Among Harrison biographers, Simon Leng describes "This Guitar" as a "harrowing song", with a "passionate and powerful" Harrison vocal, and draws parallels between it and Neil Young's similarly anti-journalistic "Ambulance Blues". Elliot Huntley says that, while Harrison's decision to write a follow-up to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" was misguided, the sequel is "a good song in its own right, with excellent lead guitar work from the master". Ian Inglis writes of the "gulf" separating Harrison's 1968 composition from the 1975 song: "While the first was a poignant and satisfying commentary that drew attention to his newfound maturity as a songwriter, this is a petulant and rather arrogant statement in which he appears to want to put himself above criticism ... Both words and music depict a sour and troubled performer, whose resentment is all too clear." Dale Allison describes "This Guitar" as a "beautiful song" with "ardent lyrics", and groups it with Harrison compositions such as "Isn't It a Pity", "The Light That Has Lighted the World", "Blow Away" and "Sat Singing" – all songs that "remain close to the hearts of those familiar with them".