Song of the Day: Maggot Brain (by Funkadelic)

The latest “Song of the Day” is “Maggot Brain,” released by the funk rock band Funkadelic. The guitar solo starts around the 2:11 mark and instantly sets the tone for the track with raw emotion and vulnerability. This solo is deeply expressive, as if the guitarist is channeling powerful feelings through each note, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience.

George Clinton, the band’s visionary leader, played a crucial role in shaping the song’s sound and atmosphere. He encouraged the guitarist to tap into deep personal emotions while playing and made production choices—such as reducing other instruments in the mix and enhancing echo effects—that gave the solo an eerie, spacious, and haunting quality. Clinton’s guidance helped frame the solo as a centerpiece of the track, turning it into a profound musical statement full of emotional weight.

What stands out about the solo is its blend of restraint and intensity. Rather than relying on flashy technical skills, the guitarist uses space and sustained notes to tell a story of inner struggle and reflection. As the solo fades and the band softly returns, the song shifts from deep pain toward a fragile sense of hope. Spanning nearly the entire 10 minutes, this solo remains a masterclass in emotional storytelling through music, marking “Maggot Brain” as a timeless work in Funkadelic’s catalog.

Maggot Brain

Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time
For y’all have knocked her up
I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe
I was not offended
For I knew I had to rise above it all
Or drown in my own shit

Come on Maggot Brain
Go on Maggot Brain

(guitar solo)

Great Guitar Solos Series