The Beatles Guitar Solo Paul McCartney Called His Best: “That’s Pretty Good”Written by George Harrison and released as the opening track on the 1966 Revolver album,
In the vast and storied catalogue of The Beatles, filled with innovation, genius songwriting, and groundbreaking production, there exists a moment that even Sir Paul McCartney himself calls one of the band’s finest guitar solos. It’s not found on a flashy hit single or in the middle of a long psychedelic jam. Instead, it’s tucked into a song that’s often revered but sometimes overshadowed by the band’s more commercially massive hits. That song is “Taxman,” and the solo, played by McCartney, left even him saying with characteristic modesty: “That’s pretty good.”
Written by George Harrison and released as the opening track on the 1966 Revolver album, “Taxman” is a biting commentary on Britain’s high tax rates. It marked a turning point for Harrison as a songwriter, but the blistering solo that steals the spotlight belongs to Paul McCartney—showcasing a rarely spotlighted side of his musicality.
McCartney, best known for his melodic basslines, vocals, and songwriting brilliance, occasionally stepped out as a lead guitarist during The Beatles’ years. While Harrison was officially the band’s lead guitarist, McCartney was no slouch when it came to six-string prowess. And on “Taxman,” when the band was searching for a certain punch and flair, McCartney picked up his Epiphone Casino and laid down what would become one of the most celebrated Beatles guitar solos.
A Surprising Studio Moment
The story of the solo begins at EMI Studios in London in April 1966. According to multiple accounts—including those by producer George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick—George Harrison was struggling to find the right tone and phrasing for the solo. The band, never ones to waste studio time, decided to let Paul give it a go.
Paul, known for his quick adaptability in the studio, stepped in and delivered the searing solo in just a few takes. Played with a bluesy aggression and precise melodic phrasing, the solo slices through the track with authority and flair, echoing early rock and roll while sounding modern even today.
Years later, McCartney would look back on that recording with fondness. In interviews, including one with Guitar World, he spoke candidly: “George was having a bit of trouble with that one, so I just said, ‘Let me give it a go,’ and plugged in. And yeah, that one turned out quite well. That’s pretty good.”
For a musician of McCartney’s stature, who played on hundreds of classic records and wrote some of the most beloved songs in music history, such an endorsement holds weight.
Revered By Guitarists
The “Taxman” solo has been analyzed and revered by guitarists and musicologists for decades. It’s aggressive, bold, and uncharacteristically raw for a Beatles record at the time. It opens with a hammering bent note, flows through bluesy licks, and wraps up with a melodic flourish that perfectly bridges the gap between British rock and American rhythm and blues.
It was also one of the early signs of Revolver’s more adventurous spirit. The album marked the beginning of The Beatles’ transformation from mop-topped pop stars to serious studio innovators, and “Taxman” set the tone with its political lyrics, snarling vocals, and muscular instrumentation.
Music critics frequently rank the solo among the band’s best. Rolling Stone included it in their list of greatest Beatles guitar moments, while Guitar Player magazine called it “a masterclass in economy and bite.”
A Testament to Versatility
What makes the solo even more notable is how it showcases McCartney’s incredible musical flexibility. He was never content to stay in a single role. Whether playing bass, drums (as on “Back in the U.S.S.R.”), piano, or lead guitar, McCartney’s instinct and talent always elevated the material.
That adaptability helped The Beatles push boundaries with each album. While Harrison would go on to craft iconic solos of his own—most notably on “Something” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”—“Taxman” remains a curious and compelling instance where McCartney filled in brilliantly.
Legacy of “That’s Pretty Good”
Today, “Taxman” stands as more than just an opening track or an early protest anthem. It’s a showcase of collaboration, humility, and the unspoken synergy between McCartney and Harrison—even when Paul was stepping into George’s usual territory.
For fans and musicians alike, knowing that Paul McCartney regards that moment as one of his best guitar contributions adds a new layer of appreciation. It’s a reminder that The Beatles weren’t just about writing great songs; they were about creating unforgettable musical moments—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
And if Paul himself says, “That’s pretty good,” you can be sure it’s something special.
