Jeff Beck is a name that resonates deeply with guitar enthusiasts and rock fans alike. While his contemporaries like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page often grabbed the spotlight, Beck’s contributions to rock music are no less extraordinary. His innovative approach to the guitar helped define a generation and cemented his legacy as one of the most influential players of all time.
From his early days in The Yardbirds to his solo career, Beck consistently pushed the boundaries of what a guitar could do. Stepping into Eric Clapton’s shoes with The Yardbirds was no easy task, but Beck brought a style and flair uniquely his own. His mastery extended beyond rock, delving into blues, jazz, and fusion, leaving a trail of unforgettable riffs and solos.
Beck’s influence spans generations, inspiring countless musicians with his skill and creativity. His guitar solos are not just performances but masterclasses in emotion and technical brilliance. Let’s dive into three of Jeff Beck’s favorite solos that showcase the genius of this legendary artist.
A Silent Genius of Rock
Jeff Beck often worked behind the scenes, crafting some of rock and roll’s most unforgettable songs. While his time with The Yardbirds showcased his exceptional talent, he wasn’t one to seek the limelight. Fellow bandmate and drummer Chris Dreja once summed it up perfectly, saying, “Jeff was, and is, a fucking genius.”
Despite inevitable comparisons to Eric Clapton, there was no animosity between the two legends. Clapton himself referred to Beck as his “old nemesis” but spoke with deep admiration for his artistry. Beck’s unique style and dedication to his craft set him apart from his peers.
Clapton praised Beck’s unwavering focus, stating, “He’s either fixing his cars or playing the guitar.” Unlike others who strayed from their path, Beck remained consistent, staying true to his passion and earning his place as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Beck’s Inspirations
Clapton is among the many iconic guitarists who have voiced their admiration for Jeff Beck. Beck’s influence is so profound that he’s likely the favorite guitarist of many of your own guitar heroes—or at least a strong contender.
With a career as remarkable as his, it’s natural to wonder who inspired Beck himself. The former Yardbirds member, known for his groundbreaking style, left fans curious about his musical influences, especially after his passing.
Thankfully, in a 2011 interview with Terry Staunton for MusicRadar, Beck shared his thoughts on his favorite guitar solos. This rare insight offered a glimpse into the mind of one of rock’s greatest legends, revealing the moments that shaped his unparalleled artistry.
Jeff Beck’s Pick #1: “Race With The Devil” by Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps
Jeff Beck’s first pick, “Race With The Devil” by Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps, holds a special place in rock history. Though the 1950s track is often celebrated as a rockabilly precursor, Beck’s admiration was directed at the guitarist behind it, Cliff Gallup. This song marked one of Gallup’s final contributions before he left the band, stepping away from the spotlight for good.
Gallup’s career may have been brief and commercially modest, but his artistry left an indelible mark on Beck. For Beck, Gallup embodied a renegade spirit, focusing on creativity rather than chasing mainstream success. Beck saw this approach as a cornerstone of his own musical philosophy, making Gallup’s work even more significant.
“Cliff Gallup was an absolute genius,” Beck once said, marveling at Gallup’s instinctive brilliance. Gallup’s improvisational solos, particularly on this track, inspired Beck to hone his craft for months just to replicate their complexity. While Beck admitted few today match Gallup’s spontaneity, he suggested that Jack White might come closest to channeling his raw, instinctive energy.
Jeff Beck’s Pick #2: “Minor Blues” by Django Reinhardt
Jeff Beck always held Django Reinhardt in the highest regard. The Belgian guitarist had an unmatched ability to weave emotion and storytelling into his six strings, setting a standard that reshaped guitar playing forever. Without Reinhardt’s groundbreaking work, Beck believed the future of the instrument might have looked entirely different.
Reinhardt’s unconventional style became a powerful inspiration for Beck, who admired how Django brought intensity and creativity to his music. Beck described Reinhardt’s solo on “Minor Blues” as a masterpiece, blending the simplicity of a 12-bar blues with extraordinary lyrical flourishes that transformed it into something unique.
“He makes it sound like some kind of 18th-century chamber orchestra,” Beck once said. “It’s so beautifully crafted, full of incident and adventure.” For Beck, Reinhardt’s ability to reinvent the ordinary was nothing short of magical, cementing him as an eternal influence on guitarists everywhere.
Jeff Beck’s Pick #3: “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets
Jeff Beck’s final pick, “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets, might seem surprising to some. Haley isn’t often ranked among the greatest guitarists of the 1950s, and this oversight frustrates Beck. To him, the song’s brilliance lies not in its mainstream appeal but in its incredible guitar work.
Beck isn’t alone in appreciating the song’s influence. Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour once reflected, “Rock Around the Clock came out when I was ten, and that probably had something to do with why I started playing the guitar.” For Beck, Haley’s legacy has been unfairly overshadowed, partly because he lacked the charisma of stars like Elvis Presley or Eddie Cochran.
But Beck saw greatness in Haley’s band, especially guitarist Franny Beecher. “It’s pure, beastly rock ‘n’ roll,” Beck said, praising Beecher’s jazz-like solo at double speed and the striking chromatic run. While the lyrics may be simple and even a bit corny, Beck believed the guitar work elevated the song to a level of rock ‘n’ roll perfection.