Jimmy Page is one of the most legendary guitarists in rock history. As the driving force behind Led Zeppelin, he created some of the most famous guitar riffs and solos ever recorded. Songs like “Stairway to Heaven,” “Immigrant Song,” and “Kashmir” helped define rock music and inspired generations of musicians. Page was also known for experimenting with sound, including using a violin bow on his electric guitar, something very few players had ever done before.
With such an incredible career, you might expect Jimmy Page’s favourite guitar solo to be one of his own. But that’s not the case. Instead, Page has often spoken about his deep admiration for a solo played by Elliott Randall on “Reelin’ In The Years” by Steely Dan.
A Solo That Stands Out
“Reelin’ In The Years” was released in 1973 and became Steely Dan’s biggest hit. It’s a breakup song written by band founders Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. While the song itself is catchy and smartly written, the guitar solo is what truly grabs attention.
Interestingly, Steely Dan didn’t feel the song was complete at first. Something was missing. To fix that, they invited Elliott Randall, a guitarist best known for his work with Jay & The Americans, to play the solo. Randall walked into the studio, plugged in his 1965 Fender Stratocaster, and played the solo in just one take.
That single take turned out to be magic.
Why Jimmy Page Loved It
In a 1999 interview, Jimmy Page named Randall’s solo as his favourite guitar solo of all time. Years later, in a 2016 interview, he went even further and rated the guitar playing a 12 out of 10. When the song was played for him, Page instantly recognized it and praised the feel and character of the performance.
What makes this choice interesting is that the solo isn’t overly flashy. It doesn’t rely on speed or complicated tricks. Instead, it is melodic, confident, and full of personality. Every note feels natural, as if it belongs exactly where it is. That is something Page has always valued in guitar playing.
Feel Over Flash
Jimmy Page has often said that great guitar work is about more than technique. For him, emotion and feel matter more than showing off. Elliott Randall’s solo fits that idea perfectly. It serves the song instead of overpowering it, adding energy and attitude without going too far.
This approach also reflects how Led Zeppelin recorded many of their own classic moments. Some of their most famous parts came from spontaneous performances captured in the studio. Like Randall’s solo, those moments weren’t overthought — they were felt.
Different Opinions, Same Impact
Interestingly, the members of Steely Dan didn’t love the solo as much as Page did. Donald Fagen once called it “dumb but effective,” while Walter Becker said it wasn’t much fun. Still, the solo helped make “Reelin’ In The Years” a massive success and one of the band’s most recognizable songs.
Jimmy Page’s praise only strengthens the solo’s legacy. When one of the greatest guitarists of all time calls a performance “better than perfect,” it reminds us that music isn’t just about skill — it’s about connection, instinct, and honesty.