Rise Above
Black Flag, 1981. Solo by Greg Ginn.
Greg Ginn's atonal, twisting solo showed hardcore could have lead guitar as abrasive as the rhythm parts.
Rise Above is a hardcore anthem, and Greg Ginn's guitar solo is as abrasive as the rhythm parts. His playing is atonal and twisting, with jagged phrases that avoid standard rock or blues scales. Ginn brings a sense of controlled chaos, using noise and dissonance to heighten the song's aggression. His approach influenced many punk and alternative guitarists who wanted to push beyond conventional soloing. Listen for the way the solo seems to twist and turn unpredictably, and for the harsh, biting tone that matches the song's relentless energy, making the lead guitar feel like an extension of the band's fury rather than a separate showcase.
Rise Above by Black Flag is featured in our Punk (#19) list. The solo is played by Greg Ginn and the song was released in 1981.
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Who played the guitar solo on Rise Above?
Greg Ginn played the solo on Black Flag's Rise Above (1981).