Learn To Play Simple Solos

Are you ready to take your first steps into the world of lead guitar and discover that some of the most powerful solos ever recorded are also the most approachable? Do you want to develop the expressive techniques and musical vocabulary that have defined rock and blues guitar for generations? LickLibrary presents Learn To Play Simple Solos, your essential guide to the art of melodic, memorable lead guitar. This is your chance to learn the bends, the vibrato, and the pure emotional expression that elevates a guitar solo from a collection of notes into something truly unforgettable. This is focused, purposeful guitar education built around the idea that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. From the soulful elegance of George Harrison's work on "Something" to the anthemic energy of Kurt Cobain's solo on "Smells Like Teen Spirit," you will learn every bend, every slide, and every expressive nuance. Taught by the acclaimed Danny Gill, this online guitar course provides a meticulous, note-for-note breakdown of seven of the most beloved and accessible solos in rock and blues history.
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Danny Gill Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Danny Gill

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Introduction
2 The Beatles - Something - Solo
3 Eagles - One Of These Nights - Solo
4 Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit - Solo
5 Bon Jovi - Wanted Dead Or Alive - Solo
6 Joan Jett And The Blackhearts - I Love Rock & Roll - Solo
7 Bad Company - Can't Get Enough - Solo
8 Fleetwood Mac - Need Your Love So Bad - Solo
9 Outro

Song-by-Song Guitar Lessons Taught by Danny Gill

  • The Beatles - Something
  • Eagles - One Of These Nights
  • Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
  • Bon Jovi - Wanted Dead Or Alive
  • Joan Jett And The Blackhearts - I Love Rock & Roll
  • Bad Company - Can't Get Enough
  • Fleetwood Mac - Need Your Love So Bad

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

Our Learn To Play Simple Solos guitar course is essential for any guitarist who wants to move beyond rhythm playing and discover the joy and freedom of lead guitar.

Perfect for Guitarists Who:

  • Are taking their first steps into lead guitar and want a clear, achievable starting point
  • Want to learn iconic, note-for-note guitar solos from classic rock and blues
  • Are looking to develop their expressive technique, including bending, vibrato, and phrasing
  • Admire the musicality and emotional depth of guitarists like George Harrison, Peter Green, and Richie Sambora
  • Believe that a great solo doesn't need to be fast — it needs to be felt

This course is about the soul of the guitar. It's about learning to communicate through the instrument with honesty, feeling, and intention. You will gain an unparalleled insight into the musical minds of some of rock and blues' most beloved guitarists and discover how the most enduring solos are built not on speed or complexity, but on melody, expression, and heart. Start your lead guitar journey today.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

Learning to play simple solos is one of the most rewarding and musically enriching things a guitarist can do. This course will develop your ear, refine your technique, and give you the confidence to express yourself through the guitar. By the end of this course, you will have seven iconic solos in your repertoire and a deep understanding of how to make every note count — the hallmark of every great lead guitarist.

Technical Skills You'll Develop:

  • Mastery of expressive string bending and vibrato for authentic rock and blues phrasing
  • The ability to play melodic, singable lead lines with confidence and control
  • Execution of smooth legato technique for fluid, connected phrases
  • Proficiency in alternate picking for clean, articulate note delivery
  • Richie Sambora's signature tapped harmonics technique
  • Effective use of double stop bends for added harmonic richness
  • Fluid slide technique for seamless melodic movement between notes
  • Application of the minor and major pentatonic scales in real musical contexts
  • The ability to use palm muting and power chords for dynamic contrast within a solo
  • A deep understanding of how to phrase a solo with emotion, space, and intention
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1-ON-1 COACHING

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** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with any of the artists featured, nor do they perform or appear on this course.*

Learn to Play Simple Solos: Uncover the Secrets of Iconic Guitar Classics

Welcome to "Learn to Play Simple Solos," a comprehensive collection of guitar lessons by Lick Library's own Danny Gill, meticulously designed to guide you through the iconic guitar solos from legendary tracks. This unique compilation of lessons caters to both professional guitarists seeking to add some renowned solos to their repertoire, and enthusiastic beginners on their musical journey, seeking to unravel the magic of timeless classics.

Something by The Beatles

"Something" is a testament to George Harrison's virtuosity. The song’s solo, built around the C major and A major pentatonic scales, is a masterclass in melodic construction. Harrison's well-placed bends, slides, and vibrato, combined with smooth transitions between the scales, offer a beautiful exploration of the song’s tonal center, creating an enduring melody that complements the song's dreamy, love-struck lyrics.

One of These Nights by The Eagles

Don Felder and Glenn Frey's work on "One of These Nights" showcases a tight interplay of rhythm and lead guitar parts. The song primarily uses the E minor scale. The solo demonstrates the exquisite use of the minor pentatonic scale with seamless string bends and swift alternate picking, highlighting the melancholic undertone of the song.

Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

Kurt Cobain's grungy solo on "Smells Like Teen Spirit" makes a compelling case for simplicity. Predominantly based on the F minor scale, the solo is essentially a variation of the song's melody, creatively using power chords, slides, and palm muting. Cobain's energetic and raw playing style greatly contributes to the overall anthemic feel of the track.

Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi

Richie Sambora's anthemic solo in "Wanted Dead or Alive" beautifully employs the D minor pentatonic scale. His expertise in techniques such as string bending, slides, and vibrato is evident. The solo also includes his signature 'tapped harmonics,' providing a melodious contrast to the hard rock rhythm of the song.

I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett and The Blackhearts

The solo in "I Love Rock and Roll" is an archetypical example of the raw power of rock music. Played by Ricky Byrd, the solo uses the E major pentatonic scale, exhibiting aggressive string bends and double stops. It serves as an adrenaline-packed highlight, echoing the audacious spirit of rock and roll.

Can't Get Enough by Bad Company

Mick Ralphs' solo in "Can't Get Enough" is a classic rock gem. Built around the C major pentatonic scale, the solo is a mixture of melodic lines and bluesy bends, exemplifying Ralph's smooth phrasing and dynamic control.

Need Your Love So Bad by Fleetwood Mac

"Need Your Love So Bad" features Peter Green's emotive and articulate blues solo. Utilizing the D major and D minor pentatonic scales, Green's playing showcases masterful vibrato, string bending, and legato techniques, revealing his profound understanding of the blues genre.


The "Learn to Play Simple Solos" package is more than just lessons; it's an exploration into the artistry of some of the most renowned guitarists in music history. It equips you with the necessary tools and insights to understand, learn, and eventually make these iconic solos a part of your musical expression.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lessons

Throughout these lessons, a wide range of guitar techniques have been employed to capture the unique character of each solo. Understanding and mastering these techniques is vital to recreating the solos faithfully.

Each of these lessons, individually designed for the respective song, guides you meticulously through these techniques and scales, ensuring a faithful and authentic recreation of the solos.

Danny Gill playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Danny Gill

Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...

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