Is THIS Steely Dan's GREATEST Guitar Solo?

[@zwastiunburzy3688]

Got to meet The Skunk back in the late seventies, he was doing a series of guitar workshops for Roland, I believe it was, showcasing their guitar triggered synths. This was in Australia, and he was graciously talking to people after the show. He looked at me, and I will remember this till the day I die, and said, "You look like you'd know where to get some smoke, can you hook me up?" After I picked myself up from the floor, I told him that I didn't know of anywhere in the immediate vicinity, but I had some at home. Without hesitation he said, "Let's go!". Took him back home, we all got absolutely baked on some choice buds and some "goldstamp" hash. He ended up crashing there, and I took him to the airport next morning. A down to earth, humble guy, and that's a great memory of the seventies for me.👍🙂

[@tombryan1]

Wow, cool story

[@elephantfootrisers]

Why do you think they call him Skunk? ;-)

[@zwastiunburzy3688]

@@elephantfootrisers Probably the same reason they called themselves the Doobie Brothers. 😁👍

[@frankflstf]

Wow what a great story I’m so envious of you

[@Mark-sm5km]

Amazing story.

[@cahg3871]

Skunk Baxter is in my humble opinion one of the very best technical guitarists in popular music.He will come up with unique sounds and solos that tend to sound slick,but somehow still has a rock edge.I would put him up there in the top ten of guitarists.

[@rickeguitar9086]

Thanks to Tim, I have discovered your point to be true! I just knew him as the Doobie Brothers guitarist. And not for very long at that either. Jeff is an outstanding guitarist and craftsman!

[@Revolution1117]

Another great video, Tim! Skunk is an absolute master. Plus, not only do you get an excellent guitarist in Skunk, but when you hire him you also get a Dept. of Defense cleared "missile defense" designer & consultant (if you're in the market for one). A man of many talents, for sure.

[@billjohnson9472]

yeah he is not one to just play real fast for the sake of showing how fast he is. he can get fast when he wants but focuses on being melodic.

[@deadreckoning292]

Top 10? Sorry… there’s thousands of known players on his level.

[@marktrail8624]

Thousands? Probably not, Baxter was an original and unique guitar player in a ground breaking band.

[@theguitaramptech]

I simply love Tim's joyful personality. His mastery of the instrument is a bonus.

[@jameshayden3952]

Vice versa...

[@tombennett6939]

Totally. Truly a great player, a fantastic teacher, great breakdown of two iconic solos!

[@sterlingashley1965]

It's rare for me to see a youtuber that doesn't get on my nerves. Tim's an exception.

[@JRrox822]

I couldn't agree more.

[@NashvillePastaman]

100% - I’ve done a ton of sessions with him over the last 30 years…… don’t think i have seen him smiling this much or that geeked out !!! Really gr8??

[@davidcammilleri5526]

Steely Dan is one of the greatest bands ever. They brought in folks to play on albums because of their skills. It’s why their albums are so iconic.

[@rb9581]

Pretty much every song is a work of art!

[@Thadmotor1044]

took 2-4 years to do 1 LP

[@xebio6]

Yes and no. Many other artists have recruited the top session players of their time. I think what sets Steely Dan apart is the writing, that combination of harmonic complexity and melodic hooks that nobody has replicated. The impressionistic, suggestive lyrics are the cherry on top that makes them unrivalled.

[@denroy3]

So they weren't a band...

[@drchill8837]

The Rikki solo truly is such a masterpiece. He just popped up into another dimension with that one.

[@hendrixzep1141]

Rick Derringer played that solo. Derringer was known for ghosting on many records at the time.

[@drchill8837]

@@hendrixzep1141 How confident are you on this? Everything I've ever seen, including from people who know Baxter personally, say that he did the Rikki solo. I know that Derringer did some Steely Dan parts, notably Chain Lightning. I could believe that he did the Rikki part, but I'd need some evidence. Where'd you get the info?

[@johnwelsh2769]

@@hendrixzep1141 Ridiculous. Show me one verified solo by Rick Derringer that sounds anything like this. Derringer did not have these chops. He was best known for stealing Eddie Van Halen's solos note for note.

[@danieljupiter7223]

That stuff in the 3rd solo is insane. Wack. Most insane pop song playing ever

[@andyinoregon]

@@hendrixzep1141 Derringer played lead slide guitar on 1973's "Showbiz Kids," but he didn't play on a single track of 1974's "Pretzel Logic" album. His next contribution was on the song "Chain Lightning" from their 1975 release "Katy Lied." He later auditioned for the solos on the song "Peg," from the 1977 album "Aja," but lost out to the performance of Jay Graydon.

[@melodymakermark]

“Before pro tools, there were pros”. Love that. Thanks Dean.

[@djpenton779]

My fav solo of all time: My Old School . The rhythmic interplay with the horns and rhythm section is unreal.

[@user-uu5ws6ty3k]

Kid Charlemagne for the win

[@spunbearing65]

Show biz Kids. It wasn’t just the solo, it was the whole song.

[@mrreemann3739]

Jay Graydon s solo was pretty epic

[@spunbearing65]

Night by Night too.

[@1171karl]

I agree, love it

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

"California, tumbles into the sea..." Then the horns play a phrase to mimic just that. Stunning!

[@jorymil]

That horn lick is nasty!

[@evrgreen_69]

My guitar just looked at me and said “why can’t you play like that?” Amazing as usual Tim💯 Thank you!

[@MuscleMane]

as someone who's always trying to master the musical gift of guitar i agree.

[@rickspence979]

You'll never master it but it will keep you occupied while you are alive. @@MuscleMane

[@Chiller11]

Oh I don’t let my guitars see or hear this channel. I couldn’t handle their disappointment.

[@gregmiller7123]

While players like Tim and Skunk get their P-90s to growl when they play them, my guitars growl at me just when I walk by them!

[@johnrogers001]

exactly!

[@BrentJJ]

All those stringers from SD are so influential...and like you Tim, are gifts to us all...thank you for sharing...🎸☮

[@timpierceguitar]

My pleasure!

[@johnrogers001]

The Rikki solo is an understated masterpiece. Baxter's work on My Old School is from another planet! Thanks for featuring these.

[@PaulM-kf6ru]

I could not agree more!

[@johnhowlett9829]

Yeah, man - his subtle pinch harmonics, rhythmic pockets, his general lines and feel is just outstanding! He is such a great player, among the very best.

[@lilik9657]

If you only knew how true that is ….

[@dmljones2550]

You bet- awesome solo. Skunk is highly talented musician.

[@tommyhaynes9157]

Not underrated.....it's very well known and considered one of the great solos

[@johnkamerud32]

The solos on My Old School have always been my favorite leads ever. They have this frenetic quality, like he's out of control yet in perfect control.

[@Martos59]

I had the pleasure of seeing Skunk Baxter and Elliot Randall playing at a pub in Sydney Australia in the 90’s with a local rhythm section doing Steeley Dan, Doobie’s stuff etc. Watching the two of them play was phenomenal. Skunks playing is so vibrant and lively. Really thrilling to watch them dig in!! Thanks Tim for your great work!

[@Onlyone_Davidjreilly]

That's super interesting. Who was the local rhythm section?

[@tlevans62]

I saw him there too.

[@Martos59]

@@Onlyone_DavidjreillyMark Kennedy on drums, Doug Williams on bass and lead vocals, Alan Mansfield on keyboards I think… A long time ago! Excellent

[@Martos59]

@@tlevans62lucky us!!

[@witchitawineman]

I saw the same show at Sweethearts in Cabramatta - Just a normal pub room in Sydney’s Wild West hosted two of America’s finest Elliot Randall & Skunk Baxter - it was surreal. Unforgettable night.

[@maxjpind]

I had a he privilege of meeting mr Baxter at my first NAMM show, I was 18. He was sitting at a small table out in the open floor, talking to his manager. NO ONE was even looking his way. I thought, “surely I’m not the only person here who knows who this guy is!” So I walked up and introduced myself. What a nice guy. Crazy smart too (that could be a video in itself) Still have the autographed picture he gave me.

[@joejones9520]

Ive started to realize that these guitar whizs are also very smart people in general and if they encounter other fields later in life they excel like how Page is an expert in some obscure architectural style, May is an astrophysicist and then Skunk is a missile expert/govt consultant part time.

[@johnkamerud32]

Crazy smart, for sure. I'm sure you already know this, but Jeff is a self-taught expert in missile defense technology and has worked as a consultant with the DoD.

[@thomasdipietra4433]

What we don’t see, is all the hard work Tim puts into learning these truly amazing solos and overall guitar parts.

[@Jimi-DV]

The Skunk was amazing, as was Dias. It's a joy watching you play Tim.

[@picksalot1]

Genius level guitar leads! Steely Dan has featured some of the most talented musicians. Brilliant breakdown. Thanks Tim 👍

[@tesla-drones-and-other-bor7665]

What is the software/hardware you are using to visualize your fret playing live?

[@howardalipton1]

No shit

[@johndennis9838]

The “My Old School” might be my favorite guitar solo. Such great licks, the tone of the amp farting out, is awesome, and it’s aggressive and confident. It’s got everything.

[@balcomoz]

And band is supporting that solo so well. On last round drums just lifting it up to next level

[@StratmanDarrell]

One of my fave tunes of all time. I still remember in 1973 (I was in gr. 8) when I first heard this song. Every instrument and their arrangement is killer. A masterpiece. I could listen to Tim play all day.

[@Onlyone_Davidjreilly]

This is a phenomenal video. Tim executes all these parts so flawlessly and brings so much passion to the whole thing. Blown away by the musicianship, you forget the art in making these videos so engaging - not easy either. Top notch.

[@kennylyon1934]

I've always considered My Old School to be one of the greatest solos of the rock era. Thank you so much for doing such a good job of explicating - and appreciating - it!

[@bigal1863]

My favorite guitar piece

[@paulg1358]

I concur! When I was a crazy young guy I remember a rock night club that friends and me would visit and close the place down. One band did an amazing rendition of “my old school”. I was so impressed that the next nite after a few beers I made a large poster, “my old school” and we went back to see that band again and I flashed the sign!! Reason is they would stretch the solo and end out so long it was friggin awesome! Me thinks it’s a Top solo along with “my sharona”!

[@VonBluesman]

I love Steely Dan. They play great music, melodic, great leads, lyrics, and cool music to dance to.

[@user-nl1jt6jc2z]

Steely Dan solos are absolute unique! I love this music. I was 13 years old, when I heard them the first time and was blown away, it changed everything!!

[@Joe-ns2gs]

I still listen to all the Dan recordings and remain impressed every time I listen. Thanks!

[@MatthijsKoningstein]

There are just so many amazing stories about Steely Dan and the amazing musicians who played on their songs. It's seemingly endless.

[@gabrielcornea9119]

I love these two awesome guitarists, they're my heroes: Tim Pierce and Skunk Baxter! They have in common apart from godlike guitar skills, the ability to teach and inspire others!

[@markgouras1099]

That lead in My Old School is one of the most creative and expressive guitar solos of their catalogue IMHO. I love the sizzling amp sound as well! Thanks for covering this Tim!

[@avjake]

These solos are even more impressive when you illustrate the fretwork that goes into them. Another great explainer!

[@richardroskell3452]

Love the fretboard graphic, Tim! Super useful for learning the riff.

[@vampolascott36]

Rikki is my favorite Steely Dan guitar solo. It's concise and sophisticated while still retaining a rock sensibility.

[@Kamala-Walz-4-America]

The solo in Rikki is legendary. And you played it beautifully. Very advanced solo with lots of heart and soul.

[@hendrixzep1141]

Rick Derringer played that solo. Derringer was known for ghosting on many records at the time.

[@eljison]

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter is a monster guitarist, and Tim nails it as usual. Great solos and tones.

[@frankierodriguez8661]

First album from Steely Dan I came across was Pretzel Logic and it blew my brains away. The guitar playing on that album despite the sound and mood they became famous for afterwards, is still a collection of guitar parts very very difficult to reach. I would say some of the best ever composed. Thanks as always Tim!!

[@leonardsmith2170]

Love your channel, Tim. Sometimes when you showcase certain players it brings me to tears thinking about how important these tunes have been over the course of a lifetime.

[@user-ib9vt1ic6j]

Fascinating study of Skunk Baxter's solos. There's one more that not everyone knows of, it's on Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff".

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

The inventiveness, and his technical ability to make those sounds happen, is a real treasure. Thank you, Jeff, Walter, Donald!

[@54fighting5]

Thanks for showcasing Dean, Jeff and Denny. Their contributions to the Steely Dan music are incalculable. I love that solo in Rikki!!

[@budrizzo8167]

Pretzel Logic a masterpiece by one of my favorite bands. I can’t imagine those songs without Jeff Baxter ‘s amazing guitar work. Thank you for keeping this iconic music alive. Tim’s presentation nails it. I enrolled in TP’s Masterclass and if your on the fence about joining I can tell you it’s well worth the price of admission. I only wish these classes were available when I was learning guitar. Take it from this these lessons are life changing as I highly recommend them.

[@stigmontgomery7901]

Despite the fact that I have 2 left feet and am tone deaf and can't play a note I just love music. How artists just take what is basically a simple musical instrument with a scope to change sounds, and then have the invention and musicality to turn plucking strings into such a range of dream sounds that compliment each other I'll never know! But thank you for explaining the techniques so well and in such an entertaining way too. These people are such masters of their art!

[@jimbixler6337]

As a kid my ear embraced this solo (Rikki) from the moment I first heard it. The tone is delicious. Skunk's performance is succinct, innovative and still strikes me by how contextual it is. In a matter of moments this solo takes you on a soaring journey then gently lands you back in the tune with it's ringing and perfect ending. To this day when it comes on the radio (or XM), I stop to drink in it's perfection. ...possibly my favorite Classic Rock guitar solo. Thank you Tim.

[@napesdrk1174]

I am a metal and 80s hair metal but Tim makes me want to do whatever he's doing in his videos. TIM, your a huge influence, thanks for sharing

[@nickphillips1721]

The slowed down fret board display is the most natural and enjoyable way to learn I have ever seen. First time and you have it! Along with your joy, experience and mastery walking us through! Thank you Tim!

[@jedshred3096]

Dude, I just can't thank you enough for playing your stuff - Skunk vibrato was aspirational.

[@shannonneale1560]

Jeff Baxter is so underrated IMO. He had such a talent to add a subtle lead or melody to song verses that enhanced, but didn't overtake the song. You can hear this in live recordings of the Doobies during his tenure.

[@handyboy2000]

Under rated? By whom? He's pretty widely acknowledged as one of the greatest guitarists of the 20th century.

[@Frankie5Angels150]

He’s literally known as one of the best guitarists in history. That’s not underrated.

[@14daze]

@shannonnneale1560 ...I really do think I know what you mean. p e a c e

[@scottakam]

Thanks Tim. I remember all these songs playing on the radio when I was a little kid. The fretboard you put up while playing was cool.

[@michaelcarson4840]

I too had the opportunity to meet Skunk Baxter at the NAMM show a couple of years ago where I proceeded to tell him that solo in “Ricky Don’t Lose that number “ was brilliant and he said to “ you are to kind “ 😂 but Tim, that solo is amazing but you left out the slide he does after that which just kills me . Thank you though amazing work

[@mrreemann3739]

A great teacher not only states the facts, he teaches you to critically think. Well done Sir❤

[@PFA57]

Between Larry Carlton and Skunk Baxter, Steely Dan always managed to have the most talented guitar players and interesting leads on their songs. Thanks so much for profiling Skunk on this video.

[@KC-ro7zp]

Denny Dias was an original member and was pretty talented on the guitar, imo

[@michaelwyke]

These solos (and that brass arrangement)make up a bunch of musical slam-dunks that punctuated my life at the time they were released. They tower above most everything else I heard before or since. Ancient tho I am, I know I am still alive because my pulse quickens when I even think about them. Thanks for a tremendous post.

[@kenbagwell8551]

Walter Becker's solo on the title track Pretzel Logic is also really, really good.

[@KP11520]

I had an old Panasonic AM Ball radio when Rikki came out. Can't tell you how many times we (neighborhood friends) heard it all night long when camping out in our back yards that Summer. ETCHED Into my BRAIN. And still.... It NEVER gets old. Rikki and My Love (Wings) will still be there long after I'm ashes!

[@spaceghost8995]

I HAD that ball radio too! I had forgotten about that until you mentioned it! It had a chain you could swing it around on I believe.😂😂❤

[@rafaelneiman]

yes it did, and the 'knobs' were like small plastic discs that resembled mini chrome poker chips @@spaceghost8995

[@russelljackman1413]

Thanks, Tim! Steely Dan have always been in my Top Five bands. Their music always makes me smile, as did this video of yours. Thanks for all you do in the music world! You are a good man.

[@55billmarshall]

Wonderful Tim, no matter which of the many great Steely Dan guitarists' many great solos you feature you always nail them perfectly. I doubt anyone else could manage that feat.

[@chrisquinn9104]

I love Denny Dias. I can’t really think of few that could let it rip like he could WITHOUT BENDING STRINGS! His Do It Again solo is just one of many

[@patricklow5652]

I can't believe he faded into obscurity. His part of the Bodhisattva solo totally kicked Skunk Baxter's ass, in my opinion.

[@RONCASE152]

Denny played so smooth…effortless

[@da5idnz]

Yep, he never bent strings. I wonder why.

[@patricklow5652]

@@da5idnz I looked up Wikipedia and his entry says that in 1970 he put out an ad for a keyboardist and bassist specifying "must have jazz chops." If he comes from a jazz background, it would explain why he doesn't bend strings and why he can think so far ahead when he solos.

[@tristanavakian]

His solo on Aja is one for the ages.

[@magnificentmuttley2084]

@tim pierce - thank you so much for posting. As the guitaramptech has said, your joyful attitude at your appreciation of wonderful guitar playing, is contagious and addictive. As an accomplished guitarist yourself, it is great to have you break down these wonderful solos, which have been some of my personal favourites for going on 50 years, in some cases. Thank you again. Best regards from the Giant’s Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland. 😄✌️🎸☘️

[@donaldfilbert4832]

The "My Old School" lead is my favorite lead of all time. So musical; so much character. And you played it GREAT !!! Best guitar playing video ever !!

[@TheBhannah]

I would love an album of Tim Pierce and Dean Parks !

[@stratpac]

Loved this one Tim. Steely Dan! - what a band they were. I bought all their albums, waited patiently all year for the new one. My favorite - The Royal Scam but they are all truly awesome.

[@mnickas]

The solo in Rikki Don't Lose That Number is my favorite guitar solo ever! Thanks for demonstrating it!

[@hendrixzep1141]

Rick Derringer played that solo. Derringer was known for ghosting on many records at the time.

[@alexandermossel6466]

Dear Tim, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this fantastic video. I have enjoyed your channel for years. No matter what you play, the sound, timing and intonation are always scaryly spot on. You come across as an established musician who doesn't need to prove anything to anyone, still I feel that you are approachable and kind. To arrive at the point where you are, can only come from focus and tenaciousness. Talent alone will not bring you there. You have given so much to the music community and I'm shure that you have inspired a lot of amateur musicians along the way. Best wishes for 2024 and I hope that you will continue to inspire people.

[@MrDallman]

Skunks solo on the “Boston Rag” off of CTE was what got me hooked on Steely Dan….The finest band in history, personally I don’t think there is another band that comes close. Denny Dias’s guitar work on “My gold teeth 2 “ is yet another memorable solo. Fantastic video as always Tim. Your ability to nail all these masterpieces is legendary. Best wishes from the UK.

[@philipmarin300]

I've been a fan of Steely Dan from the beginning , and like you , Denny Dias's guitar solo on Your Gold Teeth II is probably my favorite , so damned tasty !!!

[@yabbadoody]

Steely Dan’s solos and arrangements are all world class - timeless, tasteful and triumphant, each perfect for the tune. and WOW… that second Skunk Baxter piece reminded me of The Edge - Skunk obviously had a heavy influence and deep presence on other players. And Dean… don’t get me started! 😃

[@gregoryschleitwiler9601]

Simply the best in creativity and musical greatness.

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

Wow, there’s certain things Tim just showed in that solo that I’ve never heard before! I am a full-time multi instrumentalist/looping Artist for a living, and I loop that on stage and play it acoustically. I have been playing that solo on acoustic for many years, and just now realized there’s certain nuances I never caught before!

[@jeffreyhoehn9307]

This is iconic no doubt…..but, the opening solo to “Don’t take Me Alive” is pretty darn good too.

[@9UaYXxB]

Yes, that's such a moving solo... it gives the song it's anchor.

[@McBain-qe2jh]

Jeff Baxter is a cool dude. He's played some amazing guitar and layed down beautiful tracks. He lately has consulted for the department of defense.

[@michaelshearer3559]

Jeff and Denny are still my favorite elements of Steely Dan. Denny had the jazz covered, Skunk had all the rock and roll on tap, both innovators and killer tone. Daddy Don't Live in that New York City, Black Friday, Chain Lightning, Show Biz Kids, Do It Again...just incredible.

[@1960fusion]

Tim Pierce is a living treasure, thanks for sharing and all that you do for us guitar fans!

[@questfortruth665]

Besides your incredible guitar playing, I like the way you "smile" when you're playing leads. Most of us get that serious "frown" that makes us look mad when we're concentrating on a solo!!

[@Kraals]

If I could play that well I'd smile too.

[@davidseres3030]

You reminded me of Steve Howe in Yessongs (I think he was playing "The Clap") - I admire his devotion to music as seen in the intensity of his changing facial expressions....

[@bobloomis246]

Why SD is still popular today is that it's the sum total of all the parts. Awesome lyrics, inventive rhythms, pure vocals, great bass lines and memorable and tastefully constructed guitar parts. Stems that you remember forever versus a super shredder that leaves you remembering nothing except, 'gee, how did she/he play that fast?'

[@SeeCSeesCC]

Skunk Baxter has a wonderful interview with the late GREAT Joe Chambers on the Musicians Hall of Fame Channel. Rip sweet Joe 💔

[@konaken1035]

cool .. will look for it...

[@SeeCSeesCC]

@@konaken1035 his channel is now overseen by his wonderful daughter Britt and it is a treasure trove full of wonderful musical information. ❤️ thank you for your response

[@rickhancock3398]

Had the extreme pleasure of watching dude live couple months ago. What an incredible person.

[@larrypower8659]

We (local Boston musicians) all knew Skunk from his days with Ultimate Spinach and working at Jack’s Drum Shop. He’d also played pedal steel on a cut recorded in 1971 at Intermedia Studios by a band I was in at the time. It was common knowledge that Skunk was playing with this new band, Steely Dan. When Can’t Buy A Thrill came out (1972) Steely Dan began live touring in all sorts of venues. One of those gigs was at a joint right around the corner from Fenway Park called Copperfield’s. It was really a place for local bands but Steely Dan was somehow booked there, maybe-probably-because whoever booked them figured they’d bring out the locals, which they did. I can’t imagine many people saw that earliest version of Steely Dan but I did, as did most of my music loving friends. We got to talk to Skunk and met some of the band, but not Becker and Fagen if I remember correctly. After the gig they were gone like a cool breeze. Several years later I was fortunate to meet and play with Elliott Randall, who played on many of their records-in particular, Reelin’ In The Years, Jimmy Page’s all time favorite guitar solo. Loved “The Dan,” dildo name and all. Skunk is one the most respected and greatest musicians anyone from Boston has ever known. Guaranteed.

[@cvwatch]

Cool breakdown, you are one of the greatest guitar players I've ever heard. Such amazing feel.❤

[@TruthBeTold121212]

Too many to choose from, but I'd say Larry Carlton's sublime guitar virtuosity on "Third World Man" on the "Gaucho" album is a masterpiece.

[@user-xf3cv6xd1z]

Two really different solos ! Baxter's is quite unusual, nervous and surprising. Carlton's is slower, leaving much space for harmonic beauty. I love them both.

[@davidfhayes]

Excellent choice!

[@kennethpeller7411]

I love them all dias Baxter Carlton and becker

[@martinhayes6845]

I read it was a solo from the Aja sessions that Becker and Fagan used, it's in a book on the Dan.

[@calebmorgan6939]

Yes, yes it is. Bless you for doing My Old School. A favorite of mine for forever.

[@torstenrunkel2318]

so beautiful, this is one of the best moments to feel happy. more than 1000 thanks Tim. you touch over 1000 million people deeply in their open soul. Especially in the current difficult times, music gives many people the chance and opportunity to unite mentally and spiritually in the power of music. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you are. Greetings from a very dark country called Germany. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you the best of what you wish for yourself. Torsten Runkel

[@NVRAMboi]

Thanks Tim. So many great guitar solos for SD. At the moment I'm partial to Larry Carlton's work in 'Don't Take Me Alive'.

[@patrickd1805]

agree

[@coryrad9575]

Peg and Don’t Take Me Alive are my favorite solos, but these are pretty rad as well ❤️

[@bobdixon4998]

I just became a major fan of you!. I have been a fan of these guys since I was 12 and up. Everyone in my family was older but my brother was 14 yrs my senior and we heard his music and our dad played guitar. Folk, country and wait a minute "flamenco"? Yep. And Segovia, Vicente Gomez and many greats. So I'm listening to Malaguena, Oye Como VA, Europa, flight of the bumblebee, jeff beck, and on and on. I'm so thankful for the masters like them and yourself to bring such passionate musical entertainment to a kid and millions more. Just watching this vid is making me go right to some Steeley Dan and Doobies! What a "Round Trip". It starts, and goes around to the beginning! Thanks!!!!

[@malfunction8165]

It's the smooth, effortless and soothing playing demonstrated here that I love, just another session in musical heaven. When I tried to learn to play the guitar, my brain, fingers, the music, even the guitar itself conspired against me to prevent me from making a tune, more than once I caught the guitar making a break for the door screaming for help, it was fretting so much, I even tried to calm it down with new strings, no, wasn't having it, and the neighbors took to scratching their fingernails down a chalk board saying it soothed them and blocked out the noise. I stood no chance.

[@neil6958]

Rikki don't lose that number is a unique song and was fun to hear in the 70's.

[@jmart6888]

Thanks so much for this. Now, PLEASE do the same for Denny’s brilliant solos!

[@seanoneil277]

Dean Parks -- fantastic work on Rikki Lee Jones's Flying Cowboys. Really astounding. Didn't know he worked on early Steely Dan albums, thanks Tim. First video of yours I've watched, you certainly know your way around the guitar. Very nice playing along with Baxter's two very fun, diverse, memorable solos.

[@therealdoug1000]

When you actually see that solo on the fret board you begin to truly appreciate it. It’s a clinic in guitar.

[@bdogjr7779]

Bravo Tim🎸《☆》👍🏾🍺🤳This is a Wonderful relaxing distraction from the Evening News✌😎☯️

[@robertcampbell6253]

I heard an interview with Skunk and he said the original band had this code that the musicians could invoke whereas they wouldn’t have to redo their solo and Walter and Donald would respect the rule and Skunk said he invoked the rule for his lead on “My Old School “

[@leftywilliamsmusic]

What a fantastic video! I adore Skunk's playing and you really nail these crazy interesting licks. Thanks for posting this.

[@louiegallardo7562]

Meeting Skunk was my favorite celeb encounter. He is an absolute genius and a national treasure.

[@benjaminlawson4702]

That is some awesome playing my man!

[@cwags_7985]

Tim you would make this boomer’s life full and complete if you could get get Denny and Skunk together for a sit down. If I could hear their recollections of how they built these wonderful parts it would be amazing. And Tim it would take a good guy like you to gently coax the stories out. Thanks Tim!

[@balderdashpoppycockwellmay9498]

How can you choose just one? So many magnificent guitar solos.

[@JustinOstrander]

So many killer takes. I was a big Carlton nerd in college. His stuff is always so well composed and inside the changes. Great video, Tim!

[@gregtthomas]

So, we are not going to talk about the guitar solo on Bodhisattva? IMHO that is the best Steely Dan guitar solo.

[@Vigilante311]

That solo makes me think I've been wasting the past 15 years of my life

[@lonnystarr]

Oh, my…

[@DrumNut927]

A highly underrated album in my opinion.

[@tago69mago671]

Hell yeah! That is a smoking solo! What I like about all the solos on Steely Dan by all the different guys is they're so unusual and inventive.

[@kennethpeller7411]

Denny Dias did it not skunk Baxter

[@mdspman000]

I've listened to the solos on My Old School hundreds of times. They are perfect. Thanks for covering them.

[@tazionuvolari3593]

I just LOVE the demonstration of the solo, with the animated tab - brilliant!!!

[@laz288]

This may be folklore but Jeff had such an iconic look, that with much respect Jim Henson modeled a member of the Muppet band after him.

[@Beecher_Dikov]

It's not folklore...he also based the drummer Animal after Keith Moon, not on looks but by drumming style...

[@david25876]

Skunk is an amazing musician. He was even good enough to able to play with the doobie brothers. That’s a hell of a resume high point.

[@markmichlewicz5141]

I somehow had forgotten these songs.haven't heard them in over 30 years.this took me back to when I was 10 and sharing a bedroom with my older brother who is 9 years older than me.he would play all this stuff in our bedroom in the 1970s.trying to play guitar along to it.

[@Icodehotgarbage]

I played Steely Dan records so often in my teens, my sister told me 45 years later she NEVER wants to hear another song from them!

[@johnfoster4244]

Elliot Randall........?????????