Dickey Betts' Greatest Guitar Solo of All Time

I recently got into a spirited discussion with one of my subscribers on the subject of Dickey Betts. He was of the opinion that Duane was a more creative and complex guitarist. I understand what he’s getting at, but that doesn't tell the whole story. I thought my response was on point so I'll re-state it here:

“I think it's fair to say that Duane made more unusual and surprising choices in terms of note selection and rhythmic motifs whereas Dickey took a more linear approach. But Dickey was every bit Duane’s equal in terms of technical ability. And if you don’t believe that, listen to Dickey’s solo breakdown on “You Don’t Love Me” from 6/27/71 at the Fillmore East. It’s a bootleg, but worth finding. Frankly Duane couldn’t have hung with that fiery display of speed and dexterity and he knew it. Duane’s gift was quirky inventiveness and uncanny intonation. But it’s not a race to me anyway. It’s just music, and Dickey and Duane are simply different colors of the same rainbow. Neither better than the other, just equally beautiful.”

Dickey Betts came from a Western Swing and Bluegrass background; two very unforgiving genres with rigid rules and lofty expectations. Dickey set his own bar very high and it showed in his playing. Frankly, Dickey was a more accurate player than Duane, and this was very obvious in his faster passages. Nothing illustrates this point better than Dickey’s free-time solo in You Don’t Love Me. The official album version from At Fillmore East is legendary, but not his best performance by far. After years of listening to as many Allman Brothers recordings as possible, I believe that Dickey’s playing from 6/27/71 sets the high water mark.

This was the last show at the Fillmore East and the boys were *on fire*. Even the most untrained ear can hear that the band had obviously eaten their “Wheaties” that morning and the playing is inspired. Don’t forget, this is the show that yielded the absolutely blistering version of “One Way Out” that appeared on Eat A Peach less than a year later. In any event, take a listen to this solo and see what you think. I’m yet to hear anything that tops this and I’m always left slack jawed after hearing it. When I was a kid, I wanted to be Dickey Betts when I grew up. I still do.

Many thanks to my friend Kathy Hurley for the photo of Dickey that appears in the video thumbnail and also later in the video. She was there to click the shutter when it mattered most. That photo was taken at The Steel Pier in Atlantic City, NJ ~ 7/5/71. Look for an upcoming book from Kathy that I will promote here.

PS - If you dig the Allmans, you might enjoy the ABB tribute band I play in called SKYDOG. We pride ourselves on being as authentic as humanly possible. Come say hi at our website or Facebook!

Cheers ~VW

[VirtualWoodshed]

So great to see all the love for Dickey and the ABB in these comments! Folks, I gave the video a provocative title to get you guys talking, and it appears to have worked! I realize other people may like another Dickey solo better than this one, and that’s great! Feel free to post a link to your own favorite in the comments below. Long live Dickey Betts! 🤘🍑 🍄

[etb]

R.I.P. to one of the greatest ever. Thank you, Dickey Betts.

[davidterry]

The whole world owes Mr Betts a standing ovation.

[thequeensmother]

So damn much talent in this band. There will never be another Allman Brothers Band.

[marysumner]

"Fillmore wore that album out in the 70's!!

[XxSkydogxX]

This is a perfect example of how someone has full control over their instrument. Duane Allman and Dickey Betts will go down as two of greatest guitarists in music history.

[moonmunster]

I really like what you say: "It’s just music, and Dickey and Duane are simply different colors of the same rainbow. Neither better than the other, just equally beautiful.”

There are so many excellent players. Just different colors, none better or worse.
It's a great time to be alive with recording technology. We get to hear all the great players even if it was before we were born.

[mikesolomon]

There is no question, that among us guitarists, that Dickey Betts is one of THE Greatest guitarists of ALL Time...I mean EVER. He has the rare, uncanny ability to fuse blues, country, jazz, rock, folk, old & contemporary western swing, and meld it into something uniquely his own sound, and turn on a dime. He's is, like Duane was too, an Incredible rhythm player...his solos are so melodic and flowing....I have been listening closely to he and Duane since 1970..and to this day their play together as a duo is unmatched by anyone. They are a Master Class in how Dual Guitarists in a Band can and should work together, how to play together, off each other, call & response, and not step on another's toes...Dickey was the Perfect foil for Duane, and vice a versa. I am still blown away by Dickey's composition of Elizabeth Reed, Jessica, Les Bres in A minor, and his solo work on Stormy Monday, You Don't Love Me, One Way Out plus his dobro work on Pony Boy...Dickey is REALLY, REALLY SPECIAL !

[morroyce]

Rest In Peace, legend. Your legacy, like your music, will live on forever.

[bme]

My absolute most favorite guitarist of all time. God bless Dickey Betts ❤

[johncarroll]

RIP Dickey, one hell of a guitar player! My personal favorite. Will never tire of Blue Sky, Jessica, and so many others. Thank you for the great music.

[jamiemartin]

My dad took me to see Allman brothers when I was 7. They played on a flatbed truck. That shit was awesome. Still a fan 41 years later.

[TheNaturalust]

Who doesn’t remember exactly where they were when someone put on The Allman Brothers at Fillmore East record for the first time? Guitars never sounded so out front and special. I’ve never been the same. A pro guitarist for over 35 years now. Thank you Dickey for what you gave me!

[delboyrams]

Dickey Betts is a magical guitarist and deserves so much more recognition. Just amazing listen in awe of a master .rock on mr betts

[brianwells]

You Don't Love Me off that album floored me when I bought the album in 71' and it still does today!❤

[jeffsilverman]

Dickey is a force to be reckoned with. Not only did he step up after Duane and Berry died to literally save this great band, but he did so much more. Highway Call is still on my regular playlist, and the night I saw Great Southern over forty years ago he was blistering. But it was in 1991 that he and Warren Haynes and the late Allen Woody made The Allman Brothers whole again. It was the concert for Shades Of Two Worlds, and they took it to a level I didn't realize even existed. I admire few people as much as Dickey. It's nice to be here among like minded folks.

[CliffDHall]

I'm almost 50 years old and I'm still finding music from the 60s, 70s, that I just have missed along the way. Thx for sharing

[sueellenmcgoey]

How can one man be so beautiful and talented?
Long live Dickey Betts❤❤❤

[charleshill]

Been playing guitar 54 years. Thank god two of my biggest influences early on, and till this day, were Duane and Dickey. Many many hours studying and learning their parts. Slide aside, they were different but like partially overlapping circles they met in the middle. I don't find much major pentatonic use in Duane's recordings prior to Dickey, but he excelled in it (Blue Sky). Each had their particular gifts. I humbly say I find Dickey's style easier to play than Duane's. And after all these years, I'm still chasing both.

[rickhocks]

I've heard this solo many times, but I just listened twice - it's SO GOOD!!! Also at this closing of the Fillmore East concert is the version of "One Way Out" heard on EAT A PEACH - Dickey's solo in the middle of that version is another awe-inspiring guitar passage ... Dickey (always a great guitarist) was truly on fire that night!!! After Duane died, it was Dickey more than any other single Brother who pulled them through the next five years ...