Believe What You Say

Ricky Nelson, 1958. Solo by James Burton.

One of Burton's first sessions with Nelson, with sharp string-bending that changed country lead playing.

Believe What You Say catches James Burton early in his long partnership with Ricky Nelson, and his solo already sounds like no one else. It is short, but it is packed with quick, precise string bends and clean, biting notes that snap out of the speaker. Burton mixed country picking with rock and roll drive, and his bending technique, sharp and controlled, pointed the way for a generation of country and rock lead players. The playing is tidy enough for a pop single yet full of tension and spark. Listen for how Burton bends a note up, holds it just long enough, then releases it with a quick flick, a tiny move that gives his lines their distinctive sting.

Believe What You Say by Ricky Nelson is featured in our Rockabilly (#15) list. The solo is played by James Burton and the song was released in 1958.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Rockabilly Guitar Solos — #15

Sources