If you’re looking to dive into technical guitar playing through the unmistakable sound of a Gibson Les Paul, this is for you. We’ve selected 10 legendary solos and instrumental pieces where technique shinesβand the tone is 100% Les Paul.
Each performance features close-ups on hand movements, showcasing advanced phrasing, articulation, vibrato, and signature Les Paul sustain.
π₯ π₯ Featured Performances (Les Paul Only):
- Gary Moore β “The Loner” (Live in Montreux)
π― Emotive vibrato, sustain control, melodic phrasing
π YouTube: Gary Moore The Loner Live Montreux Les Paul - Slash β “Anastasia” (Live with Myles Kennedy)
π― Hybrid picking, modal runs, wah control
π YouTube: Slash Anastasia live Les Paul - Joe Bonamassa β “Mountain Time” (Live at Royal Albert Hall)
π― Blues phrasing, bending precision, tone shaping
π YouTube: βJoe Bonamassa Mountain Time RAHβ - Zakk Wylde β “Farewell Ballad”
π― Pinch harmonics, legato runs, emotional dynamics
π YouTube: βZakk Wylde Farewell Ballad Les Paulβ - Jimmy Page β “Stairway to Heaven” (Live 1973 Madison Square Garden)
π― Classic phrasing, solo structure, historic tone
π YouTube: Stairway to Heaven live 1973 Les Paul - Randy Rhoads β “Mr. Crowley” (Live Solo Section)
π― Classical influence, tremolo picking, arpeggio sequences
π YouTube: Randy Rhoads Mr Crowley solo live - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) β “Blue Jean Blues” (Live)
π― Minimalist blues phrasing, thick tone, right-hand touch
π YouTube: Billy Gibbons Blue Jean Blues live - Peter Green β “Need Your Love So Bad”
π― Delicate bending, microtonal vibrato, tone control
π YouTube: Peter Green Need Your Love So Bad Les Paul - Duane Allman β “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” (Live Fillmore East)
π― Slide guitar mastery, sustain, dynamic touch
π YouTube: Allman Brothers Elizabeth Reed live Les Paul - Neal Schon (Journey) β “Mother, Father” (Live in Houston 1981)
π― Clean phrasing, legato + alternate picking mix
π YouTube: Neal Schon Mother Father live Les Paul
π Why This List Matters
Every performance listed is a learning opportunity: tone control, vibrato, picking techniques, and phrasing are on full displayβfilmed with enough detail to study and replicate.
πΈ Whether you’re learning or just admiring, these clips are a reminder of what the Gibson Les Paul can do in the hands of a great player.
π Drop a comment with your favorite Les Paul solo or suggest a player to feature in the next volume!