Guitar solos

I thought it’d be interesting to make a post about one of my favourite instruments in the world : the guitar!Although I’m not going to bombard you with technicalities because it’s an enourmous topic which may bore you if you’re not playing it, so if you’re really curious you can make a reasearch on your own, because that’s not what I want to focus on today.

I assume all of you know what guitar looks like and that it’s a string instrument which varies in three main types : acoustic, classical and electric.

I’m playing acoustic/classical guitar since I turned 11 years old. Initially, I’ve been taking guitar classes at my school, about 2 hours a week, but since I’ve graduated my primary school I’ve been practising all by myself, mainly through videos on youtube, or posts on blogs or forums.

If you want to start playing on the guitar, my advice is that in the beginning you need to have someone to teach you basic chords, how to tune your instrument and replace broken strings. Whether someone shows you that in person, or online I think it’s important, because not only you’re not wasting time on figuring it out yourself, you can progress more quickly and efficiently and move on to more advanced stuff. All in all, I think the guitar doesn’t require much money when you’re starting out, it’s relatively cheap (300zł> for classical guitar, +other expenses like guitar case) and  most of all, it’s an instrument that it’s quite easy to learn to play on, even on your own. Personally, I’m not a very advanced player, I’ve been playing on and off on it since I started, but my goal wasn’t to play professionally, but for the pure joy of playing, creating, jamming and making covers. I’d also love to learn playing on electric guitar in the future, I’ve already played a couple of times on my friend’s guitar and the feeling is definitely one of a kind.

For today’s post, I figured, why not making a list of my favourite guitar solos and share it here with you with some additional commentary? I’ll narrow it down to japanese rock music, because I feel like I’ve neglected it a bit and I’d love to introduce you to some of the amazing bands that at some point were inherent part of my life. It’s extremely difficult to choose, but well, here goes nothing!

X Japan

Do I even need to say anything? I’ve already written about them in here. Hide (the guy with pink hair) is my number one guitarist and a huge musical inspiration. Guitar solos : 5:57-7:05, 8:00-8:35, 9:58-13:00

Deluhi

Sadly, they disbanded in 2011 after only 3 years of playing together. Amazing sound and distinctive style, not the mention the unbelievable musical skills of each member. About a week ago they announced that they’re going to release a 10th anniversary album at the end of the year and held a special, one-time reunion concert in BLITZ Akasaka on 12 April 2019. Guitar solos : 0:55-1:18, 3:30-4:15, 5:17-5:53

Versailles

They’ve been in Poland a couple of times, amazing band! Their music concept is "the absolute youshikibi (beauty of form) sound and extremes of aestheticism". Faith&Decision is one of the most polished rock songs I’ve ever heard. Guitar solos : 1:33-3:14, 3:30-4:25, 5:17-6:50, 9:18-9:30, 12:13-12:50, 15:05-15:48

Galneryus

In this particular song symphonic orchestra music meets power metal. This sort of combination is so powerful and beautiful to me, I literally feel like it pierces my soul. Galneryus is a top-notch band! This song is deeply inspired by Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D major, Op 35. Guitar solos (by the one and only Syu!): 2:27-3:13, 4:37-5:50, 6:14-6:43, 8:04-9:28, 12:40-13:24

Luna Sea

A legendary band formed in the late 80’s, very popular in Japan. Sugizo and INORAN are well-known and very skillful guitarists. Guitar solo: 2:00-2:53

L'arc en ciel

One of the biggest bands in Japan. I have a soft spot for them in my heart, it’s actually the first japanese band I’ve listened to and fell in love with. Guitar solo : 3:30-4:04

Dir en grey

They had a concert in Warsaw about a month ago, they very often include Poland in their World Tour Concerts, so it’s worth it to follow their schedule. It’s one of those bands that leave a huge impression on you. Poetic lyrics, unique sound and very charismatic, controversial and emotional vocalist. And good guitar solos! Guitar solo : 3:00-4:00

Do you have any favourite guitar solos? If yes, please share it with me in the comments, I’d love to hear it.