The Mexican
Babe Ruth, 1972. Solo by Alan Shacklock.
The Mexican blends hard rock with a Spanish flavor, borrowing the theme from Ennio Morricone's score for For a Few Dollars More. Alan Shacklock's guitar work moves between flamenco-style flourishes and heavy riffing, and his lead lines have a sharp, cutting tone. The song's breakbeat later made it a favorite of hip-hop DJs, which gave it a second life far from its hard-rock roots. The solo is punchy and melodic, drawing on the song's cinematic mood rather than showing off. Shacklock uses bends and quick runs to give the lead an urgent, dramatic edge. Listen for the transition from the Morricone theme into the heavier sections, where the guitar tone thickens and the rhythm section drives harder.
The Mexican by Babe Ruth is ranked #224 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Alan Shacklock and the song was released in 1972. It appears on 2 lists, placing as high as #50 (NME).
In our lists
- One and Only — #39
Sources
- NME: 50 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #50
- Guitar Tricks: 200 Best Guitar Solos of All Time — #132
Who played the guitar solo on The Mexican?
Alan Shacklock played the solo on Babe Ruth's The Mexican (1972).
What guitar was used on the The Mexican solo?
A gibson sg, according to widely reported accounts.
Where does The Mexican rank among the greatest guitar solos?
#224 in the GreatestSolos consensus of 79 published lists; it appears on 2 of them.