I usually like to doodle on my guitar and come up w/ my own riffs, that's most satisfying to me. However, learning the parts of our heroes often can force the learning of skills that were not present before. What songs have you learned, just because you thought they were cool, that taught you a skill you've been able to take advantage of ever since?
November Rain, Coma, Estranged- These are the songs that taught me the difference betweena half and full bend
Fade to black- taught me that powerchords w/ palm muted single notes kick major ass
Crazy Train intro- beginner shit, developed speed
Don't Cry, Call of Ktulu- appreciation for appregios
That's a haphazzard list.....I'm more interested in your feedback, looking for songs to learn that will leave me w/ new skills.