Nirvana’s 1991 grunge anthem changed the face of rock music. The solo in “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is simple yet iconic, featuring repetitive phrasing and straightforward bends that are easy for beginners to pick up. By learning this solo, you’ll develop your bending and sliding techniques while building confidence in your lead playing.

Released in 1999, “Californication” is one of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ most melodic tracks. The solo emphasizes slow, expressive phrasing, making it accessible for beginners. By playing this solo, you’ll learn how to use dynamics and vibrato to add emotion to your playing, a crucial skill for any guitarist.

This 80s classic from the Top Gun soundtrack features an epic yet straightforward solo that’s perfect for beginners. The sustained notes and dramatic phrasing make it a great exercise for practicing vibrato and note sustain. Plus, it’s just plain fun to play and will have you feeling like a guitar hero in no time.

Feeder’s 2001 rock hit is upbeat and energetic, with a solo that’s easy to master due to its repetitive licks. This solo is great for building consistency and timing, especially during faster passages. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to add a bit of energy to their practice routine.

This 1987 classic by The Cure features a dreamy and melodic solo that’s beginner-friendly due to its clean phrasing and simple structure. By learning this solo, you’ll develop your accuracy and timing, as well as a greater appreciation for melodic lead playing. It’s a perfect introduction to the band’s unique style.

The Arctic Monkeys’ “Do I Wanna Know?” is a modern classic with a bluesy, laid-back solo that oozes attitude. Its slow tempo and simple phrasing make it ideal for beginners. This solo will teach you how to add character to your playing through controlled bends and expressive slides.

“Holiday” is a punk rock staple with an easy-to-learn solo that’s both energetic and straightforward. This track is great for developing your bending and timing, and it introduces you to the fast-paced world of punk solos. It’s a great song to play along with once you’ve nailed the solo.

Metallica’s legendary “Master of Puppets” might seem intimidating, but its iconic solo is beginner-friendly due to its clear phrasing and repetitive patterns. By tackling this solo, you’ll gain confidence in playing metal leads and improve your picking precision, all while rocking out to one of the greatest metal tracks of all time.

This gothic rock classic by Sisters of Mercy features a dark and moody solo that’s surprisingly simple to play. Its slower tempo allows beginners to focus on timing and phrasing, making it an excellent choice for practicing expressive playing in a different genre.

Iron Maiden’s “Hallowed Be Thy Name” is a metal masterpiece, and its solo is perfect for beginners looking to delve into dramatic, epic-sounding leads. The solo focuses on bending and vibrato, giving you plenty of room to develop those essential techniques.