# Manzanita guitar solo

> The guitar solo on Manzanita by Tony Rice (1979). Played on a Martin D-28 (ex-Clarence White). Watch from the solo, plus the story and gear.

Canonical URL: <https://greatestsolos.com/song/tony-rice-manzanita/>

Tony Rice, 1979. Solo by *Tony Rice*.

Rice's title instrumental shows the jazz-tinged phrasing and powerful tone that changed bluegrass guitar.

Manzanita is the title track of Tony Rice's influential album, and it shows the jazz-tinged phrasing and powerful tone that made him a giant of bluegrass guitar. Playing the Martin D-28 that once belonged to Clarence White, Rice produces a big, booming sound with remarkable clarity. His lines combine bluegrass drive with jazz harmony, moving smoothly through the tune's changes. His timing is impeccable, with a relaxed swing that makes fast passages sound effortless. The album helped push bluegrass guitar in new directions. Listen for the rich, full tone of the D-28, and for the way Rice's lines weave through the chords with a sophistication rare in bluegrass at the time.

Manzanita by Tony Rice is featured in our Bluegrass (#2) list. The solo is played by Tony Rice and the song was released in 1979.

## In our lists

- [Beyond the Canon](https://greatestsolos.com/list/beyond-the-canon/) — #10
- [The 20 Greatest Bluegrass Guitar Solos](https://greatestsolos.com/list/bluegrass/) — #2
- [Top 20 Guitar Solos of 1979](https://greatestsolos.com/list/best-guitar-solos-1979/) — #19
- [The Greatest Acoustic Guitar Solos](https://greatestsolos.com/list/acoustic-guitar-solos/) — #15

## Sources

### Who played the guitar solo on Manzanita?

Tony Rice played the solo on Tony Rice's Manzanita (1979).

### What guitar was used on the Manzanita solo?

A martin d-28 (ex-clarence white), according to widely reported accounts.

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