Reptilia
The Strokes, 2003, from Room on Fire. Solo by Nick Valensi.
Nick Valensi's solo on 'Reptilia' is short, sharp and full of nervous energy. He plays quick, stabbing phrases that mirror the song's tense rhythm, with a tone that's crisp and slightly overdriven. Rather than a long, flashy solo, it's a burst of melody that fits the band's tight, minimalist approach. It's one of the most memorable guitar moments in 2000s indie rock, and a favorite among players learning the band's style. Listen for how Valensi's lines weave around the rhythm guitar, creating a tight, interlocking sound, and how the solo's jagged phrasing adds to the song's sense of urgency.
Reptilia by The Strokes is ranked #192 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Nick Valensi and the song was released in 2003. It appears on 2 lists, placing as high as #7 (Far Out Magazine).
In our lists
- The 25 Greatest Indie Rock Guitar Solos — #8
- The 2000s — #13
- Short & Perfect — #22
- The Best The Strokes Guitar Solos — #1
Sources
- Far Out Magazine: The 10 best guitar solos of the 21st century — #7
- NME: 50 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #23
- Guitar Tricks: 200 Best Guitar Solos of All Time — #173
Who played the guitar solo on Reptilia?
Nick Valensi played the solo on The Strokes's Reptilia (2003).
What guitar was used on the Reptilia solo?
An epiphone riviera, according to widely reported accounts.
Where does Reptilia rank among the greatest guitar solos?
#192 in the GreatestSolos consensus of 79 published lists; it appears on 2 of them.