17 Best Jam Songs for Two Guitars: Epic Two-Guitar Jams
Hey there music lovers and DJs! Ready to amp up your jam sessions?
We’ve curated the ultimate list of the top 17 dueling guitar masterpieces.
Perfect for both pros and newbies, these tracks will spark creativity, enhance skill, and fuel your passion.
Let’s rock and roll!
Here are the best jam songs for two guitars that you can check out:
List Of Best Jam Songs for Two Guitars
Best jam songs for two guitars in a list format:
1. “The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix
From the 1967 album “Are You Experienced” under Track Records, this melodic tune showcases the versatility of the guitar with an unassuming blues-based structure. Its melodic interplay and gentle rhythm provide a fantastic basis for a guitar duet.
2. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
Off their 1975 album with the same name, released by Harvest Records, this track is a perfect balance of acoustic harmony and soulful solos. It’s a great tune for guitarists to jam together, with rich lyrical content.
3. “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos
Found on the 1970 album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs”, released under Polydor Records, “Layla” features iconic guitar riffs and melodies by Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, that are perfect for a two-guitar jam session.
4. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits
Off their 1978 self-titled album under Vertigo Records, this song highlights Mark Knopfler’s signature fingerpicking style. The multi-layered guitar parts make it an exciting song for two guitarists to tackle together.
5. “Hotel California” by Eagles
From their 1976 album of the same name, released by Asylum Records, this classic track features a distinctive combination of 12-string and 6-string guitar parts, culminating in an epic dual guitar solo that is always fun to jam to.
6. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin
From the 1971 album “Led Zeppelin IV”, under Atlantic Records, “Black Dog” is a legendary hard rock track. The intricate interplay between Page’s riff and Plant’s vocals can be beautifully replicated by two guitars.
7. “Jessica” by The Allman Brothers Band
Featured in their 1973 album “Brothers and Sisters”, under Capricorn Records, “Jessica” is a renowned instrumental song. The harmonized guitars provide an ideal platform for two guitarists to jam on.
8. “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
From their 1991 album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” under Warner Bros. Records, “Under the Bridge” fuses soulful verses with a powerful chorus, an inspiring choice for a duet of electric and acoustic guitars.
9. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath
Off their 1970 album “Paranoid”, released by Vertigo Records, this classic heavy metal track has one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history. The robust rhythm and lead parts make it ideal for a two-guitar setup.
10. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
From the 1973 album “Pronounced ‘Leh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd” under MCA Records, “Free Bird” is notable for its extended guitar jam, featuring intricate harmonies and dueling solos perfect for a two-guitar jam.
11. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
Featured in their 1971 album “Led Zeppelin IV”, under Atlantic Records, this timeless classic offers a blend of folk and rock elements. The layered guitars provide an ideal groundwork for a two-guitar performance.
12. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple
From their 1972 album “Machine Head” under Purple Records, this rock anthem has a signature riff that’s perfect for guitarists to jam to. The song’s iconic rhythm and lead parts make it a fun track for a two-guitar jam session.
13. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica
Found on the 1986 album of the same name, released under Elektra Records, this track showcases complex rhythm parts and blistering solos. Its challenging nature makes it an exciting song for two experienced guitarists to play together.
14. “Alive” by Pearl Jam
Off their 1991 album “Ten” under Epic Records, “Alive” is a grunge-era classic with expressive guitar parts. The dynamic shifts between soft verses and powerful choruses make it great for a two-guitar setup.
15. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
From the 1991 album “Metallica”, under Elektra Records, this song has a killer riff and a catchy rhythm. The combination of rhythm and lead guitar parts make it an exciting song for a two-guitar jam.
16. “Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream
Featured in their 1967 album “Disraeli Gears”, under Reaction Records, this song is a classic psychedelic rock track. Its powerful riff and extended solos provide an engaging setup for two guitars.
17. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
From their 1987 album “Appetite for Destruction”, under Geffen Records, this track is famous for its melodic intro and expressive solos. The combination of rhythm and lead parts make it an excellent choice for a two-guitar jam session.
Fun Facts: Top Jam Tunes for Two Guitars
“The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix
This song was written by Hendrix after a heated argument with his girlfriend, Kathy Mary Etchingham. Her middle name is Mary and when she stormed out, Hendrix wrote the song as an apology. He later claimed the “wind” represented the change he hoped for in their relationship.
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
In a poignant moment during the recording of “Wish You Were Here”, former band member Syd Barrett, who was suffering from mental health issues, unexpectedly visited the studio. The band members were moved to tears, as they barely recognized Barrett due to his drastically changed appearance.
“Layla” by Derek and the Dominos
Eric Clapton wrote “Layla” as a love song to Pattie Boyd, who was then the wife of his close friend, George Harrison of The Beatles. Eventually, Boyd divorced Harrison and married Clapton. The song’s title was inspired by the Arabian love story “Layla and Majnun”.
“Hotel California” by Eagles
There’s a myth that “Hotel California” is about Satanism or addiction because of its mysterious lyrics. But, the band members insist it’s a commentary on the hedonistic lifestyle and the dark underbelly of the American Dream in the 1970s.
“Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin
The song got its name from a black Labrador Retriever that wandered around the Headley Grange studios during recording. Despite the song’s complex aural texture, it doesn’t feature any keyboards – all the layered sounds are created by guitars.
“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Free Bird” became a popular song request at concerts, often shouted by the audience. The trend started as an inside joke between Lynyrd Skynyrd and their support bands but quickly caught on and spread to concerts of all types, even when it made no sense for the artist performing.
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
The iconic “Stairway to Heaven” guitar solo was recorded in just one take by Jimmy Page. Also, despite its popularity, the song was never released as a single in the UK during Led Zeppelin’s active years. It was only released as a promotional single in the US in 1972.
“Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
The iconic opening riff of “Sweet Child o’ Mine” was actually a string skipping exercise Slash used for warming up. It was never intended to be a song. But when Axl Rose heard it, he was inspired to write lyrics, and thus, one of the band’s biggest hits was born.
That’s a wrap, fellow music enthusiasts and DJs! Hope you found your next jam session inspiration in these iconic tunes. Keep strumming, keep rocking, and above all, enjoy the music!
Thanks for reading.
TBone