Jimmy Page is one of the greatest guitarists in rock history, best known for his legendary work with Led Zeppelin. But even a guitar hero like Page has his own musical idols — and surprisingly, one of his all-time favorite guitar solos isn’t from a heavy rock song. It’s from Steely Dan’s 1972 hit, “Reelin’ In The Years.”
Steely Dan, formed by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, was known for blending rock, jazz, and blues into a smooth and clever sound. Their debut album Can’t Buy a Thrill introduced this unique style to the world, and “Reelin’ In The Years” quickly became one of their standout songs. The track is full of witty lyrics, catchy melodies, and most memorably, an incredible guitar solo played by session guitarist Elliott Randall.
Randall’s solo is often considered one of the best in rock history. What makes it special is how effortless it sounds — full of energy, precision, and emotion, but without being overly flashy. Amazingly, Randall recorded it in just one take. The tone of his guitar, the phrasing, and the way the solo fits perfectly into the song make it unforgettable.
Even Jimmy Page was blown away by it. In interviews, he once said that Randall’s solo was his favorite of all time. When asked to rate it, he jokingly gave it a “12 out of 10,” showing just how highly he thought of it. Coming from Page, who himself created some of the greatest guitar moments in rock, that’s a huge compliment.
What’s interesting is that Steely Dan themselves didn’t think much of the song. Fagen once called it “dumb but effective,” but that didn’t stop it from becoming a classic. Over the years, “Reelin’ In The Years” has continued to be loved by fans for its timeless sound and masterful musicianship.
Jimmy Page’s admiration for the song also says something about him as an artist. While he’s famous for his epic rock riffs and solos, he also appreciates creativity, tone, and feel over pure speed or loudness. It shows that great guitar playing is about emotion and expression as much as it is about technique.
Today, more than 50 years after its release, “Reelin’ In The Years” still feels fresh. The song captures the perfect mix of fun, skill, and style that makes great music last forever. And if a legend like Jimmy Page calls it a 12/10, it’s definitely worth a listen.