Parisienne Walkways
Gary Moore, 1978, from Back on the Streets. Solo by Gary Moore.
Moore's ballad, co-written with Phil Lynott, who sings the verses, is famous for one long, sustained note that seems to hang forever. The solo around it is lyrical and bluesy, built from slow, singing phrases with deep vibrato and dramatic bends. It showcases Moore's Les Paul tone at its warmest and most vocal. The song became a signature piece that he played for the rest of his career, and it's a favorite among players who value feel over speed. Listen for that held note near the climax, sustaining for what feels like an impossibly long time before resolving, and notice how the band holds its breath underneath it.
Parisienne Walkways by Gary Moore is ranked #144 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Gary Moore and the song was released in 1978. It appears on 3 lists, placing as high as #13 (Planet Rock).
In our lists
- The 25 Greatest Blues Rock Guitar Solos — #12
- Instrumentals — #19
- Ballad Solos — #22
- Hidden Gems — #3
- The Best Gary Moore Guitar Solos — #1
Sources
- Planet Rock: The 75 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #13
- Planet Rock: The Top 40 Greatest Guitar Solos Ever — #17
- Chaospin: The 30 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #21
Who played the guitar solo on Parisienne Walkways?
Gary Moore played the solo on Gary Moore's Parisienne Walkways (1978).
What guitar was used on the Parisienne Walkways solo?
A gibson les paul, according to widely reported accounts.
Where does Parisienne Walkways rank among the greatest guitar solos?
#144 in the GreatestSolos consensus of 79 published lists; it appears on 3 of them.