Every guitarist craves a challenge when stepping into the studio. It’s not just about strumming the same chords over and over.
John Lennon understood this well; he often explored beyond the typical bluesy framework with The Beatles.
Yet, when he returned to familiar territory, he found the song “Blue Suede Shoes” daunting.
First, we must ask: was Lennon even a good guitarist? Critics often argue he relied on a handful of chords to reach stardom.
However, upon revisiting his tracks, you can hear his rhythmic discipline, particularly in the intricate strumming patterns of songs like “All My Loving.”
Lennon wasn’t shy about soloing, either. His chaotic solo in “You Can’t Do That” showcased his skill, while his overdriven guitar work in “The End” featured some of the most memorable licks, especially the bluesy riffs on the lower strings.
However, it’s clear why George Harrison often took the lead on covers. While Lennon idolized Chuck Berry, it was Harrison who made their renditions of songs like “Roll Over Beethoven” truly jump.
Though “Blue Suede Shoes” never made it to a studio release, it remains an intriguing piece of their history.
Listening to The Beatles tackle this classic feels like it should have been a showcase for Harrison. He was a big fan of Elvis Presley and considered Carl Perkins his musical hero, even performing covers like “Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby” on their albums.
During their sessions, the band ran through “Blue Suede Shoes,” but Lennon struggled with the solo.
He reflected, “It took me about two years, on and off, to be able to strum tunes without thinking. I think I had one lesson, but it was so much like school that I gave up.
I learned mostly by picking up bits here and there… I learned the solos on ‘Johnny B. Goode’ and ‘Carol,’ but I couldn’t play the one on ‘Blue Suede Shoes.’”
While some might label Lennon a poor guitarist for stepping back, his talents flourished elsewhere.
He recognized he may never play like Perkins or Berry, but that didn’t deter him. Instead, he focused on honing his craft and creating timeless songs like “Imagine” and “A Day in the Life.”
That said, he didn’t shy away from incorporating blues licks into his music, as evidenced in “Get Back.”Lennon was evolving as a songwriter, but that didn’t mean he was constantly unleashing blazing guitar solos.
