The Story Of How George Harrison Taught Tom Petty How To Breathe During A Solo

April 1, 2025

It was the summer of 1987, and the atmosphere around the studio was charged with excitement and the scent of creativity. Tom Petty, the rock star known for his gritty voice and catchy melodies, was working on a new album. He had the talent, the backing band, and a whole lot of dreams, but on this particular day, he faced something that felt almost insurmountable—a solo that just didn’t feel right. Nervous energy hummed in his chest as he tried to capture the magic of that perfect guitar riff for the track “I Won’t Back Down.” Little did he know, the solution to his frustration was about to come from one of the most legendary musicians of all time.

George Harrison, once a member of The Beatles and a guru of guitar riffs, happened to be in the studio. With his kind eyes and gentle demeanor, he watched Tom struggle, sensing his unease as he paced back and forth, guitar in hand. George had faced his own struggles in the world of music, navigating fame and creativity, and knew all too well the pressure Tom was under. He approached Tom, quietly offering a few words of wisdom. “You know, sometimes the best sound isn’t always found in the playing, but in the spaces between the notes,” he said, his voice calm and steady.

Tom listened intently, his frustrations beginning to melt away. George then shared a secret he had learned over the years—how to breathe during a solo. “It’s not just about what you play; it’s about how you feel the music. Take a deep breath, let the moment settle in, and let the music flow through you.” As he spoke, Tom felt a wave of calm wash over him. George demonstrated, with delicate fingers gliding over the strings, showing how a breath could create space for emotion. The sound was mesmerizing, a stark contrast to Tom’s earlier tension.

Inspired by George’s wisdom, Tom took a moment to close his eyes, inhaling deeply and letting the music resonate within him. As he opened his eyes, he felt a newfound energy course through his veins. He picked up his guitar and began to play, this time not just with his hands but with his heart. It was as if the breath he took infused the notes with a soulful clarity, and the solo came alive in a way he had never experienced before. The other musicians stopped and listened in awe as Tom transformed, losing himself in the rhythm and the melody.

That day in the studio changed everything for Tom Petty. The experience not only resulted in a breakthrough solo but also a deeper understanding of his connection to music. He took George’s lesson to heart, realizing that every note he played was a reflection of his own spirit, and sometimes, stepping back to breathe and feel could unlock a deeper well of creativity. Moving forward, Tom not only poured his heart into each song but also encouraged his bandmates to embrace the spaces within their music.

In the years that followed, Tom’s career flourished. He continued to write hits that resonated with fans worldwide, touching on themes of resilience and freedom. George Harrison’s inspiring words remained close to him, guiding him through the ups and downs of the music industry. It was a powerful reminder that music is not just about the notes, but about the emotions that flow between them—a lesson that celebrated the power of breathing, listening, and above all, the unbreakable bond of friendship formed through creativity.