EXHIBIT (b)

                    CERTIFICATION OF CEO AND CFO PURSUANT TO

                             18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

                             AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

                  SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002



In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR of Claymore/Guggenheim Strategic
Opportunities Fund (the "Issuer") for the period ended May 31, 2009 (the
"Report"), J. Thomas Futrell, as Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer, and
Steven M. Hill, as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer, each
hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of his
knowledge:

         (1)      the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section
                  13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

         (2)      the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in
                  all material respects, the financial condition and results of
                  operations of the Issuer.


Dated:   August 7, 2009
         --------------------------------------

         /s/ J. Thomas Futrell
         --------------------------------------

Name:    J. Thomas Futrell

Title:   Chief Executive Officer


         /s/ Steven M. Hill
         --------------------------------------

Name:    Steven M. Hill

Title:   Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer