Janda and Christian talk about notable guitar solos! (Part 2)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Behind The Song – Episode: Janda and Christian Talk About Notable Guitar Solos! (Part 2)
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host: Janda Lane
Guest: Christian Lane
Podcast: Behind The Song by The Drive | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In the second installment of their series on notable guitar solos, Janda Lane and Christian Lane delve deeper into the artistry behind some of classic rock's most memorable guitar performances. Building upon their previous discussion—which featured legends such as George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, David Gilmour, and Jimmy Page—the duo expands their exploration to include new voices and perspectives, offering listeners an engaging and insightful analysis of iconic solos and the musicians who crafted them.

Recap of Part One

Kicking off the episode, Janda briefly recaps the first part of the series, highlighting the guitar maestros covered:

Janda [00:52]: "...we covered off on guitar solos from George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, David Gilmour, and Jimmy Page. A very respectable list."

Christian adds with enthusiasm:

Christian [01:07]: "I'm just gonna say that's kind of a murderer's row of guitar players, right there."

Recognizing the need to expand the conversation beyond the initial five guitarists, the hosts set the stage for part two, emphasizing their goal to explore a broader spectrum of notable solos without the constraints of time.

Brian May and "Bohemian Rhapsody"

The episode commences with a deep dive into Brian May's iconic guitar solo in Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Janda and Christian unravel the meticulous craftsmanship behind May's performance and his distinct approach to guitar playing.

Brian May's Unique Guitar:

Christian [02:05]: "He made his own guitar. It's called the Red Special. He made it with his dad."

They discuss the Red Special's unconventional construction, featuring car springs and a bicycle kickstand repurposed for the guitar's functionality:

Christian [02:28]: "...the whammy bar is a kickstand off of a bicycle."

Tone and Technique: Brian May's dedication to achieving a unique tone is highlighted, particularly his use of a coin instead of a traditional pick to strike the strings:

Christian [02:50]: "He plays with a coin... every note that he plays is really cutting through, not necessarily with volume but with the tone."

"Bohemian Rhapsody" Solo Insights: The hosts delve into the solo's composition, describing it as a counterpoint to the main melody—a technique rooted in classical music:

Christian [05:07]: "He's writing a counterpoint which is a classical music thing where you have the main melody and then you write a counterpoint to that."

They also touch upon the rigorous studio processes of the time, noting the extensive use of tape overdubs and the resulting tape wear—a testament to the dedication behind the recording:

Janda [06:00]: "...a single piece of tape. Because this is very expensive stuff back then, and you can't just toss it out and start anew."

Studio as an Instrument: Janda remarks on Queen's ability to utilize the studio as an additional instrument, enhancing the regal and orchestrated sound that defines much of their music:

Janda [07:14]: "...because you had this ability to work the studio like another instrument."

Jerry Garcia and "China Cat Sunflower"

Transitioning from the meticulous style of Brian May, the discussion shifts to the improvisational genius of Jerry Garcia from the Grateful Dead. Christian emphasizes Garcia's spontaneity and organic approach to soloing.

Improvisational Approach:

Christian [09:06]: "He absolutely doesn't have a plan. Whereas Brian May goes in and orchestrates every note and does counterpoint like we talked about."

Anchoring Solos: Garcia's technique involves anchoring solos to chord changes, ensuring that improvisations remain connected to the song's structure:

Christian [09:24]: "...there is an anchor in his playing, and that's the chords. So he's truly playing for the song."

Evolution Over Time: The hosts explore how Garcia's solos evolved with the Grateful Dead's changing musical styles, from psychedelic beginnings to incorporating elements of country and disco:

Christian [11:22]: "...over time, you've got the sort of psychedelic primal dead in the 60s... by 1975, they're transitioning into disco Dead."

Live Performances: They highlight the band's legendary live performances, where improvisation and real-time interaction with the audience created a dynamic and unpredictable musical experience:

Janda [13:42]: "...they never rehearsed, never had a set list... they just were up there and they would just magically come together."

Comparative Analysis: Queen vs. Grateful Dead

A central theme of the episode is the juxtaposition of Queen's structured, orchestrated guitar work against the free-flowing improvisations of the Grateful Dead. Janda and Christian underscore how these contrasting approaches define the unique identities of each band.

Contrasting Styles:

Christian [16:00]: "Very thought out and self-controlled. Very not thought out and no control. You know, I mean, they're just absolutely almost polar opposites of what bands can be in a beautiful way."

Band Dynamics: They discuss how the synergy within each band complements the guitarists' styles, making hypothetical collaborations—such as Jerry Garcia joining Queen—unfeasible:

Janda [16:14]: "...no way Brian May would put up with the shenanigans in the Grateful Dead."

Musical Diversity: The hosts celebrate the vast umbrella of music, appreciating that such different styles can coexist and thrive within the classic rock genre:

Christian [17:03]: "...it's such a big umbrella, and there's so much underneath that umbrella that you can discover."

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

As the episode wraps up, Janda and Christian acknowledge the endless possibilities for exploring notable guitar solos, hinting at future discussions on legendary players like Joe Walsh and Mike Campbell. They express excitement for continuing the series, promising even more in-depth analyses of classic rock's guitar heroes.

Janda [17:22]: "We're gonna definitely have to do at least a part three now and get to some of the other guitar players and guitar solos."

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between the hosts and a tease for the next installment, ensuring listeners are eager for more musical insights.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Janda [00:52]: "We covered off on guitar solos from George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, David Gilmour, and Jimmy Page. A very respectable list."
Christian [02:05]: "He made his own guitar. It's called the Red Special. He made it with his dad."
Christian [02:50]: "Every note that he plays is really cutting through, not necessarily with volume but with the tone."
Christian [09:06]: "He absolutely doesn't have a plan."
Janda [07:14]: "...because you had this ability to work the studio like another instrument."
Christian [16:00]: "Very thought out and self-controlled. Very not thought out and no control."
Janda [16:14]: "No way Brian May would put up with the shenanigans in the Grateful Dead."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Behind The Song" masterfully contrasts the disciplined sophistication of Queen's Brian May with the unbridled improvisation of the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia. Through detailed discussion and insightful analysis, Janda and Christian illuminate the diverse techniques and philosophies that make these guitar solos not only notable but also enduringly influential in the landscape of classic rock. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and individuality that each guitarist brings to their respective bands, highlighting the rich tapestry of styles that define the genre.