1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Richard Thompson, 1991, from Rumor and Sigh. Solo by Richard Thompson.
Thompson plays bass line, chords and melody at once on acoustic guitar, with fingerstyle breaks between verses.
1952 Vincent Black Lightning is a remarkable feat of acoustic guitar playing. Richard Thompson plays bass line, chords and melody at once, his fingerstyle pattern rolling along like the motorcycle in the song's story. Between verses, his fingerstyle breaks show off his technique without ever losing the song's narrative drive. The song has become a favourite for guitarists to learn, and a staple of his solo shows. Listen for how the bass line keeps moving under the melody, never stopping even during the most intricate passages, which gives the song its relentless, galloping feel.
1952 Vincent Black Lightning by Richard Thompson is featured in our Folk Rock (#12) list. The solo is played by Richard Thompson and the song was released in 1991.
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Who played the guitar solo on 1952 Vincent Black Lightning?
Richard Thompson played the solo on Richard Thompson's 1952 Vincent Black Lightning (1991).