Johnny B. Goode - Solo by Chuck Berry

The guitar solo in Johnny B. Goode by Chuck Berry is one of the most iconic and influential lead guitar passages in rock 'n' roll history. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson for the Johnny B. Goode - Solo is designed to give guitarists an authentic experience in mastering the foundational techniques that shaped modern rock guitar. This lesson dives deep into the legendary licks and rhythmic swagger of the solo, equipping players with a toolkit of essential techniques that continue to influence generations of guitarists. Danny Gill breaks down this classic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry was not just a performer—he was a pioneer. As one of the founding fathers of rock ‘n’ roll, Berry combined rhythm and blues with sharp lyrical wit and driving guitar riffs. His distinctive double-stop-heavy lead style and showmanship helped define the sound and image of the electric guitar in popular music. Berry’s influence stretches across generations, from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to modern guitar heroes like Angus Young of AC/DC. His ability to turn catchy melodies into blistering solos made him a trailblazer and a must-study figure for any serious guitarist.

Lesson Focus: Solo Breakdown

Our Johnny B. Goode - Solo lesson walks students through every note of the classic lead part with detailed instruction, ensuring that even the most intricate licks are clearly explained and demonstrated. The solo is bursting with classic techniques that continue to be cornerstones in blues and rock guitar playing.

1. Double Stops

One of Chuck Berry’s signature moves, double stops appear throughout the solo. This technique involves playing two notes simultaneously, often in thirds or fourths. Mastering double stops adds harmonic richness to your lead playing and helps emulate that vintage rock ‘n’ roll tone.

Benefit: Learning double stops will give your solos a fuller sound and a more expressive dynamic—especially useful in blues and early rock styles.

2. String Bending

Berry’s bends are soulful, punchy, and serve as emotional punctuation throughout the solo. From full-step bends to microtonal bluesy bends, the solo provides a masterclass in bending for feel and pitch control.

Benefit: Practicing string bending enhances pitch accuracy and improves ear training, crucial for expressive soloing.

3. Slides

Slides create a smooth and fluid transition between notes, and they are used in the solo to add swagger and connect phrases seamlessly.

Benefit: Slides help with fretboard navigation and phrasing, bringing smoothness and fluidity to your solos.

4. Vibrato

Berry uses quick, sharp vibrato at the end of several phrases to give sustain and energy to the notes.

Benefit: Developing your vibrato adds emotional depth to your playing and enhances sustain, making solos sound more professional and polished.

5. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato techniques appear throughout the solo, often used to create fast, flowing passages without needing to pick every note.

Benefit: Hammer-ons and pull-offs increase your speed and efficiency on the fretboard, essential for smooth lead playing.

6. Trills

Berry occasionally throws in trills—rapid alternation between two adjacent notes—for added excitement and tension in the solo.

Benefit: Trills improve finger strength and control, and add flair to your lead lines.

7. Bluesy Bends

Berry’s style is deeply rooted in the blues, and his bends often lean into a blues scale feel, adding that unmistakable character.

Benefit: Mastering bluesy bends deepens your expressive vocabulary and adds authenticity to your blues and rock phrasing.

Why This Lesson Matters

Learning the Johnny B. Goode - Solo is more than just learning a famous guitar part—it’s an education in the DNA of rock guitar. These techniques form the backbone of countless classic solos, and studying them in this legendary context builds foundational skills that every guitarist should have. Whether you're a beginner aiming to expand your soloing chops or an intermediate player refining your classic rock repertoire, this lesson is a crucial step in your guitar journey.

By studying Chuck Berry’s approach note-for-note, you’ll absorb phrasing, timing, and the emotive nuances that elevate a solo from good to unforgettable. Every technique covered is broken down slowly and clearly, ensuring you can learn at your own pace and nail the authentic sound.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Trills
• Bluesy Bends

Ready to take your playing to the next level? Dive into the Johnny B. Goode - Solo lesson today and unlock the timeless techniques of Chuck Berry’s revolutionary guitar work.