I've been playing guitar since the age of 9, but I started listening to bands like Kiss and Mötley Crüe much earlier. My first instrument was a home-built Gene Simmons Axe Bass replica without strings, so I had to sing out the tones. Back then feeling was all that counted and I think that is what counts today as well. I think the most important ingredients in a good solo as well as in a good song usually are surprises, progression and of course, feeling. You get over 100 million hits when googling "guitar sound" so I'm not going there, but I can say that a good amp & guitar combined with the right touch usually does the trick. I also like using effects to get some depth in the tone when needed. At the end of the day skillful musicians and good friends are what makes playing enjoyable!