Californication

Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1999, from Californication. Solo by John Frusciante.

Frusciante's lead is sparse and melodic, proof that his comeback rested on taste rather than speed.

Californication features one of John Frusciante's most understated solos, a sparse, melodic lead that fits the song's melancholy mood. He plays only a few notes, focusing on phrasing and tone rather than speed. His clean, slightly overdriven tone gives the solo a delicate quality. Coming after his return to the band, the solo showed Frusciante's new emphasis on taste and restraint. It is a lesson in how much can be said with very little. Listen for how he leaves space between phrases, letting each note breathe, and for the gentle bends that give the melody its wistful feel.

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers is ranked #273 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by John Frusciante and the song was released in 1999. It appears on 2 lists, placing as high as #35 (Music in Minnesota).

In our lists

• The Most-Taught Solos — #37
• The 25 Greatest Alternative Rock Guitar Solos — #14
• The Best John Frusciante Guitar Solos — #14
• The Best Red Hot Chili Peppers Guitar Solos — #10

Sources

• Music in Minnesota: 38 Best Guitar Solos Of All Time — #35
• Musician Tuts: The 51 Best Guitar Solos Of All Time