Paul McCartney has always been known for his versatility in The Beatles, starting out on rhythm guitar before switching to bass and also contributing vocals and songwriting. While often celebrated as a bassist and singer, McCartney occasionally stepped into other roles—including playing drums and even lead guitar. One standout moment was on the track ‘Taxman’, where McCartney played the solo, a role usually reserved for George Harrison.
When asked about his favorite guitar solo from his discography, McCartney didn’t hesitate, saying, “What immediately comes to mind is the ‘Taxman’ solo.”
Interestingly, the solo came at a time when his relationship with Harrison was strained. Lennon once explained, “He came to me because he couldn’t go to Paul, because Paul wouldn’t have helped him at that period.” Despite the tension, McCartney’s contribution to the song was so strong that it softened the conflict. Harrison later acknowledged, “I was pleased to have him play that bit on ‘Taxman’. If you notice, he did like a little Indian bit on it for me.”
The moment stands as an example of how creative excellence occasionally transcended personal differences in the band.
