If you asked most people what they know about Natalie Merchant’s hit song “Wonder” from Tigerlily, released in 1995, I bet few would mention the guitar. Most would talk about how Natalie Merchant’s voice is unforgettable and the lyrics are amazing. My ear, however, is finely tuned to pick up the guitar’s broadcast. When it hears great guitar playing, my ear dials it in. Listen past Merchant’s beautiful voice and you’ll hear it too: wonderfully executed lead guitar work performed by Jen Turner.

What’s nice is that the guitar never feels overplayed, yet the Turner is very active. Combining single-note runs with chordal licks, the she enhances the song without getting in Merchant’s way. Let’s face it, she’s the star of the show. Merchant’s mug is on the cover for goodness sake. That doesn’t mean that the Turner should play a trivial role when asked to backup a star vocalist. It means that the she has to play dynamically. She should, and does, play softly when the vocalist is singing and ramp it up when she’s not. In this case, Turner creates a sturdy harmonic backdrop on which Merchant can lay her melody. Sometimes that’s your job as a guitarist and that’s what happens in “Wonder.”

Jen Turner’s playing is what carries this song for me, and every time I hear it, I crank it up!

For more information about me and the guitar lessons that I give, visit www.ewguitar.com.