Sloth

Fairport Convention, 1970, from Full House. Solo by Richard Thompson.

A slow, brooding song that gives Thompson extended room for one of his most admired early solos.

Sloth is a slow, brooding song, and it gives Richard Thompson extended room for one of his most admired early solos. His lead builds patiently, starting with sparse, aching phrases and gradually rising in intensity as the song unfolds. The tone is clean but cutting, and his use of modal scales gives the solo a haunting, distinctly British character. Live, the song became a showcase for long improvisations, but even the studio version shows his gift for pacing. Listen for how Thompson lets each phrase trail off into silence before starting the next, building tension through restraint rather than speed.

Sloth by Fairport Convention is featured in our Folk Rock (#9) list. The solo is played by Richard Thompson and the song was released in 1970.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Folk Rock Guitar Solos — #9
• The Best Fairport Convention Guitar Solos — #1
• The Best Richard Thompson Guitar Solos — #3

Sources