Great Rock and Roll Guitar Solos Before 1967: A Historical Retrospective
The Evolution of Rock Guitar Solos Before 1967
Before the mid-1960s, guitar solos in rock music were often mediocre. Influenced primarily by country and jazz, many pre-1967 guitar solos lacked the technical finesse and creative expressions we now associate with rock guitar. However, as the decade progressed, some innovative and influential guitar solos started to emerge, marking a significant turning point in rock music history.
Pioneering Guitar Solos
“You Really Got Me” by The Kinks (1964): This iconic song features one of the earliest use of distortion, making it a seminal moment in rock guitar history. Dave Davies' intense solo perfectly complements Ray Davies' lyrics, creating a memorable musical experience.
“Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen (1963): Although not the best mix, this recording still holds a special place in rock history. The solo, despite its flaws, offers an early example of the combustive energy that would become a hallmark of rock guitar playing.
“Heart Full of Soul” by The Yardbirds (1965): Jeff Beck's blistering solo on this song launches him into the stratosphere of legendary guitarists. His technical proficiency and passion for the instrument are evident in this early work.
“Hang on Sloopy” by The McCoys (1965): Featuring Rick Derringer, a notable early 1960s guitarist, this track is marked by its raw power and energy. Derringer’s young but seasoned sound is a testament to his talent.
“A Hard Day's Night” by The Beatles (1964): The 12-string guitar solo on this song is a timeless classic. George Harrison's meticulous approach to the instrument and his blending of classical and rock influences are on full display.
“Time Is on My Side” by The Rolling Stones (1965): Brian Jones' solo is a masterclass in bluesy rock guitar. His use of vibrato and bending notes showcases the depth and emotion that can be achieved with a well-played guitar solo.
“Testify” by The Isley Brothers (1966): Featuring a young Jimi Hendrix, this track is a precursor to Hendrix’s future innovations. Hendrix's electrical manipulation and improvisational skills are already evident in this early demonstration of his talent.
“Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” by The Yardbirds (1965): This track features Eric Clapton, whose lead guitar work is a precursor to his future legendary status. His technique and style have an undeniable influence on future generations of guitarists.
“Crosscut Saw” by Albert King (1965): While Albert King's blues style is unmistakable, his playing has a profound impact on the rock genre, influencing artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Notable Innovators and Influences
“Slow Down” and “Roll Over Beethoven” by The Beatles (1963 and 1963, respectively): George Harrison's contributions to these songs, along with his work on “I Saw Her Standing There,” showcase his exploration of unique guitar sounds and techniques.
“Louie Louie” by The Kingsmen (1963): Dave Davies’ filth-drenched guitar playing is a standout feature on this track, setting the stage for more overtly rebellious forms of rock and roll.
Jeff Beck, 1960s: Jeff Beck's work with The Yardbirds, particularly “Evil Hearted You,” “Mister You’re a Better Man than I,” and the studio version, provides some of the most toe-curling and technically proficient guitar solos of the time.
Jim McCarty of Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels: McCarty's leads on tracks like “Devil with a Blue Dress” are undeniably hot and raw, showcasing a different side of rock guitar that emphasizes power and intensity.
Jim Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane: Drawing on psychedelic and acid rock influences, Kaukonen's work on songs like “Somebody to Love,” “Ballad of You and Me,” and “Pooneil” injects a unique, otherworldly energy into the genre.
Shaping the Future of Rock Guitar
Rock and roll guitar solos before 1967 represent a crucial period in the development of the genre. Artists like Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Dave Davies paved the way for the virtuosic, expressive solos we enjoy today. While some early solos are imperfect, they set the stage for the evolution of rock guitar in the following years, influencing countless musicians and shaping the sound of rock music for generations to come.