Green Onions Lead Guitar

[scottser]

Green Onions didn't have a "side" initially or a "name" when it first aired according to Steve Cropper.
It was an instant success and people called in for it.
There was a label change to get the 45 to market, based on the instant success.
Yes, there was another side to it, but green onions carried the day, according to Steve.

The track was originally issued in May 1962 on the Volt label (a subsidiary of Stax Records) as the B-side of "Behave Yourself" on Volt 102; it was quickly reissued in August 1962 as the A-side of Stax 127, and it also appeared on the album Green Onions that same year.[1]

According to wiki

 

[WWLaidback]

The track was originally issued in May 1962 on the Volt label (a subsidiary of Stax Records) as the B-side of "Behave Yourself" on Volt 102; it was quickly reissued in August 1962 as the A-side of Stax 127, and it also appeared on the album Green Onions that same year.[1]

According to wiki

Something like that, here's the Hall of Fame story.
"Behave Yourself" was dropped from the biggie-sized label:

 

[Chiogtr4x]

I don't know what that really means.
Zakk Wylde is on the cover of my Guitar Player magazine
Is he mature enough?

Maybe just a reference to my own reality of the gigs I play- and OP subject of soloing ( long) of "Green Onions"
- that it takes maturity to know your ( my) audience does NOT want to hear this...it's not just about the guitar soloing-

- nothing to do with Zakk Wilde or anyone else

 

[WWLaidback]

Laying down a funky groove like that is waaaaay more challenging than doing the weedlywee up on the no-money part of the neck.

No-money part of the neck, you mean like this 36-fret Hamer virtuoso, played by a space alien with spidery fingers, LOL

 

[WWLaidback]

Maybe just a reference to my own reality of the gigs I play- and OP subject of soloing ( long) of "Green Onions"
- that it takes maturity to know your ( my) audience does NOT want to hear this...it's not just about the guitar soloing-

- nothing to do with Zakk Wilde or anyone else

I thought the keyboards made the day myself.
I've heard good keyborad players extend it very well, but no guitarist, yet.
I didn't realize it was a maturity issue.
Yeah, Maybe I'm too old.

 

[WWLaidback]

Maybe just a reference to my own reality of the gigs I play- and OP subject of soloing ( long) of "Green Onions"
- that it takes maturity to know your ( my) audience does NOT want to hear this...it's not just about the guitar soloing-

- nothing to do with Zakk Wilde or anyone else

I appreciate the context.
I was thinking about a reboot on rock and roll, but the younger audience wouldn't like it, I guess.
Are we doomed to Taylor Swift, etc?

Here's my intro to my interpretation of "been a long time since rock and roll", by Led Zeppelin.
THis is me, being "too mature"
I did not intend a guitar wangfest but it will have a bunchof double-stops in the rest of the song, like something Billy Squire would do:

 

[Chiogtr4x]

I thought the keyboards made the day myself.
I've heard good keyborad players extend it very well, but no guitarist, yet.
I didn't realize it was a maturity issue.
Yeah, Maybe I'm too old.

Well, once again,
my point was NOT on the player's ( in this case a guitar) ability to do an extended ( creative ) solo on " Green Onions" ( or pick ANY song!)
It's whether folks in the venue want to hear that or not.
That's what I meant by 'maturity'- you pick your moments...

I just assumed folks understood that from my 1st post.

 

[WWLaidback]

Well, once again,
my point was NOT on the player's ( in this case a guitar) ability to do an extended ( creative ) solo on " Green Onions" ( or pick ANY song!)
It's whether folks in the venue want to hear that or not.
That's what I meant by 'maturity'- you pick your moments...

I just assumed folks understood that from my 1st post.

Yeah I was kinda wondering, like what do people like when they grow up?
The Johnny Winter logo had me wondering.
Texas blues is my favorite kind of blues.
and now a word from our sponsor... Mr. Wangalang himself.

 

[WWLaidback]

Now that's my kinda mature....

 

[WWLaidback]

Well, once again,
my point was NOT on the player's ( in this case a guitar) ability to do an extended ( creative ) solo on " Green Onions" ( or pick ANY song!)
It's whether folks in the venue want to hear that or not.
That's what I meant by 'maturity'- you pick your moments...

I just assumed folks understood that from my 1st post.

are the chicks "too mature" here?
maybe a bit sleazy??

 

[WWLaidback]

Angus Young in the No money zone. LOL

 

[David Barnett]

It really bugs me that Buchanan doesn't play the bit where Cropper plays C against Jones' F, Eb against Bb, and F against C. That choppy little rhythm guitar part makes the song.

 

[billy logan]

An 8-minute Green Onions could work if you treat it like Bolero. Just arrange it so it goes somewhere. Collectively channel your inner Maurice Ravel for a Memphis Soul Bolero. Key changes optional, ime

I think @nickmm said the magic word back in post #12, "Interaction"

AND WHILE I'M AT IT! iirc Sonny Boy Williamson wrote "Help Me" after hearing "Green Onions.

Check out Jr. Wells' version also

 

[twangjeff]

...some people.

 

[pixeljammer]

 

[pixeljammer]

 

[Mike M]

First of, they were called "Booker T. & The MGs", NOT "Steve Cropper & The MGs", and where always more of a avenue for Booker's solos and playing rather than Steve's, who was part of the Rhythm Section, and not a guitar hero.

And as its been pointed out, they were musicians of the highest order, and played real songs, like the below, and were not wankers.

Go to the Sam & Dave part, right before the 8 minute mark to see Steve shine.

​

 

[pixeljammer]

Pretty interesting version, with mumbly, abbreviated guitar part:

 

[WWLaidback]

Pretty interesting version, with mumbly, abbreviated guitar part:

a guitar passing gas. LOL

 

[Marshallfender]

Love the original. Love Roy’s version. I think Cropper & Dunn liked Roy’s version too being that they played on it.