Let's break down the iconic guitar solo in The Knack's "My Sharona." Here's a close analysis, including some techniques and suggestions for learning it:

General Notes

Key: The song, and therefore the solo, is in E minor.
Guitar: Berton Averre, the guitarist, used a Gibson SG for that classic bite.
Technique: The solo primarily relies on the E minor pentatonic scale. There are plenty of double-stops (playing two notes at once) and rakes for extra flavor.
The Solo

Here's a basic breakdown along with some playing tips:

Intro Riff: The solo starts by repeating the main rhythmic hook of the song, using double stops and emphasizing the root note (E).
Pentatonic Climb: He ascends through the E minor pentatonic using legato phrasing (smooth transitions between notes). Think of it as running up the scale in pairs.
Bends and Rakes: A series of bends and rakes injects a bluesy feel. A rake is a quick downward swipe across two or more strings.
Vibrato: Berton Averre uses noticeable vibrato (shaking the note to alter pitch slightly) throughout the solo to add expressiveness.
More Double Stops: Further use of double-stops for a thick sound, playing around the pentatonic scale's familiar patterns.
High Bend and Release: A big bend on the high E string and its gradual release add a climactic feel.
Return to the Rhythm: The solo finishes by reiterating that opening riff for a cyclical effect.
Learning the Solo

Pentatonic Mastery: Make sure you're absolutely comfortable with the E minor pentatonic scale. Practice it up and down in different positions.
Slow and Steady: Begin by transcribing the solo (or finding a tab online). Work on small sections individually, slowly increasing the tempo until you're up to speed.
Focus on Phrasing: The solo isn't complex technically, so pay close attention to how Averre bends the notes and uses vibrato. That's where its personality lies.
Raking Practice: If you're new to rakes, practice them in isolation to get a feel for the technique.
YouTube Resources

Search these titles on YouTube to find some great tutorials to help you out:

"How to play the [Guitar SOLO] of MY SHARONA (The Knack) - Lesson | Tab / Tutorial / Cover"
"My Sharona - The Knack Guitar Solo"

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