Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Quentin Singer is music journalist who covers rock and heavy music. Guitar music is a ubiquitous feature of popular music, ...

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is an incredible song, even without Kurt Cobain’s guitar solo. But that very solo made the iconic grunge track even better. And it’s not that complicated of a solo, either.

There was a time when the guitar was the mightiest instrument in rock and roll. It was so widely respected that artists were able to create music using only the guitar and supporting instruments, no ...