Scarified

Racer X, 1987, from Second Heat. Solo by Paul Gilbert, Bruce Bouillet.

A Racer X instrumental whose precise twin-guitar unison lines made it a shred standard.

Scarified is a showcase for the precision of Paul Gilbert and Bruce Bouillet playing together. The two guitarists lock into fast unison and harmony lines that require exact timing and clean picking, and they deliver them with remarkable accuracy. The piece mixes rapid-fire runs with heavier riff sections, keeping the energy high throughout. It became a favourite among shred players who wanted to test their technique, and it is often cited as an example of the tight, technical style of the late 1980s. Listen for the passages where the two guitars move together note for note, and notice how the rhythm section keeps pace underneath without letting the song lose its drive.

Scarified by Racer X is ranked #291 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Paul Gilbert, Bruce Bouillet and the song was released in 1987. It appears on 1 lists, placing as high as #9 (Consequence).

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Shred Guitar Solos — #16
• Twin Guitars & Harmonies — #24
• The Best Paul Gilbert Guitar Solos — #1
• The Best Racer X Guitar Solos — #1

Sources

• Consequence: 10 Classic Guitar Shredding Songs — #9
• Classic Rock (Louder): The 100 greatest guitar solos in rock — #62