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June 15, 2006 at 9:45 pm #2192229
Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Lockedby mickster269 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
I’ve been in this raging debate on another mesage/chat board about who was (is) the best guitarist.
For reference, I cited these sources:
http://www.digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_newguitar.html
http://guitar.about.com/library/bl100greatest.htm
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5937559/the_100_greatest_guitarists_of_all_time/
and this new kid:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=59292432
My take?
Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix.
Now, since everyone here at TR are an Eclectic lot, I’m wondering what you think about it.
Ironically, I view an Excellent Guitarist on the same level as a Gifted Tech. The tech that intutively understands the problems, the general goal, and the means to achieve the purest and best way to achieve the goal.
For criterea, I present the following :
Style, technique, and creativity. Anyone can mimic another’s work. Anyone can duplicate (to some extent) another’s style. But creativity is the crux.Now, excuse me while I go listen to “Layla”, Eruption”, and “Voodoo Child”.
update: edited to add vid of the new kid
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June 15, 2006 at 11:46 pm #3154749
Legends???
by mjd420nova · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Jimi Hendrix is one of the top three, But among the living I really like Carlos Santana. Eric has his rightful place, but is more of a writer I feel, than a performer.
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June 16, 2006 at 12:49 am #3154741
My top 5
by mjwx · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Dave Grohl – Foo Fighters. The best guitarist still touring.
Slash – GNR.
Kirk Hammet – Metalica.
Kirt Cobain – Nirvana.
Robbie Krieger – The Doors.
Really hard to limit myself to five. I’m younger than the average poster (I’m guessing) at 23 these are the guitarists I grew up listening too. the people who inspired me to (at the age of 23) to buy a guitar and learn how to play.
Listening to “Everlong” “November Rain” “Fade to Black” “Heart Shaped Box” and “People are Strange”
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April 7, 2007 at 3:11 am #2538319
whaaat?
by mimi_toma_sweety · about 15 years, 10 months ago
In reply to My top 5
ok, Dave Grohl sucks big time…he has a terrible voice, his guitar is so ordinary, the only thing he’s good at is drums. slash rulz, he’s number one, kirk is ok, but not number 3, kurt is ok, but not worthy of a top 5….maybe the best composer or one of the best singers…as for robbie, i haven’t hurd his work so I’ll shut up
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June 16, 2006 at 5:15 am #3154703
Clapton was once asked. . . . . .
by maxwell edison · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
….quite some time ago, who he would like to always have as a session gutarist. His answer might surprise you. Chet Atkins. The guy was amazing.
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June 25, 2006 at 4:51 pm #3142791
You got that right
by ds4211a · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Clapton was once asked. . . . . .
Another one of that era was Les Paul.
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June 16, 2006 at 5:52 am #3154686
I have to go with
by maecuff · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robert Johnson (who reportedly sold his soul to the devil for his talents)
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June 16, 2006 at 5:57 am #3154684
Satriani ?
by critch · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
How about Joe Satriani ?
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June 29, 2006 at 3:22 pm #3113148
John Petrucci
by sallitt · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Satriani ?
satch is great… but I’d also go for John Petrucci
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June 16, 2006 at 6:57 am #3268778
My top 5
by tryten · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Just about any blue player can be listed in my top 5, But these 5 are listed as my number 1
1. Muddy Waters
T-Bone Walker
Magic Sam
Blind Willie Johnson
Billy Gibbons
2. Stevie Ray Vaughan
3. Lance Abbott (Dimebag Darrell)
4. Jeff Hanneman
5. Zakk Wylde-
June 24, 2006 at 8:52 am #3270186
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June 26, 2006 at 3:00 pm #3112544
And he’s one COOL dude too!
by oz_media · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Billy Gibbons and…
Out of all the bands I’ve met, many dozens, of all the shows I’ve seen or worked, again many dozens, Billy Gibbons (and Dusty Rosde)are by far the absolute coolest guys I have ever had teh sheer pleasure of hanging with. These guys are one class act, they are the most interesting men you have ever met but they would rather talk about what you like and about collecting art than about music.
They really are two of the coolest guys in the biz.
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June 26, 2006 at 11:50 am #3112630
Have you heard…
by jean.poole · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to My top 5
Guitar Shorty — blues musician par excellent and brother-in-law to Jimi Hendrix. In fact, he taught Jimi much of what Jimi played.
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August 14, 2007 at 1:44 pm #2619732
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June 16, 2006 at 7:42 am #3268751
i may be out of step..
by obviator · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
But my top 5 are:
Leo Kottke – Got booted from their “bests” by Guitar Player magazine in about ’75 for winning too many times
Doc Watson – Who ever heard of playing fiddle tunes on a guitar?
Tony Rice – quick, clean, and inventive
Django Reinhardt – A two fingered master!
Stevie Ray – What else needs be said?
i started listening to almost all acoustic music in the mid-70’s after realizing that some of these guys were as good as any electric guy and all that was between them and the mic was air, no fancy foot pedals, etc.-
June 25, 2006 at 10:45 pm #3164172
I agree-amazed how many only know rockers!
by gaijinit · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to i may be out of step..
1. Leo Kottke is just amazing.
2. Nobody has ever been as smooth or exciting as Django Reinhardt.
3. My personal favorite of all time? John McLaughlin. Knocked my socks off when I first heard his early East-Indian influenced electric jazz on the album “Birds of Fire” in 1973. His later acoustic work shows how truly great he is. I like Santana when he slows down, but on the album “Love, Devotion, & Surrender” with McLaughlin, while reaching for those high notes at a frantic pace, Carlos just didn’t have a chance.
4. Okay, a rocker. Johny Winter. If you want to hear REAL Texas blues rock, this is it.
5. The best for last – Andre Segovia, the ultimate classical Spanish guitar vituoso.
5.
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June 16, 2006 at 8:34 am #3268732
Well I have my druthers…
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
For classical Guitar plying, Phil Keagy is amazing. He is as good as the “Legend of Guitar” 90 year old pickers with his amputated finger.
I didn’t bother to read the first post as my younger days were spent playing Guitar and trombone when I wasn’t flying something. I finally got curious to look at the lists that were made up. Phil Keagy is a master on the guitar, but he was not given the level of exposure the others on the list were given. The reason he had limited exposure is that he was a Christian artist. He did make only one of the lists at 16, and that proved to me that the people who put the information together weren’t pickers… For Rock & Roll Jimi Hendrix, and I really like Ted Nugent.
For County Chet Atkins & Roy Clark tie. Clark is also the best I’ve heard on a banjo.
For Bass Guitar Stanley Clark has no peers.
I have and play a Les Paul Blond that looks like the one Roy Clark played in the early ’70s. In 20 years a guy named George Dean may be up there…
If you want to hear the best Guitar Christmas music get Merry Axemas.
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June 19, 2006 at 11:28 am #3142015
Did you know
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Well I have my druthers…
there is a follow up CD to the Axemas?
I have and love the first, but haven’t had a chance to get the second yet.
Anyone got a review on it they would like to give?
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June 19, 2006 at 11:31 am #3142011
Same Question….basically
by btljooz · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Did you know
What’s the name of the album and who is it by?
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June 19, 2006 at 11:41 am #3141997
Who was it by? EVERYONE!
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Same Question….basically
Compilation CD. So much cool Christmas music by so many cool guitarists. Let Christmas Rock. I do! 😀
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June 19, 2006 at 1:46 pm #3141930
I got it, and I love it, don’t know the name of #2…
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Did you know
I’ll dig through my collection of Christmas music, if I don’t find it I’ll ask Jr…
I don’t know names of Mannheim Steamroller CDs either, and love them too.
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June 24, 2006 at 7:50 am #3270194
Two of the ‘Rollers I have
by ontheropes · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I got it, and I love it, don’t know the name of #2…
are “Fresh Aire” and “Christmas Live” which has traditional Christmas music with Steamroller style.
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June 26, 2006 at 10:00 am #3112674
Christmas?
by blueknight · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Did you know
Try “Ho Ho Hoey” if you’re into a rockin’ Christmas.
Great list of guitarists in this string. As mentioned, it all boils down to one’s musical preference as to who’s the best. I haven’t read the entire string yet, but haven’t seen Earl Klugh mentioned for jazz guitar. I thinks he’s tops.
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June 26, 2006 at 12:29 pm #3112611
Joe Beck
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Christmas?
If you like jazz guitar, you won’t be disappointed.
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June 27, 2006 at 3:22 pm #3110939
Joe Beck, John Tropea, Steve Khan
by sonicbridge · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Joe Beck
New York studio cats were hot, hot, hot! But you would have to be listening to Jazz/Fusion in the 70’s to know who these guys are (unless your Dad shared his record collection with you).
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June 28, 2006 at 8:28 am #3112013
Was actually my aunt
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Joe Beck, John Tropea, Steve Khan
who is a personal friend of Joe’s. Matter of fact, my uncle wrote the intro in the “friends” cd.
She got me started, and I have picked up several of his since then.
[b]Trivia, DMP was the first US lable to go strictly CD and dump vinyl.[/b]
The one thing that would make this discussion better was if there were a separate breakaway for each genre. I know there is much about Jazz that I don’t know, that I would like to.
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June 19, 2006 at 11:29 am #3142013
Question: “Merry Axemas” by ___________?
by btljooz · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Well I have my druthers…
Just wondered.
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June 19, 2006 at 1:17 pm #3141949
It is a composite album.
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Question: “Merry Axemas” by ___________?
You need to look for it by title.
FYE has the CD.
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June 19, 2006 at 4:17 pm #3141855
or just look at my other post
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to It is a composite album.
http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=8&threadID=196275&messageID=2041170
for links to both CDs.
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June 20, 2006 at 7:33 am #3269706
Thanks for stepping up, JD
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to or just look at my other post
I am always too busy to do anything that resembles organization…
Tim
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June 24, 2006 at 3:26 am #3270256
I met Phil Keaggy once.
by vanessaj · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Thanks for stepping up, JD
(years ago.) And since it is accepted as common knowledge that when Hendrix was asked who he considered the greatest guitarist ever he named Keaggy – I got to ask him if that were true. He said that everyone always asked him that, but that he didn’t know. He was a really humble, cool guy, for someone with so much amazing talent. And it was a meeting I will always remember.
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June 26, 2006 at 3:43 am #3164119
Phil & Paul
by twtrout · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I met Phil Keaggy once.
Phil Keaggy is a pretty amazing guitarist. I have been trying to find a picture that I have seen before of Phil and Paul McCartney together taken some time back in the ’90s.
Found the picture. It was taken after the wedding of Paul’s sister-in-law (Linda McCartney’s sister). Phil played guitar and sang at the wedding. The photo shows two mirror image custom Olson guitars.
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June 27, 2006 at 6:48 am #3112250
twtrout…AWESOME PIC
by vanessaj · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I met Phil Keaggy once.
Thanks for sharing this photo. It’s weird, but I like it more because it shows that he has accomplished so much with the guitar with a 4-fingered hand. I think that says a lot! And it’s also nice that McCartney is in the pic, too.
Thanks.
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June 24, 2006 at 2:16 am #3270274
I’m suprised
by wildanimal4u9 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Well I have my druthers…
no one has mentioned lenny breau, yes lenny breau,
one cool dude and a heck of a player.
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June 16, 2006 at 9:22 am #3268647
Top 5…
by sitizn wille · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I would have to say…
1. SRV
2. Dimebag Darrel
3. Jimmy Hendrix
4.John 5, This guy is amazing, a wide range of talents from hard rock to bluegrass style, all mixed togather.
5.Stevie ViaHard to pick just 5….
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June 16, 2006 at 9:38 am #3268644
How about …
by thefrown · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple)
Michael Schenker (UFO – Strangers in the Night is still the best live album ever cut)
Rory GallagherOoooh I could go on; think I’ll have to break out “Machine Head” when I get home …
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June 25, 2006 at 8:05 am #3142884
Frank Zappa
by bsimpson · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to How about …
Frank has gotta be one of the least understood but best guitarists of all times.
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June 16, 2006 at 9:51 am #3268634
In no order
by ben “iron” damper · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Dimebag
Zakk Wylde
Eddie Van Halen
Randy Rhoades (can’t believe he wasn’t mentioned already)
Eric Clapton-
June 27, 2006 at 3:41 pm #3110932
Where’s Yngwie Malmsteen?
by badams · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to In no order
I realize some people won’t/can’t appreciate Yngwie’s speed, but the dude deserves some respect. As do John Petrucci of “Dream Theater”, and Tony MacAlpine.
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June 16, 2006 at 11:41 am #3268592
Bass
by dmambo · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I’m no musician, but for sheer listening enjoyment, John Entwistle is my hands-down favorite. I absolutely can not believe that anyone could move his fingers so fast and stil make it music and not noise. RIP.
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June 19, 2006 at 11:22 am #3142017
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June 19, 2006 at 11:36 am #3142005
Hamm on the Bass
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Try Stewart Ham on for size
yes, HAMM is killer.
But if we start talking Bass, no one can DARE not include Billy Sheehan in the top ten.
When he and Vai did the solo for the Eat em and smile tour….. goose bumps!
To get both go here
There was the G3 tour, now there is the Bx3 tour! Sweet!
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June 26, 2006 at 3:04 pm #3112542
Sheehan
by oz_media · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Hamm on the Bass
Yes he’s a top ten guy, but there are many far better.
I think he lost his knack in the 90’s, especially with his emnbarrassing stint with Mr. Big, GAWD what a trainwreck that was right out of the gate!
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June 26, 2006 at 4:02 pm #3112514
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January 28, 2007 at 3:53 pm #2507206
New Music
by boogity33 · about 16 years ago
In reply to Try Stewart Ham on for size
Hey, Does anyone know if STew has anything new out. WE are going to see him at the end Of Feb. and want to be familar with what he will be playing…..thanks Lisa
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June 26, 2006 at 3:02 pm #3112543
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June 19, 2006 at 10:13 am #3142049
Glaring omission
by leee · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I’m shocked – SHOCKED! – no one mentioned Pete Townshend.
I also love Robbie Robertson.
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June 19, 2006 at 11:41 am #3141998
or
by jamesrl · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Glaring omission
Mark Knofler….
I’ve seen Dire Straits and the Who live a few times. Been to 2 separate Who farewell tour events.
There are so many.
Personally many of the greatest players were session musicians, see “Standing in the Shadows of Motown”.
Terry Kath from Chicago. (Listen to 25 or 6 to 4)
Buddy Guy or BB King?
James
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June 19, 2006 at 11:45 am #3141993
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June 19, 2006 at 1:25 pm #3141942
Not Townsend.
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Glaring omission
Townsend really wasn’t quick, and not clean. His fingerings are sloppy…
If you can’t read & play music, and I don’t mean chord charts, then you are an idiot savant, not a guitar player… You make noise creatively, but aren’t worth mentioning with more serious artists.
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June 26, 2006 at 1:19 pm #3112585
Yes, Pete Townshend!
by allen halsey · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Not Townsend.
In a way, you are right — Townshend probably wouldn’t win a Gold Medal if Guitar Virtuouso was an olymplic event; there are other guitarists that can play faster and with better technique. (Assuming leaping and windmilling is not considered by the judges.)
But, for me, no other guitarist captures the Rock ethos as Pete Townshend. The emotion he expresses through his guitar playing really resonates with me.
You might call it “messy,” but, that’s the kind of Rock I like — the unchained chaotic energy kind.
No antiseptic guitar virtuousos for me — I find them lacking in emotional energy.
Ultimately, I believe, musicians must be judged on their ability to convey emotional impact — not on the athleticism of how fast they can play. In this regard, Pete Townshend comes out ahead.
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June 26, 2006 at 2:38 pm #3112556
Pete on acoustic
by jamesrl · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Yes, Pete Townshend!
I’ve got an album of Pete playing acoustic and I recently saw the Classic Albums TV doc on Who’s next.
I would suggest that when I saw Pete play acoustic, his technique shows a little better.
Some of his precision I think gets distorted by the volume and by the effects pedals.
As for the suggestion about his musicality, he wrote the music for virtually every Who song(John Entwhistle did one an album or so), as well as a number of solo projects. He has written a lot of great songs, pioneered Rock Opera and was one of the first users of synths in Rock.
James
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June 27, 2006 at 5:06 am #3112296
Not to mention the songs
by dmambo · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Yes, Pete Townshend!
I’m 45 and when I listen to Quadrophenia, it still speaks to me like it did when I was 15.
It’s cool to see my 12-year old son crank up Who Are You or Baba O’Rielly.
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June 27, 2006 at 10:31 am #3112075
Mambo..doncha love that??
by maecuff · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Not to mention the songs
It took my son longer. He used to make fun of the music I listened to, but now (he’ll be 19 next month) he says “Mom, can you burn a copy of London Calling for me?” Or, “What Pixies albums do you have?” He’s also been into Rush, The Stones, Pink Floyd..never thought I’d see the day.
On the other hand, I have ALWAYS dismissed Rap music. Hated it. But I’ve been listening to some of Zach’s (my son) music and have to admit that it ain’t ALL bad. Mostly bad, but I like some of it..
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June 27, 2006 at 10:39 am #3112069
Makes it tough
by dmambo · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Mambo..doncha love that??
When mom tells him to “turn that damn music down”, I usually tell her to at least wait until the song is over. 😀
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June 27, 2006 at 11:28 am #3112043
I have the opposite problem
by maecuff · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Makes it tough
When I was a kid, my parents told me to turn the music down, now as an adult, the older kids b*tch at us for having it up too loud.
I’d say we have to wait for them to all get out of the house, but since there’s a grandkid on the way, we may never get a break. At least the 8 year old likes loud music..
My older son gets migraines, so it’s understandable coming from him. The 20 year old girl though, sheesh..there’s no hope for her. She told me recently that she heard this old song and it was so great. I asked her what it was, she says.. The Pina Colada Song. I don’t know how she ever got into our family.
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June 27, 2006 at 10:38 am #3112071
No way,townsend
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Not Townsend.
If he can’t be sober enough to play any of the concerts, he isn’t all that good, and if he was sober, he can’t play as well as my son…
George Dean has actually doubled him for studio sessions so Townsend could learn the music…
Once he has it memorized it isn’t music, but memory.
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June 27, 2006 at 10:47 am #3112067
I’ve seen him play sober….
by jamesrl · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to No way,townsend
At one of the Toronto concerts, Joe Jackson opened for him, and someone beaned him with a beer bottle. Joe walked off stage disgusted.
I don’t understand your George dean comment – Townsend wrote the music, how would Dean know it better. Yes Townsend had a problem – so have many great guitarists.
James
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June 28, 2006 at 5:35 pm #3111764
Townsend Can’t read music for squat …
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to No way,townsend
He had to have someone else play it for him to learn others written music. He can create, but he needs someone else to write it down. If someone else wrote it he can pick it out, but is not a music reader for the times I have been around him. I used to be the California Dude, Long hair,Gibson (Ripper or Les Paul) over my shoulder and a trombone in my hand. I’d been all over the Christian and secular music scene.
I play trombone and have been in on some studio sessions with Townsend, Stonehill, Keaggy, and some other really good players. Townsend had someone read and play it so he could practice it and learn it. Monkey see Monkey do style. He never did play as well as Dean, On Dean’s worst day drunk or sober. (Some of us are cursed with such good looks we can curdle milk with a glance.) That is a reason that studio musicians tend to be great, but ugly…
You like Townsend. I like musicians who can and do read music and play it as the music was written.
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June 29, 2006 at 6:01 am #3113359
Cool for you
by jamesrl · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Townsend Can’t read music for squat …
Tell me what you think of Paul McCartney as a song writer and musician – he can’t read a note and he composed a symphony.
Personally, I’ve also been recorded but not as often as you. And in a totally different genre.
I come from the classical music side of life where reading music is fundamental. When eighty voices sing in 8 parts on a piece that is 20 minutes long, you can’t memorize it all. Ok, I did memorize Handel’s Messiah once, but that was after three years in a row of rehersing and performing it for the Christmas season – about 8 reherals per performance times 3 years.
But for the most part reading is fundamental in classical – when you audition you always get a piece to read cold, and often you get about 30 seconds to scan it before you get to sing it. And while you get a pianist to accompany you, they don’t play your part…..you have to pick it out.
So I can see where not reading hinders Townsend playing others work. But I’m sure he doesn’t have to read his own songs to play them well. On the other hand I expect studio musicians to be great readers given the nature of their work. I loved “standing in the shadows of Motown” as it really highlighted the unsung heroes and showed how their virtuousity created that great sound. Too bad Barry Gordie didn’t recognize that.
Perhaps I am favouring Townsend because I like what he writes, but it does kind of blur into the same thing.
James
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June 29, 2006 at 8:44 am #3113285
I still play trombone all the time.
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Cool for you
I sat in the symphony between my teacher 1st seat, and his teacher (80 years old, I’d guess) and one of the best Jazz players within a thousand miles was my first trombone student. (He is far,far better than I am at Jazz. I love it but can’t play it unless I can hear it. 1,3,5 ,augmented etc.) My son sits 4th seat. 200+ years of trombone playing experience.
I used to be in California and augment my Marine Corps salary by playing in swing bands all over the west coast. I love Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, etc. The best Bone player living is
Christian Limberg for any Genre. The next best may well be Josh DeVore ex-Vegas player.I have liked some of what Townsend has written, too. It is interesting to be in studio having to chart the music in those situations.
Now I only do Big Band charts from the old masters. I have trouble writing for non-C instruments, So I have a program that transposes any chart into any key I want. Simple and workable…
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June 30, 2006 at 11:46 am #3113037
My trombone experience
by jamesrl · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I still play trombone all the time.
I began my singing career in church at the age of 5.
At nine my parents enrolled me in a music school – my older brother was already there.
I wanted to play drums but i have a little deformaty – I only have a pinky and thumb on my left hand and they thought that meant I couldn’t have my first pick. So they gave me a baritone/euhphonium to learn. I did play it, and after a while I convinced them to let me do drums as well – I didn’t have a problem with it. I didn’t play a set – being a formal orchestra like band – I played everything in percussion from tympani to xylophone to snare and bass.
When I went to high school we had two academic streams – general and advanced(University track). I was an advanced student but the rules were flexible enough, so I actually took drums on one track and euphonium in the other. We had three bands in the school – junior, intermediate and senior – and I played in the upper two.
I had an inspiration one time and decided I wanted to play in all three bands for the Christmas Concert. So I asked the conductor of the junior band if I could sit in on the trombone – same scale and range as the trombone, and most importantly – same mouthpiece.
So I was a bit of a ringer, because I learned the positions in a few days, and I’d been playing baritone for 7 years, when many of these students had been playing for a few months. I kinda mentored the trombone section. They sounded great! But at the end of the year I couldn’t do it anymore (the sound of inexperienced woodwinds will drive anyone insane).
My recent recording experience is this:
http://canbrass.stores.yahoo.net/voonhihastsi.html
This was the group we played with.
http://www.hssb.ca/indexINTRO.htmIts a unique recording – Requiem for a Charred skul is an acquired taste. On the other hand, Reconciliation is an amazing piece and since the choir is all male for that number, you might actually hear me. The flugelhorn on piece that is amazing.
I’m very partial to Who’s Next and Quadrophenia and most of Tommy. The later stuff lacks the energy.
James
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June 29, 2006 at 6:31 am #3113352
Neither could…
by leee · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Townsend Can’t read music for squat …
Hendrix. Nor Stevie Ray Vaughn. Jimmy Page and Paul McCartney still can’t. Not terribly uncommon with guitarists.
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June 29, 2006 at 8:29 am #3113314
I know that the nature of Studio work is thankless.
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Neither could…
Hendrix for his lack of reading had a nearly photographic memory. He only needed to hear it once to memorize and a second time to start his improvisation. Hendrix at least understood the concept of a dotted note and syncopation. As I am sure did the others mentioned.
BTW, Paul McCartney does read music, after all these years. He can sit down and play the music on a Piano. I have seen him do it. He is not Chopin ready, or reading like a Billy Joel (Piano player thread begging here), but he played some Irish songs from books on TV. He isn’t great, but he can at least do right hand reading (treble clef) very well.
If he doesn’t read on a guitar or bass, that would be practice. I can’t sing and play at the same time even now (After 10 seconds of my singing people scream to listen to Rod Steward). I can do it, but people wish I’d stick to playing trombone when they heard me sing and play at the same time.
Writing music from a piano score to charting parts is not that far from improvising from a chord chart. In studio, at that time Townsend was unable to tell a half note from a whole note, 8ths from 16ths, dotted notes, etc, and not knowing what a triplicate was. Poor George beating the rythem out is a whole different ballgame. Sorry to vent, but he is liked, but I find him not in my top 50. I would put Esteban ahead of Townsend. Charo, and even Tom Scott, Placido Domingo is absolutely amazing… I am not hammering on just his lack of reading music, but his knowledge displayed in the studio several times.
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April 2, 2007 at 1:46 pm #2519298
Not that glaring
by john_gibson083 · about 15 years, 10 months ago
In reply to Glaring omission
They don’t rate as great guitarists in my opinion. The Who have done a lot of good stuff and Robbie Robertson and The Band have (in my opinion) written some of the best songs ever – sheer craftsmanship. But that doesn’t make Robbie one of he best guitarists (by the way, I think he’s a good actor too).
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June 19, 2006 at 11:03 am #3142024
Steve Vai
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
A man that is not accused of sounding like anyone else.
A man that is VERY creative and not afraid to do something in different directions. His “Flexible” CD he put out himself because most of the work is way out there and big lables didn’t want to touch it “as is”.
Have seen him several times live, both touring on his own and a few times for the G3 tour. He is always graceful to the other musicians on stage and often takes a back stage to them to give everyone a chance to shine. His most memerable quote was “The best thing about being Steve Vai is I get to jam with great musicians like these!”
He plays a wide range of music, from his early days of being listed as “Strat abuse” for Frank Zappa, playing with David Lee Roth when he first went solo, the time with White Snake, his solo work (which I have all of) and even playing Blues in the movie “CrossRoads”.
He can play things that are very beautiful, and others that just make your jaw drop.
He can stand beside ANY guitar great, from any time.
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June 19, 2006 at 11:20 am #3142018
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June 19, 2006 at 11:32 am #3142009
Didn’t forget
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to jdclyde, you forgot
Just didn’t think it was the most relevent parts to add, as people don’t want the entire life story.
Who the teacher is does not make you who you are, but as far as teachers do go, he couldn’t have chosen better.
Hammet was also a student.
Does anyone remember Vai playing the star spangle banner for the “rock and jock” softball game back in the late 80’s? Can you say OMG?
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June 19, 2006 at 11:39 am #3142001
Satch
by btljooz · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Didn’t forget
has had a LOT of students. He’s a GREAT innovator, but not quuuuuite like Hendrix. When we lost him we lost all that could have come NEXT!!! Just imagine what Hendrix could have continued… it’s UN-imaginable!!!:)
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June 19, 2006 at 12:15 pm #3141975
Hendrix’s secret
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Satch
was that he was so wasted all the time, that he wasn’t aware that humans can’t do what he was doing.
It was like in a Road Runner cartoon. One day he looked down….
Satriani is a GREAT player. I don’t give him as high of marks on the originality/creativity scale as Vai. I will still go see either any/every time they come in the area, and I take my twin boys with me and they LOVE it.
Thing One went with me to one, and it was his favorite concert yet. Dream Theater, Satriani, Kings X. my boys (age 12 at the time) was hanging on ever note played. Took them both to the G3 tour with Yngwie. A good time had by all.
[i]
(Thing One and Thing Two are my twin boys) B-) -
June 19, 2006 at 12:21 pm #3141970
Hendrix’s secret
by maecuff · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Hendrix’s secret
was freakishly long fingers.
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June 24, 2006 at 7:18 am #3270204
Ahh but!!!
by wyzard · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to jdclyde, you forgot
Joe Satriani said in an interview one that Steve Vai was the best guitarist he’s ever seen and that even though Satriani was his teacher, he said that Vai has surpassed him and can go places he can’t reach. Course, these guys are all pretty humble when talking about eachother. 🙂
On that note, i’ll toss out my faves. Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Etic Johnson, Yngwie Malmsteen…man, there are so many but these go well with my musical tastes. There are so many more styles. -
June 26, 2006 at 12:27 pm #3112613
Did you catch the first G3 tour?
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Ahh but!!!
First leg started out with Satriani, Vai, Johnson. I missed it and caught the second leg, but Kenny Wayne Shepard had taken Johnsons place. Booooo.
Malmsteen was on the last tour, but far from humble. Over a decade ago when Satriani was first starting to get real popular, Malmsteen said in an interview that Satriani sucked. Sour grapes all the way.
Also, while Malmsteen has GREAT skill, he doesn’t have the attitude to be listed in the real greats. Everything he does is too much “in your face, see how grand I am?” and gives the impression of trying too hard to be great instead of just being great.
The difference between someone that is great and someone that thinks they are great, is the great ones have people telling them, instead of them telling people. I still love Black star.
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June 26, 2006 at 12:27 pm #3112614
Did you catch the first G3 tour?
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Ahh but!!!
First leg started out with Satriani, Vai, Johnson. I missed it and caught the second leg, but Kenny Wayne Shepard had taken Johnsons place. Booooo.
Malmsteen was on the last tour, but far from humble. Over a decade ago when Satriani was first starting to get real popular, Malmsteen said in an interview that Satriani sucked. Sour grapes all the way.
Also, while Malmsteen has GREAT skill, he doesn’t have the attitude to be listed in the real greats. Everything he does is too much “in your face, see how grand I am?” and gives the impression of trying too hard to be great instead of just being great.
The difference between someone that is great and someone that thinks they are great, is the great ones have people telling them, instead of them telling people.
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June 19, 2006 at 12:16 pm #3141973
Has anyone (besides me) heard of Gary Moore?
by mickster269 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I have a CD of his made in 1990. It’s called “Still got the Blues”.
I haven’t seen anything since then from him here in the States. Anyone in Europe hear of him?
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June 20, 2006 at 8:10 am #3269654
Absolutely
by thefrown · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Has anyone (besides me) heard of Gary Moore?
Used to be in Thin Lizzy. Whilst on the subject, the best bass player for total charisma and presence on stage has to be the late great Phil Lynott.
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June 27, 2006 at 2:14 pm #3110962
I’m Shocked…Jimmy Page??!!!!!!!!!
by zemi · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Absolutely
No one has mentioned Jimmy Page. He is the baddest guitarist ever. You can take that to the bank. You’re all rookies. Page pwnz!!!
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June 20, 2006 at 9:17 am #3269591
Yes
by leee · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Has anyone (besides me) heard of Gary Moore?
I remember that one song – came out when I was in college. Oddly enough, one station in that town still plays it.
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June 24, 2006 at 10:17 pm #3142972
Gary Moore (Irish – once with Thin Lizzy)
by kiwilinz · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Has anyone (besides me) heard of Gary Moore?
has a huge collection of albums available, some very recent, some compilations and “Best Of” releases.
Visit http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/moore_gary/albums.jhtml for info and availability on around 60 albums in total, plus singles and videos.“Ballads & Blues” 1982-1994 is one I have and is a superb album. Since this discussion started I have been playing it in my car and the range of guitar work including some beautiful acoustic playing is outstanding.
And the guy has a great voice as well with styles ranging from ballad to soul to blues. A real “all-rounder”.
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June 25, 2006 at 3:43 am #3142951
Yes, we heard him …
by kaspencer · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Has anyone (besides me) heard of Gary Moore?
We heard Gary Moore a few years ago (maybe 4 …) in a Guitar Festival. I agree, fantastic. And, wasn’t he on the Strat for the Fender 50th anniversary of the Strat concert in 2004 ? I saw that on video, and it was an amazing performance.
Ken.
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June 26, 2006 at 8:10 am #3163889
Gary Moore … of course!!
by daveslash · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Has anyone (besides me) heard of Gary Moore?
I’ve been listening to Gary Moore for over 20 years, and I’ve heard MANY other professional guitar players espouse his abilities.
He’s done jazz-fusion (the “Grinding Stone” lp), hard rock (the Thin Lizzy Years, “Corridors of Power”, “Dirty Fingers”, etc), straightforward rock ‘n roll (“Run for Cover” and others), and blues (most of the recent stuff).
He combines great technique, an intuitive knowledge for his instrument, and a great “feel” in his playing.
— DaveSlash
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April 2, 2007 at 1:34 pm #2519304
Yep
by john_gibson083 · about 15 years, 10 months ago
In reply to Has anyone (besides me) heard of Gary Moore?
I’m from Scotland. I’m going to see him in May. I’m listening to him right now (the loner (live)). I have been into rock music for over 30 years. I’ve heard most of the tracks that are in most of these polls on whose the best guitarist. To give my opinion on Gary Moore (he’s from Northern Ireland by the way), I have been asked by friends etc yes but can he play like such and such (naming names that appear in these polls). Yes I say … but only if you break his fingers first. He’s a great singer, a great songwriter, and, in my humble opinion – the best guitarist ever (so far at least). Still in Love With You – the studio version not the one from the Thin Lizzy Live and Dangerous album is just such an awsome track. Released 33 years ago. I just can’t believe (and I mean that literally) how some of the guitarists got into these polls. They appear in many many of these polls (no names – no pack drills). Gary Moore could play most of this stuff blindfolded and drunk (and again I mean that literally).
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November 15, 2007 at 8:24 am #2480061
Gary Moore: “The Old Red House” on the Strat Pack CD … amazing!
by kaspencer · about 15 years, 2 months ago
In reply to Has anyone (besides me) heard of Gary Moore?
Having heard Gary Moore on stage some time ago, I recently camne across his perfomance of “The Old Red House” on the “Strat Pack” CD. It’s a performance worth hearing …
Ken.
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June 19, 2006 at 1:17 pm #3141948
Hmm….
by jellimonsta · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I have so many favorites, and they are all amazing. But I think I may have to go with the late Randy Rhodes who played with Ozzy.
That dude could shred!!! 😀 -
June 19, 2006 at 2:43 pm #3141908
Robert Fripp?
by puppybreath · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
No one mentioned Robert Fripp. His technique is outstanding.
My 5 would be:
Hendrix
Jimmy Page
Robert Fripp
Van Halen
Ritchie Blackmore-
June 19, 2006 at 4:16 pm #3141856
emotions throw off the scale
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Robert Fripp?
there is no way Page is ahead of Van Halen. Live, he is soooo sloppy even when sobber.
That is the problem with really old guys like Page. He gets more credit than due compared to people that have had just as much if not more success.
What has Page done of value in the last 30 years? Nothing but try to trade on his name, and it never worked.
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June 19, 2006 at 3:20 pm #3141898
I have to go for some oldies…
by neilb@uk · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
My philosophy in all art is “less is more” so Metal is out.
I have to go for blues and like styles – Peter Green of the original Fleetwood Mac in the ’60s and ’70s, Paul Kossoff of Free, sadly another drug casualty and “Slow Hands” Clapton – obviously.
Anyone who plays good blues is up there for me.
On another tack, Hendrix – how not? Another one cut short before we’d seen his best?
Finally, Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd. Never put a note out of place. I must have seen them play live around a dozen times.
I don’t really know why – probably just the excitement – but I also [b]love[/b] Flamenco so a vote for Vicente Amigo and two – Ok, 47 – for Paco de Lucia. Now [b]that’s[/b] a man who can play a bit!
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June 20, 2006 at 7:35 am #3269703
Paco de Lucia is a legend with pickers…
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to I have to go for some oldies…
But not bangers and strummers…
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June 20, 2006 at 7:38 am #3269700
Nuff said…
by neilb@uk · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Paco de Lucia is a legend with pickers…
🙂
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June 20, 2006 at 8:31 am #3269639
Why should it matter as long as you’re enjoying what you are listening to.
by sleepin’dawg · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I’m more into jazz than most other genres, so my favourites, not all jazz, in no particular order:
Joe Pass
Eric Clapton – surprisingly excellent jazz player, heard him jamming, unpluged in the bar of the Meridan Hotel at the Montreal Jazz Festival while he was there as a tourist. You haven’t lived until you’ve heard Clapton, Guy and Healey in the same room together, just throwing it back and forth. Great stuff.
Pat Metheney
Stevie Ray Vaughn – Clapton said he was better than he is.
Buddie Guy
Django Reinhardt – dead but if you can find a remastered CD……
Jimi Hendrix – saw him at Woodstock in 79(?) c/w rain and mud and never saw him again. Have some transparencies of that somewhere.
Les Paul – good enough for Gibson to name a line of guitars after
Liona Boyd – a lady no less, classical and still hot, even if she is getting on.
Jeff Healey – blind – Canadian
Don Felder – Eagles – the guitar lead in to Hotel California
Joe Walsh – Eagles – Same
And many others that I enjoy listening to but those are the ones that stand out at the moment.
[b]Dawg[/b] ]:)
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June 20, 2006 at 9:09 am #3269602
For Spanish Guitar throw in…
by x-marcap · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Why should it matter as long as you’re enjoying what you are listening to.
Charo when she was young she was definitely worth listening to, and looking at!
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June 23, 2006 at 12:11 am #3269463
Classical Gas
by mickster269 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Mason Williams played ‘Classical Gas’.
He first perfromed it on ‘The Smothers Brothers” show (#125)
He was joined by:
1. Don Lineberger
2. John Hartford
3. Glen Campbell
4. Roni Stoneman
5. Steve MartinNow, who besides me saw the show the night it was broadcast?
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June 24, 2006 at 3:08 am #3270259
Good call!
by tr · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Classical Gas
Williams was pretty damn good, I don’t know of any modern players that good, apart (of course) from John Williams who is in a class of his own. Of all the dead guitarists there’s no way to tell who was the best, 99% of them died before music could be recorded. Of the ones that did survive to modern times, Segovia is probably the best with maybe Manitas de Plata as a distant second.
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June 26, 2006 at 10:06 am #3112670
Good call
by blueknight · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Classical Gas
I’ve never heard anyone play Classical Gas as well as Mason Williams. I have a friend who can play it on a 12 string, but he still needs a lot of work.
And yes, I saw that show.
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June 24, 2006 at 2:18 am #3270272
I’m suprised
by wildanimal4u9 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
no one has mentioned lenny breau, yes lenny breau,
one cool dude and one heck of a player. -
June 24, 2006 at 2:28 am #3270269
Just a thought
by glennaaa1 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Best Ever – Jimi Hendrix (obviously), Stevie Ray Vaughn, Al Di Meola (have you heard of him?), Gary Moore, Eric Clapton.
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June 24, 2006 at 3:53 am #3270248
Na! You are living in the past
by wgstokes · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I do not dispute that these guys are all great guitarists but based on the criteria you have set how can you go past Steve Vai, who incidently has been acknowledged for the last ten years as the world’s best guitarist.
I am a huge Hendrix fan but like any discipline the art of guitar improves over time. Athletes are faster, programmers are producting more sophisticated software than they were ten years ago and guitarists play faster with more precision and greater sound quality than what they did ten years ago.
Check out some of the guys who came to prominence in the nineties, Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Andy Timmons and Paul Gilbert.
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June 24, 2006 at 4:20 am #3270240
Na! We’re just living
by neilb@uk · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Na! You are living in the past
Perhaps we have different choices to yours because “speed, precision and sound quality” are not highest in our criteria for judgement.
Speaking for myself, I value most the effective emotional content and then the intellectual and physical means by which that is attained. That does take in precision and quality but “fast”? Fast is meaningless without the rest of the package. I’m not a guitarist so Vai’s technical virtuosity only comes to me via third partiy recommendation. Judged by my rules – “do I like to listen to him?”, “well, not much really”, Vai is well down my list.
To judge a guitarist just because he’s “fast” is pretty shallow.
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June 24, 2006 at 5:54 am #3270225
And to Judge a guitarist …..
by wgstokes · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Na! We’re just living
when your not a guitarist is pretty stupid!
Besides you miss my point…. I don’t judge guitarists on speed alone. I think Dave Gilmour is one of the greatest guitarists of all time and he doesn’t play fast. Speed alone does not a great guitarist make. But speed with precision and feel is an immense quality for any guitarist. The emphasis on feel. You can’t judge the quality of musicianship on the basis of whether or not you like the music ….. that’s just nuts. I liked the sex pistols but they were not good musicians. I don’t like Stanly Clarke’s music but he is one of the greatest bass players of all time.
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June 24, 2006 at 5:01 pm #3143013
So,
by neilb@uk · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to And to Judge a guitarist …..
I can’t judge a guitarist without being one myself? How very strange. This means that you believe that one cannot judge anything unless one is an expert in that field. Judgement of paintings, sculpture, all musical and theatrical forms are barred to me because I cannot paint, sculpt, act or play an instrument to any standard?
All art is subjective.
You started by arrogantly labelling the posts to date as “living in the past”. You went on to state “guitarists play faster with more precision and greater sound quality than what they did ten years ago.” And this makes…what? Better musicians – arguably but I don’t think so. Better music? Not to me. And I’m all that matters to me. I simply don’t like over-elaborate guitar playing. It’s not a crime.
Let’s just agree to differ and go our separate ways.
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June 24, 2006 at 11:32 pm #3142968
Just one more thing
by wgstokes · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to So,
The question is not on taste here. Its who is the best guitarist. You have the right to your opinion as I do. You have the right to listen to anything you want.
I don’t know much about art(painting) I know what I like as I am sure you do as I am also sure the same applies with your music. But I would not rate or judge an artist because I don’t know anything about painting.
I can accept your opinion that is your right. I hope you can accept mine.
By the way I didn’t say you had to be an expert guitarist to judge another. But I feel to make a valued judgement on a guitarist you have to have some understanding of the intricacy of the art.
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June 24, 2006 at 4:08 am #3270244
How about Jose Feliciano (flamenco style)
by kiwilinz · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
along with electric guitar players, Brian May (Queen), Gary Moore (for sure), Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), Clapton (almost God), Dave (The Edge) Evans (U2), Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (Doobies and others), Carlos Santana (another almost God), George Harrison, Stevie Ray Vaughn, then going back a bit there was Hank B Marvin (The Shadows, Cliff Richards backing group in the 60’s & 70’s … oh well, guess you had to be there), Glen Campbell and of course Les Paul (father of the modern electric sound) while Chet Atkins is right up there. So many great and talented guitarists, how about the Top 55!!
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June 24, 2006 at 5:46 am #3270227
Steve Vai
by johncee53 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Just listen to “For the love of God” and you’ll know why.
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June 26, 2006 at 12:20 pm #3112617
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August 2, 2006 at 6:26 am #3215602
Steve Vai
by bluesyman · about 16 years, 6 months ago
In reply to Steve Vai
AMEN!! “For The Love Of God” is such a “hot” song!!
Also Gary Moore’s
“Still Got The Blues” and “Parisenne Walkways”Listen to Eddie Hazel’s (Funkadelic) “Maggot Brain” or to Frank Zappa’s “Zoot Allures”
Have to add these great guitarists
Joe Bonamassa
Slash
Vernon Reid (Living Color)
Larry Carlton
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June 24, 2006 at 6:18 am #3270221
All good picks but. . .
by 123speedy · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Tough choice but I’d have to say Stevie Ray Vaughn Hands down. That dude was a musical conduit. The Mozart of our time.
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June 24, 2006 at 6:32 am #3270219
the best guitarist
by fneily · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
The question presented is “Who is (was) the best guitarist”
Andre Segovia. Anyone out there have any class??-
June 25, 2006 at 5:46 pm #3142787
and a close second
by jcdshs · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to the best guitarist
to John Williams – the guitarist not the writer of sounddtracks
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June 24, 2006 at 6:32 am #3270218
Shocked!!!
by spin2nz · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I agree with all of the above, though there are two or three I’ve never heard of…..but I am shocked that no one has mentioned Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The first time I saw him play he was still just 19 years old. He can definitely rival any of the afore mentioned axe slingers.
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June 24, 2006 at 11:47 pm #3142964
Good Point
by wgstokes · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Shocked!!!
Kenny Wayne Sheppard is one of the best blues guitarists around now and probably ever. I guess if we were just rating blues guitarists he’d be right up there.
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June 24, 2006 at 6:33 am #3270217
Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
by lloydpc · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Yes, Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix are valid picks although for pure feel I would be more inclined to go with Jimmy Page.
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June 24, 2006 at 7:35 am #3270199
Best guitarist most have not heard of
by mboling · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
One of the finest acoustic OR electric players in the world today is Phil Keaggy.
There’s a classic urban legend about him that states that Jimi Hendrix was asked how it felt to be the best guitar player and his answer was,”I don’t know, you’d have to ask Phil Keaggy.” Never happened, but the legend has been around since the 70’s. Snopes.com even has it on file. -
June 24, 2006 at 8:47 am #3270188
Who is/was the best guitarist
by fordice · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
My God!—–the only one to consider is Les Paul—he started it all!!!!!!!!!!!!
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June 24, 2006 at 8:53 am #3270185
One has to define…
by rmazzeo · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
…the style of music being discussed & also the type of guitar, such as rhythm, lead, bass. It seems that most replies refer to rock guitarists, most of whom were greatly influenced by the great blues guitarists of the past. Certainly one of the best has to be the late great Stevie Ray Vaughan, & one cannot mention him without mentioning B. B. King. I don’t know of many more blues guitarists except by name, since I am not a blues afficionado, but I do have a small list of the greatest rock guitarists, IMHO. I’ll start with the usual suspects, including Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck, Steve Vai, & of course Clapton, Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Hendrix, Robin Trower. While I’m sure that I’ve left out a few, I will add Yngwie (sp.?) Malmsteen to that mix. But let’s not leave out one of the MOST underrated guitarists of all time – Alex Lifeson of Rush. I have never seen anyone play so many styles so exceptionaly well as he has. Not to mention that his life (or talent) has not been messed up with drugs & alcohol, as so many others have. No one knows what Hendrix could’ve done had he not killed himself. Even if you are not a fan of Rush’s music, listening to Alex Lifeson jump from an intricate classical “jam” into the hard rock theatrics from one moment to the next is absolutely incredible (of course I am talking about live performance, not studio stuff). So my vote for all time best, most versatile guitarist, both in terms of solo performance & in terms of performance with other musicians, has to go to Alex Lifeson of Rush. Lastly, if we discuss bass guitar, Geddy Lee has to be mentioned as one of the absolute best as well. When we get to a discussion about drummers, lemme know, I’ll vote for one of the best pure percussionists I’ve ever heard – Neil Peart – past, present or future…
Just my $.02…
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June 26, 2006 at 1:13 am #3164163
Just when I was about to give up…
by gaijinit · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to One has to define…
Thank you. FINALLY someone mentions Jeff Beck. Of the 3 original Yardbird guitarists, Jimmy Page was the rowdiest, Clapton the fastest, although limiting himself to only playing blues (and he is a TERRIBLE singer, although he has written some nice melancholy songs), but Jeff Beck shows the most true talent & style.
Why has nobody mentioned Harvey Mandel?
Or Michael Bloomfield?
Clapton’s best work? with ‘Cream’ with bassist Jack Bruce & drummer Ginger Baker (1966-1970?)
A personal favorite: Robin Trower – especially his latest work “Go My Way” – absolutely hypnotizing. He’s been great since the Procol Harem days.
Best 12-string guitarist EVER? (you’ll all flame me for this one) Glen Campbell.
Best ‘heavy’ (no pun intended) guitarist? Leslie West of ‘Mountain’.
And as always, Peter Green (disappeared after LSD overloading knocked him off track – he’s now picking up where he left off-with great guitar playing). He wrote Santana’s first/biggest hit ‘Black Magic Woman’
(Off track) Drummer? Mitch Mitchell-drummer for the Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Experience’ band – unreal.-
June 26, 2006 at 3:38 am #3164120
Don’t give up …
by kaspencer · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Just when I was about to give up…
Dont give up – see my reply post under “The world’s greatest guitarist has to be …”, and then “Don’t forget Gary Moore”.
Have you seen Jeff Beck recently ? We saw him in Bristol last year. He is as extreme in his playing as ever, but no doubt a true technical wizard. Quite like Gary Moore in many ways.
See you
Ken.
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July 5, 2006 at 9:40 am #3167937
I take it
by thefrown · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to One has to define…
You’re a Rush fan then?
(Me too, still regularly listen to 2112 30 years on … now how many of today’s so-called “stars” will be able to say that about their music in 30 years’ time?)
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June 24, 2006 at 9:10 am #3143102
Good choice
by lensdoc · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I would have also added John Maclaughlin, but I guess that is another kind of music. Agree with you
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June 25, 2006 at 7:19 am #3142896
As yet unmentioned.
by morlock77 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Good choice
I was wondering if John Maclaughlin would be remembered here. Alan Holdsworth, Adrian Belew, Rick Derringer, Steve Howe, Roy Buchanan, Donald ‘Buck Dharma’ Roeser, Larry Coryell and Andres Segovia could also be considdered fuel for this bonfire.
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June 24, 2006 at 10:44 am #3143088
Its all Relative!!
by dlogan · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I have watched this debate rage on for 40 years.
Its an adolescent argument. Its like asking whats the Best Food? Music preferences are completely subjective. There is no single ‘Best’ guitarist, musician,Auto mechanic, computer tech, Person race,country,opinion.etc. There is no right answer to this question.
However..MY opinion IS the BEST!! -
June 24, 2006 at 11:49 am #3143085
Alex Lifeson from RUSH
by excogitator · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Alex Lifeson from Rush is my choice for the greatest guitar player ever. His work on La Villa Strangiato (Hemispheres) is awsome. The album Permanent Waves has some of the best riffs and solos that have ever been done.
They also have my vote of the best drummer in the world as well with Neal Peart as well.
Geddy Lee is right up there with the Bass too.
You do not hear much from bands in Canada, let alone individual performers. Most do not get the recognition that they deserve.
Check them out, you will be very pleased with their work. For a (Canadian) band to last as long as them, Over 20 albums, says alot.
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June 24, 2006 at 2:52 pm #3143032
Surprising…
by ashby · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
…that there is so much commonality among TechRepublic members – perhaps we have more in common than we think!
My selection:
George Harrison
Mark knofler
Eric Clapton
Muddy Waters
Jack Falk
and the best guitar tuner, if not player – Keith RichardYour mileage will vary.
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June 24, 2006 at 2:52 pm #3143031
Guitarist
by tnt93 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Without a doubt my friend, Clapton is the man.
Tarry, (Also a guitarist) -
June 24, 2006 at 4:10 pm #3143019
kudos to the masters
by mullinsj · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I saw Clapton play in Milwaukee several years ago. When someone asked me how it was I replied ‘it was an honor and privilege’. But I’ll date myself…and a bit of a story for the person who weighed in from Manitowoc, Wisc – my hometown. I was sitting in a coffee house in 1968 next to a guy named Jim Krueger. He was a friend who had a local band and was a pretty good guitar player himself…blues licks made me cry. While sitting with Jim someone put a JEFF BECK record on the stereo and Jim just sat there grinning. He said, ‘he’s the best and one day I’m going to play with him!’…like Jim, I’ve always loved Beck and do count him among ‘the best’. Jim made it to L.A. and played with Dave Mason for several years…Jim wrote the song, ‘We Just Disagree’…I was always sorry he moved away from blues to tunes that would maybe chart. Don’t know if he ever did play with Beck…he moved back to ‘Manty’ in the mid 1980s and passed away quite suddenly in 1993. post script …for the person who mentioned Pat Methany…his mom’s from Manitowoc…must be the water
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June 24, 2006 at 5:11 pm #3143010
best guitarist in the world
by lsd.fraser · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
based on originality craftmanship and technical prowess on his instrument, foe me hands down bar none David Gilmor from Pink Floyd
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November 14, 2007 at 5:22 am #2481050
hoes
by soccer2001king · about 15 years, 2 months ago
In reply to best guitarist in the world
this is so fuckin gross
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January 22, 2008 at 10:48 pm #2666217
reply ^^
by koendemooij · about 15 years ago
In reply to best guitarist in the world
Im going for John Frusciante,
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January 22, 2008 at 10:48 pm #2666216
reply ^^
by koendemooij · about 15 years ago
In reply to best guitarist in the world
Im going for John Frusciante.
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April 26, 2008 at 7:52 pm #2459159
Rik Emmett
by solarux · about 14 years, 9 months ago
In reply to best guitarist in the world
Rik Emmett
-its the cleanest answer to Canadiana rNr virtuoso guitar playing I’ve ever heard.
-I mean no harm to all, but for you yanks, HE was/is the Eddie Van Halen of Canada.
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June 24, 2006 at 9:52 pm #3142974
there is one guitarist that shines above all.
by bluron · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
if you have ever had the oportunity to watch and listen to the late great Stevie Ray Vaughn, you would agree that no one could play like him. He had a 3 pce band, drummer, keyboard and himself. if you closed your eyes you would swear there were at least 2 rythm guitars as well as his lead playing. open your eyes and there was only Stevie. He credits Hendricks as one of his inspirations but I know he far out performs him. His is a talent that will be sorely missed as he died at the begining of his peak. I can only imagine that greatness that he would have done had he lived.
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June 24, 2006 at 11:41 pm #3142965
They’re all different
by wgstokes · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
It is almost impossible to say who the greatest guitarist is because there are many styles. It would be more appropriate to rate guitarists within their genre.
Rock: Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen, Gary Moore, Joe Satriani and others
Jazz: Al DiMielo, Robert Fripp
Blues: Hendrix, Page, Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Gary MooreHeavy Metal: Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Morse
Slide: Johnny Winter, Dave Gilmour, Pete Wells (Rose Tattoo)
Originality (no classification): Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Steve Vai
It would also be easier to rate the greatest female guitarist, there’s only one Bonnie Raitt.
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June 25, 2006 at 3:30 am #3142953
The world’s greatest guitarist has to be …
by kaspencer · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
… Jeff Beck. A highly technically gifted guitarist, individual and quirky. Maybe a difficult bloke to get on with though.
And wasn’t it amazing that Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimi Page all lived and worked in Surrey, played for the same band (although not exactly all at the aame time).
Also Eric Roche was an excellent guitarist and a truly “nice” chap. A great loss to the guitar scene.
And. finally, didn’t Jimi Hendrix actually entitle his composition “Voodoo Chile” rather than “Voodoo Child” ?
My guitars are at http://myguitars.mine.nu but I haven’t yet added my recent 60th anniversary Fender American Strat to the site – will do soon.
Ken.
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June 25, 2006 at 3:34 am #3142952
And yes, Gary Moore …
by kaspencer · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to The world’s greatest guitarist has to be …
I should have given Gary Moore a mention. He is truly a “blow-you-away-every-performance type of guitarist.
So what’s the secret, how do you rustle up the energy and inclination to play brilliantly every time ?
Ken.
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June 25, 2006 at 7:31 am #3142894
My personal favs, great fun post!
by southbound · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
1-Frank Zappa (who else has double CDs of just guitar solos? BTW- He hired Steve Vai right out of Julliard and Eddie Van Halen would hang out in Franks recording studio.
2- Duane Allman – Dreams,Layla, Mountain Jam…….enough said.
(Freebird was written about him).
3- Jimi – Timeless, turn him up! -
June 25, 2006 at 1:58 pm #3142810
best guitarist
by jackm25 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Chet Atkins
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June 25, 2006 at 4:08 pm #3142798
My top 5 (and one overrated)
by jgaskell · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Obviously this is a very subjective topic, but I’ll throw my bit in.
My Top 5:
1. Mark Knopfler
2. David Gilmour
3. Eric Clapton
4. Jeff Beck
5. SlashA great guitarist is determined as much by what they leave out as by what they put in.
And then there is the most overrated guitarist of all time – Carlos Santana. Seriously, if you have heard one Santana solo you have heard them all. He wasn’t bad in his early days, but these days he is pretty much a caricature of himself.
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June 26, 2006 at 5:35 am #3164072
Santana
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to My top 5 (and one overrated)
was just cool. Good listening.
Now he is just padding his retirement fund, like some other washed up losers, The Rolling Stones. Tell me they have done anything creative in the last three decades.
Both are still trading off of their names from the 70’s. Sad actually, but at least Santana is making new music again. Not great music, but good music.
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June 26, 2006 at 2:59 pm #3112546
My top 5 (and one overrated)
by tr · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to My top 5 (and one overrated)
I think you are the only poster to this thread that mentions Mark Knopfler, and I agree he’s certainly one of the best currently playing. He’s technically very proficient but gets extra points for developing his own style (I wish he had enough confidence in his own ability to recognise that.)
Most of the others mentioned in the thread, and pretty much every rock axeman since Woodstock, are Santana wannabees. Unfortunately, Santana is now one too. But he also gets points for being the first to use that style. Or perhaps Peter Green should get those points instead.
Thinking back I’d say Segovia, Rheinhardt, Fahey, Santana, Knopfler and maybe Tounkara are the only 20th century guitarists that could be candidates for best ever. I’m not sure about Tounkara, he’s certainly different but only by Western standards, his music takes a lot from traditional kora styles.
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June 25, 2006 at 4:17 pm #3142797
There is no such person as the “Greatest”
by agieryic · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
As an experienced guitarist, I can not claim one greater then the other. I personally believe the three guitarists mentioned above are some of the best. There are guitarists such as Eric Johnson, Chet Atkins and Stevie Ray Vaughn who have their own styles that will just blow your mind. I even recall seeing great guitarists in small pubs who never received deserved recognition. There is an amazing number of great guitarists who the best for their particular styles.
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June 25, 2006 at 6:40 pm #3142785
There can be only one
by paul.stanley · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Your nominees are without question great guitarists, easily top 10, arguably top 5, but there can be only one “best”. I used to think that the greatest guitarist I had ever seen or heard was Mark Knopfler. Then I moved to Texas, grew my appreciation for country music, and ran across Knopfler’s own idol – Vince Gill.
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June 26, 2006 at 12:17 pm #3112618
And here I though
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to There can be only one
after reading your TR Alias that you were going to say “Ace”. 😀
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June 25, 2006 at 7:12 pm #3142770
My picks for best guitarist….
by jasper_jay · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I have been a guitar player fanatic since I was 12 yrs old. Although music (especially guitar playing) has evolved thru the years, my personal favorites are still staying true to their musical roots of rock n roll.
– John Petrucci(Dream Theatre)
– Paul Gilbert(Mr. Big)
– Yngwie Malmsteen
– Joe Satriani
– Steve Vai
– Vito Bratta(White Lion)
– Van Halen
– Vinnie Moore -
June 25, 2006 at 8:22 pm #3164191
You cant go past….
by andrew_ockrim · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
You must include some of the more technical guitar gods in order for it to be a complete list.
Some of the people who have inspired most of the guys i know in bands to are:
Yngwie Malmsteen
Eddie Van Halen
Jimmy Page
Zack Wyld
and if for entertinament and quality of performance on stage Steve Vai..Then theres Hank Marvin from The Shadows (back in the 60’s), BB King/Ry Cooder for Blues and lets not forget Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead)..
Does that get some minds ticking over?
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June 25, 2006 at 8:44 pm #3164188
Billy Gibbons
by mikeups · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
according to hendrix anyway
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June 25, 2006 at 9:47 pm #3164183
Joe Satriani
by oisleach9 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
HAve you ever listened to “surfing with an alien”, “Crystal Planet”, or “Eight Steps” ?
Eric I have never liked
Andre’ Segovia I like Joe Satriani I like Eric I just don’t like his music. -
June 25, 2006 at 11:42 pm #3164167
Dave Gilmour
by desmodeus · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I have yet to hear anyone play anything on a guitar that comes within light years of the second solo from Comfortably Numb (particularly the live version from Delicate Sound of Thunder). I’m also a big Ritchie Blackmore fan (the live version of Highway Star from Made in Japan is positively unbelievable) although I recently saw Deep Purple live sans Ritchie and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of Steve Morse’s guitar work in his stead.
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June 26, 2006 at 5:51 am #3164061
Gilmore interview
by dmambo · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Dave Gilmour
I heard David Gilmore interviewed for his new solo album. He said that he developed his style because he just could not move his fingers fast, so he knew he could not be the typical rock and roll axeman. He called his style long and lazy.
I agree with you on “Comfortably Numb”. The Wall is such a schitzo disc. Half Waters, half Gilmore. Perfect for the story it conveys.
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June 26, 2006 at 6:49 am #3163960
Best guitarist
by phoenix1999 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Gilmore interview
I have read about half of the responses to this question and have been pleased with everyone’s views on who and what makes a great guitarist. Influencal bands and the music they produce is something that will live forever and damn that people who say rock and roll is dead. But anyway my favorite guitarist of all time are as follows:
1. Jimi Hendrix
2. David Gilmour
3. Eric Clapton
4. Jimmy Page (I have not seen this yet)
5. Kirk Hammet
6. Stevie Ray Vahgn
7. Dave Matthews (has some of the most ingenus music i’ve ever heard)
8. Eddie Van Halen
9. Mike Endzinger
10. Tim MahonnyNow there is no way there could be any one greatest guitar player, but these are the guitar players that have inspired me to be one and filled my life with the things I love best about music.
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June 26, 2006 at 6:03 am #3164050
Come on people
by jeanmarc1 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
If you KNOW anything about guitar, if you have any MUSICAL sense, it has to be:
1. Django Reinhardt
(see http://www.answers.com/topic/django-reinhardt or http://youtube.com/watch.php?v=c1eCkbKhQHk&search=jazz%20guitar).His influence even today is huge:
– Chet Atkins was once asked to name the ten greatest guitarists of the 20th century. He placed Django at #1 on the list (he placed himself at fifth position).
– Reinhardt is the idol of the fictional 1930’s guitarist, Emmet Ray(Sean Penn),who passes out upon meeting Django in the Woody Allen film Sweet and Lowdown (1999).
– Jimi Hendrix, is said to have named one of his bands the Band of Gypsies because of Django’s music.
– The Allman Brothers Band song Jessica was written by guitarist Dickey Betts in tribute to Reinhardt. He wanted to write a song that could be played using only two fingers.
– A song titled “Django,” composed by John Lewis, has become a jazz standard.
– Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi was inspired by Reinhardt to keep playing guitar after a factory accident that cost him two fingertips.
– Former Slade singer Noddy Holder named his son Django.
– Country music singer and guitar player Jerry Jeff Walker named his son Django (who is also a singer and guitar player).
– Former Libertines guitarist, Carl Barat, has expressed on plenty of occasions his admiration for Django as well as his influence in his solo guitar technique.
– British guitarist Diz Disley was strongly influenced by Django Reinhart and collaborated on numerous projects with St?phane Grappelli.
and also
– Carlos Santana, B.B. King, Jerry Garcia, Toni Iommi of Black Sabbath, Trey Anastasio formerly of Phish, Willie Nelson, Les Paul, Carlos B?rat formerly of The Libertines, Bob Wills, Charlie Christian, Miles Davis, David Crosby, Duane Allman, Julian Bream, Tom Morello formerly of Rage against the Machine, Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Diz Disley, Egberto Gismonti2. Bireli Lagrene
(see http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/jazz/reviews/lagrene_gypsy.shtml and more…) -
June 26, 2006 at 6:03 am #3164049
best guitarist in my opinion is Phil Keaggy
by nccfrank · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Phil Keaggy has been playing since the late 60’s. His unique style of what he calls the “Glass Harp sound” came when he was playing with a group he started called Glass Harp. Many rumors have stated that he has played, taught or even been taught with the legendary Hendrix. A statement was made about Phil, since he has been playing Christian music since the 70’s “that if he wasn’t playing for “The Cause” that he would be the greatest rocker of all time.”
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June 26, 2006 at 6:06 am #3164023
Dimebag and my list
by wow > work · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Meh, I might get blasted for this one, but Diamond “Dimebag” Darrell (Pantera) was amazing, always voted best guitarist year after year in Guitar Magazines. Not the over all best, but one of the best. That man could shred a mean guitar.
As for best guitarists, I’ll list whom I think are the best, plus they also influenced me when I started playing:
Dimebag Darrell
David Gilmour
Eddie Van Halen
Jimi Hendrix
Kerry King
Randy Rhodes
Steve Vai
Stevie Ray Vaughn-
June 26, 2006 at 6:54 am #3163952
Question WoW
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Dimebag and my list
Was there a reason for alphabetical order? Couldn’t bring yourself to put one at the top and another at the bottom?
As far as blasted, when it is a topic based on opinion, how can you be wrong?
You just won’t see many of the old timers agreeing on Darrell based on not listening to that style of music. And yes, for someone that was blasted off his a$$ everytime he took the stage, he was right on.
A strange thing to hear would be music influinced by Darrell and Vaughn at the same time….. :p Talk about different ends of the spectrum.
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June 26, 2006 at 7:18 am #3163930
My Variety
by wow > work · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Question WoW
Yea, I listen to a lot of different music, my iPod list is a little odd, from Aerosmith to Led Zeppelin to Megadeth to Pink Floyd to Tool (Note: no Linkin Park.)
To me, a good guitarist isn’t measured by the genre of music he/she plays in; it’s whether or not he/she can make people drop their jaws at how they play. Even if it isn’t fast finger work (like Gilmour,) even songs without solos, some times it’s the sound they can create.
Oh, I forgot an obscure guitarist: Herman Li from Dragonforce. Youtube search for him, the guy is amazing. Lightning fast finger work.
Also, for those who love playing air guitar while listening to Stairway To Heaven, if you have a PS2 I *highly* recommend getting Guitar Hero. You can Youtube that as well to see what it’s like.
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June 26, 2006 at 9:38 am #3112685
My pet peeve about genre
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to My Variety
It annoys me to no end, dumb kids that will say “that sucks” about something like classical music.
There is a big difference between you liking something or not, and if it is great music or not. One is opinion, the other isn’t.
I have stressed this to my boys, and it has helped them better see what is out there. They can listen to something for the music content instead of the entertainment content and get something out of it.
That being said, from an analytical point of view I will say that “RAP” is just noise. A way for people with no musical skills to make a buck.
Country? MOSTLY simple music for simple people. 😀 My idea of “country music” is Metalica while on a back road! (note: opion)
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June 28, 2006 at 9:28 am #3111964
I like the list except for
by tryten · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Dimebag and my list
Kerry King… He is a good guitarist, but damn near ALL of Slayers best riffs were created my Jeff Hanneman. Guitarwise, Hanneman created 90% the really good riffs, or the more popular ones like War Ensamble.
Jeff and Kerry have very simiar styles but Hanneman is by far the better of the two. He just doesnt like cameras or interviews. I dont see how Kerry does it though. Nearly all of his interviews and “how to” sessions are either questions about songs that were musically written by Hanneman or showing how to play songs that were written by Hanneman. You can even find scales and such created and published by Jeff.
Kerry has the look, but Hanneman has the skills.
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June 26, 2006 at 6:51 am #3163957
Two more no one has mentioned
by jon.guth · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
First of all, I will agree with the posters who say there is no one best guitarist. Style, genre, and time differentiate.
A couple more to add to the mix:
Michael Hedges was an acoustic phenomenon. If you havent’ heard it, get it. If you haven’t seen him, too late.And possibly the best guitarist you never heard of is Scottie Anderson.
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June 26, 2006 at 7:07 am #3163946
My genre is showing…Chet Atkins, Roy Clark, Vince Gill, Willie, Waylon
by rclark2 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Two more no one has mentioned
in that order. While they all have their best songs, as pure craftsmen, they have no equal in the acid rock genre.
I do know that there are some great musicians in the rock genre, but you have to first be able to classify what they produce as music…….(I don’t)
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June 26, 2006 at 7:08 am #3163942
One of the greats – writer, producer, lead guitarist …
by klee · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
… Jimmy Page.
He’s gotta be up there somewhere.
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June 26, 2006 at 3:05 pm #3112541
Yup
by oz_media · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to One of the greats – writer, producer, lead guitarist …
He’s definitely a top 5’er
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June 26, 2006 at 7:15 am #3163933
My nominations
by golovko99 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I would like to nominate the following:
1. Mark Knofler
2. Eric Clapton
3. Jimi Hendrix
4. Django Rheinhart
5. Bonnie RaittI could happily listen to any of these people for long periods of time.
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June 26, 2006 at 7:53 am #3163903
My eclectic list …
by rpcoopman · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I’m not going to argue who is/was the best, variety is the spice of life. I tend to listen to guys “off the beaten path”. I was really fortunate to see Hendrix several times, but each of these guys is just as creative and exciting in their own way. Check them out if you’re looking for some new stuff:
Michael Hedges – totally transformed acoustic playing. Died too young …
Billy McLaughlin – picked up where Michael left off. Watching him play is like poetry in motion. Then due to a debilitating disease reinvented his playing left handed!
Phil Keaggy – my favorite. He can play anything and he’s incredibly creative.
John Jorgenson – Hands down the most exciting performer I’ve ever seen – any gendre. New hier to Django Reinhardt style playing
Roland Dyens – Classical guitarist, but not afraid to throw in some Zappa compositions. An amazing composer … I’m reminded of Chopin …
Danny Gatton – not my favorite style of music (rockabilly?) – but he transcended musical boundaries and his solos went to the outer limits of comprehension. He died way too young …
Pat Methany – his solos can take you anywhere you can imagine … still fresh after touring for 25+ years …
Tony McManus – if you like Celtic … he’s the MAN!
David Grier – flatpicking? He turns bluegrass inside-out
Jerry Garcia – ok, lots of people think his playing was boring and his singing sucked … but, having seen the “Dead” at least 30 times (even before they were the Dead), when he was on … he was ON. I never saw anyone who could play so tuned in (telepathic?) with his other band members. I always liked the tinge of jazz in his playing
Don Ross – zany “four handed” fingerstyle monster …Try to see any of these guys live (the ones who are living) if at all possible. They are better than the CD … ;’)
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June 26, 2006 at 8:56 am #3112720
Frampton
by ken lillemo · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to My eclectic list …
Five guitarists is too short a list to cover the various ways guitarists have excelled at their craft.
On several occaisions I have shared the venue with an audience of 200 see Muddy Waters, Pat Metheny, James Cotton, Pat Fahey, Taj Mahal, John Scofield, Jim Hall, Bill Frisell, Albert King, Duke Tomato, Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks. I enjoyed all of them except for Muddy Waters; granted he was in poor health at the time so my experience is tainted.
I am still wowed by Frampton even though I have not experienced him live.
Metheny was amazing. Surrounded by a tower of electronics and the cracked case on a Syncalvier he did not let the media become the message. He closed the show quietly, alone, with an accoustic gutiar and “Hear Comes The Sun.”
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June 26, 2006 at 7:57 am #3163901
Never thought much of Jimmi
by wildbear63 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I always loved the guitar work of Ted Nugent. I haven’t heard anyone else who could literally play the feedback.
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June 26, 2006 at 9:30 am #3112694
Phil Keaggy
by bbarnes3 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
You feel that way just because you haven’t heard Phill Keaggy (http://www.philkeaggy.com/), or Doyle Dykes (http://www.doyledykes.com/)for that matter. Listen to either of these artists and you’ll see what I mean.
If you want an older artist, Mark Knopfler was better than many of his contemporaries. Eric Clapton – give me a break!
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June 26, 2006 at 10:06 am #3112669
Keaggy!
by nabilmish · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Phil Keaggy
I’ve always thought that Keaggy was incredible – crisp, fast fingering, and great vocals, including “scat”…
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June 27, 2006 at 6:53 am #3112244
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June 26, 2006 at 9:53 am #3112678
My top
by 3xp3rt · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
1. Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple ? Childe in time
2. David Gilmour of Pink Floyd – Shine on you crazy diamond
3. Carlos Santana – Europe
4. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin – Stairway to haven
5. Jimi Hendrix ? Hey Joe -
June 26, 2006 at 10:10 am #3112668
Many greats
by thedoresmedley · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
there are many great guitarist living and dead Rogers Nelson aka prince is another example
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June 26, 2006 at 12:32 pm #3112609
Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
by hennoman · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Only one answer to this – Joe Satriani
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June 26, 2006 at 12:54 pm #3112591
Forgotten Heroes
by tehuti_44 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
If I missed their names being mentioned my apologies, but since I didn’t see them I have to add:
Roy Buchanan
Freddie King
Michael BloomfieldObviously many people would list Stevie Ray (as would I). But if you’re going to acknowledge Stevie you HAVE to also consider Albert King, who was his inspiration.
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June 26, 2006 at 1:32 pm #3112576
Brian May of Queen
by allen halsey · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Although I am a big fan of Pete Townshend, I would have to say the best guitar solo ever is by Brian May in Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
I also like the guitar work by AC/DC e.g. Back in Black.
I never understood why Eric Clapton is heralded as such a great guitarist. The only solo by him that I like is on The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”.
Jimi Hendrix is definitely impressive. My favorite of solo of his is his Woodstock rendition of Star Spangled Banner.
Eddie Van Halen, while innovative and technically awesome, often doesn’t carry much of an emotional impact, which I believe is the ultimate criteria for any musician. However, I do very-much like his solo in “Unchained”. Another problem with Eddie is the songs themselves are pretty bad. I prefer groups with a social consious, like The Who and U2. I really lost a lot of respect for Eddie when his group did “Hot for Teacher.”
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June 26, 2006 at 6:16 pm #3112480
Clapton
by jgaskell · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Brian May of Queen
If you want to hear some great Clapton solos, check out the Roger Waters album, “The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking”. I think Clapton was really able to shine on that album through not being the centre of attention. He was able to just concentrate on his part.
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June 27, 2006 at 3:19 pm #3110941
Clapton’s Best?
by sonicbridge · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Clapton
I still think his work on John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers is what got him respect amongst other guitarists.
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June 28, 2006 at 3:38 pm #3111786
Of course
by jgaskell · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Clapton’s Best?
I was just pointing out some of his better work that people may not be familiar with.
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June 26, 2006 at 2:57 pm #3112547
Good but the BEST??
by oz_media · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Eddie VanHalen, was a pioneer at working with new sounds, a la hammer-ons. He was far from a GREAT guitarist though, any 15 year old kid can dupe his work effortlessly. It was unique but not the best.
Eric Clapton, an excellent guitarist and top rank writer, but not any more talented than howlin wolf and some of the other old blues players. Again, I wouldn’t say he’s the BEST guitarist, or even the top 3.
Jimi Hendrix, good acid, need i say more. Yes he was a great guitarist, a legend in fact, but was he really one of the best guitarists? For the same style, I would throw Stevie Ray Vaughn on top.
So there are zillions of great guitarists, all very unique and very talented, just as there are vocalists, drummers, bassists etc. We have had similar discusisons MANY times here, and there is no real answer. Just like all teh top 10 and top 1000 lists, we would always accept some and reject some, music is purely based on taste.
Now you mustn’t forget guitar teams, KK Downing and Glen Tipton (Judas Priest), phenominal!! Together simply uneqalled even in todays saturated scene (though GUitar bads are few and far between these days); independantly, well they are both good but no unstoppable talent.
Angus Young, an absolute maniac able to play virtually any style he chooses. What makes him unique? He is a string bender that guitarists just can’t keep up to anymore, by far one of the best R&R and BLues Guitarists around today.
As a band manager, I can say most guitarists place Alex Leifsen (RUSH) at the top of their list, as do most mags and industry charts.
And, believe it or not, one of the most respected guitarists (even in teh heavy metal world) is Prince (or the Artist formerly known as Prince), he’s absolutely incredible.
So while the mainstream and most new guitarits think VanHalen, Clapton and Hendrix rule the world, and they are very unique talents (well Clapton is a bit of a hack with his constant cloning of sounds) there are so many that are as good if not better that creating such a list is really not possible.
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June 26, 2006 at 6:35 pm #3112474
While not the “best”
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Good but the BEST??
I really enjoy listening to Chris DeGarmo. Cool writer, and good musician.
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June 28, 2006 at 8:41 am #3111983
He is just Prince now
by jamesrl · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Good but the BEST??
The artist formerly known as….came out of a dispute with the record company who were trying to restrict his musical style and content, so he swore he would never record for them again. They in turn suggested that he would be breaking his contract if he recorded for anyone else. Hence he record and toured under….the artist formerly known as.
But I believe a settlement has been worked out since, so he is back to his old name.
He lives part of the year in Toronto, a few doors down from a co-worker of mine. Local paper interviewed him last year and he seems a little uncomfortable with some of his earlier rauchier work as he doesn’t like to expose his kids to that content.
I’ve only ever owned “Purple Rain” but its a pretty amazing album and Prince is a great player.
Alex Liefson is pretty incredible too.
James
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June 28, 2006 at 4:03 pm #3111776
Yes, he won.
by oz_media · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to He is just Prince now
Prince was actually owned by teh label, he couldn’t record under that name without teh label’s control. He removed all traces of his name and used a symbol, his name was made up by the media as they didn’t know what to call him.
His contract came to term so he left and started as Prince again.
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June 26, 2006 at 3:18 pm #3112536
Without a doubt – Dorothy (Dot) Wiggins of The Shaggs. . . . .
by maxwell edison · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
…was the absolute best. Frank Zappa even called that group better than the Beatles. That must mean, by default, that Zappa must have also thought Dot was better than George Harrison. And who can argue with a guy who named his kids Dweezil and Moon Unit?
There ya’ go. End of argument!
Want a sample?
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June 26, 2006 at 4:18 pm #3112508
Guitar Heroes
by gptech · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Rory Gallagher, Bill Nelson (of Be-Bop Deluxe) ….
Gallagher for his ‘understanding’ of what the guitar could/needed to do…. and Nelson for breaking new ground and not caring who he upset along the way
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June 26, 2006 at 4:48 pm #3112495
Well if we are just randomly naming guitarists
by oz_media · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I am shocked that nobody seems to have mentioned one of the most noted guitar virtuoso’s, Randy Rhodes.
At his young age he was one of the first guitarists to REALLY mix classical stylings with hard rock/heavy metal. Which we also see from Yngwie. But Rhandy wasn’t playing classical on electric as Ymgwie does but more the fingering and styling to create clear, listenable solos and incredible harmonies when mized with Ozzy’s high-keyed vocals (remember when mot music actually had a guitar solo?).
R.I.P. Randy Rhodes: December 6 1956 – March 19, 1982
Now we can’t mention Randy Rhodes without mentioning another amazing talent, voted MVP for three years in a row by Guitar World Magazine, 2005’s ‘Best Metal Guitarist’, ‘Number 1 Shredder’ and recipient of the ‘Metal Hammer’, ‘Riff Lord’ and ‘Golden God’ awards. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. ZAKK WYLDE!!!!!
The man who can play the US national anthem on guitar EVEN WYLDER than Hendrix, has played with almost ANY and EVERY notable guitarist r band you can imagine. His silver screen appearance with the band Steel Dragon (also featuring DIO’s, Jeff Pilson and Jason Bonham ((Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham’s son)) in Rock Star was VERY similar to his onstage performance with Ozzy. He is a master to watch and a sound that the most discerning ears will enjoy . Mr. Wylde I must hand the runner up to you for being so cool last summer, having such a great positive attitude and for keeping the solos alive.
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June 26, 2006 at 6:32 pm #3112475
Already…
by jellimonsta · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Well if we are just randomly naming guitarists
Randy already got my vote last week.
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June 26, 2006 at 6:37 pm #3112472
And after that
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Well if we are just randomly naming guitarists
not even an honorable mention to Jake E. Lee?
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June 27, 2006 at 3:31 am #3112315
BLACK SABBATH??
by dvavassi · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to And after that
ok guys, Hendrix,R.Roads,Eddie V.Hallen etc
are all excellent.But come on…
Black Sabbath teached alot of bands how to rock!
Nobody mentioned the great Tony Iommi(!!!)
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June 27, 2006 at 7:01 am #3112240
the power cords
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to BLACK SABBATH??
While it started a new sound, there is very little in his actual playing that would have you writting home to mom about.
Good, yes. Great? No.
Now if you want to carve out a special nitch award for innovative sounds, he would make a top 10 list. Creativity, versitility, and over all skills, if you get emotional he might be listed in a top 100, but not if you are objective about it.
After all that is said and done, can an opinon on something like this be wrong? If you state YOUR FAVORITE is, then no. If you state that he is just the best, then we have many technical points to amend your opinion with.
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June 27, 2006 at 7:12 am #3112232
Spanish guitar, need some ideas
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
This gets me back to something I wanted to do about a month ago. I enjoy instrumental CD’s, and about 1/3 of my collection is just that. Some Jazz, but mostly rock guitar.
I would be VERY interested in spanish guitar INSTUMENTALS. don’t WANT the singing to go with it.
What do you suggest?
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June 27, 2006 at 7:55 am #3112205
RE: Spanish guitar
by daveslash · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Spanish guitar, need some ideas
For instrumental Spanish guitar, check out Los Romeros.
Here are a few Amazon links to get you started:
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June 27, 2006 at 8:12 am #3112196
Paco de Lucia
by neilb@uk · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Spanish guitar, need some ideas
I’ll find some on-line samples of the various types of his playing
http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/1192/tabs.html
sound quality ain’t that good but you can get bthe flavour…
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June 27, 2006 at 8:22 am #3112192
My favorites
by bubba69 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
In no particular order…
Jimmy Page – Led Zepplin
B B King
Carlos Santana
Mark Knoppler – Dire Straits
Jimi Hendrix
Stevie Ray Vaughn -
June 27, 2006 at 9:37 am #3112102
Tom Morello
by mindilator9 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
nobody is more innovative with style and effects than tom. he uses several “broken” guitars and pedals that have unique quirks from damage to make some of the sounds he makes. and his record-scratch-string-sliding technique on Bulls on Parade? the rage against the machine albums have some of the best guitar work ever recorded.
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June 27, 2006 at 12:51 pm #3110991
Stevie Ray Vaughn…… Sober or not!!!!
by robert.manning.ctr · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Was one of the strongest and best guitarist’s ever. Saw him play non-stop (sober) for just over three hours and at t he end of the 3hrs, he sounded like he just walked on stage. SRV was extremely talented and paved the way for others like Johnny Lang. He was also true to his music and never deviated and always kept his sound, unlike others.
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June 27, 2006 at 3:12 pm #3110945
Before, Hendrix, Paige, Clapton —– Jeff Beck, Anyone?
by sonicbridge · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Have we forgotten who leashed/unleashed feedback on the masses. Always ahead of the curve.
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June 28, 2006 at 1:19 am #3110790
Re: Jeff Beck …
by kaspencer · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Before, Hendrix, Paige, Clapton —– Jeff Beck, Anyone?
yes I agree – see my earlier post(s) on this topic. I wish I had put his name in the title of the post now …
Ken.
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June 28, 2006 at 5:23 am #3110757
Clapton & a new name
by golovko99 · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Re: Jeff Beck …
On my way home last night I put on the “live” CD of Wheels of Fire by Cream. Eric Clapton sounded pretty darn good.
I would like to add a name to this discussion that I don’t think I have seen up to now. What about Chuck Berry ?
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June 29, 2006 at 6:02 am #3113358
Chuck Berry: better than me, yes. But the best ? Martin Taylor? Dom Miller?
by kaspencer · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Clapton & a new name
Chuck Berry – yes pretty good, no doubt about that. But better than Beck, Clapton, Van Halen, Satriani – not sure about that.
To add two more into the debate:
1. Martin Taylor – and excellent jazz guitarist whgo makes his guitar sounds as polyphonal as a piano;
2. Dominic Miller – Sting’s sidekick – good as a rocker and a jazz-man.Kenneth Spencer
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June 28, 2006 at 2:54 pm #3111808
Wrong
by ibanezoo · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
The answer is simple and quite obvious. *I* am the greatest guitarist hands down and without question.
Now stop your arguing and get back to work.
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June 29, 2006 at 12:35 am #3111698
My 2 Frozen Cents
by cuteelf · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Stevie Ray Vaughn
Eric Clapton
Santana
and Hendrixin that order.
Cute Tan Elf 😛
I have a job. Now let’s sing da blues …
I got da bills
I got da bills
I get such ache and chills
writin fat checks
for your damn fat bills..-
June 29, 2006 at 2:57 am #3113412
Hey, Cute! Good to hear from you
by neilb@uk · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to My 2 Frozen Cents
Is it a good job? I know that you were getting a bit stressed. Your fans want to know that things are on the up-and-up for you in the frozen “slightly further north and a long, long way west”.
Neil 😀
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June 29, 2006 at 3:52 pm #3113128
David Gilmour
by jmgarvin · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Everybody always forgets that it doesn’t matter how fast you play, but how you play.
Although I have to include:
Clapton, Hendrix, Kim Thayil, and BB King -
July 5, 2006 at 9:02 am #3167939
No mentions of Steve Morse & Eric Johnson?
by ryk · about 16 years, 7 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I couldn’t read every reply, but I read a bunch and I didn’t see a single mention of Steve Morse or Eric Johnson.
C’mon — Morse was voted Best All Around Guitarist 5 years in a row in Guitar Player mag (almost 20 years ago) and so was retired to the “Gallery of the Greats”. If you haven’t checked out his solo stuff, or his work with the Dixie Dregs, you owe it to yourself to do so.
And Eric Johnson is just otherworldly. He channels an energy & spirit I’ve seen nowhere else. He’s hands-down better than just about anyone else I’ve ever heard.
Also, if you’ve never heard of David Lindley, check him out — he’s basically a master of any picked string instrument. Phenomenal musician.
I love ’em all — Hendrix, Van Halen, Satriani, Vai, Gatton, but the three I mention above have all literally brought me to tears during their live shows. I can’t say that about any other artist.
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July 22, 2006 at 9:20 pm #3110660
How about this guy?
by mickster269 · about 16 years, 6 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
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July 22, 2006 at 10:59 pm #3110651
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October 25, 2006 at 10:14 am #3276049
Page and Hendrix
by diddle · about 16 years, 3 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
I am kind of shocked that at first glance I didn’t see Jimmy Page posted under anyone’s listing. That’s rediculous! Okay Hendrix was the best I’ll give you that but Page was a close second! And if anyone says different you probably haven’t seen his live Stairway to Heaven from Madison Square Garden in the 70’s or your head just needs an examination!
Check it out on youtube.com then just sit back and concede that you were wrong! Zeppelin was the overall best pure rock band ever and that was mostly due to Page’s playing and writing ability. So just end the debate because there really isn’t one to begin with. #1 Jimmy Hendrix #2 Jimmy Page!-
December 30, 2006 at 8:17 pm #2484759
Page and only Page
by nealandonna · about 16 years, 1 month ago
In reply to Page and Hendrix
I believe that if there can be only one best guitarist ever then it can only be Jimmy Page. All others, however great they may be, and there are many great ones to be considered, fall short to the great Page. Before Zeppelin, with Zeppelin and after Zeppelin, Page continues to be the greatest. Nothing more needs to be said on this topic of discussion.
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December 30, 2006 at 10:36 pm #2484741
First does not equal best
by jdclyde · about 16 years, 1 month ago
In reply to Page and only Page
It doesn’t matter which type of music you listen to, there clearly are many that have far outshone Page. Clapton in the same era and beyond, is one such example.
Modern guitar, just try to match up against Steve Vai for skill, creativity, and originality, as well as longevity.
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November 14, 2006 at 1:42 am #3223001
For me it’s Chris Fairclough he is better than the Edge & better than me.
by robert_page · about 16 years, 2 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Has anyone heard the guitarist in the almost funk band (being hailed as the new U2) in Dublin.
Chris Fairclough is undeniably better then the edge. However this was to be expected as his twin sisters are actress; appearing in the critically acclaimed Commitments.Robert Page
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November 15, 2007 at 8:20 am #2480065
Jeff Beck technically better than Clapton ….
by kaspencer · about 15 years, 2 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton were born within a few miles and a few months of each other, and both played in the Yardbirds. But who is the best guitarist of the two? Well technically is has to be Beck surely. And as you vote also for Van Halen, I think that you must favour technical wizardy.
However, there are others: the late Eric Roche? and dozens and dozens of “extreme” guitarists following the Satriani tradition?
And does the Classical Guitar idiom count in the debate? I was fortunate enough to hear Andres Segovia in about ’66 or ’67 in London – no amplifier, just a small Spanish guitar!
Thanks for reading!
Ken.
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December 26, 2007 at 12:17 pm #2642803
Dave Gilmour
by dymac30 · about 15 years, 1 month ago
In reply to Jeff Beck technically better than Clapton ….
I think the best album and albums after that is a good marker for one of, or the best.Dark side of the moon is probly the best album,that leaves dave gilmour for his tasteful and technical playing is my pick
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January 22, 2008 at 5:40 pm #2666266
Prince, Jimi Page, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Roy Clark
by mayja77 · about 15 years ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Prince is one of the most underrated guitarists around. If you listen to his earlier work from albums like “Prince” which is his 2nd album coming out in 1979. The song “Bambi” or from his 1st album “For You” the song “I’m Your’s” he is kickin’ butt on guitar. As a matter of fact he’s kickin’ butt on all the instruments. I know most of you would not agree because you’ve only heard his “Pop-Era” music. The rest of my choices speak for themselves. Jeff Healey, Stanley Jordan & George Benson are great too. It all depends on the listner’s ear. There are too many to post in one comment.
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January 8, 2010 at 1:15 am #3022345
Poll for Worlds Greatest Living Guitarist
by dbtwang · about 13 years ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
The years roll on but the debate never changes! Would welcome your votes for our poll – 97 names suggested by our readers and you can vote for 3:
http://blog.dbtwang.com/worlds-greatest-living-guitarist-poll-opens/
keith
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February 14, 2012 at 10:19 am #2439470
Tommy Emmanuel
by landauzus · about 10 years, 11 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
Many rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix have been cited. True, they may have been legends, they may have played their instruments proficiently…. But… There is Tommy Emmanuel, and then there are the rest, way way below him.
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February 14, 2012 at 2:31 pm #2439457
In my opinion
by sepehrjafari1366 · about 10 years, 11 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
1.Jimi Hendrix
2.Eric Clapton
3.Jimi Page
4.Mark Knopfler
5.Jeff Beck
6.Chuck Berry
7.Eddie Van Halen
8.David Gilmour
9. Scotty Moore
10.Ritchie Blackmore -
February 14, 2012 at 2:37 pm #2439456
+
by sepehrjafari1366 · about 10 years, 11 months ago
In reply to Who is (was) the best guitarist ?
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98.Slash
99.Kirk Hammet
100.Kirt Cobain
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