To me, to be considered one of the true greats, a guitarist had to be doing something amazingly different and advanced at a time when no one else was. They have to be technically proficient, and must have an emotional connection to their playing. They need to have paved the way for a new direction for the next generation of guitar playing masses to go. Here are some choices on my end:
Stevie Ray Vaughn - his playing had more soul and emotion than almost anyone, even to date. He was playing the blues, and combining it with virtuosic playing in a way that had not been done before.
Django Reinhardt - NOBODY was doing what he was doing, when he was doing it. He’s been immitated, but never equalled.
David Gilmore - Incredible, melodic, emotional, and soulfull phrasing. Scores of rock guitarists have followed his path. Truly encorporated blues and jazz into a rock format.
Stanley Jordan - Incredible new techniques that were rarely touched, and never done or applied to composition and performance the way he did and applied them.
Yngwie Malmsteen - Yes, what he did has been done to death, has been improved upon over and over again…there are people who are much faster, cleaner, and more interesting who emerged after him. But he really started the whole guitar hero thing, with super chops, combining classical sound and harmonic minor to virtuoso rock guitar playing. He took soloing to another level, and changed the way millions of fledgling guitarists wanted to play thereafter, either from listening to him, or one of his successors. Sure, classical music had been applied to rock guitar playing, but not the way he did, and not by one guy, solo.
Lots of good players listed, lots of virtuosos. But while I objectively acknowledge the greatness of the likes of Hendrix, Clapton, and Stevie Ray, I really don’t love to listen to them play.
So I’m going to be unconventional…
Sneer if you want, but I really like to hear Tony Iommi play. He may not be the fastest, the most original, or whatever. But I don’t care. Dammit, I think he’s great. And very under-appreciated.
Why hasn’t anyone mentioned Joni Mitchell? The only thing she has going against her is that she’s not flashy. I love her playing. You can also put her in the Greatly Under-Appreciated file.
And how about Randy Rhodes? Very enjoyable stuff.
For the ultimate in precision/technical/physical playing, no one comes close to Mike Harris. He is the “guitar player’s guitar player,” and (not surprisingly) his audience is primarily made up of guitar teachers. While he’s not necessarily known for his writing skills, there is nothing on the planet he can’t play - classical, jazz, speed metal - you name it. The guy can literally listen to the most complex Steve Vai song one time, write down every note on paper, then pick up his guitar and play it perfectly. Beyond belief. He is out of Texas. I’m not sure what band he’s in now.
Lastly, I really like David T. Chastain. But I suspect no one here has ever heard of him.
I’m somewhat of a Zappa devotee. (I think I have over 20 albums.) But as much as I’ve liked his music, I thought he was a mediocre guitar player. And he even admitted it.
Danny Gatton
Roy Buchanan
Rory Gallagher
Jimi Hendrix
Eric Clapton
Junior Brown
Django Reinhardt
my husband
I’m not a player. My husband is, though. Of course, I’d heard of Hendrix & Clapton, but the rest of the guys were totally unknown to me. Thank the Gods I know them now. Especially Gatton & Brown. How Gatton made such incredible music with those stubby little fingers of his is just amazing. And Junior Brown…dear Goddess, he’s a beast. I have to be very careful when I listen to him play. He makes my head explode. :eek:
Not only was the music innovative, but he did all that with only two usable fingers on his left hand. Leaves little excuse for those of us with all our digits.
(Q) How do you get a guitar player off your front porch?
Only this thread could make a doper out of this lurker.
Kudos to Roadfood! Those are some great choices, particularly the Jonny Lang reference.
Most of the names that come to my mind immediately are already on this list. I will add a few names though.
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Clint Black (I love his fingerpicking style)
Vince Gill (terrific improv)
Monte Montgomery (You might not know him, but you will)
Chris Duarte (another sleeper)
Kenny Wayne Shepard (yeah, I know, but he can play)
Bonnie Raitt (If Duanne Allman had a sister)
Lyle Lovett (the guy makes some impossible chord changes)
George Clinton (he defines a genre)
Keb Mo (a modern day bluesman straight outta Compton)
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There are others that come to mind. This is a great thread.
-I have seen David Gilmour mentioned alot in this thread. I agree that while maybe not the most impressive technically, the emotion coming from his guitar is intense. He is also one of my faves, and a great singer as well.
-Carlos Santana, undoubtedly one of the best rock guitarists of all time.
-Phil Keaggy, who helped pioneer Christian rock music. I particularly enjoy his “Sunday’s Child” album. He is also a great singer, and songwriter.
Also, on Hendrix’s favorite…
I read about the late Terry Kath, who played for Chicago in the early days. After hearing the band rehearse, Hendrix was said to remark, “Your guitarist is better than me.”
Angus Young: Seeing this little guy in a schoolboy outfit pour out some of the most amazing lead guitar ever picked, looking like its soooo easy…he’s the man.
Jimmy Page: “Kashmir”, anyone? Acoustic or electric, Page can play. And how.
Kirk Hammett: Metallica rocks! Just listen to “one” and try and tell me Kirk isn’t the greatest guitarist still touring (although AC/DC may be)
David Gilmour: His stuff on Darkside, Wish you Were here, Animals and especially The Wall, (his new stuff isn’t the same without Roger Waters) should be sent out in a new Voyager or something to spread the word.
I’ll enthusiastically secopnd that, Buck Nekkid.
And Susan Tedeschi, if she keeps at it. She can rock.
And welcome, Buck. Lurk no more.
Peace,
mangeorge
(Q) How do you get a lead guitarist to play quietly?
Thanks for the welcome Mangeorge. Lurking didn’t really agree with me anyways. I’m a born doper.
Susan is another of my favorites. I saw her perform in May and it was everything that I expected, and then some.
Mythos, I was wondering how long it would take before someone mentioned Jimmy Page. You nailed that one.
There are a lot of great blues players that aren’t on the list, but I was trying to avoid the obvious. As far as musical influence, Buddy Holly has to make the list.
The guy that gets the most out of every note he plays, but is still not on the list is Mike Campbell. I would suggest that his guitar work is as quickly recognized as any of the legends listed, it’s just that not many people know his name. When you hear all the great licks and solos in Tom Petty’s songs, you can thank Mike.
BTW Cornflakes, I am a guitar player, but I wouldn’t dare compare myself with any of these greats. I have spent years trying to emulate most of them.
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