Here's a list of the top ten (rock) guitar solos. I'm only familiar with about half of them (I largely quit listening to pop music in the eighties), but as the post title indicates, I think there's a notable absence there.

Well, you can't expect the current generation of "Total Guitarist"s to know any better. It would depend on whether they were voting on a pre-populated list, or if it was all reader-submitted.

After all, even if you wanted to vote for Duane, if they don't list him in the "votables", then only a hefty write-in campaign would get him on there.

In the end, there are plenty of other more challenging and notable guitar solos in Metallica's repertoire than "Enter Sandman". The guitar (and drum and keyboard) solos in REO Speedwagon's 'Roll With the Changes' are pretty powerful and memorable, too.

It should have been called "the Top Ten vote-getters of the solos we told our readers they could vote on", but that takes up too much print-space.

Well, all I can say is that I'd love to change the world, but I don't know what to do ... ;^)

No Stevie Ray? No Joe Satriani? Stupid poll.

Not to mention no Tony Rice. I guess it only counts if it's electric.

Well, several of the songs should sound decent on acoustic guitar (Stairway to Heaven and Hotel California). They might even have been composed that way. My take is that this poll is pointless with only ten entries. You can't do it justice. Everyone has their favorites, and let's face it, they aren't on the list.

John Denver would head my list with Eric Clapton in a near second place. I also like Dan Gilmour (of Pink Floyd) and Colin Hays (formerly of Men at Work).

John Denver did guitar solos? Who knew?

Rand,
Wintermute with his suggestion of Stevie Ray pretty well nails it.
The blues guys outplay the amplified "rock' guys hands down.
To Stevie I'll add Albert and Freddie King, Delbert McClinton and Roy Buchannan.
Mike Daley

Only one thing to say.
"What song is it you want to hear?"
"FREEBIRD!"

Richard Thompson, "Tear Stained Letter."

That is all.

Freebird. 'nuff said.

John Denver would head my list with Eric Clapton in a near second place. I also like Dan Gilmour (of Pink Floyd) and Colin Hays (formerly of Men at Work).

Karl, your list is littered with inaccuracies. First of all, the list that was voted on was of specific songs, not specific artists. Second, the vote was on greatest guitar solos . I'm a guitarist and casual listener of John Denver, and I can't recall him ever playing a solo. Third, Eric Clapton IS on the list. Who exactly do you think performed "Crossroads"? Fourth, Pink Floyd's lead guitarist is "David" Gilmour, not "Dan" Gilmour.

I'm in agreement with whoever suggested "Freebird". I don't know how anyone could ever leave that one off the list. And here's a few more:

"Highway Star" - Deep Purple
"Working Man" - Rush
"The Rover" - Led Zeppelin
"Echoes" - Pink Floyd
"Sweet Child of Mine" - Guns & Roses
"The Music Never Stopped" (Live) - Grateful Dead
"La Villa Strangiato" - Rush
"You're all I've Got Tonight" - The Cars
"Mary Had a Little Lamb" - Stevie Ray Vaughn
"Starship Trooper" - Yes

This list could go on and on and on...

"I also like Dan Gilmour (of Pink Floyd)"

I prefer David myself ;)

I should note that Jimmy Page once said that he loved Elliot Randall's solo in Steely Dan's "Reeling in the Years". And on that topic, Larry Carlton does pretty well in "Kid Charlemagne".

I should note that Jimmy Page once said that he loved Elliot Randall's solo in Steely Dan's "Reeling in the Years". And on that topic, Larry Carlton does pretty well in "Kid Charlemagne".

Derek, I had almost forgot about Becker & Fagen. For me, Bodhisattva had the most memorable guitar solo of the Steely Dan compositions. But I can't seem to find out who played guitar on that song.

I'm pretty sure that's Jeff Baxter, who's no slouch himself. . .

Just looked it up - it's listed as Denny Dias for the first solo, and Baxter for the second.

Tony Peluso, Carpenters' Mr. Postman. Hands down the best phrasing and tone in any rock solo ever.

Littered with inaccuracies? That would appear so. Believe it or not, I'm starting to think that maybe guitar solos lie outside of my areas of expertise. It's difficult for me, as an acknowledged expert on the internet, to admit this. At least, I got Dan's last name right.

Concerning John Denver, he sings while he does his guitar solos. Just so you know.