The Best Guitar Solos Of All Time: Number 2

"Stairway to Heaven" is one of those magical songs: it speaks to different audiences, the theme of the song is  unique for a rock band and most importantly, it is timeless. 

"Stairway to Heaven" is on Led Zeppelin IV, released in 1971. Jimmy Page created one of the most iconic pieces of music with his solo during "Stairway." The piece is singable, memorable and so melodic. I remember hearing the song the first time when I was a kid and listening to classic rock radio. My glam, I was straight mesmerized.

If you watch old videos of Page playing the "Stairway" solo live, you will notice he always changed things up. I suppose this was on purpose - and maybe some alcohol talking too. But to always improvise without losing the true essence of the solo just adds something special to the song. It must have been magic seeing Led Zeppelin live back in the day.

I love listening to the "Stairway to Heaven" studio and live recordings. I also dig hearing the orchestral interpretations of the song. In fact, the 1997 London Philharmonic recording Kashmir: Symphonic Led Zeppelin is one of my most-played albums of all time.