Rolling Stone ranks The Cars' guitar solo among the greatest ever
6 sourcesUpdated Sep 9, 2026
Readers’ favorite guitar solos span classic rock, hard rock and progressive music, with repeated praise for performances by Michael Schenker, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Prince, Eddie Van Halen and Carlos Santana. Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” was singled out for Slash’s expressive solo, while other readers called for greater recognition of women guitarists including Nancy Wilson, Orianthi, Molly Miller, Lari Basilio and Joan Jett. The Cars’ “Just What I Needed” was ranked No. 75 on Rolling Stone’s 2026 list of the greatest guitar solos, highlighting Elliot Easton’s concise but carefully crafted playing. Easton said producer Roy Thomas Baker demanded solos that combined technical perfection with the spontaneity of an unrehearsed performance. Jack White has likewise praised Jimmy Page’s inventive guitar work, naming Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” as a favorite and emphasizing the song’s distinctive, influential sound.
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Steve Hackett doing anything on Genesis records deserves a mention, that guy could say more with fewer notes than anybody.
Where's Michael Schenker on these lists? UFO's "Rock Bottom" solo destroys most of what gets ranked ahead of it.
Elliot Easton's solo on "Just What I Needed" is criminally underrated, glad to see it finally getting some love.
