Round and Round
Ratt, 1984, from Out of the Cellar. Solo by Warren DeMartini.
DeMartini's fluid, well-constructed solo on Ratt's biggest hit is still a standard for players learning the style.
Round and Round was Ratt's biggest hit, and Warren DeMartini's solo is one reason it has lasted. The break is fluid and well constructed, opening with a melodic theme, building through fast, clean runs and finishing with a clear sense of arrival. His tone is thick but articulate, and his vibrato is controlled and expressive, so even the quick passages feel shaped rather than sprayed. For many players learning 1980s hard rock guitar, this solo remains a standard, partly because it teaches how to structure a short break. Listen for how DeMartini sets up each fast run with a held note, giving the ear a moment to breathe before the next burst.
Round and Round by Ratt is featured in our Glam (#17) list. The solo is played by Warren DeMartini and the song was released in 1984.
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Who played the guitar solo on Round and Round?
Warren DeMartini played the solo on Ratt's Round and Round (1984).