Top 20 Guitar Solos of 1972

The 20 greatest guitar solos released in 1972, ranked: solos our consensus of published lists rates highest come first, then our genre and artist rankings, with no more than three per artist. Led by Highway Star by Deep Purple, Reelin' in the Years by Steely Dan and Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple.

1. 1
   Highway Star

   Deep Purple · solo by Ritchie Blackmore · 1972
2. 2
   Reelin' in the Years

   Steely Dan · solo by Elliott Randall · 1972
3. 3
   Smoke on the Water

   Deep Purple · solo by Ritchie Blackmore · 1972
4. 4
   Blue Sky

   The Allman Brothers Band · solo by Duane Allman & Dickey Betts · 1972
5. 5
   Lazy

   Deep Purple · solo by Ritchie Blackmore · 1972
6. 6
   Moonage Daydream

   David Bowie · solo by Mick Ronson · 1972
7. 7
   Whiskey in the Jar

   Thin Lizzy · solo by Eric Bell · 1972
8. 8
   One Way Out

   The Allman Brothers Band · solo by Duane Allman & Dickey Betts · 1972
9. 9
   The Mexican

   Babe Ruth · solo by Alan Shacklock · 1972
10. 10
    Throw Down the Sword

    Wishbone Ash · solo by Andy Powell & Ted Turner · 1972
11. 11
    The Messiah Will Come Again

    Roy Buchanan · solo by Roy Buchanan · 1972
12. 12
    Siberian Khatru

    Yes · solo by Steve Howe · 1972
13. 13
    Jerry's Breakdown

    Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed · solo by Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins · 1972
14. 14
    Mountain Jam

    The Allman Brothers Band · solo by Duane Allman, Dickey Betts · 1972
15. 15
    Go All the Way

    Raspberries · solo by Wally Bryson · 1972
16. 16
    Lookin' for Another Pure Love

    Stevie Wonder · solo by Jeff Beck · 1972
17. 17
    Song of the Wind

    Santana · solo by Carlos Santana, Neal Schon · 1972
18. 18
    China Cat Sunflower

    Grateful Dead · solo by Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir · 1972
19. 19
    Couldn't I Just Tell You

    Todd Rundgren · solo by Todd Rundgren · 1972
20. 20
    In the Street

    Big Star · solo by Chris Bell, Alex Chilton · 1972