During the early days of Guns N' Roses , Slash and Axl Rose were seen as the modern-day versions of Keith Richards and Mick Jagger . The two drew on each other's energy to create the musical tone that solidified the group for generations. No one ever imagined that one day this could end.
Slash's departure in 1996 changed that idea forever, as he participated in many successful projects such as Slash's Snakepit , Velvet Revolver , and even when he pursued a solo career alongside Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators . That duo would never compose together again – even after the Guns N' Roses reunion for the Not In This Lifetime – and Slash became one of the most famous and celebrated guitarists in rock.
Today, he's promoting the album "4" with Kennedy during breaks from touring with Axl and Duff McKagan . Because of his enormous contribution to the world of music, we owe him a tribute to celebrate the great works he created, so we've selected eleven of the guitarist's best solos. Check it out:
Purchase your ticket here for the Slash & Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators show in Brazil.
11. Slash’s Snakepit – “Dime Store Rock”
Upon leaving Guns N' Roses, the first track Slash released was "Dime Store Rock," featuring Gilby Clarke on guitar, Matt Sorum on drums, Mike Inez on bass, and Eric Dover on vocals. The song has a tribal groove that quickly transforms into a rock frenzy, showing that Slash was determined to create good music even without his partner Axl.
10. Guns N'Roses – “Double Talkin' Jive”
One of the lesser-known tracks from the album Use Your Illusion I (1991) – despite being part of the Not In This Lifetime – features a strong, heavy solo that transforms into an acoustic piece with a Spanish touch, exploring the creativity and diversity of Slash's guitar playing.
09. Slash & Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – “Safari Inn”
Released on the album World On Fire (2014), which he recorded with Kennedy, the instrumental track explores the guitarist's blues influences as he showcases his freestyle skills while creating a strong verse and chorus structure – all in under three and a half minutes.
08. Velvet Revolver – “Slither”
One of the most famous songs by the supergroup formed by Scott Weiland , Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum, and Dave Kushner , “Slither” – from their debut album Contraband (2004) – is a force of energy. Before introducing the guitarist's solo, the song seeks a calm and pause. Then, Slash appears with a series of shredding movements, again combining elements of the blues.
07. Guns N' Roses – “Estranged”
The nine-minute ballad from Use Your Illusion II (1991) showcases a calmer, darker side of Slash, complementing Axl's whispered lyrics. Throughout the track, the guitarist maintains a melancholic tone until the end, when he imbues the verse with drama.
06. Guns N' Roses – “Nightrain”
For a long time, "Nightrain" served as the opening song for the group's shows, as it's a track that represents the energy and enthusiasm of Slash and company, creating a good expectation for the performance. The first solo carries heavier elements while the second aims to complement the song with a faster and more energetic sound.
05. Guns N' Roses – “Civil War”
Besides its electrifying lyrics inspired by Martin Luther King's marches, the Guns N' Roses classic features powerful and desperate solos proving the urgency of the subject it addresses. The song was initially written by Slash as an instrumental, until Axl identified space for the powerful message.
04. Slash & Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – “Rocket Queen Live”
The live version of the song from Appetite for Destructio (1987) while on tour with Kennedy and the Conspirators features a nearly twenty-minute solo – sometimes reaching thirty minutes, as in the show he did in Paris in 2014; video below. Throughout, thousands of eyes and ears are focused on the magic Slash presents. The improvisation always sounds different and mesmerizes the fans.
03. Guns N' Roses – “November Rain”
Any list that compiles the best songs by Slash, Guns N' Roses, or even the history of rock, needs to include "November Rain." With a romanticism that only Slash can demonstrate in this song, the classic features three completely different solos that complement each other.
02. Slash & Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators – “Anastasia”
For this selection, it's not just the solo that matters, but the entire track. "Anastasia" has a calm yet powerful beginning and transforms into chaos, once again exploring Slash's creativity and versatility. One of the guitarist's best creations.
01. Guns N' Roses – “Sweet Chil O' Mine”
Alongside "November Rain," this Guns N' Roses classic couldn't be left out. One of the most iconic solos in rock history, it's hard to find someone who doesn't recognize it. Its sweet, clear, and emotional elements don't neglect the heavy side that Slash always includes.
