From Guitar World · · 2m
John Norum on Europe's Secret Guitar Solo
John Norum reveals the secret note in Europe's iconic Final Countdown solo that most players miss.
In brief
John Norum reveals the secret note in Europe's iconic Final Countdown solo that most players miss. John Norum says he still hasn't seen anyone play the secret note in Europe's Final Countdown solo, which lasts only a millisecond. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Europe's iconic hit
Europe's 1986 hit The Final Countdown became their biggest success but overshadowed their earlier work.
New album Come This Madness
Europe released their 12th album Come This Madness with harder-hitting modern ideas after working with producer Tom Dalgety.
Tom Dalgety's impact
Producer Tom Dalgety helped Europe modernize their sound, jokingly telling them to 'wake up, you old men'.
“Come on now - wake up, you old men. It's time to get to work!”
Guest appearances
Ghost and Opeth's singers Tobias Forge and Mikael Åkerfeldt made guest appearances on Come This Madness.
John Norum on solos
John Norum is proud of the solo on the title track, which features aggressive blues licks leading to a dramatic chromatic climb.
Gary Moore's amp
John Norum bought Gary Moore's 1972 Super Bass 100 amp at auction, calling it his dream amp.
Guitar gear details
Norum used a 2000 Gibson Flying V, a 1972 Fender Strat, and a new Paoletti ES-335 shape guitar.
The secret note
John Norum says he still hasn't seen anyone play the secret note in Europe's Final Countdown solo that lasts only a millisecond.
“I still haven't, to this day, seen anyone play the secret note that's in that solo”
Ritchie Blackmore's influence
Ritchie Blackmore created the Final Countdown solo technique that Norum says most players get wrong.
The Final Countdown tour
Europe is touring for the 40th anniversary of The Final Countdown with John Norum sharing his solo insights.
Yngwie Malmsteen's impact
John Norum was influenced by Yngwie Malmsteen when he was 15, helping him get into heavy metal.
Gary Moore's guitar
John Norum once played Gary Moore's Les Paul guitar at a festival in Norway with Metallica.
The secret note
John Norum says the secret note in the Final Countdown solo is played for only a millisecond but is missed by everyone.
“It's only played for a millisecond but it's in there. Everybody misses it, every time”
The Final Countdown solo
John Norum explains the Final Countdown solo technique requires a special technique that most players get wrong.
What happens next
Europe will release their 40th anniversary tour for The Final Countdown solo technique.
The bottom line
John Norum says he still hasn't seen anyone play the secret note in Europe's Final Countdown solo, which lasts only a millisecond.
