The Most PERFECT Guitar Solo Of All Time?

[@manaray]

Great to see Elliot Easton getting the respect he deserves. Nuno talks a lot about him in his Rick Beato interview. He's always been underrated. His solos are stellar, so melodic and inventive.

[@captainsouth4460]

Underrated is over used. Gawd. They were huge when they came out!!!

[@godfreydaniel6278]

It definitely IS over-used - but it DOES apply to Easton...@@captainsouth4460

[@jrm2fla]

I think when people say “underrated” they mean “less frequently mentioned”… which would be true, we hear a lot of the same names, Van Halen, Clapton, Hendrix, over and over again, and some players who are super less often but “underrated” is a quick word to say… let’s face it, some cats just don’t get mentioned as much … but people who know Guitar know how great they are … Gary Moore is a prime example

[@nmonster]

Talk about underrated. I didn't even know his name till now!

[@chrisbenson6683]

​@@nmonsterHe is one of my favorites. Always doing just what the song needs. ❤

[@SubRosaUSA]

The Cars recordings are perfectly constructed. Nothing wasted, nothing filler. The interaction between all the instruments was masterful.

[@saucyjk6453]

Great for record listening. Live it was a negative

[@garyhall8104]

For certain. I’m more moved a well-crafted but “easy” solo that takes you on a journey than I am by a blizzard of notes.

[@godbyone]

Elliot is a great story teller. Been listening to interviews lately in

[@swingset1969]

I absolutely LOVE Elliot Easton's playing...so quirky, fun, and accessible. He's one of those guys who sound so simple until you start prying into it. He's also a wonderful guy, and when I met him at a guitar show he was so cool and gracious. Sat and talked guitars with me for a while, such a cool cat.

[@rexxengineering8333]

Just What I Needed was the first solo I ever learned in 1981. Elliot was a major inspiration for me and still is.

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

When natural talent, experience and great taste musicians tend to do that: Make it sound and seem easy. It is so cool to watch. Also inspires other musicians to grab the nearest guitar and noodle a bit more. Win-win.

[@JohnC-n6x]

Great to hear he was so willing to shoot the breeze with a fan. Easton is one of those exceptions to the rule about celebrities.

[@54fighting5]

In the late 80's I was just hanging out in a guitar store (actually music store lol) in Orlando and I was shooting the breeze with the salesman. I happened to mention I was a blues fan but that I had great respect for Eliott Easton. The guy then says he had talked with Elliott at an event and he was planning to do a blues album, and that he had his phone number... do you want to call him. Uhhhhh... YEAH! Much to my surprise, Elliott answered the phone and chatted with the guy, with me listening, for about 5 minutes. He told us sadly the blues album was never made, but I was absolutely awestruck that he even took the time to chat with a salesman that he only met once, and was just a regular guy who loved guitar like us. My fan boy appreciation went up about 50 levels that day😁

[@41663]

That would be an excellent memory. I met Loren Greene from Gunsmoke 50 years ago. Not quite as cool as meeting Elliot

[@guitarolm]

Elliot's solo on Bye Bye Love, particularly the little chromatic ascending run, always brings such a big smile to my face

[@zoltanszabados8445]

As a keyboard player first/guitarist second, Bye Bye Love epitomizes everything I love about a great song by a band who had their sh*t together. A track for the ages.

[@joxyjoxyjoxy1]

One of my faves too. Love the interplay between guitar n electric piano.

[@tastedup]

Elliot Easton is one of my favorite guitarists of all time. His solos fit the songs incredibly well, they're little songs within a song. To me, the solo in Touch and Go is a yardstick by which I measure other guitar solos, it's just so fitting, so... right. The Just What I Needed solo is also fantastic, and the comparison to other guitarists signatures is awesome. The history of the album was also super cool, thanks Tim!

[@fivestring65ify]

Agreed. Amazing work.

[@celebutante]

I'm gonna third that (heheh)... "Touch and Go" is probably my all-time favorite solo (and I'm sure you've heard Elliott tell the story of how it almost got vetoed. Crazy!)

[@rblauson]

Easton is a MARVELOUS and EPIC guitarist. Undoubtedly amongst the greatest of all time.

[@jhugger]

Agreed 100%!

[@benknowles3760]

Touch and go solo I have to replay 6 or 7 times every time I hear it! I am the same way about the solo from Tonight She Comes! ❤

[@Yyz1971]

Elliot Easton is such a badass! Very "economical" solos. Gets in, gets down, and gets out right on time! The solo in Candy-O is a perfect example as well.

[@DesertRat332]

Exactly! He knows that less is more.

[@cc352]

By the time new wave came along, the idea of the guitar virtuoso had to be re-thought out. Up until then, it was mostly fast playing, fill up the arena fretboard frenetics that was considered the rage. But then players like Edge, Andy Summers showed that it was okay to slow it down and not play as busily. For the record, my favorite guitarist is Jimmy Page but my vote for the greatest rock guitar solo is David Gilmour's "Comfortably Numb".

[@MrBoker69]

I couldn't have said it any better.

[@ScottW-vz4bf]

@@cc352Gilmour’s playing is all feel, no fluff or wasted effort. His leads fit perfectly into the ambiance of PF’s music, so hauntingly beautiful.

[@michaelw5010]

EE always played the perfect solos. it was never about showing off. it was always about what the song called for. LEGEND!!!

[@glengamble526]

True-but he also had insane chops.

[@jpb5385]

Elliot’s work with the Cars was always exquisite.

[@5000rgb]

Yeah, he was an amazing guitarist but he played for the song. He never had the visibility but he made amazing music.

[@geoffschuller4875]

I have always loved Elliott's solos. So perfect and precise. The one for "Got a lot on my head" is one of my favorites.

[@2degucitas]

9ne?

[@sararichmond8476]

Oh yeah, he was on a mad one with that song!

[@mccloysong]

So true 5:49 his solos turned out to be far more intricate when I tried to play them than it sounded. They are so perfectly matching each song that they don't feel like solos; more like melodic extensions of the songs.

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

Every one of Elliot Easton's solos was a little gem of perfection. He doesn't get enough attention - thanks!

[@bonsummers2657]

His image/character wasn't really cool.

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

@@bonsummers2657 Like the Cars were ever about "cool"? Besides, top talent will aways be cool, and that's what Easton brought to the table.

[@bonsummers2657]

On the matter image, Elliott didn't have the 'cool'. I'm callin it straight. I understand. You call out your narrative.@@patrickmcevoy5080

[@bonsummers2657]

If you understand image, you'll see who's got it, and who doesn't,…. aside from musical chops.@@patrickmcevoy5080​

[@ScottW-vz4bf]

⁠Right? When the Cars first broke in Upstate NY (late 78/early 79 maybe) their music was for geeks who wasted the rest of their time f’n with these ridiculous things called PCs. The cool kids and manly men clung to Skynyrd like a security blanket. 😂

[@benriner]

EE is one of the greatest ever IMO. His licks and tone have been stuck in my head for 45 years.

[@norseman61]

The Cars have been one of my favorite bands since the late ‘70s. I’ve always loved the layering and composition of their songs. But when I REALLY started isolating the guitar work, I was blown away. Elliot Easton immediately became one of my favorite guitarists, long after I started loving the band. The country/rockabilly guitar infused with synthesizers and quirky lyrics makes The Cars a unique and forever interesting rock band.

[@nicholascarlozzi1881]

Always love your takes on solos. Elliot is such a fine player. Very smart and inventive. Thanks Tim for bringing attention to him.

[@thomasmcgill7229]

Love this. Elliot Easton's playing has always caught my attention. His soloing was very smart, melodic, and tasteful!

[@Mr.X.-Riffs]

Thanks for the Info, Really enjoyed it. Love your Studio setup!!! 😊

[@sidvicioux]

elliot is a joy to cover. not only does he have a country flavor in his playing, his leads are very much like the tele pickers in nashville: short bursts of thunder and lightening.

[@Marcus_C51]

Yeah I always dug playing his solos, at the time I was learning them I was a bit inexperienced and got quite the education picking up his leads. Easton's approach was so unique back then. Very inventive and of course those tele picker licks were the bomb. Fantastic guitarist!

[@djmylesmatisse]

Greg Hawkes should also be a spokesman for The Cars. His keyboard playing is iconic and legendary.

[@ScottW-vz4bf]

💯 💯

[@jaredbracci3529]

Greg Hawkes, is one of the finest American keyboardist of his time. Just ask Paul McCartney, who asked him to play on his late 80’s album: or the late John Lennon, who in 1980, his last interview, before he died, said that the song, ‘TOUCH AND GO’ was his favorite song of the year. Many of the samples, I hear in Logic and Pro Tools, we’re already created by Greg. And if that weren’t enough, he is also very good at 10 different instruments. 😊

[@sararichmond8476]

And Greg made the music so much fun.

[@nickangus3211]

My pick for the best solo of all time is his solo for “tonight she comes” a song within a song! Guy is a genius in my book

[@JordyJayHomer]

Me, too. Nice melody, good sound, and a few ripper pick harmonics

[@celebutante]

Yeah, definitely another one of his finest moments.

[@NoelHarris-y4h]

Kid Charlemagne

[@ScottW-vz4bf]

@@NoelHarris-y4h Damn you! 😂 I obsessed over the solo from Peg all throughout my senior year in HS. Now we have J Grayson on YT talking about this little thing he threw together at the behest of Becker and Fagen. Bastard … how dare he insult my youth like that! 😂😂😂

[@paulkillinger5915]

No doubt. And he actually CHANGES IT UP in "Benny's" live Reunion video (which I like even more), with what sounds to me like a 'Hollies' tribute for a few chords.. (Check it out..)

[@chesterlayton3910]

Such an underrated guitar player. Love his playing. So SMOOTHE so put together structure is perfection. Love how he throws that country into the rock.

[@Dreyno]

Love Elliot Easton. “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Touch and Go” are two of my favourite solos of all time.

[@ScottW-vz4bf]

YES! Touch and Go and I’m Not the One (more for its vocals).

[@Martos59]

Elliot’s solos are as memorable as the songs themselves. What a great musician

[@peterhaas447]

you don't even think of them as solos just the foundation of the songs

[@jamie.777]

Such a recognizable sound!! I don't play music, but love it. Lol. And nothing sounded like the Cars solos and guitar 🎸

[@funkster007]

I always loved Elliot's rapid fire approach to his solos. Totally in the pocket, short and sweet, and perfect. One of my biggest influences. Another solo that just floors me is from the song Candy-O.

[@billpholde4816]

Elliot Easton is so sadly underrated. His solo on Shake it Up - eggz-quisite!. He played clean and tight, for the song, and used a lot of different influences.

[@joetamm]

Another Great rundown, It’s All I Can Do is my favorite song and solo by the Cars, Ben Orr was an outstanding vocalist.

[@elnidoelnido]

One of my favorite EE solos too!

[@SkunkBearTK]

What an unsung guitar hero he is. Elliot's playing seemed so unassuming at the time, but TOTALLY stands out all these years later. Love his playing more now, than then (and I loved it then).

[@tedpikul1]

Can't over-praise EE's work. His brilliant solos and drop-ins have always had playful references to other genres.

[@brad8189]

Couldn’t agree more. He is second to none when it comes to phrasing. Probably the most underrated guitarist ever

[@NinerFourWhiskey]

Yes, HUGE Bakersfield country influence in Elliot's playing and he's even said so. Best Friend's Girl solo for instance, wow!

[@ScottW-vz4bf]

I’m not hearing Bakersfield … although you may be spot on. I’m familiar with both, give me an example of where you’re hearing Buck, Don and the boys in a Cars song (leave out Girl Made in Japan … love that song but it sounded like Buck hired studio musicians to play background). Again, 0 shade being cast here, love these types of analogies and just curious.

[@stevelaferney3579]

Like Tim says, the country is in the thirds use. Bakersfield time.

[@larrycourtney8893]

That guy was such an underrated monster guitar player, everything he did was so tasteful, and slick and clean, incredible phrasing and note selection. Love E.E.!

[@geoffcurran6202]

Thank you thank you thank you for this. As a Boston native, aged 58, the Cars were very important to all of us young musicians in the late 70s/early 80s. And EE did indeed craft perfect solos... song after song after song. You can sing them and you can't imagine them being any different. I also have an EE signature Kramer guitar for a while. It was very cool. He did sneaky innovative stuff with his signature instruments.

[@toddwilliams8128]

I'm a metal fan at heart, and the solo for Shake It Up makes me very happy. For that solo to be in a pop-rock song, it's almost unreal. That muted staccato lick towards the beginning... very catchy, very memorable, and it sets the rest of the solo up for success, especially when he goes into the legato lick. And he's doing it in the middle of a poppy rock song. Just surreal. I first heard them in the late 70s, and just so many good songs. When they come on the radio, my natural reaction is to turn up the volume a bit.

[@SimpsonMusicProductions]

One of your best episodes, one of my favorite bands and guitar player 💯 Dropin some serious R & R history knowledge on this one 👏

[@edrosenquist6541]

Awesome! Working in my shop I started off playing Bostons' albums then ran across this song and all those memories come back with this Cars tune!!! Great time to be 16!!!

[@joekaras7080]

Elliot has a Unique Style. Love His Playing. Never Gets Old.

[@nickf2170]

Always loved Elliot Easton, very melodic, tight, "get it done" guitar work. And, I believe he learned right hand, but then re-taught himself how to play left hand, because he thought that made him play better. How hard is that!!! Tim, love your work, and your willingness to share with others, thats a great trait. I would love to hear your thoughts on Chicago's Terry Kath. His solos, runs, and licks have some very tasty stuff in there, and would love to see you disect that. Questions 67 and 68, 26/6/4, Poem 58, taking it up town, the solo in make me smile....there is a lot of good stuff there. I am subscribed, so if you do that one, I'll be sure to catch it and tell others. Thanks man!

[@BruceWall-gv4up]

Yea I saw a few of kath,s older stuff with Chicago and was blown away, what a terrible loss

[@Martos59]

Besides being a great player Tim’s enthusiasm for guitar is infectious and has a positive effect on us all. I feel blessed to hear what he has to share with us.

[@miketurner1768]

Tim. When you talk of guitar greats, I put you in that category. You're tones and playing are unbelievable. 👍🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@joseph-ow1hf]

My favorite thing about Tim.....is he just exudes joy when he plays. That makes me as the viewer/listener enjoy it so much more. I once walked out of an Almond Bros show because while their playing was impeccable, they seemed totally bored. To me it killed the whole vibe. @@jamespolito3269

[@nightguy5796]

Great teacher and a genuinely nice guy. A pleasure to watch.

[@berkeleybernie]

One of my "perfect" solos: Tears For Fears - Everybody Wants To Rule The World. Perfectly compliments the song, always building, and advancing the song to the next section. That's what makes a great solo, not just a display of technical ability. Brilliant rhythmic feel and development in addition to the melodic component.

[@gitpickins763]

My bandmates and I met Elliot at the Chicago '79 NAMM Show. Super nice fellow, and very open in sharing about his gear and approach on guitar solos.

[@JohnC-n6x]

I totally agree! Best solo! This album and Van Halen 1 both blew me away. I remember where I was when I first heard them

[@stanlindert6332]

My friend put in this 8 track and tells me “this is the best cruise music “

[@keithelms7865]

I clearly remember hearing The Cars debut album for the first time as well. I was a teenager. I remember where I was and how I reacted to it. I'd never heard anything like it and it blew me away. I've loved Elliot Easton playing ever since. Brilliantly crafted and unique solos that stick in your brain.

[@theplanetruth]

Jealous

[@darelvanderhoof6176]

On about any electronic or mechanical trim adjustment , I have found it useful to only correct half way at a time. Then return to it later after going through any other interactive adjustments, then correct half the error again. For mechanicals, wait a while due to temperature, elasticity, and compression effects of materials. Works for me anyways.

[@Tommyplanet]

Elliot is the absolute best! His playing on CCR’s (Revisited) live album is a true master class. Thx Tim 🤘💯

[@JF-em6hr]

That solo is why I started listening to "new music". Way back when, for a while, I was a Classic Rock Only snob and this music was considered "new", (or new wave) not classic rock, but I could tell these guys knew what they were doing...Now, their music is considered classic rock.

[@brenthays6539]

As a lefty guitar player myself, I remember how thrilled I was to find out that EE was left handed. I was a teen in the 80s and I remember how hard it was to get a lefty guitar then- probably even harder in the 60s and 70s. I still can’t just walk into a store and buy off the rack, but online shopping has made getting a lefty so much easier and cheaper than it used to be.

[@raymondjamesrivera]

I know your pain! It was SO frustrating!

[@davisdeen-ty4so]

Yes ,A lefty Also my Lefthanded Brother ❤ remember how hard it was to get a good Lefthanded guitar back than 😮

[@myradioon]

Eliot Easton's lefty guitars made it into the many noted music shops in Boston in the years The Cars were big. My high school bandmate at the time was a lefty and ended up with one. Leftys were hard to get.

[@miketurner1768]

Spot on brother. With you 100%. 🎸🎸🎸

[@jamesadams1064]

Lefties unite. Let’s start a lefty only guitar company!

[@humanactivated1017]

This first cars album was one of the greatest rock / new wave albums ever. It was so great I lost my mind partying to it as a teen

[@Transterra55]

One of my favorite guitarists…SO creative and eclectic with such expressive bends/vibrato.

[@tdkdgh]

So happy you're covering Elliot Easton. Great guitar player. He reminds me of George Harrison and Mike Campbell. Broad influences, range, always playing great fills serving the song. And, of course his own great chops and choices. Love The Cars. (written before Tim makes the George Harrison comment).

[@dylanlongcore8923]

Thanks for the Cars perfect guitar solo! I to believe that solo piece fits so well to that song. I saw the Cars in Cambridge way back in the day not knowing who they were. A very good influence on my guitar playing.

[@bigbaldguy]

The lead from My Sharona by The Knack is a very underrated solo too. Please do that one Tim.

[@joseandrada264]

What a great solo

[@JoeGagan]

It is a wonderfully composed and performed solo. Builds perfectly.

[@FC-cz6zd]

Candy-O solo is one of my favs as well. Great to see Easton get some love👍

[@ReggieandMiloTheCat]

I absolutely love Elliot’s solos in Touch And Go. It’s kind of a call and response with Ric’s vocal, so cool.

[@scottdreher8122]

Touch and Go.....a great, great, great solo

[@erniemathews8130]

Touch and go, one of my top cars songs, for sure!

[@arcade85_]

Touch and Go: yes, a splendid solo

[@alohamark3025]

One of the most down to earth musicians I've ever communicated with. He helped me get a left-handed Gibson Tikibird, a rare signature guitar, that was only around for a short period of time. His music is a joy to listen to, back then till today.

[@DropAnchor1978]

Thanks, Tim. Great dive into a superb solo. Elliot's solos always had shape to them. Peaks and valleys, in a linear and logical way that had tons of tension and release.

[@SurfGreenTelecaster]

Elliot did a great interview with Dweezil Zappa, where he went into detail how he crafts solos. So well thought out, but natural sounding at the same time.

[@DropAnchor1978]

@@SurfGreenTelecaster Wow, I must look that up!

[@edryba4867]

Hi Tim! I loved this segment! We jumped on The Cars when they first appeared at my FM station on California’s Central Coast. We were the big station, and our Music Director subscribed to The Gavin Report (may it rest in peace). What a delightful surprise (as usual, really) to find this! Beautiful solos, my friend! Ed Ryba

[@NinerFourWhiskey]

Yes! Absolutely, one of my guitar heroes of my misspent youth. Under praised I think due to the heavy mix of synths in their records. Kind of hid Elliot's genius under all those "pop synth" mixes.

[@coreyashton5678]

I don't watch enough of your channel. I gotta change that. You have great knowledge and takes on everything but it's your easy going personality that really keeps me coming back. Thanks, Tim!

[@U2WB]

I’ve always considered Elliot’s solo from My Best Friend’s Girl to be his best. It’s got that rockabilly feel you mentioned, and it’s somewhat challenging to master.

[@ldhorricks]

agree

[@danx1216]

agreed

[@muddywood]

It’s always a challenge.

[@presidentgas4980]

Elliott is one of my favorite rock guitarists all-time. He simply never missed a note. I met him back stage in the early 2000's when he was with Creedence Clearwater Revisited and I tried to get him to talk about the Cars but he really wasn't interested at the time. Glad to know he now seems to be more willing to look back on those times and talk about them.

[@markbarnaart2381]

So underrated! I love the way he mixes styles effortlessly.

[@richsadowsky8580]

OMG I love Elliot and the Cars. I was 14 or so living in the Bostom area of southern New England. I heard them on WBCN and went to see them a couple of times as they blew up through the club scene to the areana. I saw them both at the Hartford Civic Center around Candy-O, and Boston Garden a few years later. Indeed they played it fairly precisely, but with enough live tone and accoutrements to make it an extraordinary experience to see them live. Elliot was clearly a genius in my eyes, Ric had the perfect complementary odd-ball, quicky rhythm style, Benjamin's stage presence, ability to make girls scream, with Greg's atmospheric perfectly played keys/synths, and David's powerful drumming, made this band impossible to deny. Elliot always play short but perfect solos (amount the infinite number of perfect guitar solos).

[@thejudge3715]

Eliot Easton is one of the most underrated guitarists in rock. Love his solo on "Touch and Go" also.

[@captainsouth4460]

No, he was never underrated. Most over used word on the interweb!!

[@ZigbertD]

@@captainsouth4460 I recently heard Easton joke when someone said that, "Well, I guess I'm finally rated?"

[@eti313]

Yeah! The main solo and the 3 mini-solos at the end.

[@pat5882]

The solo on “Nightspots” was always one of his best. Giving EVH a run for his money IMO.

[@drop830]

I played in a lot of different cover bands, every time we would want to do a cars song, would always have to take into account the guitar solo and if our lead player at the time could pull it off. He had a very unique style, very tasteful, not easy to copy

[@Jodyrides]

for years, I thought the Ritchie Blackmore‘s smoke on the water lead what is the most perfect lead I ever heard. There isn’t even a swish on the strings. No, half pronounced notes. no whiffs, no, miss’s.. you can hear every note clearly ring. I’m a guitar player for over 60 years. I can hear that it is executed perfectly. Even if I am sick of hearing the song so many times in my lifetime so far.

[@sspbrazil]

I’m a lefty too and Elliot has always been an inspiration for me. Another great video Tim.

[@AllofJudea]

Hell yeah lefties unite!

[@Elshonio]

Great video this Tim! My eldest brother got me into The Cars back in the early 80’s. It’s really over the past 10 years I’ve started to understand why I liked their playing so much as I started examining Elliot’s playing more. Always played for the song, not to flash his skills, although as you clearly point out here- they are certainly present. I found that Cars, Guitars, and Elliot Easton interview myself not long ago - really worth a watch. I also remember finding him talking a lot about his country influences - and the solo to Best Friends Girl. That is country technique through and through. He’s such an incredibly humble guy as well. Loved your stuff on TrueFire btw - been working through that recently

[@latheofheaven1017]

The first song I thought of when I saw the title of the video was this one! Absolutely brilliant. Another one might be Brian Robertson's wah-wah solo in Thin Lizzy's Warriors. Fantastic playing, but also fantastic use of the wah as an expression pedal lifting each phrase, rather than just rocking the foot back and forwards in time with the rhythm.

[@bengrillet]

So, what's really great about this track is, er.., absolutely everything. Yeah, not least the brilliant solos, but like many Cars hits, a beautifully constructed, perfect pop-rock composition, performed with technical excellence. Natural genius.

[@tonyboyhume3878]

the song has the same chord sequence as I Wanna hold your hand by the beatles. check it out.

[@Joel_Powell]

One of your greatest breakdowns Tim! Thank you! I spent hours listening to Moving in Stereo - still love this album.

[@timothysprinkle3052]

One of my favorite solos for sure! Thanks for the reminder!

[@PaulWyman-t2x]

Tim - I’ve played through Deluxe Reverbs for since the 70’s and I recently purchased a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and was pleasantly surprised how fantastic it is. While you certainly can tell the difference w/the old hand wired Deluxes (even they sound different one from another) it definitely is a really quality modeling amp of the Deluxe. The attenuation capabilities is also great for practicing.

[@morrisgentry8624]

Which version of the TM Deluxe would you suggest for clean tone? I mostly play R&B, neo soul and soft rock.

[@jaymzdare]

perfect guy for the Cars! I saw them as the opening band for Stix 78

[@gjohnleigh]

I learned to play in the 80s and whenever one of those conversations came up as to which guitarist you would be if you could, I always said Elliot. Why? Because NO ONE else sounded like him or was even close. This was at a time when, if a guitarist didn’t sound close to Eddie, you could at least tell that they were emulating him. Elliot was almost from another planet, which for The Cars, was PERFECT. Thanks for giving him some love, Tim! ❤👍

[@Bob.Silverstein]

Neil Geraldo is another that is very hard to sound like. Less melodic than Elliot Easton, making him even harder to copy because it's hard to sing the solos in your head. And he often starts solos with weird runs, big jumps, and strange cadence.

[@gjohnleigh]

@@Bob.Silverstein Neil was definitely a great player, as well. I remember with amusement Neil speaking to Guitar For The Practicing Musician in the early 80s about how embarrassing it is amongst his fellow musicians that he "can't play in tune". He obviously can play "in tune", yet the notes that he sometimes hears don't necessarily match the key. I think of the solo in "Shadows Of The Night" where he plays a flatted 3rd against the major chord in that moment. It doesn't "fit", yet he hears it and forces you to reckon with how he thinks it should sound. A real master, and too few solos on Pat's hits.

[@dparrigo]

I purchased the Spark 40 when it was still in development. I waited six months for it to get delivered, and I love it. It has such broad capabilities, it's amazing. For a guy with a tight budget, it nearly provides an entire studio of gear at your fingertips. You really should get one and give it a run-through.

[@conchrepublictheband]

Elliot is so underrated! His solos are very memorable; you can hum them. Amazing!

[@captainsouth4460]

Underrated by who? Most over used word on guitar sites.

[@conchrepublictheband]

@@captainsouth4460 maybe I should’ve said “not as well known as other guitarists.”

[@LPCustom3]

Elliot is a graduate of Berklee School of Music! Nice guy! I’ve been blessed to know him for over 30+ years!

[@sfeddie1]

Speaking of iconic solos Tim, I was wondering if you could do a video on Jimmy Lyon’s solo on Two Tickets To Paradise? I have always thought that this solo was perfect in the fact that it fit the song perfectly, was executed perfectly, but wasn’t crowded with long runs and every trick in the book. I’d really like to get your take on it. I don’t know if you knew Jimmy Lyon went on to join the Greg Kihn band for a while, then toured with Tina Turner. An excellent guitar player.

[@rodgerrodger1839]

He was with Eddie Money. Not Greg Kihn.

[@sfeddie1]

@@rodgerrodger1839 That’s right. “Two Tickets” was with Eddie Money. But, Greg Kihn was a DJ out here in the Bay Area and he was talking to Jimmy Lions about when they were together. At least that’s how I remember it. I think it was for a short while. Side note: Greg Kihn and Eddie Money were real good friends.

[@rodgerrodger1839]

@sfeddie1 I live here in the Bay Area. We used to pick on Eddie when he played at Frat parties in Berkeley. My friends played in a band, and they opened up for Greg many times at the Keystone in Berkeley. Eddie got the last laugh when Bill Graham took him under his wing. My friends just snorted their way into oblivion. I got away from them and music in 89. I, too, had drank and snorted my restaurant,car, and dignity away by then. Eddie really screwed himself up, and so did Greg from blow. I'm Clean 34 years. Back then, it was pure madness. MADNESS. 83-89 was an alcohol coke fueled porn movie. It was fun until you started party earlier and earlier during the week. By Sunday, you had burned through an entire paycheck, and rent was due. I got out alive and was able to rebuild my life. My friends had zero job skills. They were sure they were going to be rock stars. Nope.

[@sfeddie1]

@@rodgerrodger1839 Glad to hear you were able to get away from that old drug scene and get straight. When Greg Kihn was the morning guy on KFOX radio in the late 80’s/early 90’s, he used talk a lot about the chemical exploits of his band. I seem to remember that there was also a Keystone in Palo Alto back then. But, then again, my 77 year old memory can be a bit fuzzy.

[@rodgerrodger1839]

@sfeddie1 You are correct. There was a Keystone in Palo Alto as well. I lived in Oakland, Berkeley, and Walnut Creek. I grew up in Oakland. Things were very different back then. It's really different now. I don't go near Berkeley or San Francisco at all anymore. We will go see Bruce in March in the city. We saw Lady GA GA. Over there at the Giants Stadium. We just couldn't believe that at midnight, Market Street was empty except for homeless people pissing right in front of you. It stunk like piss and I started to become nervous. We used to ramble all over the city at midnight until 3:00 a.m. There were places still open to eat if you knew where to go. Mostly in China town. It was lots of fun. Now? It's a disgusting mess. It's incredibly sad. Everything is closed. Day and night.

[@solartoast]

Every time anyone brings up "most underrated guitarists", EE is always the first one I mention. His solos were all perfectly fit to what the songs needed - nothing more, nothing less. Exceptionally perfect playing skills too, with what I like to call "harder than it sounds" solos. Thanks for all the additional information.

[@Thirsty_Deer_Studio]

Elliot is so good. I still play those old Cars records all the time.

[@inkedvillan80]

My favorite thing about your videos is how you tell the origins of certain licks then I can research and deep dive all of them too! Thank you good sir

[@maxjpind]

Eeaston has always been my gold standard for inspiration when I hear the phrase “give the song what it needs”. I regularly find myself asking “What would Elliot do?” If ever there was a rock star that should’ve been a studio musician, its him. 👍

[@Dreyno]

That question and “What would Mike Campbell do?” are usually a safe bet.

[@mek90703]

My all time favorite Easton solo is the outro to Since I Held You. It fits the theme of the lyrics of the song so perfectly. Elliott is making that guitar cry. Great video.

[@LaurieHeathStudio]

Yes! His overwhelmingly shining moment among so many other glittering solos!

[@mikeyg3003]

Thanks for doing this, Tim! I loved Elliot's playing right from the start. He created many fantastic solos and The Cars had many great songs.

[@page_rage]

Phenomanl guitar player. Happy to see him get some recognition. Re: affordable amps, I use the Boss Katana 100 W head. Best purchase I have made in a long time.

[@LNROKR55]

Love this one Tim, Elliot Easton is one of the most intentional and economical players particularly on solos, that I ever heard. Just a neat solo ,used to beat on it a bit myself back in my gigging years 40 years ago! ;-) . Thanks for what you do!

[@RichHayes-s2e]

Thanks Tim- really appreciate hearing your comments. I am also a big fan of Elliot's playing and like you remember very well first hearing the Cars and loving what I heard. At that time (mid 70's - 79) I was playing in the New York City, L.I., NJ and CT areas and had been hearing of them. Absolutely loved this solo first time I heard it. I also love all his fills- a great guitar player for sure. I also always appreciate hearing you play and the stories and opinions you share- keep up the good work!

[@davisdeen-ty4so]

That 1st cars album was Pure Gold 🎉

[@fivestring65ify]

Easton fit so good in the Cars. His interactions with Greg Hawks was brilliant. My favorite solos are the ones he plays on touch and go. This one that Tim features is killer too. Easton is a great rock guitarist.

[@porterfieldgchord]

Great pick! Another I would throw in for consideration: Andrew Gold’s solo on Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good.”

[@genedemarcojr3991]

Love that

[@Foofang65]

I was just hanging out at the hard rock casino. In Atlantic City. Staring at a fender lead 1 1/2 . It was one of Elliot’s guitars, he played back in the 80’s Love that guy’s playing. Really great stuff.👍✌️

[@terryshaw1934]

I’ve always thought the solo in Tonight She Comes is great!!! It has a little of everything. Very musical!!

[@JordyJayHomer]

I agree

[@jimdukeproject]

Elliot Easton is one of my noted favorite guitarists. I feel he is highly underrated.

[@glenrotchin5523]

Oh fuck yeah you nailed this one. Totally underrated. EE doesn’t get the respect he deserves. Absolutely one of the tastiest guitarists in history.

[@leearft8605]

Replying to Tim's question on modeling amps. Check out (if you can find one) either the Yamaha THR100H which is a single channel amp head or the THR100HD (I own one) which is basically 2 amps in one, it allows you to play both channels simultaneously in mono or stereo, 5 different models, class A-A/B operation, power tube modeling with 5 tube types. It sounds and feels like a tube amp, quiet clean balanced outs for recording etc. weighs about 5 pounds with a carry handle, great amp!!

[@myradioon]

"My Best Friend's Girlfriend" is all Country licks. Eliot Easton's lefty guitars made it into the many noted music shops in Boston in the years they were big and my highschool bandmate at the time ended up with one.

[@stanlindert6332]

That’s really cool!

[@Johnthecomicguy]

Bravo for showing the love to Elliott. The Cars and Elliott have long been one of my lifelong favorites. I think Elliott’s solo in Toch and Go and Shake it up are also among my favorite solos of all time!

[@joesample3796]

Merry Christmas Tim - wishing you a happy an healthy new year!

[@1twangmaster]

What about the added color added in mixing the "Secret Sauce", H910,H3000 Ultraharmonizer Micropitchshift? How did they do this? Alot of musicians are unaware that they used them to get that big choresy and guitar synth sound! Merry Christmas Tim! I love your playing and lessons! Your good guy more importantly!

[@johnvanbortle6559]

All the talk about different styles , how about the style and teaching of Tim... you are one of the best to learn and get all the little tasty notes we might miss or not understand where they come from... Thank you, Papa Tim!!!