Vultures

John Mayer, 2006, from Continuum. Solo by John Mayer.

Cut with D'Angelo's rhythm section of Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan, its lean, funky solo bridges soul groove and blues.

Vultures, from Continuum, was cut with Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan, and the rhythm section's deep, relaxed groove shapes John Mayer's lean, funky solo. His playing here is economical, built from short, rhythmic phrases and clipped notes that lock tightly with the bass and drums. The solo draws on soul and blues, with small bends and slides adding character. It shows Mayer's move toward a more groove-focused, mature style in this period. Listen for how he leaves space between phrases, letting the rhythm section breathe, and how he builds tension by repeating short motifs before resolving them with a longer, bluesy line.

Vultures by John Mayer is featured in our Neo-Soul (#4) list. The solo is played by John Mayer and the song was released in 2006.

In our lists

• Beyond the Canon — #30
• The 20 Greatest Neo-Soul Guitar Solos — #4
• The Best John Mayer Guitar Solos — #5

Sources