Can't You See

The Marshall Tucker Band, 1973, from The Marshall Tucker Band. Solo by Toy Caldwell.

Toy Caldwell played with his thumb instead of a pick, giving his lead lines a warm, rounded bite.

Can't You See is a slow-burning southern rock classic, and Toy Caldwell's guitar gives it much of its character. Caldwell played with his thumb rather than a pick, which gives his lead lines a warm, rounded attack with a soft bite. His solos are melodic and bluesy, weaving country touches into long, flowing phrases that match the song's yearning mood. The flute and acoustic textures around him give the track an unusual, pastoral feel for a rock record. Listen for the rounded, almost vocal quality of Caldwell's notes, and notice how he lets bends rise slowly into pitch, adding emotional weight to the song's lonesome story.

Can't You See by The Marshall Tucker Band is featured in our Southern Rock (#9) list. The solo is played by Toy Caldwell and the song was released in 1973.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Southern Rock Guitar Solos — #9
• The Best The Marshall Tucker Band Guitar Solos — #1

Sources