Atomic Mind guitar solo
Nick Johnston, 2013. Solo by Nick Johnston.
Atomic Mind shows off Nick Johnston's melodic, vocal-like approach to instrumental rock. He favors expressive bends, careful vibrato and whammy-bar shading over sheer speed, though he can play fast when the music calls for it. His lines have a singing quality, often following clear melodic ideas that make the song memorable. The tone is warm and slightly overdriven, with a clarity that lets every nuance come through. Johnston is often cited among modern players who prize feel and melody over technique for its own sake. Listen for his use of the whammy bar to shape notes, adding subtle pitch changes that give his lines a human, almost spoken quality.
Atomic Mind by Nick Johnston is featured in our Shred (#23) list. The solo is played by Nick Johnston and the song was released in 2013.
In our lists
- The 25 Greatest Shred Guitar Solos — #23
- 2010 to Now — #8
- Best of the 21st Century — #12
- Top 20 Guitar Solos of 2013 — #4
Sources
Who played the guitar solo on Atomic Mind?
Nick Johnston played the solo on Nick Johnston's Atomic Mind (2013).
What guitar was used on the Atomic Mind solo?
A schecter, according to widely reported accounts.