3 Jam Band Guitar Solos That Might Actually Make You Tear Up

When music fans think of the jam band genre, they likely think of acoustic guitars, mandolins, and songs that can go on for five, 10, 15, or even 20 minutes. Seen live, jam bands can really extend numbers and get their fans to almost transcend time and space as they enjoy the improvisation.

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Sometimes that means creating epic guitar solos. And sometimes that means playing solos that can just get your emotional core to crumble. Here below, we wanted to delve into three songs that exhibit just that. Indeed, these are three jam band guitar solos that might actually make you tear up.

[RELATED: 3 Live Jam Band Albums That Show What Improvisation Is All About]

“Wading in the Velvet Sea” by Phish from The Story of the Ghost (1998)

A touching, beautiful song by the Vermont-born jam band Phish, this 1998 track from their LP The Story of a Ghost includes something of a mellow chant. The band sings: I’ve been wading in the velvet sea, which can also be heard as: I’ve been waiting in the velvet sea. But what are they waiting for, or wading through? Well, lead guitarist Trey Anastasio plays his instrument and has the song climax and culminate. The guitar solo has such great feel to it that it might just give you the shivers. Then you might go look for the velvet sea in order to have a good cry!

“Cortez, The Killer” by Dave Matthews Band from The Central Park Concert (2003)

This live song is a cover of a Neil Young track and when played by Dave Matthews Band and Warren Haynes in the middle of Central Park to about a million fans, the result is quite moving. Haynes takes it to such great heights it feels as if he and the listeners leave their bodies for a moment and lift up to the sky like a rain cloud. If you get lost enough you might even let some tears fall down like rain. The song has so much tension and release it could be taught in a rock music class called How To Put Your Audiences in the Palm of Your Hand.

“Help on the Way / Slipknot” by the Grateful Dead from Blues for Allah (1975)

Often played live, these two songs—which are often combined during shows with the track “Franklin’s Tower”—display the Grateful Dead’s knack for harmony, emotive musicianship, and sonic surprise. Lead singer and guitar player Jerry Garcia has his guitar bend and twist and, combined with the backing harmonies, might just make you time travel. It’s almost like a seance where you commune with folks from your family tree from generations back. That’s the magic of this Bay Area-born jam band.

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