The Songwriter Forum - songwriting reviews, tips and chat
Songwriter Forum => The Bar => Topic started by: cowparsleyman on April 26, 2018, 12:34:47 PM
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I'm interested to know what your favourite guitars solo ever is, but you can only pick one.
I'd like to know why you chose it...
Tough huh.
cpm
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The second solo on "Pablo and Andrea" by Yo La Tengo.
Now, the solo starts at around 2:45, but to get the full power of the thing, you really need to listen to the entire song.
Why?
Because, you see, this is not my favorite solo because of any technical prowess or anything, but because it does exactly what a solo is supposed to to: it takes the song to the next level, emotionally. It's all about the song, as everything should be.
You see, as the song lulls you in to its hazy world for 2:44 or so, when the solo kicks in, building upon the main riff, and then skittering off from it with heaps of fuzz, it just... elevates. Everything.
Ira Kaplan is a musician that understands, intuitively, how music works on an emotional level. And he just lets himself go there.
Gives me chills.
Transcendental.
Listen:
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but because it does exactly what a solo is supposed to to: it takes the song to the next level, emotionally. It's all about the song, as everything should be.
This is exactly how I feel about guitar solos and the like. If it doesn't fit with and add something to a song then what's it doing there. Like everything else in a song a guitar solo should express something. Some are better at it than others - it would be amazing to have the ear skills to play as if it were another language.
My guitar hero's are quite obvious. Slash for one. Dave Gilmore, Mark Knopfler, Brian May, Dimebag Darrell, Eric Clapton....fairly household names I should think. None on that list are technical virtuosos but for me they all have a style and ability to express a feeling/emotion, that some virtuosos lack.
I couldn't pick a favourite guitar solo but a favourite guitar player I would say Slash. I think his phrasing is second to none.
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but because it does exactly what a solo is supposed to to: it takes the song to the next level, emotionally. It's all about the song, as everything should be.
This is exactly how I feel about guitar solos and the like. If it doesn't fit with and add something to a song then what's it doing there. Like everything else in a song a guitar solo should express something. Some are better at it than others - it would be amazing to have the ear skills to play as if it were another language.
My guitar hero's are quite obvious. Slash for one. Dave Gilmore, Mark Knopfler, Brian May, Dimebag Darrell, Eric Clapton....fairly household names I should think. None on that list are technical virtuosos but for me they all have a style and ability to express a feeling/emotion, that some virtuosos lack.
I couldn't pick a favourite guitar solo but a favourite guitar player I would say Slash. I think his phrasing is second to none.
You see, my pick for best solo (above) is kinda the opposite of the styles of your favorite guitar players.
Nothing against those players; they're great. In fact, Knopfler is still one of my favorites. However, the style and approach of my solo is so... anti classic technique.
I am curious to know what you think of it. Have you given it a listen?
Like I said: you need to hear the whole song, or at least a good chunk of the lead in to the solo to really get its full power.
Please, check it out and let me know what you think -- if you can hear what I mean. I'm curious.
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but because it does exactly what a solo is supposed to to: it takes the song to the next level, emotionally. It's all about the song, as everything should be.
This is exactly how I feel about guitar solos and the like. If it doesn't fit with and add something to a song then what's it doing there. Like everything else in a song a guitar solo should express something. Some are better at it than others - it would be amazing to have the ear skills to play as if it were another language.
My guitar hero's are quite obvious. Slash for one. Dave Gilmore, Mark Knopfler, Brian May, Dimebag Darrell, Eric Clapton....fairly household names I should think. None on that list are technical virtuosos but for me they all have a style and ability to express a feeling/emotion, that some virtuosos lack.
I couldn't pick a favourite guitar solo but a favourite guitar player I would say Slash. I think his phrasing is second to none.
You see, my pick for best solo (above) is kinda the opposite of the styles of your favorite guitar players.
Nothing against those players; they're great. In fact, Knopfler is still one of my favorites. However, the style and approach of my solo is so... anti classic technique.
I am curious to know what you think of it. Have you given it a listen?
Like I said: you need to hear the whole song, or at least a good chunk of the lead in to the solo to really get its full power.
Please, check it out and let me know what you think -- if you can hear what I mean. I'm curious.
Yeah I've had a few listens now...it's a very good solo and for all the right reasons. It isn't a technical show off but you can tell that the ability is there and that the musician is using the solo to develop the song (I really like the tone of the guitar...it really helps to build the music at that point). It definitely isn't your classic solo and really appreciate that. I think the more familiar I get with the solo the more in into I'd get.
Just to add....the guitar throughout Dire Straits 'Brothers In Arms' is so beautiful it blows my mind. I don't think they're technically difficult at all but they are so powerfully emotive. For me it's a perfect example of having ability but knowing how to use it.
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Just to add....the guitar throughout Dire Straits 'Brothers In Arms' is so beautiful it blows my mind. I don't think they're technically difficult at all but they are so powerfully emotive. For me it's a perfect example of having ability but knowing how to use it.
Oh, I think that a lot of that 'Brothers In Arms' stuff IS really difficult. Not all of it, but he has a tricky style that you can really only pull off, with his weird fingerpicking technique. And not everyone is capable of that kind of picking.
He's amazing.
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And I'm glad that you dug the Yo La Tengo solo.
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I am going to have to select 2
This is one of my all time favourites for tone and feel
The first solo starts at 4:52 and the first note is probably the single best note I have EVER heard a guitar make!!!!
The second solo starts at 9:06 and the build it has is something else
There is another performance from this run of shows with video of him playing but his particular performance of this song gives me goose bumps EVERY time - it is just perfection IMHO
I couldn't leave Mr Prince out of a guitar solo thread!
My all time favourite Prince solo is this one starting at 2:36
At the start he does more with one note than I have sen many not achieve in a career!!!!
The touch, groove and feel of the playing is just immense - and then he pulls off some amazing Jazz / modal licks
And as an extra "it is my forum so I will post a third"...
Many sight Prince's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" solo at his and George Harrison's induction into the Rock & Roll hall of fame as one of the best guitar solos
I like the story behind it more...
Apparently at the one rehearsal this is what happened when Prince showed up - as recounted by Joel Gallen - the producer of the Hall Of Fame show:
"He says hello to Tom and Jeff and the band. When we get to the middle solo, where Prince is supposed to do it, Jeff Lynne’s guitar player just starts playing the solo. Note for note, like Clapton. And Prince just stops and lets him do it and plays the rhythm, strums along. And we get to the big end solo, and Prince again steps forward to go into the solo, and this guy starts playing that solo too! Prince doesn’t say anything, just starts strumming, plays a few leads here and there, but for the most part, nothing memorable.
They finish, and I go up to Jeff and Tom, and I sort of huddle up with these guys, and I’m like: “This cannot be happening. I don’t even know if we’re going to get another rehearsal with him. [Prince]. But this guy cannot be playing the solos throughout the song.” So I talk to Prince about it, I sort of pull him aside and had a private conversation with him, and he was like: “Look, let this guy do what he does, and I’ll just step in at the end. For the end solo, forget the middle solo.” And he goes, “Don’t worry about it.” And then he leaves. They never rehearsed it, really. Never really showed us what he was going to do, and he left, basically telling me, the producer of the show, not to worry. And the rest is history. It became one of the most satisfying musical moments in my history of watching and producing live music."
Here is the performance, which makes me laugh every time I see Prince lurking in the background until the solo - Dhani Harrison's face is an absolute picture of happiness for what must have been an emotional night for him
The solo starts at 3:26
Rumour has it the guitar is still in orbit as it never comes down after he throws it at the end!!!
Enjoy
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Easy! A young Yngwie with Alcatrazz on Jet to Jet. The solo actually starts a little before my fav part at 2.13 (but I view that as a pre-solo :))
Speed, melody and TONE in perfect matrimony.
=2m13s
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I agree with the general consensus that "the best guitar solo" has nothing to do with being "the best guitarist"
Some great choices - I don't usually like "fuzz" style tones but I loved the Yo La Tengo track & solo
Yngwie is one of my favourite "super shredders" as he has a smoother tone and better phrasing than Satriani and Vai
I also really like Guthrie Govan who is a really versatile player
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You crazy cats ::)
The answer is - of course - this one...from about 2:23 and it lasts about 10 seconds
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Often guys who can play very quickly, er shredders, are accused of having no feel. It's not always the case. My favourite guitarist of all time is probably John Petrucci of Dream Theater. Their stuff is complex and demanding at times, but this one is very accessible - the solo that starts at about 2.24 contains a couple of amazing runs - fast but so, so melodic - beautiful.
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Hi,
Guitar solo's for me (and in this instance i am talking only about new song demo's in here) they only have a place in a song if it is needed for that song.
Sadly for me when hearing song demos with solo's in them they are there simply because someone can play them well so they have to include them in EVERY song they create even when the song does not require them at all. IMO. Just because you can play an amazing guitar solo does NOT mean it has to be in EVERY song that you write. IMO. Many songs do not require a guitar solo from you. Less is more. etc Let the song dictate what is included.
Johnny :)
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How interesting....
I thought Hendrix would be in there somewhere.
It's soooo difficult picking just one, but for me it has to be the first solo from Larry Carlton's 'Room 335' Studio version, it has everything.
I would also say that when I really nail a solo (you guitarists know that feeling), not just play one well, when people clap and other artists make nice comments afterwards, then for that night, that is the best ever solo, you go to sleep wondering how I did it.
Great to hear your views
@David Christy Jones (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=21130) - What's yours?
cpm
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In 2012, I saw Wilco play at Newport Folk Festival. I had just finished radiation treatment and was at a physically low point, really fatigued and worn out. I went alone, rode my bike there (I'm very stubborn), unprepared for the pouring rain. That's a long way of saying where I was mentally and physically that day. I don't know if that's why when Nels Cline played the solo during Impossible Germany, I experienced what I think was euphoria. I can't really describe it, but it changed my life. It was the performance that inspired me to learn guitar. It made me see the impact music could have. Really mind blowing. You had to be there.
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In 2012, I saw Wilco play at Newport Folk Festival. I had just finished radiation treatment and was at a physically low point, really fatigued and worn out. I went alone, rode my bike there (I'm very stubborn), unprepared for the pouring rain. That's a long way of saying where I was mentally and physically that day. I don't know if that's why when Nels Cline played the solo during Impossible Germany, I experienced what I think was euphoria. I can't really describe it, but it changed my life. It was the performance that inspired me to learn guitar. It made me see the impact music could have. Really mind blowing. You had to be there.
Actually the solo in the studio version of "Impossible Germany" came to mind for me, too. It's a head-spinner. Beautiful and obtuse at the same time. Absolutely amazing.
Starts around 2:30 but really gets going starting at about 4:00, and just builds and builds.
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Some great contributions here. I'm (of course if anyone knows me) in the anti-guitar hero camp. I've never appreciated Clapton, and Slash even less. Though I have been known to dabble occasionally in Gilmour and Pretrucci.
Anyhow, here's not the best ever but one I've really liked for a while - just because of its uniqueness and memorability. If I'd done this in one of my songs, most would say "are you kidding?" but sometimes you need things that give songs a unique identity ("It's better to be new than good"...). The version on Youtube is not as good quality as on Spotify. (Starts at 2'52" - but of course don't start there).
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Great guitar @adamfarr (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=20124) ! Never heard the song before.
I'm kind of lukewarm when it comes to guitar solos.
But I like the 'Black Math' solo By White Stripes.
And that Dune Allman rocked.
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For me, not taking too long to think about it, would have to be the solo from Over The Hills and Far Away. I love this song, and have been lucky enough to hear it live once.
Two versions here - the Gary Moore original and (my favourite - at least with their current singer) a cover by Nightwish (guitar Emppu Vuorinen)
The former starts at 2.49 (guitar kicks in around 3.03).
The latter is with their original singer, Tarja (the night they fired her!). The guitarsolo really kicks in around 2.54, although the solo (synth first, then guitar) begins around 2.26
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Some great contributions here. I'm (of course if anyone knows me) in the anti-guitar hero camp. I've never appreciated Clapton, and Slash even less. Though I have been known to dabble occasionally in Gilmour and Pretrucci.
Anyhow, here's not the best ever but one I've really liked for a while - just because of its uniqueness and memorability. If I'd done this in one of my songs, most would say "are you kidding?" but sometimes you need things that give songs a unique identity ("It's better to be new than good"...). The version on Youtube is not as good quality as on Spotify. (Starts at 2'52" - but of course don't start there).
That was awesome!
Very cool solo but, more importantly, a great tune! I'm gonna search these guys out. Thanks for the heads-up on this one Adam!
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Great thread. Gonna check all these out.
Me, I like a Britpop guitar solo. Usually brief, slightly wonky and cliche free. I'll plump for Bernard Butler's in Suede's "Animal Nitrate". Or if I'm allowed 2, the one in "Can You Dig It?" by the Mock Turtles. Always gives me goose bumps.
Interesting no votes for Hendrix, unless I've missed 'em?
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Great thread. Mine would b3 Brian May in Brighton Rock
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Yep Micky. With you on that one. Seventies fave is on Kid by The Pretenders. 80s agree that the Orange Juice solo takes some beating for effectiveness. 90s Some of the solos on The Bends by Radiohead are pretty amazing
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How interesting....
I thought Hendrix would be in there somewhere.
It's soooo difficult picking just one, but for me it has to be the first solo from Larry Carlton's 'Room 335' Studio version, it has everything.
I would also say that when I really nail a solo (you guitarists know that feeling), not just play one well, when people clap and other artists make nice comments afterwards, then for that night, that is the best ever solo, you go to sleep wondering how I did it.
Great to hear your views
@David Christy Jones (http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/index.php?action=profile;u=21130) - What's yours?
cpm
Depends if we're talking improv or not. For (technically) non improv it has to be Zappas Watermelon in Easter Hay or St Stephen by the Grateful Dead.
Overall for just live jam feel though, this - everytime:
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My Vote for improv
John McLaughlin 'Phenomenon Compulsion' - he sounds out of breath at the end.....
I feel like saying to him, John, me ol mucker, go and have nice cup tea and a digestive, get Billy (Cobham) to pack yer lead away...
Don't think many of you will agree..... 8)
cpm
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Thank goodness everyone appreciates a musical guitar solo. It has to be more than just shredding scales and heavy distortion for me. These are my two favorites. John Mayer covering All Along the Watchtower at 1:47 and 2:57 he does some great solos, but it's at 3:50 when they break it down that the best solo starts. I can't watch this and never watch the entire thing. He's worked up a decent sweat by the end.
And then there's the unforgettable musical outro in Layla that I'm not sure qualifies for a solo. I can't seem to find a version as good as the studio recording so I'll leave it at that.
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Ok, I believe I need to step in and offer ya'll some guidance, you've obviously all been mislead into thinking you know what guitar playing is all about!?!?! ;D ;D ;D
So without further ado, I present to you some real guitar playing. Solo #1 starts at 0.50 sort of...
Enjoy! ;)
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Get ready, because you have never heard a composition like this, AND, there is some awesome trampoline action(haha), give the tune a chance and you will be rewarded!!! The first major solo starts about 7:15 in, but the whole piece is amazing.
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Ok, I believe I need to step in and offer ya'll some guidance, you've obviously all been mislead into thinking you know what guitar playing is all about!?!?! ;D ;D ;D
So without further ado, I present to you some real guitar playing. Solo #1 starts at 0.50 sort of...
Enjoy! ;)
Really enjoyed that, he loves playing and knitwear
Cpm
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Here is Larry Carlton playing a live version of Room 335.
I have to apologise for the flagrant use of Mullet, gurning, pointing into the crowd and sleeveless top with an awful logo. The rest of the band look a motley crew, and the song itself is very MOR, but I just love it, sorry.
btw here's Jess Ellis, she was something like 16 at the time, lordy dordy. if you just want the solo it's 1:30 on .... dig the scribbling her name on the strat, like a schoolgirl writing her name on her maths book cos, she doesn't follow differential equations.
It's always easier to rip off something that's been, so knock a few marks off, but still nice to see a great player.
hope you dig it
cpm
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Well, I must break the rules and add this lovely solo by Samantha Fish. It starts around 2:15 and runs through the rest of the video. I'll be getting the chance to see her live in just a few weeks. I'm looking forward to it.
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How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live - Ry Cooder.
Interestingly Derek Trucks is playing some of my favourite solos these days. I need to learn more slide guitar!
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Just had a discussion about how good they are with a dude last night!!!
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There are too many great ones to list, but. I've always loved Frank Zappa's musicianship, this is an instrumental , Zoot Allures featuring mr Zappa's guitar playing, but could that band play? It takes about 1.30 to get going but it's one of the better live versions available! Listen to that controlled feedback and the other members of the band, great musicians.
Then there's Jeff Beck, I've never heard anyone who can do harmonics and whammy bar like this guy can, this song is awesome, I don't know how he does it!
There are loads of others!
Lots of great choices above too!
Cheers
Jamie
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Yeah Man
Was one of my favourites for ages, also black napkins form the same album.
cpm
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Roddy Frame - Oblivious. Blow me away when I heard him play it at age 16. He wasn't much older himself.
Paul