Whos The Greatest Guitarist?

BinFrog wrote:

It's entirely a discussion. Jimi is important in rock history, but saying he is objectively the best is just not possible.

Most influential in rock? Maybe.

Most creative? You could make a case.

Best? In terms of style, if that's your deal, you could also make a case.

Technically? Not even remotely close.

Sure there is better guitar players out there technically, I dont think anyone is denying that.
But what it comes down to is the emotion instilled by the performance and the music being performed, just the same as Neil Young isnt technically the best singer.

FinsburyParkCarrots wrote:

Ah, well, it's time to add someone else to that list ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSZBt4VTcUA

been listening to Sapphire recently, was a bit of a shock at first, but thinking it's pretty good now.

keeponrockin wrote:

I truly don't think technical skill matters. It's what ya do with it!

I disagree. Sure, some shredders have absolutely no feel whatsoever, but there is something to be said for technical prowess. A good shred solo or ridiculous jazz progression will perk my ears up. I can appreciate technical playing for it's own sake. It's not music meant to make you feel something deep. It's showing off, sure, but it can be fun to watch/hear. And some of those guys like Satriani make really listenable/enjoyable music. other guys like Malmsteen might have a lot of cheesy music, but man can they fly across the fretboard. It's not for everyone, but if you appreciate good playing for playing's sake, it's all good.

For example, how can you not get excited by this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cadbYIzhqQ

BinFrog wrote:

I disagree. Sure, some shredders have absolutely no feel whatsoever, but there is something to be said for technical prowess. A good shred solo or ridiculous jazz progression will perk my ears up. I can appreciate technical playing for it's own sake. It's not music meant to make you feel something deep. It's showing off, sure, but it can be fun to watch/hear. And some of those guys like Satriani make really listenable/enjoyable music. other guys like Malmsteen might have a lot of cheesy music, but man can they fly across the fretboard. It's not for everyone, but if you appreciate good playing for playing's sake, it's all good.

For example, how can you not get excited by this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cadbYIzhqQ

I swear..I was about to go looking for something from Al diMeola and Paco DeLucia

thats what i was originally saying.....theres no way anyone can tell me Jimi is the best hands down. I dont agree with you at all

BinFrog wrote:

I disagree. Sure, some shredders have absolutely no feel whatsoever, but there is something to be said for technical prowess. A good shred solo or ridiculous jazz progression will perk my ears up. I can appreciate technical playing for it's own sake. It's not music meant to make you feel something deep. It's showing off, sure, but it can be fun to watch/hear. And some of those guys like Satriani make really listenable/enjoyable music. other guys like Malmsteen might have a lot of cheesy music, but man can they fly across the fretboard. It's not for everyone, but if you appreciate good playing for playing's sake, it's all good.

For example, how can you not get excited by this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cadbYIzhqQ

BUt these guys are playing good music. Playing for playing's sake isn't playing for MUSIC's sake, and thats what's most important.

And I play.

boroff89 wrote:

Who honestly gives a shit about technical skill? Joe Satriani may be a great technical guitar player, but when he plays something that actually reaches and touches my soul, I'll give a shit about him.

Of course people will make a discussion out of it, and everyone has different criteria for what makes a great guitar player. But as far as I am concerned, the question begins and ends with Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn. There is not another rock guitarist who is in the same ballpark.

Satriani without a doubt touches my soul...you just don't know a lot of his stuff.

Try his self-titled, bluesy album. It's intense.

BinFrog wrote:

Satriani without a doubt touches my soul...you just don't know a lot of his stuff.

Try his self-titled, bluesy album. It's intense.

such a typical appraisal from that kind of musician's fans. Perhaps he just doesn't feel anything from Satriani. I've heard a shit load of Satch. I certainly know a lot of his stuff. I don't rate him much at all, as an artist. I don't even rate him amongst the shredder types. He's a very technically able musician. He just doesn't make music that speaks to me.

boroff89 wrote:

Who honestly gives a shit about technical skill? Joe Satriani may be a great technical guitar player, but when he plays something that actually reaches and touches my soul, I'll give a shit about him.

Of course people will make a discussion out of it, and everyone has different criteria for what makes a great guitar player. But as far as I am concerned, the question begins and ends with Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn. There is not another rock guitarist who is in the same ballpark.

Funny that you said this when today on my way home from a long day at work I was playing and kept repeating this song by Satch called......Clouds Race Across The Sky.

I have everything by this guy, seen him live near 12-15X. It takes awhile for his music and licks to sink but man when it does it's a awesome feeling. I love his slower almost love type songs and on the other end his speed more fast pace song with that masterful Stu Hamm bass is overwhelming.

The other coincidence it that I had The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble and Jimi Hendrix's Best of in my 12 disc player. However like I posted earlier on page 5 I think amongst the Living Joe SATRIANI Is The MAN.

Peace

I think the issue is more that Satch is lumped in as a "shredder" along with Vai, Malmsteen, Petrucci et all. Joe isn't as technically proficient as any of these or similar guitarists and writes songs with meaning. They aren't endless runs of fast notes, they mean something. For me he isn't really comparable to any other guitarists; no other instrumental artists can affect me the way Satch can and that makes him unique. I hate for him to be stereotyped.

Sweet Little Angel - BB King, Clapton, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, Albert Collins

Let the Good Times Roll

Buddy Guy and Clapton

Fuck Yeah! Clapton is awesome in that last video, in the others too, of course, but damn! And Buddy, as always, kicks ass!