"Hello" guitar solo by Louie Shelton

In this video Louie gives a detailed description of his creation of lucky one take solo of one his most famous guitar riffs created for Lionel Richie.
Over the past several decades you would have heard Louie Shelton’s signature guitar riffs and solos on more hit records than any other session guitarist in history.
2007 Musicians Hall of Fame Inductee and 2013 Inductee to the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame: louieshelton.com/musicians-hal...
Louie in the studio with Lionel Richie: louieshelton.com/gallery
Get tunes right now in the official Louie Shelton store: louieshelton.com/store

[@GrumpleSenior]

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.

[@maxxschneider2309]

That solo made that song. One of my favorite guitar solos.

[@GabrielNardinMusic]

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 :)

[@cameron_fairchild]

His solo on Lowdown made that song. I think he'd be what you call GREAT.

[@warrensnead6165]

Yes it did!!!

[@ralex3697]

Many people thought is was George Benson, but Louie nailed it in the Wes Montgomery vain.

[@shawnpsalm]

Could you please suggest some of your other favorite guitar solos?

[@MusicTeacherGuyNorristown]

This is one of the most beautiful solos of all time.

[@ballergamerdestroyer4455]

Gets me every time😭

[@ArchieDuke.]

I don’t know what I love more, his playing or his humility. Actually, both. Many thanks LOUIE, yet another iconic solo.

[@Robylazarus]

The epitome of Humility....

[@ptalley316]

Shredders listen and learn from a master of tone and touch!

[@MichaelDBauer]

Exactly. You can go as fast as you want, but if it has no "feel", it's nothing.

[@dallasgerry9666]

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

[@ptalley316]

Balance Grasshopper!

[@brianralph5036]

I agree totally

[@guitarislife983]

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

[@franckmeunier499]

I've been waiting 2023 to discover the guitar hero who's playing in so many titles i loved ...

[@Badhands55]

Life is good when you’re listening to Louie play guitar-

[@zuider77]

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.

[@jopisano67]

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.

[@Stu31041]

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.

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

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.

[@toddkolod]

...and then he needed to learn what he had just played. Classic gifted musician.

[@oza8578]

Agreed!

[@dizzolve]

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~

[@frederickking1660]

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.

[@jammer3618]

One of the best studio guys ever. So much of his tonality was done by his hands not electronic gizmos.

[@Doones51]

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.

[@robmorrison1043]

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.

[@hutchmusic-ux5mi]

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.

[@ralex3697]

A legend

[@ViaticalTree]

hutch1979music2 That’s definitely a form of writing. Just that most of us don’t have the talent to do it.

[@justfine77777]

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! 🎸🎵❤

[@MrIkesimba]

Good grief, this type of melodic control is just humbling

[@clydebermingham121]

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”

[@misterrigsby8491]

And the best saxophone solo ever played is Wesley Magoogan's on 'Will you; By Hazel O'connor....Masterpiece!

[@gw2031]

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 !

[@Morganstudios]

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!

[@McSoundsgood]

This brilliant man also produced & played on Seals & Crofts albums! That stuff just blew me away.

[@hutchmusician]

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.

[@SondejJohn]

I’m not a guitar player but listening to Lou makes me want to become one.

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

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. 👏

[@Eduaro2U]

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.

[@kellywendlandt3940]

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.

[@zeke7142003]

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.

[@lockedin60]

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.

[@QuynhNguyen-zw8uv]

Those octaves just gets me all the time. 👏🏽

[@joedenisco6033]

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.

[@WaynePerkins42ndsquadron]

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.

[@WhyTheHorseface]

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.

[@augustusbetucius1572]

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.

[@rockhead69]

This solo is absolutely fantastic. Soul, tone, dexterity... GENIUS !

[@geostillo78]

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.

[@quezfor]

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...

[@michealenochs8470]

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.

[@DavidMorley]

It really is one of the best melodic solos for me. So graceful and rich. Love it!

[@Teachering]

Love your playing, Louie Shelton.

[@TheseusTitan]

What a great melodic solo! It really added a lot of value to the song.

[@marksc1929]

...you may or may not know this guy ....but make no mistake, he's a musical genius and a National Treasure ..

[@rynf971]

So Underrated. These guys made those records sound amazing. Carol Kay as well,,

[@rossdonald5026]

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!!! :-)

[@gibsonguy5240]

The 11 dislikes need to be made to understand they are listening to the MASTERS. wise up guys

[@248203211]

Truly one of the most accomplished guitarists ever, humility personified. Please keep the posts coming.

[@Digmen1]

Louie Shelton did some amazing solos. How anyone can go into a studio and come up with that is just astounding.

[@MikeHimmel]

Perfection.. one the most beautiful, romantic, heartbreaking solos ever performed. And it wasn’t planned. God bless you for sharing this sir

[@NormBa]

the unsung heroes make the world go round

[@rick381v69]

One of the greatest guitar solos of all time

[@gibsonguy5240]

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!

[@faizalabdoelrahman2311]

This man's timing is impeccable.

[@c-LAW]

One of the best solos. So fitting, musical, I sing it in my head all the time.

[@roywillis2750]

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.

[@JohnA000]

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.

[@davidb1973]

That solo still takes my breath away after all these years. ☺️

[@GPLP335]

Louie, I don't think it was luck, it was the amazing talent of a master!

[@richardpapa242]

Mr Shelton , you are a legend and it's an pleasure to watch and learn from you

[@joehamiltonsongs]

I have always thought this maybe the most tasteful guitar solo ever recorded. Now I know it is. This solo IS the song.

[@BlairCromwell]

You sir are the backbone to many a hits, bravo Louie, and thanks for the many pleasures of your contribution to music.

[@royfulton]

The perfect solo!

[@weejim48]

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 .

[@grene1955]

Just WOW! One of the finest short solos ever!

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Forever amazing. Thank you Mr. Shelton.

[@billchriswell2925]

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👍👍

[@karmicselling4252]

Louie's "Hello" solo is the perfect cream on top of a most delicious chocolate cake.

[@rrrripbing]

I learnt this solo many years ago and it's always been one of my favourites. But I never realised it was one of Louie's. I should have recognised that beautifully melodic phrasing straight away. Another classic from the legend.

[@professorhamamoto]

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.

[@Enoch-Gnosis]

A true guitar legend!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

That solo really stood out, and made the song remarkable, great to meet the player.

[@deemdoubleu]

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.

[@dhrubajyotidas6403]

This is one of the most romantic solo of the world...how brilliant you are

[@carltosten7875]

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!

[@mqblues]

When I first heard this song thought the guitar solo was performed by Ray Parker Jr. Louie caught the Wes Montgomery octave "slurs" beautifully. Single string lines well done, too.

[@alext.1459]

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!!

[@franciscoplatt8505]

ALL I WANT ALL I NEED IS THIS KIND OF GUITAR SOUND, SO CLEAN AND WARM...

[@RAYJAGAN]

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:)

[@soulstalgiarecords77740]

Wow, so this is the genius behind this great, eternally great solo.

[@hopelessstrlstfan181]

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.

[@nammcq2730]

a one take solo...... INCREDIBLE..... makes the tune!!!!

[@merldesoisa2287]

Excellent God bless you 🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤

[@adsvx]

What a damn treat to watch Mr Shelton.

[@massimos6863]

Louie Shelton you are absolutely awesome ❤ 🎸

[@twerpeater]

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!

[@brianralph5036]

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!

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

@@brianralph5036 - the rippling Spanish-flavored fills that adorn "Valerie" were played by Tommy Tedesco.

[@rmeengel]

David Smith - it was Louie Shelton

[@malcolmjamesturner]

I wish I had your tabs. The ones on the internet are different to the fantastic way you play. Brilliant!

[@kingstumble]

One of my favourite solos. I remember learning it note for note many years ago with help from the tab which I think was printed in Guitarist magazine. I'm ashamed to say I didn't know who played it. Now I do. Thank you Mr. Shelton.

[@michaeloreilly5852]

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.

[@tone-talk]

Genius. That’s what this is

[@terrykomst6278]

What a pro. I could listen to Louie all day. So unassuming.

[@stevieh2501]

I knew the Second I heard this that I must be listening to the original artist. A most beautiful solo.

[@DP-kt5wr]

So incredible and so tasteful. These solos (as guitarists) are so imprinted in our subconscious.

[@chrislj2005]

Wow.Killing it in just a couple of bars.Artistry.Tx for sharing!

[@yblink2104]

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.

[@InfiniteRiffs]

Now that is how build a great solo. So smooth. Its great to see the souls behind the music!

[@justinjoyit13]

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.

[@lissacablerware8475]

I’m an old fan of George Benson also from Houston. Best concert ever was he and Minnie Ripperton at the Music Hall.

[@homeworldmusic]

oh man, sooooo sweet!

[@toddwalker4301]

One of my favorite guitar solos of all time. Very expressive....just beautiful. Definitely some Wes in there!

[@tetreaulthank4068]

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

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

Finally, I got the face behind that solo. Should have guessed it was the Monkees guitarist.

[@davidjohn4140]

Yeah, I didn't even think they actually played instruments.

[@Cigarsnguitars]

The Monkees guitarist? Dude, what are you smoking. Michael Nesmith was the Monkees. This guy played on Lionel Richie’s song "Hello", the song you’re listening to.

[@davidjohn4140]

@JJ Scott Thanks. Actually just making a joke to the other commenter. Went over like a lead balloon. Louie is an absolute master on that guitar and I've only recently found out about him and his other videos. Seems like an awesome person and that matches his guitar playing. Cheers

[@mattkaustickomments]

@@Cigarsnguitars I’m not sure if you’re kidding or not. But if you’re not... The Monkees did not play on any of their early records. LA studio aces called the Wrecking Crew did all the backing music. And Louie here pulled that “Last Train to Clarksville” riff out of a hat. He also does that amazing flamenco run at the beginning of “Vallerie”. Oh, and btw he also does that super funky rhythmic guitar work behind The Jackson 5’s “I want you back”. The list goes on...

[@jayurban4313]

@@Cigarsnguitars Louis play the iconic lead guitar riff and all of the amazing leads during the solo part of Last Train to Clarksville... I believe that was what the Monkees reference was all about.

[@deboisblanc]

Love these stories that are the soundtracks of our lives

[@tekis0]

Mesmerizing. Just plain talent.

[@BuzzcutGtr]

One of the most brilliant and haunting solos ever recorded. Song came out my senior year of high school, and it's still one of my favorites.

[@robross180]

What a lovely man... what a God given talent.

[@johnbooth1556]

Nothing short of fab-u-lous . . .