Can't Win guitar solo

Richard Thompson, 1988, from Amnesia. Solo by Richard Thompson.

A mid-tempo song that turns into long, wiry electric soloing, and later a staple of his live sets.

Can't Win starts as a mid-tempo song and turns into a showcase for Richard Thompson's long, wiry electric soloing. His lines are angular and unpredictable, mixing blues bends with modal phrases and sudden bursts of speed. The solo stretches out, building intensity over several minutes, and it later became a staple of his live sets, where it often grew even longer. It is a great example of his distinctive electric voice at full stretch. Listen for the moments where Thompson's lines twist unexpectedly, avoiding the obvious resolution and keeping the listener slightly off balance.

Can't Win by Richard Thompson is featured in our Folk Rock (#13) list. The solo is played by Richard Thompson and the song was released in 1988.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Folk Rock Guitar Solos — #13
• The Best Richard Thompson Guitar Solos — #6
• Top 20 Guitar Solos of 1988 — #7

Sources