Roundabout

Yes, 1971, from Fragile. Solo by Steve Howe.

Howe's acoustic intro and bright electric runs are woven into Yes's most famous song.

Roundabout is Yes's best-known song, and Steve Howe's guitar is woven through every part of it. The track opens with his delicate acoustic intro, built from ringing harmonics and classical-style picking, before shifting into bright, fast electric runs over the band's busy, driving rhythm. Howe blends jazz, country and classical influences, creating a style that is intricate yet melodic. His playing adds colour and texture rather than dominating the song. Listen for the contrast between the gentle acoustic opening and the sharp electric lines later on, and for the moments where Howe's guitar interlocks with the bass and keyboards, making the arrangement feel like a complex, moving machine.

Roundabout by Yes is ranked #238 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Steve Howe and the song was released in 1971. It appears on 2 lists, placing as high as #39 (Ranker).

In our lists

• The Most-Taught Solos — #28
• The Road Trip 50 — #50
• The 25 Greatest Prog Guitar Solos — #19
• The Best Steve Howe Guitar Solos — #2
• The Best Yes Guitar Solos — #5

Sources

• Ranker: The Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #39
• Guitar Solo Legends: The 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — Ranked (2026) — #53