Just Friends
Pat Martino, 1967. Solo by Pat Martino.
Martino's unbroken streams of sixteenth notes on the standard show the relentless picking he became known for.
Pat Martino's take on the standard Just Friends is a showcase for the relentless, unbroken picking that became his signature. His solo pours out in long streams of sixteenth notes, with barely a pause, yet each line has a clear harmonic direction and keeps outlining the changes. His tone is round and full, and his articulation stays remarkably even across the whole neck. The approach influenced many jazz guitarists who wanted both speed and harmonic clarity. Listen for how he builds long lines that seem to never stop, then notice the rare moments where he does leave space, which make the returns to his fast phrasing feel even more forceful and focused, like a sax player catching breath before another long chorus.
Just Friends by Pat Martino is featured in our Jazz (#11) list. The solo is played by Pat Martino and the song was released in 1967.
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Who played the guitar solo on Just Friends?
Pat Martino played the solo on Pat Martino's Just Friends (1967).