Impossible Germany

Wilco, 2007, from Sky Blue Sky. Solo by Nels Cline.

Nels Cline's patient, climbing solo became Wilco's signature live moment.

Nels Cline's solo closes the song with a long, patient build over interlocking guitar lines from the rest of the band. He starts with simple, melodic phrases on his Jazzmaster, then gradually adds speed, wider intervals and dissonant touches, never losing the melody. The arrangement gives it a rich, woven texture, so the lead feels like part of a conversation instead of a spotlight. It became a concert centerpiece and one of the most celebrated guitar moments in modern indie rock, proof that a solo can be adventurous and gorgeous at once. Listen for the harmonized guitar lines that frame the solo, and how Cline keeps finding new ways back to them.

Impossible Germany by Wilco is ranked #117 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Nels Cline and the song was released in 2007. It appears on 4 lists, placing as high as #11 (TheTopTens).

In our lists

• See Them Live — #41
• One and Only — #16
• The Modern Canon: Best Since 1990 — #25
• The 25 Greatest Indie Rock Guitar Solos — #4
• The 2000s — #6
• Hidden Gems — #22
• The Best Nels Cline Guitar Solos — #1
• The Best Wilco Guitar Solos — #1

Sources

• TheTopTens: Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #11
• Music in Minnesota: 38 Best Guitar Solos Of All Time — #26
• Rolling Stone: The 100 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time — #43
• Paste Magazine: Paste Panel: Our writers' favorite guitar solos ever