Solo Guitar: Solar

 

Unpacking the Mystery of “Solar” on Solo Guitar

What makes a jazz standard truly timeless? Is it the melody, the harmony, or the stories behind the music? Today, I’m diving into Solar, a tune often attributed to Miles Davis but with a backstory that adds layers of intrigue to its legacy.

For this month’s solo guitar challenge, I’ve taken on Solar, a tune I’ve always loved playing. As part of this series, I create arrangements that balance melody and harmony—no backing tracks, no looping pedals, just me and the guitar. It’s been a rewarding challenge, and this tune is the perfect fit for exploring the beauty of simplicity.

Most of us know Solar as part of Miles Davis’ 1954 album, Miles Davis Quintet. This recording became the definitive version, with its clean lines and compelling modal vibe. Another famous rendition is Bill Evans’ live recording from the Village Vanguard in 1961, which showcases his signature interplay of harmonies and rhythm. But here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn.

The tune is officially credited to Miles Davis, copyrighted in 1963 by Prestige Music Company. Open any real book, and you’ll see his name at the bottom. Naturally, I assumed he composed it. But some musicians and jazz historians argue otherwise. In 2012, the Library of Congress uncovered a recording from 1946, where guitarist Chuck Wayne performed a tune called Sonny. This jam session piece was named after trumpeter Sonny Berman, who also played on the recording.

The melodies of Sonny and Solar are strikingly similar, though Miles altered the opening chord from major to minor, giving it the haunting quality we know today. If Chuck Wayne did indeed compose the melody, it adds a fascinating wrinkle to the legacy of Solar. Miles clearly made it his own, embedding the first two measures of the tune on his tombstone in 1991—a fitting homage to a piece so central to his artistry.

As a guitarist, working on Solar has been a joy and a challenge. Its fluid lines and harmonic structure make it a rewarding study in blending melody and chords seamlessly. This is the kind of tune that reminds me why I love jazz: its history, its evolution, and its power to inspire musicians across generations.

I’m keeping things casual today, sporting a watch with its own sentimental history. It’s a Relic timepiece—a high school graduation gift from my parents. Though this exact model isn’t available anymore, it serves as a reminder of the connections and memories tied to music and life.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive into this iconic piece of jazz history. Click play and join me for my solo guitar rendition of Solar. CLICK HERE

JS
 jonshields.org
 guitarbook.org

*note - part or all of this article may have been written with AI.

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