Susie-Q

Dale Hawkins, 1957. Solo by James Burton.

A teenage James Burton played the stinging, swampy riff and fills; the song later became a Creedence staple.

Susie-Q features a teenage James Burton playing a stinging, swampy riff and fills that give the song its hypnotic groove. His tone is sharp and biting, and his phrases are short and rhythmic, locking tightly with the steady beat. Burton's playing blends country and blues, showing the early signs of the style that would make him one of the most influential guitarists in rock and country. The song later became a staple for Creedence Clearwater Revival. Listen for the repeated riff that drives the song, and for the way Burton's fills cut through between vocal lines, adding tension and excitement.

Susie-Q by Dale Hawkins is ranked #304 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by James Burton and the song was released in 1957. It appears on 1 lists, placing as high as #73 (Rolling Stone).

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Rock and Roll Guitar Solos — #9
• The 25 Greatest Rockabilly Guitar Solos — #7
• Rolling Stone vs. Everyone — #4

Sources

• Rolling Stone: The 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #73