Why Neal Schon’s “Send Her My Love” Solo Is Perfect

This this episode I breakdown Neal Schon's guitar solo on "Send Her My Love" off the Journey "Frontiers" album from 1983.
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[@RustyHinge]

Prince called Schon a "genius". He makes things fit so well, and even his slower solos aren't as simple or basic as people think. No other guitarist is so versatile. He can play anything. So underrated...

[@sportsygirl8]

I feel the same way and Tom Scholz too both geniuses!

[@paulrevere4749]

Prince himself was also a genius, so that is saying something.

[@ulrichpuschel3624]

Not true, Gary Moore was too

[@LosBombero]

Early 80's, hanging at a condo party Huntington Beach with a couple of ARMY buddies......angry/unknown Dave Mustaine drinking with us. He was recently dumped by Metallica, so he was talking trash while getting trashed. MTV/VH1 on the TV set because videos were a new/big deal. Journey pops up on the screen and angry Dave starts yelling at the screen bashing Journey, and calls Neal Schon a poser. Kind of silly, especially when 'Frontiers' was a huge album at the time and they were riding high. Always stuck with me. Maybe Dave was a genius or something. But not that night........just a bitter, skinny, shaggy, angry drunk.

[@gregoryjohnson8946]

Toss in a little mix of Phil Keaggy while your at it.

[@Valarien777]

I share your love of Neal Schon's playing, vastly under appreciated IMO; Neal Schon and Steve Perry were one the greatest melodic pairings in rock history...

[@scotabot7826]

Agree 1000%!!!! Schon/ Perry are right there with others like Bachrach/David, Campbell/Webb, ect........ No denying it!!!!

[@mattwildermuth9152]

Stone in Love never fails to get my heart racing. The overwhelmingly aggressive approach to every part of the song, Steve’s vocals, Ross Valory reproducing Neal’s solo riffs in the bass line almost like a canon, and Neal just wailing. Never want that song to end.

[@schwarzerkuerbis]

I personally find Neal Schon on "Mother, father" much more aggressive.

[@angelasarre6537]

My favorite, most definitely!

[@JC-ye7pj]

My girlfriend, at the time, was a big Journey fan, but seeing them live in '82 at the Texxas Jam made me a convert- their ability to reproduce album-quality songs live is matched by very few. And Stone in Love kicked ass live. Definitely my favorite solo by Schon

[@jakeaustin5399]

I also love Schon’s solo in Who’s Crying Now. So clean and crisp with no embellishment. Perfect for the fade out

[@etmccaus]

that really is SO good

[@stevenmontelongo6181]

Who's Crying Now is my favorite Journey song.

[@XFLexiconMatt]

I learned the "Who's Cryin' Now" solo note for note, fun one to do.

[@SamHooperGroup]

Yes, for me, Who’s Crying Now, the song and the solo are stronger and more memorable than this one. The solo’s melodic content and phrasing supply a beautiful transition from the vocal melody to the iconic outtro.

[@bonglord430]

That’s my favorite one.

[@RC32Smiths01]

You can always count on Schon's ability to write solos that are melodic, memorable, technical, and appropriate. Journey as a whole definitely is one of the most prolific and melodic bands ever.

[@davekiddie4467]

​@SuperNostalgia.Hail Satan 😅

[@Lance37a]

​@fiftycycle9842 his soloing now is very sloppy, but his 70's and 80's work is great.

[@ethanreed8400]

​@fiftycycle9842 both he and Cain are full of themselves

[@gemint67]

@@Lance37a I'm not sure why you say that. I think it's too polished now. His sound seems too sanitized. I liked the more economical solo style he performed in the early 80s and late 70s with less effects. He throws in too many notes now which loses some of the melodic touch. I still love watching him play but I prefer the 70s/early 80s Schon over the ROR and beyond version.

[@cylexxxicago]

Also the most dysfunctional.

[@sdthor27]

Without a doubt, one of Journey's finest songs. Kind of gets overlooked today, but that was Journey at their peak.

[@DropAnchor1978]

Schon is different from a lot of guitarists in my opinion. He knows how to exploit the chord changes and goes for an emotional set of peaks and valleys in his solos. They make sense.

[@vincenttaylor9691]

Agreed !

[@takaorobinson8719]

Well said. When I started learning guitar where you learned the scales and started trying to learn the solos I would find out some songs were easy to figure out . Neal wasn't easy. I'm not talking about his faster stuff. The way he phrases, bends, vibrato. It's quirky. In my own playing I am trying to be more melodic.

[@christianyanez2449]

Never said better.

[@jamesg872]

Neil Schon is one of the main reasons I always liked Journey. I don't know music theory but the notes in his solos are crafted so smoothly, they build on the song instead of interrupting it.

[@kathyscoppettuolo7168]

👏 well said!

[@gabrielpaiva9070]

This is the reason Rick Beato is so good. He can play anything. He can teach anything. And he knows a lot of things about music. Great video, Rick!

[@levi5073]

Can he play "flight of the 97 trillion bumblebees"?

[@sixmillionsilencedaccounts3517]

He can't play anything lol.

[@dnylsun]

@@levi5073He can easily show you how to play it. That’s the point.

[@craigusselman546]

Rick is really becoming one of my favorite guitarists and what a lovely 1980s guitar solo there.

[@JamesBlevins0]

Rick Beato explains music the way Stephen Kotkin explains international politics.

[@AeroDude73]

We need Neal Schon for a full 2 hour interview!! 🎸 🎶😎🎵

[@chopperdeath]

One of the first solos I ever learned! Fantastic.

[@scottrogoway7034]

a solo that stuck with me for 40 years. Absolutely love this song.

[@danieltrickey9285]

What I love about Neal is in his solos he repeats licks just enough for your mind to get comfortable yet not be repetitive or boring. Genius.

[@1968cdc1]

I never thought about it that way, but going back and listening to his stuff… 100% correct.

[@calwells5612]

Neal's always been incredibly melodic. He's not afraid to slow down and play the perfect parts, even though he can absolutely fly around the fretboard. Monster player.

[@conanthegreat4418]

As they say: "Brevity is the soul of wit". It applies to guitar, as well.

[@matt2eadgbe]

From what I've heard, Steve Perry was a big reason for that. Neal definitely wanted to rip all the time! lol Regardless, Neal is an absolutely phenomenal player. He doesn't get nearly enough credit for his talent IMO

[@-Gramps]

Schon is a master of melodic minimalism. Others would have not left the open spaces that make Schon such a unique & talented players. IMHO, his solo’s are never gratuitous- they always lift the entire song to a higher level.

[@calwells5612]

@@matt2eadgbe With respect, no. Schon had already made at least 5 albums before Perry joined Journey, and Neal was plenty brilliant every step along the way. Listen to the Infinity record, for example. Perry had just joined the band and had zero say in how the album was produced, and he certainly didn’t come in and immediately start telling this band of virtuosos what or how to play. We can give Perry credit for a lot of things, but not Neal’s playing.

[@paulwooton4390]

​@@matt2eadgbe Rick Beato just told millions this was a perfect solo. Millions have bought Journey records. Critics love him. Guitar players wish they could be him. Still, he's no Chuck Berry. I get it.

[@danielconrad764]

So glad to see Neal Schon getting a shout out. He has it all: melodic sense, technical skills to die for, and a genuine commitment to serving the song.

[@chrismcgady4978]

Agree.

[@butcho7492]

Neil Geraldo would be another one IMO.

[@raymo6795]

a rare talent

[@gispel7058]

Believe he did great work on Santanas Caravanserai Album

[@kjlee2112]

Neal Schon is an all-time guitarist in pop music. He is the perfect example of having all the skill and speed talent in the world in his bag but choosing to play the most emotionally visceral note choices that haunt you, augmenting with that fluid blistering speed to create gorgeous crescendoing landscapes that are forever memorable. I never understood how he was always so overlooked.

[@tattoofthesun]

Saw them in 2018. He was so excited to solo and did heavily. I soaked in every minute

[@Knards]

You should look up the early Journey album "Look Into the Future". No pop there

[@petermcallister8489]

Pop music? Send Her My Love is more prog than pop.

[@kjlee2112]

@@petermcallister8489 to me, songs that had and have regular radio rotation are pop, although I agree it has prog roots.

[@bbaltizar70]

I totally agree with you

[@danielmorley4919]

Perry's vocals and Neil on guitar hits you deep in the emotions, very very few bands are able to do that constantly.

[@davidhoxit4274]

Schons guitar work and Perry's vocals remain unmatched....even all these years later. A very special melodic time stamp

[@raymo6795]

....the stars aligned

[@jeffgrummons2954]

Yes!! Finally some love for Neil Schon. Send her my love solo is amazing. The Stone in Love solo at the end is probably one of his best.

[@sportsygirl8]

I know right?! There are good comments in here about him, other places on social media they hate on him. I don't know what he's like as a person, but as a guitar player very talented and underrated.

[@OswaldBatesIIIEsq]

Neal Schon completely blew me away on "Santana III". His solo on their rendition of "In a Silent Way" still moves me. That album is before my time but it's still some of my favorite music.

[@DavidPykeVentures]

There is so much emotion in this song... ugh! You can feel it. And yes... it's a perfect solo. Makes you want to cry...

[@larrynowicki5651]

I’ll bet Neal never thought that his guitar solos would become a classroom course 40 years after they were recorded. Amazing work!

[@kathyscoppettuolo7168]

Music theory studies Neal 😊

[@KCCheez]

Neil Schon and Elliot Easton mastered the solo as mini song.

[@Gerrys-Channel]

Two of my favorites.

[@IgnacioPreiss]

So true! I've listened to Journey and The Cars just because of those guitar legends

[@gilmourdimegates]

Rick is what a lifetime of dedication to music looks like. Can literally break down any song and tell you why it speaks to you.

[@Glicksman1]

While I do not dispute your assessment of Rick's passion and abilities, frankly, I don't need or want him or anyone else to tell me why a song speaks to me. I already know, even if I don't care to or cannot give words to that feeling. HIs "What makes this song great" is nonsense. No words or technical analysis can begin to explain this. Why a song may be technically well written, unique, inventive, groundbreaking, etc., sure. Great? No. "Great" is highly subjective and is for each individual to decide for themselves for their own reasons, unnecessary to explain in words..

[@afrog2666]

That`s why we`re all here (:

[@caprise-music6722]

@@Glicksman1 so you’re a fan?

[@R-RIFF]

No one should interpret how music speaks to you and no amount of theory does that… it shakes your ass or doesn’t. Period.

[@geoffmerrill164]

@@Glicksman1 How would you feel about 'What I love about this song' instead?

[@wildgoose-media]

If we're going Schon... The solo/outro on I'll be alright with out you... Brilliant and the TONE... damn!! You know the kind of solo of a song where as it fades out you're cranking up the volume to hear every last drop 😉

[@andrewthompson6893]

This is just amazing to me. I've been a guitar player since 1988, and this solo is one of the very few that I learned early, and still play to this day. Just wow.

[@TorToroPorco]

I love it when Rick plays the guitar sequences on keyboards. You get such a full & rich presentation of the chords and melodies that is so beautiful.

[@dnylsun]

Totally agree. The keyboard offers such a rich palette. So many songs are first composed using just a piano. Jonathan Caine on keys, was the melody writer, compositional force of Journey while Steve Perry mainly wrote the lyrics. Together they created music that transcended Neil Schon’s artistry.

[@luciferpantykrist7570]

​@SuperNostalgia.Well that's nice. But what if you're a grown up?

[@daviddansereau1793]

I missed 69 by 1 1 is the loneliest number 👨‍🍳

[@kw8757]

@SuperNostalgia. Evidence for any of the bullshit you wrote? Provide please, but read the definition of evidence before you start spouting biblical bullshit.

[@paulspecht5165]

@@kw8757 If God is not real and you are ok with being an atheist why are you wasting your time lashing out in anger.

[@brianprior7403]

Neal is one of the only guitarist that i can literally sing along with his solos. He's such a huge part of every song. The melody monster.

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

That is a huge observation and compliment……YUGE‼️🎸🎸🎸

[@PeteBreen]

I'd add Tom Scholz from Boston to that list.

[@abc54436]

And Slash

[@johnafirth]

Brian May. I saw a vid where they decided he played like a singer rather than a guitarist.

[@mgsmith7475]

Agreed! Neal doesn't overplay. In the words of Marty Friedman, "your solo should tell a story!"

[@rdg1266]

This is one of my favorite Journey songs, but I never really appreciated how magically beautiful the chords were until you voiced them on the piano -- exquisite! I taught myself how to voice chords on a piano in high school and college in the '80s, but it's a real gift to know someone who appreciates this stuff as much as I do. Not everyone has a jazz piano teacher who can teach these chords -- they're not cheap either. You provide a truly valuable service to the public, helping us understand why we love these songs so much, and teaching us the chords so that we can go to the piano or guitar and voice them ourselves...very gratifying! Thank you so much, Rick!

[@PastorMcfly66]

Rick- FOR 30 YEARS I have said that solo is absolutely perfect. The amount of "crunch" rolls like a light fuzz seamlessly in flow. His choice of notes works so well and always brings me a chill...

[@hrosemd]

Favorite solo. RUSH-Limelight. Alex Lifeson. Perfectly fits the song, mood. Builds to a climax. So good.

[@gabrielpaiva9070]

Yeah, could have honestly been that one.

[@tyronejefforeillyramirez7961]

A Farewell to Kings too

[@tyronejefforeillyramirez7961]

@@markskubal844 the last album Clockwork Angels exemplifies that perfectly. Way too much going on. Surprisingly a lot of people like that one and I thought it sucked balls!

[@brianrose2487]

Frigging Awesome!

[@dawsongentleman]

Absolutely!

[@dannyrockett4182]

Neil's outro on stone in love is so underrated, too. Worth a listen.

[@jaykay6387]

That's a HOF solo, one of the best in classic rock history IMO. Always gives me chills when I hear it. It sounds ridiculous to say it, but Schon is underrated, he's an amazing player.

[@benjaminperez7328]

@@jaykay6387 Underrated? Oh FFS.

[@jaykay6387]

@@benjaminperez7328 He gets overlooked, that's all I meant. Obviously, Journey was a huge band but I think he was taken for granted a little. Musicians and guitar geeks know how good he is.

[@jeffroegner1499]

@jaykay6387 that leaves out the staff at rolling stone. 😜🤪

[@WowzaGuy]

Rick included that solo in the top 5 of his top 20 solos of all time

[@paulfischbach474]

I love Rick’s humility. This is basically an entire class on how to play it with the additional theory information. My only addition is that Perry’s singing on this particular song is equally unique due to the fact he also sings notes that don’t necessarily form part of the chord structure. Excellent video for an excellent song.

[@dannypedraza5854]

One of my favorite journey songs. Everything about it is perfect. From the keyboard work to the magic that is Steve Perry’s voice. Perfection.

[@Jopeymessmusic]

I don't think there's a bad note on that whole album tbh. It's a solid 10/10 album. The vocal melodies, the guitars, the drums, the keyboards hell even the bass lines (Lol) of most of the songs are unbelievably good. Journey at their best imho.

[@danrebeiz4598]

Neil has always been one of my favorites for the same reason Gilmour is: it’s that relaxed, smooth as silk yet deeply emotional touch. So creamy 🍰

[@mcclane8812]

This is one of those absolutely perfect songs start to finish. The voice, the melodramatic guitar tone and the soupy haze of early summer concert nights listening to great music in the 80s. This is music composition perfection

[@fredsmith5791]

Neil really is one the greatest guitar players of our time! So much emotion in his choice of the notes in his solos. Great choice!

[@axnyslie]

To me the most perfect guitar solo is at the end of Boston's "Hitch A Ride". Such a pleasure to listen to, the two guitars trading beautiful phrasings and melodies.

[@mab2112]

Agreed. Hitch a Ride is a masterpiece and the guitar work is amazing!

[@jzeunik]

100% agree.

[@spicetraders]

My thoughts exactly.. Also Supertramp's Sister vMoonshine is a perfect solo!

[@TheRodge2112]

I'd never heard that solo before, but it is damn good. Fits perfectly, super melodic, and memorable. A solo you hum in your head.

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

These things MAAAADE you pay attention to the Raaaâdio !!!

[@SneharthoDey]

Absolutely delighted that my favorite Journey song got analyzed by Rick. The most melodic solo that does so little yet absolutely elevates the track to another level.

[@henrys.6864]

Another guitar player that i've always liked and played very melodic eventhough his music is heavier than Journey"s is Michael Schenker of UFO. I remember him saying in an interview that "the lead should aid the song, not be the song." Excellent quote! Great guitar players both Neil Schon and Michael Schenker! 🎸

[@jameshowell6361]

Michael Schenker's solos on "Doctor, Doctor" and "Lights Out" from the live UFO album Strangers In The Night are among the best ever captured. Everyone that knows me is aware there is no talking allowed during those. Speaking of "Captured", Schon's solos on the live Journey album are fantastic.

[@henrys.6864]

@@jameshowell6361 Yes, Indeed! 👍🎸

[@TheLexluthier]

UFO's Obsession album captured Schenker absolutely on fire and at his peak.

[@garylee7252]

Schon's guitar work throughout Infinity is absolutely phenomenal, as well. Every song on that album has incredibly well thought out leads and fills.

[@moreld1]

Agreed! And when Neal harmonizes with Steve's vocal riffs toward the end of Something To Hide... My eyes get watery.

[@chatter7653]

One thing stands out for me is how the dramatic chord changes underneath the solo that Rick highlighted can make a good melody reach even greater heights, as they do here.

[@garywatts8811]

Finally, a true musician can explain in great detail why this song send my love makes my heart flutter and I feel like I’m in a dream when I hear Neil Sean’s guitar

[@TheOneZenMusic]

Wow, someone needs to do piano arrangements of famous solos, hearing the resolution into each chord was just so beautiful.

[@mikeh52]

Always been a fan of Neal Schon. Amazing talent and longevity.

[@sancho8521]

Listen to "Welcome" lp by Carlos Santana. Schon is a youngster, playing mostly rhythm but one of my favorite albums of all time

[@kentmains7763]

Neal's solos always served the song, you never get the feeling that he's just shredding away to impress the audience.

[@thegreenberetlife0191]

Excellent that you covered this those early Journey albums are absolutely phenomenal… This song is a favorite!

[@ericschlotzer1670]

Smashing Pumpkins "Soma" has been my favorite guitar solo for a while. A lot of melodic phrases, just enough shred and noise to let you know you're hearing a virtuoso player exercising the perfect level of restraint to never subvert the mood of the song. Corgan also finishes up with lots of overlap and interplay with the vocals, rather than just stepping on the pedal and walking away. He allows the lead to continue through the last chorus, taking everything up another level before letting everything collapse into a dreamy reprise. Perfection.

[@KCCheez]

Jeff Beck’s solo on “Blaze of Glory” was pretty freaking perfect.

[@KCCheez]

There’s also a cool video of him recording it here on KZbin.

[@BudSchnelker]

Great call! Very tasteful.

[@mendocaron]

You are SO right!

[@theonlyredspecial]

Neal schon has created so many incredible solos over the years. Everytime I hear a journey song his solos really just give me chills. Such a great melodic soloist

[@brianskinner5212]

His most famous solo from “who’s cryin now”. He was tired of trying to figure out what to play and just decided to play the dumbest thing he could think of and the producer said “Thats it keep it”

[@fredwerza3478]

@@brianskinner5212 I never heard that story but it's cool

[@JerryShelato]

I was 12, learning guitar, and learning how to figure out radio/MTV hit songs/solos by ear. Neal Schon was front and center. I still love to hear him play one note and put that super shapey vibrato on it. I’m grateful that my ears got to hear that at that age.

[@cloudpump1]

His solo on the song "escape" is absolutely brilliant!!!

[@chriscinnamon2256]

As a 37 year music educator in the public schools, I'm always so impressed with your teaching, but then your playing, OMG, your playing is so good!! This solo has always been a favorite of mine as well.

[@DrWhom]

honestly? (the teaching, not the playing)

[@gatekeeper65]

@@DrWhom ???

[@binkywarren21]

Oh hell yeah one of my top three favorite guitarists. Neal Schon. His phrasing and melodicism is beyond compare.

[@ChrisG9978]

Neal is one of the most talented rock guitarists of all time, hands-down. He has his own unique style, and his melodies and solos are always so clean and perfect. If anyone has doubts about Neal's guitar work or playing ability/technique, I'd recommend listening to the solos in "Stone in Love" (Re-recorded version), and "The Journey (Revelation)", which is entirely instrumental - then listen to the rest of the Revelation album. You'll realize Schon is one of the greatest. The man is a master at bending strings and hitting those perfect tones and melodies that fit the songs like a glove...his guitar playing remains legendary and he's incredible to this day live at concerts.

[@chrisgoudy1954]

One of my favorites of all time. It's an emotional solo like the rest of the song. Neal was and is amazing at doing that.

[@jsb354]

Music appreciation to the utmost level!! *The joy of it is indescribable!! Thank you so much, Mr. Beato!!* 👍🏼👍🏼 🤗🤗

[@keyman8072]

I've listened to "Send Her My Love" countless times -- I wore that album out -- and you just brought to light a whole new appreciation of it -- revealing new colors that were always there on the canvas of this song! Great job, again, Rick!

[@dnylsun]

That’s the gift of Rick 😊

[@keyman8072]

@@dnylsun Indeed it is!!! 💯%

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

Willy Loman: “Attention must be paid ‼️ “

[@keyman8072]

@@warrenbutterfield4208 Yes.

[@Zakkarath]

A good solo, fast or slow it doesn't matter.... it has to lift you up and carry you..... emotionally connect you with the music... if it can do that.... it's brilliant. This solo does that.

[@cazmacd]

I was sceptical, as we all have our favourite solos.....until I heard it again....beautiful phrasing, melodic and fits perfectly with Steve's vocal and the keys...top job Rick...

[@JohnRotonto-ql9ds]

That's why Santana wanted Neal Schon to play in his band. Because of his guitar prowess with latino overtones. Good video Rick! Thx for all you do! Neal Schon needs to get more accolades. He was a force to be reckoned with. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸👍👍

[@MrStudio6429]

I've seen Neal countless times starting with Santana, . . . Journey, with Jan Hammer, etc the man is a musical genius and a heckuva nice guy. Been backstage twice watching Journey and Neal is magical.

[@kathyscoppettuolo7168]

Neal is sooo versatile, but never loses the melodic edge, even when shredding 👐

[@tz125r]

Neal’s solo in Still the ride just confirms his creative melodic genius, very very underrated. Prince called it when he described Neal Schon a genius.

[@SjonColtrui]

In my opinion Marty Friedman is a genius in making an own story in a song. For example the Killing Road by Megadeth. Absolutely phenomenal.

[@malmsteen1973]

Almost every solo of Marty is great! Rio is a good example... ;)

[@oscarcampos2432]

Very reminiscent of what Michael Schenker does in his solos. Very melodic and appropriate for the song.

[@jayanthbharadwaj9490]

You read my mind dude

[@Ofthegirl09]

I played piano and Journey was my favorite band. I remember when this album came out, sitting at the piano and getting so frustrated how complicated this song was to figure out! It really made me appreciate the intricacies and appreciate it even more, and to this day, this song is my favorite on the Escape album. I love how Rick speaks my language and seems to appreciate these obscure, not so well known songs that I have fallen in love with over the years as well!

[@EssTooBee]

Simply beautiful. Neal and Rick.

[@ilibarra]

"Who's Crying Now" is another memorable guitar solo from Journey IMHO. One can easily recall the notes/patterns that try to match the last chorus.

[@bcb2555]

He is a master at telling the innocence of the story with his guitar not many have this gift

[@jornfox3545]

Neal is the man, i've been realizing this more and more over the years, great choice.

[@davidncbrown]

I've always found this song hauntingly beautiful. And the solo is just the cherry on top. Thank you Rick for featuring this song on your channel!

[@tdz69]

Before I even knew who he was going to talk about I had a huge feeling it was Neal. That man is one of the greatest players of all time and revered by so many of his peers. His solos are songs within the songs. He truly should be required listening of any new guitar player. It’s all there. Feel, structure, phrasing, tone….the complete package. Have to believe Rick is working on getting Neal in next. Can only hope so. Great job Rick!!!

[@vecernicek2]

One solo I absolutely love is from Wings 'My Love'. Super simple, but incredible.

[@dnylsun]

I think the work McCartney did with wings largely outshone the entire Beatles catalog.

[@alext.1459]

Completely agreed!! Henry mcculouch did an incredible job on Pauls wonderful song. And in just a couple of takes.

[@markv.5962]

@@alext.1459 i liked the wings over america live version better. jimmy mccullough

[@laneadamson5686]

​@markv.5962 so right. Jimmy played the same notes that Paul wrote originally, but with such FEEL.

[@luvpants2012]

That solo by Henry was a big deal. Members of the band said to Paul you've got to hear this and it wound up on the record. But tension happened because Henry wanted to improvise live but Paul wanted it the same every night as the record.

[@mvisperas]

I love how Rick dissects the song to its details in a classroom like environment. And plays it well, too. Such a great teacher.

[@ghaus1961]

I love that song , all the parts are so fluid it's heartbreakingly beautiful.

[@johnkeller5163]

Alex Lifeson is my favorite for a plethora of intense, inventive and heady solos with arpeggios and chords which are obvious in seconds as uniquely Alex. Also to be certain, Neal Schon is both melodic and emotive with his guitar work regardless of whether playing softer melodies or hard driving rock. Neal's work with early Journey work, HSAS, Santana, and rich solo albums really shows his diverse rock compositions far beyond the hyper popular and famous Journey hits. What is amazing about Neal is that he still insists on writing and composing new material even after all this time of a stellar past music catalog.

[@tribzman3977]

Journey's very first album is so monumentally underrated, and deserves so much more than what it has received by far too few people. In a Lifetime and Topaz for example among the others, is mind-blowing guitar work.

[@MariusHKz]

Lifeson is a wizard. Certainly one of the goats.

[@mvunit3]

As I said in my comment today . . . "Freewill". Alex has MANY more where he describes the "Lyrics" emotionally in the solo, but its 1 of many elements why he is my favorite guitarist (even though I have TONS of faves).

[@tribzman3977]

@@mvunit3 The solo done by Alex on the song Ghost of a Chance on the live concert version of the Snakes and Arrows tour/video gives me goosebumps. Look it up if you like, it won't disappoint.

[@mvunit3]

@@tribzman3977 Haha! I've seen it (and saw the tour in Irvine Calif. ;) . . . Ghost of a Chance and Bravado again, explain the emotions of the lyrics in their solos like a vocalist. Same goes for "Open Secrets", "Emotion Detector", "Available Light", "Everyday Glory", you can hear/feel the pain, tears, longing, emoting all the feelies :) Alex makes his guitar weep, cry out in pain, scream in triumph, even to explain _sights_ and "sounds" (for ex. Spirit of Radio, Jacobs Ladder, etc.).

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

I love how many different chords where used in older popular songs. This is no joke a perfect solo, it has space and the guitarist left room for the vocals. I also like how you always have the perfect tones to match songs when you do these videos.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

I've always liked Schon for his incredibly melodic and tasteful solos that fit the song so, so well. His solos are composed, not just played.

[@andymelendez9757]

Neal Schon is magic. So many epic solos!

[@DM11871]

When I read the topic and then heard which solo Rick meant, I was surprised; out of so many solo's he picked this one. Made me happy, this is such a great song and Neal has an amazing melodic style... Thank you Rick for analyzing this solo and playing it very, very well 👏👏👏

[@BaconFire]

This video was LONG overdue. Thank you SO much Rick. I really need to point out that Jonathan Cains piano and Ross Valorys bass lines really up the goose bump factor. Their parts really carry Neals solo to the highest level (Steve drums so perfect). I picked up Neal's half step note bend with the index finger years ago and its such an expressive technique. Long live Neal!

[@brianruyack7632]

Agree! The melodic bass adds so much. I feel that Ross's contributions are lost since the disagreements happened with he and Smith.

[@jpaulgarner5466]

Neil’s outro solo on “Who’s Crying Now” is my fav from him. The phrasing, stealthy bends, inflections, and note choices can’t be duplicated by anyone.

[@jzeunik]

Yes! Yes! Yes! This! Along with the outro on Boston's "Hitch a Ride", my two favorite melodic solos.

[@Valarien777]

@@jzeunik Somewhere in another video Rick breaks down Boston's Hitch a Ride, and goes over just how amazing the outdo solo by Tom Shultz is... ;-)

[@kathyscoppettuolo7168]

Props all around! Love reading the responses from musicians, who are capable of describing the nuances.

[@jeffreyjohnson7359]

Yes! I didn't really like Journey at the time, that solo turned me around on them.

[@youngchris7]

Frusciante's solo on the album version of "I Could Have Lied" is my top pick. That solo expresses the torture and resolution of the song so well. Gets me every time.

[@simonharwood8488]

Agree... Although I love the way John will just play whatever he feels like live, making every performance unqiue, there are some solos that I wish were close to the album version because the notes are perfect. This song and Californication especially.

[@gdansk12349]

Yes! Amazing. Such a feeling of soulful spontaneity. His best solo ever IMO.

[@steppin8]

The way the guitar sound bites on the string bends in that solo is amazing.

[@nostalgiajunkie]

Favorite by him for sure

[@EndofUSA]

That song is one the milestones in my life!! It was on my way home blaring inside my dad’s car as I play it right after I have brought my girl friend back to her house coming from our date! After 45 years since then we are still goin on strong! 😅😅😅

[@zachman5150]

I can't think of another player who's solos are actually sung by those in the audience, more than Neal Schon. So melodic and the guy can burn when he want to as well. He's Awesome!!!

[@oatlord]

I remember listening to these guys as a young kid. Didn't really do music yet, but I'd put this on, headphones in, and just sit and listen to the whole thing over and over. Definitely informed my tastes. Complex and layered music.

[@ChrisDoyle2112]

AGREE! It’s one of my favorite Journey songs and a perfect guitar solo to the end!

[@vinniefazzalaro3941]

This is one of my favourite Journey songs ever! It gave me chills when you said, "Send her my love." It's not just the phrasing but his guitar tone. It's sounds so clean and yet powerful.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

One of my favorites as well especially as a teenager during this era

[@ricktheexplorer]

This song, that band, made the 80's magical with every note, like watching WKRP in Cincinnati, it brings you back to that magical time. I hear this song, and my thought processes go right back to that time; romantic and a beautiful pocket in time, soon to change and be lost forever, except for the memories.

[@uncwcommedia3799]

Well put.

[@JamesCormier]

For those of us that lived it, that present moment was pure sublime. It's only now we recognize how precious. The music instantly transports us back. Melancholy and tearful for that time now lost.

[@selfhelpgroup8750]

Two solos immediately spring to mind: The Knack's My Sharona has the most audacious, infectious and note-perfect solo I think I've ever heard, and the double-tracked solo in Television's Elevation is also a great example of a tasteful solo that sits perfectly in the track.

[@pfenigma]

So glad you showcased this! This and Boston's "Hitch A Ride" solo are two of the best I've ever heard in classic rock. Keep up the good work!

[@starvinmarvin72]

Hitch a Ride is one of the best of all time. Trade offs into harmonies, it's just beautiful

[@naamanpratt]

Neal's a master of expression! 💫 🥁

[@fusionfan6883]

And let’s not forget Neil’s incredible playing as a teenager with Santana, especially on the sublime Song of the Wind from Caravanserai 🎸🤘🏻

[@geraldochi7945]

And everybodies everything

[@laneadamson5686]

And "No One to Depend On"

[@sancho8521]

And of course, the "Welcome" album 🎉

[@fusionfan6883]

@@sancho8521 Welcome is my all time favorite Santana album, but I am sad to inform you that Neil didn't play on it. By that time he had moved on with Gregg Rolie to form Journey.

[@sancho8521]

@@fusionfan6883 really?! Because if my memory serves, I only said that because I had the album, it was already older, this was like 1980, and I always read the jacket. Well, it said Neal Schon & Rolle were on it. He was 19

[@icegiant1000]

I think we have all heard that solo a billion times, and everytime its amazing. Because of that, its hard to imagine the solo being anything BUT what we hear. Which is a little sad because we may not appreciate the creativity or care that was put into it, we assume that is the way it goes, so we take it for granted.

[@randy74989]

Yes, back when Rock Bands ruled, period. The 80s was the greatest music decade IMO.

[@johnhuyton7966]

Neal Schon is the man. My favourite of his is the solo in escape.

[@kiddpark1]

This is.. by far, my favorite Journey song and one of my fav all time of any song. To know that someone else .. anyone, digs this is justify for me, as i never ever hear anyone talking about this and it's just such a HUGE part of my childhood, still listen to it today.

[@michaelroberts3898]

I saw them in concert. Standing a few feet away as he played Mother Father, Don’t stop believing, any way you want it, this ballad, plus the outro playing on who’s crying now and after the fall. After the Fall is a study in his way of referring to the melody, playing smoothly, then building up to the burning technical flourishes. He has been a major inspiration for me. He was on fire that concert. I wish I could keep my memories of Mother Father in a bottle and pour them out when I need reminding of deep vocal and guitar performances.

[@marktorisky9244]

I’ve always liked this song much more than the radio favorite “Faithfully.” The solo is just perfect.