In My Place, Violet Hill. I always air guitar to those.

Just asking, not in any condescending way, but do you realize that the solo in In My Place the exact same riff Jonny plays at the beginning of the song? I've been a musician so long I don't even remember what it's like to not musically analyze everything I hear.

Well what do you mean by 'bridge part' in Spies? If you're referring to what he plays while Chris sings "and if we don't hide here...", that's just the notes of the chords being plucked in tremolo (rapidly). Hardly a 'solo'. And if you're referring to what he plays right after Chris finishes singing the bridge part, he's just playing his chorus part again (what he plays after "they're all spies"), and it's just a few notes at that. He doesn't have much of a solo.

 

And in Lovers I think you're referring to what he plays after the second chorus? If so, there are several overlapping guitar parts, but basically it is a combination of the tremolo he plays throughout, with a new addition of some strummed power chords. Again, not much of a solo, more like a filler part.

I'm talking about the tremolo picking, and its far more effective in those respective songs than some blues improv would be. I get what you mean, but Jonny said himself he's more preoccupied with atmospherics, and the way many coldplay songs are arranged, a solo that 'breaks out' may detract from the song's energy and impact. What I loved so much about his style in parachutes is that his guitar arrangements were both modest and melodic, beautifully engrained into and enhancing the overall song with-out slowing it down or becoming indulgent. The chords and energy of the songs were such that they didn't need a big solo, but were in fact, much more powerful without one. nd while I'd love him to branch out and do more, sometimes less is more, and some songs I wouldn't want any other way.

It's kind of funny yet kind of sad how much of a stretch some of these 'solos' are. Most of them are just the song's lead part played again (ie Spies, Lovers In Japan). Few songs really have Jonny break out and play something noticeable and different (Violet Hill, AROBTTH Live 03).

Well you certainly have a point...

 

 

Chinese Sleep Chant is cool

oh, completely forgot about CSC! that's in my top 5 for jonny

I'm talking about the tremolo picking, and its far more effective in those respective songs than some blues improv would be. I get what you mean, but Jonny said himself he's more preoccupied with atmospherics, and the way many coldplay songs are arranged, a solo that 'breaks out' may detract from the song's energy and impact. What I loved so much about his style in parachutes is that his guitar arrangements were both modest and melodic, beautifully engrained into and enhancing the overall song with-out slowing it down or becoming indulgent. The chords and energy of the songs were such that they didn't need a big solo, but were in fact, much more powerful without one. nd while I'd love him to branch out and do more, sometimes less is more, and some songs I wouldn't want any other way.

Tremolo picking like he does in those songs isn't a solo. It's just a lead part. 'Solo' implies the guitar is the focused instrument at that part, and it takes a lead while all the other parts play rhythm. In Spies, he is doing his tremolo while Chris is singing the climax of the song. It can't be a solo if it's just support for vocals.

oh, completely forgot about CSC! that's in my top 5 for jonny

That one is a good solo.

Tremolo picking like he does in those songs isn't a solo. It's just a lead part. 'Solo' implies the guitar is the focused instrument at that part, and it takes a lead while all the other parts play rhythm. In Spies, he is doing his tremolo while Chris is singing the climax of the song. It can't be a solo if it's just support for vocals.

that's very true, but its still a really awesome bridge.

that's very true, but its still a really awesome bridge.

Bridge yes. I agree. In fact I think as far as writing lead parts goes, Jonny is one of the better guitarists today. You never hear just simple power chords, he always finds some unique way of giving each and every song a life of its own through his amazing lead parts.

 

But as far as solos go, he does very little to nothing in most songs. If this thread was asking about lead parts, I could list song after song that I consider to be awesoment Coldplay lead parts of life. :rolleyes:

I personally like the fact that Jonny doesn't "solo". There is this mindset in music that solos are "awesome" a real "Crowd pleaser". For me its a yawn-fest after about 10-15 seconds. Sure its great that you can play really fast, but does it really sound that good? Compare the sound of a "solo" to the atmospheric sounds of "Lovers In Japan" or the crisp riff of "Spies" (one of Coldplay's best songs). There is no comparison. Maybe I am a buzz kill or maybe its because I play more like Jonny, which is not for speed....but playing fast bores me.

 

And if you are going to play pentatonic scales...give me BB King over Van Halen or Guns and Roses. That 80's hair metal shit is so played out.

Well not all solos are just a mindless speed-fest. I'm thinking solos like he has in AROBTTH Live 03. Short, and amazing (especially with his using the slide), and a great addition to the song.

 

You mentioned BB King. A great point; BB King's solos are less-is-more type solos, carefully selected notes that put together a voice of their own. That's what makes a good solo, and that's what I think Jonny is capable of, and should do more often.

Just asking, not in any condescending way, but do you realize that the solo in In My Place the exact same riff Jonny plays at the beginning of the song? I've been a musician so long I don't even remember what it's like to not musically analyze everything I hear.

 

Yeah. But I still love that bit. :)

 

And if you are going to play pentatonic scales...give me BB King over Van Halen or Guns and Roses. That 80's hair metal shit is so played out.

 

100% agree...but In My Place is built off a pentatonic. Thats why its so simple, yet so amazing.

 

Jonny doesnt really have to many solo's, and I agree, it adds more than it takes away. He has his moments where his less is more guitar is amazing. You have In My Place, when played live it is spine tingling.

 

Talk, yet again simple, but powerful. Violet Hill, same thing.

 

You want good blues solos, go pick up some John Mayer Trio, mind blowing stuff.

I heart John Mayer live, and yeah, by solo I meant more whatever guitar part comes after the second chorus, that isn't part of the main riff. in which case Bigger Stronger is still my vote (just remembered murder has a good bit too). In My Place doesn't really count and Iwish they could've done something slightly more creative with it. GPASUYF is more forgivable because, at least during the twisted logic tour, Jonny would step on some epic fx combinations and rock out, creating a different sensation.

You want good blues solos, go pick up some John Mayer Trio, mind blowing stuff.

+1

 

 

I heart John Mayer live, and yeah, by solo I meant more whatever guitar part comes after the second chorus, that isn't part of the main riff. in which case Bigger Stronger is still my vote (just remembered murder has a good bit too). In My Place doesn't really count and Iwish they could've done something slightly more creative with it. GPASUYF is more forgivable because, at least during the twisted logic tour, Jonny would step on some epic fx combinations and rock out, creating a different sensation.

Well then you're referring to his bridge parts, not necessarily solos.

 

And I agree about GPASUYF live.

I know, but there are so few 'actual' Jonny solos that I simply assumed the original poster was using the term very very loosely :P

I know, but there are so few 'actual' Jonny solos that I simply assumed the original poster was using the term very very loosely :P

Well most people do use the term solo loosely, especially when referring to Coldplay since there aren't many solos.

 

I have just been migrating towards different music than Coldplay a lot lately, and one of the reason why is a lack of Jonny rippin a few good solos. Coldplay music can seem a little dull when compared against even Radiohead or The Frames, who have amazing solos that make the songs a million times better.

Jonny is good for creating atmospheric sounds and good arrangements with guitar, but sometimes I wish he did good solos, I mean not like Slash but something nice, like Gilmour, not necessarily that long but something that adds the song a nice touch

Jonny is good for creating atmospheric sounds and good arrangements with guitar, but sometimes I wish he did good solos, I mean not like Slash but something nice, like Gilmour, not necessarily that long but something that adds the song a nice touch

THISSSSSSSSSSSSS

not intending to upset resident u2 haters, but the Edge would be a good model for Jonny to work towards in that respect. Himself admitting to being more of a support than a shredder but still being able to stitch together some great solos a-la bullet the blue sky, the fly, all because of you, unknown caller, walk on, sunday bloody sunday etc.. Like it or not they have a great deal in common in many respects.

not intending to upset resident u2 haters, but the Edge would be a good model for Jonny to work towards in that respect. Himself admitting to being more of a support than a shredder but still being able to stitch together some great solos a-la bullet the blue sky, the fly, all because of you, unknown caller, walk on, sunday bloody sunday etc.. Like it or not they have a great deal in common in many respects.

I agree completely. And that's what I envision Jonny could be like.

not intending to upset resident u2 haters, but the Edge would be a good model for Jonny to work towards in that respect. Himself admitting to being more of a support than a shredder but still being able to stitch together some great solos a-la bullet the blue sky, the fly, all because of you, unknown caller, walk on, sunday bloody sunday etc.. Like it or not they have a great deal in common in many respects.

I agree

I know, but there are so few 'actual' Jonny solos that I simply assumed the original poster was using the term very very loosely :P

 

Ha, yeah, I really meant any part where the guitar is semi-prominent and sounds nice :P

I think Jon is already a step a head of Edge at this point in his career. But I dont think Jon has Edge's genius. Listen to Bad and tell me you heard that before anywhere, even with Floyd. Edge changed what guitar is to a lot of musicians.

I think Jon has clearly been influenced by the edge's playing in the past. the AROBTTH era songs especially... GPASUYF has been compared to last night on earth, One I Love is a straight rip-off of U2 'boy' era songs, and In My Place has a very distinct ringing sound.

Lovers In Japan is practically a U2 song as far as the guitar and drums and vocals.