This is the essence of a brilliant guitar solo played by a master musician. Not a flurry of notes as a time filler, it’s a melodic masterpiece that compliments and adds to the song. Melody above everything else. An absolute masterpiece.
I’ve been telling myself that for a while because I can’t shred but having feeling with the ability to throw some shred in there adds to the dynamics in a big way
im a shredder and this is what I consider to be the greatest guitar solo ever written. Shredding is intensely difficult and a very serious skill. you appear to misunderstand it immensely
zuider77. If i were to do a solo like this , I would need a day just to get it sounding that authentic because there is 4 or 5 unique different styles in that one solo. And he just does it in one take off the top of his head. Amazing.
Louie has said many times that he doesn’t plan his solos, they come out of an inner well of creativity. What he doesn’t say is that this well is constantly being refilled by playing, by listening, by practicing. Is that genius? I guess it can be. But there’s an enormous amount of work over a lifetime of playing music involved, too.
The octaves really worked and was such a tasteful use of notes. They say that the best solos are something you can hum along to. You proved that theory.
Really one of the greatest solos of all time. So tasteful, so precisely perfect for the song... this is the kind of musicality we should all aspire to.
How do you find the words to describe how great this guy is with a guitar in his hands. With all the great songs that he made come alive over the decades.
I’ve played that guitar solo note for note so many times doing wedding gigs & stuff growing up ... It’s really nice to actually see the face of the guy who came up with that memorable solo .... That solo is on the status of that Phil Woods memorable sax solo on Billy Joel’s “Just The Way You Are”
I always thought that was Mark Rivera ? We shared a J in a NYC studio 1988,,I was so star struck he was playing on our record I would have beloved anything lol !
I can't believe I'm watching THE guy who played that solo, which totally made that song, and he sounds exactly like the release in the studio. What an absolute professional! Thank you Louie.....
I am always amazed at his laser-like focus when he plays. It's also awesome that he has been playing out pro since he was about 12. I could listen to his music all day.
Just a drummer here - but heard this solo and had to know who was the culprit responsible for it .......... totally awesome. Couldn't fit the song better - and at the same time enhances it. ~goosebumps~
Heard this guitar solo on the radio yesterday and had to look up who played it. I heard it a zillion times growing up, but yesterday it struck me what beautiful phrasing it has and how much it contributes to the song!
One of my favourite guitar memories of my youth. These warm carefully crafted notes and chords accompanied my road travels and remain integral to my everyday life.
It's not the fingering, the guitar, the tone that makes that solo - it's a beautifully constructed melody that is a perfect link from what comes before to what comes after. A real masterpiece of a solo. This solo is an oasis in today's madness of zillions of notes per beat; with double-stopped squeaks & squeals; and tapping with all body parts. Hmmmmm...... Thanks for sharing.
I’ve just discovered Mr. Shelton. His command of the instrument is astounding. He plays so melodically and tastefully, he’s like a dancer. So great to discover the man behind some of the most iconic guitar solos ever recorded.
As great of a song that is, I love it mainly for the guitar solo. Hearing on the radio, I never switch channels until I hear that solo. Thank you, so much, Louie for the great memories, through your music.
I’ve heard this solo for years and didn’t know who played it, WOW what a beautiful solo it is , and what master on guitar, none better it made Hello more beautiful, I personally think the solo is what made this song a hit, Mr Richie was lucky to have it on this song.
I’m so glad I found this channel. As a frustrated 70 year old wannabe guitarist, it’s pretty freekin cool to finally see who played the music I grew to👍👍
Iconic solo that was part of the sound track for a generation. Every bit as cool as Eddie's "beat it" solo, and for me at least, brings out a lot of beauty and emotion. Great to finally see who actually played it.
The chuckle when he says he had to go back and learn it! What a gift to have music like this just effortlessly flow out of your fingertips. He talks about it like he's making a sandwich! Just that easy for him. Wow.
Like one of many guitarist around the country I was able to learn this solo and play it in my band. Made me sound great but the real genius is the guy who created it. It was for me a pleasure to play it.
Hi Louie, Joe DeNisco here. I hope you are doing great. I am glad you are doing more videos. More folks need to see who the genius was behind all these great solos. Stay well. Joe D.
To be that talented & very few people know who you are is a bitter sweet pill to swallow. All these celebrity types with zero talent would be appreciated more if they had half of this man's skills .
I remember learning this magical solo off the LP, and having to keep placing the stylus back to the start until I nailed the whole piece. I played it a couple of weeks later when I stood in with a band at a local club. They offered me the gig permanently at the end of the song........A lifetime ago......Thank you Louie. Wonderful memories!!! :-)
Beautiful solo...you can hum it or even sing along with it. The super speed stuff is fun but I wish more guitar greats would emulate Louie Shelton's style...
It's a privilege to have you give your time publicly and explain this stuff. I had just discovered Wes Montgomery when Hello came out, and your solo really paid homage I thought in a nice way. It is the highlight of the song for me. Oh, and as a 7 year old I loved Clarkesville too!
valerie used to blow my mind when I was about 7 years old also I was amazed that someone could play the guitar that fast and the whole spanish thing wow!
This is one of my favourite guitar solos ever. I play guitar for 45 years now and I heard and I played many many solos. Thank you so much Mr. Louie Shelton for this masterpiece.
Louie thank you for sharing; hearing that solo brings back so many fond memories; the era of great songwriting, artists, and great guitar solos. This one would most definitely be on my top 10.
Man, that is so sweet. I can play it now note-for-note. One of my proudest achievements; not because of me but because this beautiful solo stands as an homage to the great Louie Shelton. Thank you for your service to humanity.
One of the first solos that ever caught.my atention when i was young and starting to play guitar...took me years to learn...such a brillant piece of music and Mastery in the guitar!!
I was a metal guitar solo snub when this came out. Now I appreciate this, finally. Very tasty, not overly ornate. Lots of feeling. How did I miss it back in the 80's??? Oh yeah, I was a hard rock snob.
Oh, my word, chaps behind great works usually remain unsung in the song they help play, albeit playing a major part no matter how minor. Congrats. Louise Shelton. I've hummed along this great spontaneous solo some 40 odd years since I was about 14 up to date; and I just did it again about 10 minutes ago today. God bless your fingers.
Your solo is the best thing I remember about the song- I love what I call the octave slides. George Benson is also a master of them. It's just such a great sound and instantly adds a depth and changes the whole feel.
Goodness me .. for years I've been telling people that this is THE most fitting solo for a song.. Excellent! Now I know who was responsible .. thank you:)
That is just beautiful Louie, without your playing on that and most every song you’ve played on there just wouldn’t be the magic that had us all driving to the record store waiting in line to buy the records you in a huge way made famous as well as the artists ! Beautifully done Mr Shelton. Thank you so much
This is the essence of a brilliant guitar solo played by a master musician. Not a flurry of notes as a time filler, it’s a melodic masterpiece that compliments and adds to the song. Melody above everything else. An absolute masterpiece.
Life is good when you’re listening to Louie play guitar-
Those octaves just gets me all the time. 👏🏽
That solo made that song. One of my favorite guitar solos.
I could not have put it in better words! I have just tried to cover it on my channel recently, I hope I did justice to it :)
His solo on Lowdown made that song. I think he'd be what you call GREAT.
Yes it did!!!
Many people thought is was George Benson, but Louie nailed it in the Wes Montgomery vain.
Could you please suggest some of your other favorite guitar solos?
This is one of the most beautiful solos of all time.
Gets me every time😭
I don’t know what I love more, his playing or his humility. Actually, both. Many thanks LOUIE, yet another iconic solo.
The epitome of Humility....
Shredders listen and learn from a master of tone and touch!
Exactly. You can go as fast as you want, but if it has no "feel", it's nothing.
I’ve been telling myself that for a while because I can’t shred but having feeling with the ability to throw some shred in there adds to the dynamics in a big way
Balance Grasshopper!
I agree totally
im a shredder and this is what I consider to be the greatest guitar solo ever written. Shredding is intensely difficult and a very serious skill. you appear to misunderstand it immensely
Not only a genius, but such a humble gentleman. And I love this line, "It wasn't a planned solo . . . it was a one take solo". Like I said, a genius.
zuider77. If i were to do a solo like this , I would need a day just to get it sounding that authentic because there is 4 or 5 unique different styles in that one solo. And he just does it in one take off the top of his head. Amazing.
zuider77 This vid has been out for a while so I just wanted a nice place to tuck into the comments:. It’s quietly stunning. Beautiful.
Louie has said many times that he doesn’t plan his solos, they come out of an inner well of creativity. What he doesn’t say is that this well is constantly being refilled by playing, by listening, by practicing. Is that genius? I guess it can be. But there’s an enormous amount of work over a lifetime of playing music involved, too.
...and then he needed to learn what he had just played. Classic gifted musician.
Agreed!
The octaves really worked and was such a tasteful use of notes. They say that the best solos are something you can hum along to. You proved that theory.
Louie Shelton did some amazing solos.
How anyone can go into a studio and come up with that is just astounding.
There are 4 musicians that come to mind
Louie Shelton, Larry Carlton, Jay Graydon and Amos Garrett
A perfect solo to fit a song. The skill required to write,play and perform this type of solo is off the charts. This guy is a master.
rob morrison Agreed, although what I find more amazing is that he didn’t ‘write’ it as such, but ad libbed it in a single take. What an amazing ear.
A legend
hutch1979music2 That’s definitely a form of writing. Just that most of us don’t have the talent to do it.
Really one of the greatest solos of all time. So tasteful, so precisely perfect for the song... this is the kind of musicality we should all aspire to.
How do you find the words to describe how great this guy is with a guitar in his hands. With all the great songs that he made come alive over the decades.
I’ve played that guitar solo note for note so many times doing wedding gigs & stuff growing up ... It’s really nice to actually see the face of the guy who came up with that memorable solo .... That solo is on the status of that Phil Woods memorable sax solo on Billy Joel’s “Just The Way You Are”
And the best saxophone solo ever played is Wesley Magoogan's on 'Will you; By Hazel O'connor....Masterpiece!
I always thought that was Mark Rivera ? We shared a J in a NYC studio 1988,,I was so star struck he was playing on our record I would have beloved anything lol !
One of the best studio guys ever. So much of his tonality was done by his hands not electronic gizmos.
I can't believe I'm watching THE guy who played that solo, which totally made that song, and he sounds exactly like the release in the studio. What an absolute professional! Thank you Louie.....
A serious master! This guys playing is on another level. There is nothing these new guys could teach these older guys like him. Much love! 🎸🎵❤
I've been waiting 2023 to discover the guitar hero who's playing in so many titles i loved ...
Don't know who the 11 dislikes are here, but what's there not to like? You are looking at and listening to the MASTERS!
I am always amazed at his laser-like focus when he plays. It's also awesome that he has been playing out pro since he was about 12. I could listen to his music all day.
Lovely.
Just a drummer here - but heard this solo and had to know who was the culprit responsible for it .......... totally awesome. Couldn't fit the song better - and at the same time enhances it. ~goosebumps~
Louie, I don't think it was luck, it was the amazing talent of a master!
I used to think the Stairway to Heaven solo was the perfect solo. And then I heard this. Nothing I’ve heard compares to this masterpiece. 👏
This brilliant man also produced & played on Seals & Crofts albums! That stuff just blew me away.
I’m not a guitar player but listening to Lou makes me want to become one.
Heard this guitar solo on the radio yesterday and had to look up who played it. I heard it a zillion times growing up, but yesterday it struck me what beautiful phrasing it has and how much it contributes to the song!
One of my favourite guitar memories of my youth. These warm carefully crafted notes and chords accompanied my road travels and remain integral to my everyday life.
I don't care for Lionel Richie, or the song, but that is a really nice solo. Very nice. I think of the song as a vehicle for the solo.
It's not the fingering, the guitar, the tone that makes that solo - it's a beautifully constructed melody that is a perfect link from what comes before to what comes after.
A real masterpiece of a solo. This solo is an oasis in today's madness of zillions of notes per beat; with double-stopped squeaks & squeals; and tapping with all body parts. Hmmmmm......
Thanks for sharing.
...you may or may not know this guy ....but make no mistake, he's a musical genius and a National Treasure ..
I’ve just discovered Mr. Shelton. His command of the instrument is astounding. He plays so melodically and tastefully, he’s like a dancer. So great to discover the man behind some of the most iconic guitar solos ever recorded.
Nothing short of fab-u-lous . . .
It really is one of the best melodic solos for me. So graceful and rich. Love it!
As great of a song that is, I love it mainly for the guitar solo. Hearing on the radio, I never switch channels until I hear that solo. Thank you, so much, Louie for the great memories, through your music.
I’ve heard this solo for years and didn’t know who played it, WOW what a beautiful solo it is , and what master on guitar, none better it made Hello more beautiful, I personally think the solo is what made this song a hit, Mr Richie was lucky to have it on this song.
I’m so glad I found this channel. As a frustrated 70 year old wannabe guitarist, it’s pretty freekin cool to finally see who played the music I grew to👍👍
Iconic solo that was part of the sound track for a generation. Every bit as cool as Eddie's "beat it" solo, and for me at least, brings out a lot of beauty and emotion. Great to finally see who actually played it.
The chuckle when he says he had to go back and learn it! What a gift to have music like this just effortlessly flow out of your fingertips. He talks about it like he's making a sandwich! Just that easy for him. Wow.
Truly one of the most accomplished guitarists ever, humility personified. Please keep the posts coming.
That solo still takes my breath away after all these years. ☺️
Mr Shelton , you are a legend and it's an pleasure to watch and learn from you
Like one of many guitarist around the country I was able to learn this solo and play it in my band. Made me sound great but the real genius is the guy who created it. It was for me a pleasure to play it.
Love your playing, Louie Shelton.
This solo is absolutely fantastic. Soul, tone, dexterity... GENIUS !
What a classic solo right off the cuff. Love the choice of notes and love the octaves! Brilliant great great guitar work
You sir are the backbone to many a hits, bravo Louie, and thanks for the many pleasures of your contribution to music.
Man...what a touch that man had. What a professional.....
One of the best solos. So fitting, musical, I sing it in my head all the time.
Hi Louie, Joe DeNisco here. I hope you are doing great. I am glad you are doing more videos. More folks need to see who the genius was behind all these great solos. Stay well. Joe D.
To be that talented & very few people know who you are is a bitter sweet pill to swallow. All these celebrity types with zero talent would be appreciated more if they had half of this man's skills .
Awesome!!!!
What a great melodic solo! It really added a lot of value to the song.
Lovely!
I remember learning this magical solo off the LP, and having to keep placing the stylus back to the start until I nailed the whole piece. I played it a couple of weeks later when I stood in with a band at a local club. They offered me the gig permanently at the end of the song........A lifetime ago......Thank you Louie. Wonderful memories!!! :-)
Forever amazing. Thank you Mr. Shelton.
Beautiful solo...you can hum it or even sing along with it. The super speed stuff is fun but I wish more guitar greats would emulate Louie Shelton's style...
The most tasteful guitar solo on a "pop" record that I ever heard. Thanks to the person who has just introduced me to this wonderful musician.
The perfect solo!
It's a privilege to have you give your time publicly and explain this stuff. I had just discovered Wes Montgomery when Hello came out, and your solo really paid homage I thought in a nice way. It is the highlight of the song for me. Oh, and as a 7 year old I loved Clarkesville too!
valerie used to blow my mind when I was about 7 years old also I was amazed that someone could play the guitar that fast and the whole spanish thing wow!
@@brianralph5036 - the rippling Spanish-flavored fills that adorn "Valerie" were played by Tommy Tedesco.
David Smith - it was Louie Shelton
Just WOW! One of the finest short solos ever!
This is one of my favourite guitar solos ever. I play guitar for 45 years now and I heard and I played many many solos. Thank you so much Mr. Louie Shelton for this masterpiece.
This is one of the most romantic solo of the world...how brilliant you are
Louie Shelton you are absolutely awesome ❤ 🎸
This Masterery will be discussed 100s of years from now, and beyond.
What a damn treat to watch Mr Shelton.
Wow, so this is the genius behind this great, eternally great solo.
Louie thank you for sharing; hearing that solo brings back so many fond memories; the era of great songwriting, artists, and great guitar solos. This one would most definitely be on my top 10.
The 11 dislikes need to be made to understand they are listening to the MASTERS. wise up guys
So
Underrated. These guys made those records sound amazing. Carol Kay as well,,
It's one of those solo's that you can sing in your head note for note forever once you've heard it. So musical.
Man, that is so sweet. I can play it now note-for-note. One of my proudest achievements; not because of me but because this beautiful solo stands as an homage to the great Louie Shelton. Thank you for your service to humanity.
I wish I had your tabs. The ones on the internet are different to the fantastic way you play. Brilliant!
I remember when this tune came out. I learned the solo note for note. It's still one of the best guitar solos I've ever heard!
One of the best solos in pop history.
One of the most beautiful guitars solos ever
One of the first solos that ever caught.my atention when i was young and starting to play guitar...took me years to learn...such a brillant piece of music and Mastery in the guitar!!
I was a metal guitar solo snub when this came out. Now I appreciate this, finally. Very tasty, not overly ornate. Lots of feeling. How did I miss it back in the 80's??? Oh yeah, I was a hard rock snob.
One of the greatest guitar solos of all time.
Great song,great guitar solo and great guitarist... And that guitar solo part is my most favorite part of the song!! Salute!
Thank You Louie Shelton!!
I have always thought this maybe the most tasteful guitar solo ever recorded. Now I know it is. This solo IS the song.
Oh, my word, chaps behind great works usually remain unsung in the song they help play, albeit playing a major part no matter how minor. Congrats. Louise Shelton. I've hummed along this great spontaneous solo some 40 odd years since I was about 14 up to date; and I just did it again about 10 minutes ago today. God bless your fingers.
What a pro. I could listen to Louie all day. So unassuming.
Your solo is the best thing I remember about the song- I love what I call the octave slides. George Benson is also a master of them. It's just such a great sound and instantly adds a depth and changes the whole feel.
I’m an old fan of George Benson also from Houston. Best concert ever was he and Minnie Ripperton at the Music Hall.
That solo really stood out, and made the song remarkable, great to meet the player.
So incredible and so tasteful. These solos (as guitarists) are so imprinted in our subconscious.
Goodness me .. for years I've been telling people that this is THE most fitting solo for a song.. Excellent! Now I know who was responsible .. thank you:)
So fluid. Not a contest to see how many notes you can hit in a few minutes the spotlight is on "you". And such a humble guy and spirit too.
Good grief, this type of melodic control is just humbling
That is just beautiful Louie, without your playing on that and most every song you’ve played on there just wouldn’t be the magic that had us all driving to the record store waiting in line to buy the records you in a huge way made famous as well as the artists ! Beautifully done Mr Shelton. Thank you so much
ALL I WANT ALL I NEED IS THIS KIND OF GUITAR SOUND, SO CLEAN AND WARM...
Now that is how build a great solo. So smooth. Its great to see the souls behind the music!
Wow.Killing it in just a couple of bars.Artistry.Tx for sharing!
One of my favorite guitar solos of all time. Very expressive....just beautiful. Definitely some Wes in there!
Louie you are a national treasure. Thank you for the wonderful body of work!
smooth as butter, it's amazing being taught the solo by the original player, thanks!
Oh man this guitar solo made this world turn round and round like a tornado within a hurricane.
One of the tastiest solos ever laid to tape. Never get tired of hearing that one!
this is awesome ! Man is someone as famous as you ever listened to one of my songs I would be so happy !