of dreams is my fav gretta song. Seeing it live was nuts

Anyone else get a HUGE delay in audio to video with this?

Blackbird is up there on my list, however I also really like Mark’s solo on Bleed it Dry (also Alter Bridge)

The solo in Blackbird by AlterBridge is by far my favorite solo of this century. Memorable, powerful, emotional. It checks all the boxes.

Nuno is honestly a Monster at guitar, he’s as if Van Halen and Frusciante did a fusion-ha. The “Get the Funk out” solo could easily be in the top 25 guitar solos ever

I came to mention that Alter Bridge is so overlooked and that they should be on one of these lists. Makes my heart so happy to see so many people appreciating Tremonti and AB!!!!

Alexi was sooooooo damn good and it makes me so happy to see this. I couldn’t agree more with you. Alexi was the guitar god for our generation.

Govan's solo on Drive Home - Steven Wilson is a great contender to greatest solo of the century, but in my opinion the absolute best solo I heard in modern songs gotta go to "Cusp Of Eternity - Opeth" that solo is a true banger

Getting some serious playback issues with this video

“Tell me how it feels” solo by Chris Buck from Cardinal Black is the hidden gem. I can talk about every single detail that makes the solo so memorable and enjoyable for hours. But just check it, you will thank me later

My favorite of this century so far is Way Out of Here by Porcupine Tree. Serves the song perfectly and checks the technical boxes as well.

I've always been partial to the solo from Libra by Intervals (solo played by Plini). It's got everything, and it always gives me chills

Prince's solo on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is by far the best of the century, maybe his best ever.

Was not expecting you to show Alexi some love. That whole album is 🔥

The new Extreme album is amazing! You brought up some other great solos too!

Blackbird by Alter Bridge. Hands down, no question. One of the greatest solos of all time.

The solo at the end of Bucketheads Through the Looking Garden is a must listen and one of my favorites that is more recent

One of my favorite solos of all time from an equally criminally-underrated band is Thank you Scientist's 'My Famed Disappearing Act'. It incorporates all aspects from a top tier solo in my opinion: harmonics, use of amp feedback, tasteful bends, sweep picking, and to boot- recycles several previously-used motifs including the main vocal motif; all separated by more-technical playing.

Some of my favourites this century - Burning Angel - Arch Enemy Blackbird - Alter Bridge Conquer Or Die - Megadeth Bat Country - Avenged Sevenfold Suffering Overdue - Black Label Society Aeromancy - Dorje Silver into Steel - Grand Magus Crystal Skull - Mastodon Breathing Lightning - Anthrax The River Dragon Has Come - Nevermore Miles Of Machines - Jeff Loomis

Really didn't expect an Alexi Laiho solo in there. During my Metal days he was my absolute guitar god and he influenced my playing a lot. He did some of the greatest soli and riffs in melodic metal for sure. Sad he already left us. I've still got his signature guitar even though I really haven't been playing metal for 15 years but it's an important part of my formative years and pretty much the only shreddy guitar I still own. Great video as always dude!

One of my favorite guitar solos of the last decade is the solo from Unleash the Archers' 2017 song Awakening. The technique, the melody, the harmony, how it builds to a climax with the dualing guitar leads, and ending with insane bass run. Ill never forget that solo but I also know I'll never be able to play/replicate it😂

Rest in peace Alexi, my favourite guitarist.

Seeing the weight of dreams live was amazing it went on for 10 minutes

Woooooow.....Caught me waaay of guard there. Never in a million years would I have guessed you would pick CoB. Alexi was amazing. I will have to think about what I would pick, but now that I hear you play it, that solo has got to be up there. Great video!

You made my day by giving Everytime I Die the spot light. RIP Alexi

RIP Alexi Laiho. Truly a great guitarist and frontman. They were super intense on stage when I saw them.

I think the best solo of the century is Guthrie Govan’s solo on Ancestral by Steven Wilson

Got to see Bodom in 2006in NY... One of the best live shows I've ever seen. RIP Alexi.

Technically 2000 is the last year of the 20th century ... About the greatest solos of the 21st century (one by each player) - Govan - Ancestral - Petrucci - Octavarium - Ged Byar - Vita est Circus (ending with the guitar/Léode duo at the second half) - Roine Stolt - Rising The Imperial (first solo) - Krister Jonsson - When Fear Came to Town - for a more bluesy sound

I looove the solo in "Pastures", by Plini. Absolutely gorgeous phrasing and serves a cathartic, Vai-inspired climax to a beautiful piece.

My pick would be Through the Fire and Flames, it was massively influencial at the time (eventually becoming a playable song on GH), clearly technically impressive and 15+ years after its release people are still showcasing themselves playing the song/solo as a flex, a benchmark of their own ability to play the guitar. I dont think many other modern songs/solos have done that.

So much great music exists today, just happy to be able to hear it all !!! This question is as Tyler puts it totally subjective. Thanks for the vid. Made me actually mull it over. Couldn't pick just one though. 🤘

Okay, I didn't expect that CoB solo to be your choice. Insane! I have to go listen to that album again.

Kudos on the children of bodom plug! They were always exceptional in their combination of melody and technicality.

Wasn't expecting Everytime i die to be the choice at all but it's a really great solo, in reality almost all solos in Follow the Reaper could be into this conversation lol Alexi was an amazing musician and a master of his craft, if i had to choose the best it would be Kissing The Shadows, it's peak virtuosity, but i'm glad Alexi's legacy hasn't/won't be forgotten, great video!!🤘

As a lot are saying here, I think it's the Blackbird solo by Tremonti and Kennedy. It's a brilliant heavy song and the solo is transcendent.

I’m gonna say that the 1m 30s solo from Fortress by AlterBridge is the best

Blackbird solo by Alter Bridge would be my choice - the dynamics between Myles and Mark in that song is just special, takes the whole song to new heights.

Alter Bridge's Blackbird solo always gets me 🖤

I was watching this video on my tv and decided to grab my laptop to write this comment! I was very surprised to see "Midnight in Harlem" in the few that were mentioned by the people, from the first time I listened to that song I felt it was the best solo ever written! From melody to phrasing, from feel to technique! It´s just a perfect combination of everything a guitar player should be great at!!! What if we all encourage/dare Tyler to learn it? He might change his mind about his selection! Much love from Barcelona!!!

Everytime I Die is super cool! The solo in Kissing the Shadows is pretty gnarly aswell. Buckethead has a ton of insane solos, and not to mention many of the other instrumental "guitar guys" out there like Andy James etc. One solo I thought sounded cool but found extremely hard to learn and play properly was "Hades" by Kalmah. The solo in Unforgiven III is an epic one. Born of Osiris has some incredible guitar solos, like on "Devestate". The solo in Veil by Haken is nuts.

I'm doing a thrash type metal guitar solo for some old friends' upcoming album and was looking for some inspiration and just watched this video leading me to Children of Bodom! Never really listened to them but was the right thing at the right moment! "If you want Peace...Prepare for War" was as badass as well! Thanks

The outro solo from either octavarium or the best of times by dream theater has got to be up there

The following solos I would consider much better than what I just heard. Anthrax - Safe Home Mark Tremonti - A World Away(Marks solo at the end) Damageplan - Pride Alter Bridge - Blackbird Just to name a few.

I’d say it’s the solo from “Bat Country”.. made it on trl and helped to repopularize solos when not a lot of other popular rock or metal songs we’re doing back then. It also rips

This was so unbelievably unexpected. I love that you chose Alexis solo from Everytime I die. CoB is one of the all time greats. RIP Alexi he would be honored.

I did not see that coming, but huge huge props for bringing attention to COB / Alexi here!

Honestly hard to chose one but anything by polyphia extreme or Mayer, but honestly Adam Jones 4 minute solo in 7empest is one of my favs. Also can’t go wrong with Kirk hammet!

Wasn't expecting COB here, but I'll say that this is correct and the Follow The Reaper album from COB might be the most complex album from them🤘

i only recently heard about the band and they are so good. they have nailed the 70s rock sound. some of their songs remind me of Blue Öyster Cult :) its a great solo but like you say there are alot of competition. i hadnt heard everytime i die but i instantly added it to my spotify playlist. really cool solo :)

I'm surprised no one talks about Synyster Gates from A7X. So many incredibile solos, it's almost impossible to chose. So Far Away, Afterlife, Shepherd of Fire, Second Heartbeat, The Stage, Nobody...

Guthrie Govan's - Drive home or Ancestral HAS to be on the list

I wish ian dsa from billy talent would get more recognition he is so much underrated he is a nice guitar player and made some awesome solos

Love all the great tips in the comments. For me it's so, so many things by John Fruciante. The outro solo in Wet Sand and the instrumental Before the Beginning come to mind.

Honestly my favourite is the solo in Chon’s Perfect Pillow, it just feels so good, its full of emotion whilst being flashy and unconventional, love the phrasing and the overall structure

Marcus king is out there layin down some super tasty solos. But I have no argument against GVF or COB. I love all of it. Just good that new music is getting some love because there is a TON of really great guitar music being played right now and not many people in the echo chamber are noticing. Nice work Tyler!

IMO Steven Wilson - Ancestral (Guthrie Govan) has the best solo of the 21st century hands down. That solo is just too damn good.

Damm ,tyler you pick a great Solo! As Finnish guitar " hobbiest" so proud you pick alexis solo❤ Song IS one of My favorites of bodom

I have always said Alexi was someone who could lve played any kind of music he wanted and been successful. Always one of my favorites.

Blackbird by Alter Bridge is my favourite solo . It’s so moving and emotive with great varied techniques in it. It’s sonically beautiful.

Nobody by Avenged Sevenfold is a masterpiece of a solo

Mayer's solo(s) on "Got Your Back" when he played for David Ryan Harris @ the Troubadour is the coolest thing I heard over the last years. Nothing too fancy maybe, but groovy and catchy as hell. That's a singalong solo and I could listen to it all day 😊

Bulletbeast by Soilwork has always been one of my favorite solos. Very underrated

Greta Van Fleet over John Mayer? No way. Not just because it's Mayer, but the outro solo on "I Guess I Just Feel Like" it so good. Plus I've now seen at least a dozen guitar players trying to cop that little tap/bend lick since that came out. If that's not enough to get you to the top, I don't know what is.

Think Nuno's 'Rise' solo is still a strong contender for the best so far. I know it is the most recent of the discussed but it has stopped most of the guitar community in its tracks

We’re only 23% into the century… i think there’s room for more

is Nuno Bettencourt's "Rise" solo too old school for y'all? that face melter is sick and insane. it's playful and yet turns the table and flips you the middle finger while you walk out the door, mind blown.

Bucketheads “Soothsayer”

I’d go with The Globalist by Muse. Honestly, the entire Drones album has some insane solos. Matt Bellamy is vastly underrated as a guitarist.

Pyre by wheel. Restored my faith in lead guitar. Solo starts about 5 minutes 10 in. For a soft rock John Mayer option then the solo on ashes of a diary by dreaming madmen will make your hair stand up on end especially if played in a car. About 3 minutes 30 in.

Yo, wasn't expecting that choice, happy to see alexi still stand strong within our generation. If i were to choose a solo I'd say the one in Mile Zero from Periphery, the solo is great by itself and im tied to that song for a very special reason, the song's about the passing of a friend and unfortunately I've been through the same thing recently, so that sooo holds a special place in my heart.

The weight of Dreams is amazing but my favorite solo of the Century is Alex Lifeson’s solo on Earthshine(2002). Tyler you should give Rush some more love. Big Al is an extremely talented player.

John frusciante has some of the most amazing solos, especially on albums like Stadium arcadium

The best guitar solo of the 21st century has to be Vito Bratta's guitar solo in Radar Love. I don't think there has ever been a solo that was so awesome the first time I heard it and it was perfect for the song too.

as a metalhead, Kissing the Shadows blew me away. the technicality is awesome, the harmony in the duel between the keyboard and the guitar, everything about that solo at the end is just perfection

The Wildflowers and Wine solo by Marcus King is probably my favorite solo recently. It really speaks to me since it has every element I love about listening and playing the guitar!!

Bat country by Avenged Sevenfold is up there

Man, I was thinking "it has to be a Laiho solo" - Everytime I Die is great! I might have gone Not My Funeral but glad you gave best solo to the GOAT ❤

Alter Bridge - Blackbird. Iron Maiden - Paschendale. Budgie - I don't wan't to throw you. Polyphia - G.O.A.T. There are a few for you to get started with.

No one tell him that the 21st century technically started in 2001 lol

Maybe just me but the audio no longer matches the video after 00:49

Alter Bridge-Blackbird is the number one to me. Especially live at Wimbley

Some mention Steven Wilson... My favourite there is the outro-solo to "happy returns". Other? Band-maid and Kanami Tono on "Blooming", first she make some subtle taps in the beginning of the second verse, just as an warning to later. Main solo pure bliss. Ending it with a nice outro! "Dayreaming" is a very classic solo, just as an explosion of feelings built up through the song. Then there is the double shred team of Lovebites. Always some great trade ofs and harmonies from them. "When destinies align" is an example. Such an underrated metal band.

I always liked the Motherload solo from Mastodon. I know it's not the most technically challenging solo out there, but it's absolutely face melting.

I would have to say Afterlife by avenged sevenfold was the most straight forward well put together solo that I can think of. ❤👏👏👏

First time I heard Children of Bodum was live. I hung out alone on stage right and watched the entire set until changeover, just blown away. I bought nearly the entire catalog that year.

Everytime I Die just hits differently ever since... Rip masta :(

As great as Nunos rise solo is I really think reb beaches solos on one of wingers newer tracks “it all comes back around” are phenomenal and a real mix of taste and feel and flash. The outro is awesome. Reb is such a phenomenal guitarist

All his points are great but it has to be acknowledged that the solo in weight of dreams will likely become more memorable over time, it’s catchy with a lot of buildup and and tension and it’s constantly building and it’s not so complicated that random non musical listeners can sing along with it and remember it, it’ll likely outlast most of the other suggestions in terms of the public remembering it

The way the guitar solo of dont fear the reaper explodes on start makes it one of my favorites. Altho it kinda fizzles out right at the end. Also last century

One of my personal favorites is the second solo from Victim by Avenged Sevenfold. Far from my favorite song by them but that solo just hits that right balance of melody and shred with some little bluesy licks mixed in

When Ed Sheeran hits that G chord, it hits me in my G spot. He definitely had the best solo of the 21st century