Taking a big chance: The Greatest Guitarist Ever.

[eyepaddle]

Okay, we all know that is impossible to label one artist (in this case guitarist) as obhjectively superior to any others--let alone to all others. But, having said that, Jeff Beck is clearly and objectively the greatest guitarist ever! ;)

He's not actually my favorite--his stuff only makes it into my car steroe on rare occasions, but I will listen to him on the computer at work a little bit more often, and even in the context of rock guitar only, he isn't as fast as say a Malmsteen, or as outlandish and over the top as a Hendrix--but in what I have arbitrarily decided is the most important consideration, he has just utterly MASTERED that damned instrument. In other words, I think he probably comes as close as is humanly possible to turning his thoughts and ideas into sounds with the guitar as a conduit. From eschewing the use of a pick while not really playing "fingerstyle" guitar parts to his deft use of the tremolo bar and volume knobs--and he is about the only guy I can name who uses the tone controls at all, and he does it enough to offset all the players who have had their tone controls removed!

I just get the impression that if he hasn't played something it's because he didn't want to play it, and if you don't like it, it is only because his thoughts on the matter are different from yours.

Here's a sample (with a free bonus performance by pint-sized powerhouse Tal Wilkenfield on bass):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dk1K1fC5U4k

Now, you might be wondering "So, eyepaddle--who IS your favorite player if it isn't this Jeff Beck you speak so highly of?" I'd say I don't have just one favorite, but a combination of few different guys: Most notably a weird hybrid of Judas Priest's KK Downing and Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith--with honorable mention from those band's OTHER guitarists Glenn Tipton and to a lesser extent Dave Murray.

KK Downing's obvious Hendrix influence really made an impression on me as teenager and introduced the joys of whammy bar abuse and feedback, plus his wild eccentricities and even his career long evolution as a player (to be fair that is true for both of Judas Priest's players). I can't really think of any ther player who was active in 1974 and achieved success in that style who has gone on to master sweep picking. See him do Victim of Changes live, or his parts in Hellrider, or The Sinner.

Adrian Smith has probably had a bigger impact on my melodic sense than any other player, and he has also showed a fair amount of growth in his playing over the decades. While he doesn't showcase himself as a wildly innovative rhythym guitarist he is probaly the strongest songwriter out of anybody in this post. I'd say check out either Wasted Years, Stranger in a Strange Land, or his solo in Hallowed be Thy Name.

Glenn Tipton (admittedly the more "naturally talented" of Judas Priest's duo) has mainly impacted me in my desire to just flat-out MOTOR when desired. He's not a full time burner like say a Yngwie or a Paul Gilbert but I am pretty sure he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants. I tend to think of this as a thinner, more focused echo of my praise for Jeff Beck: Glenn Tipton is a full throated heavy metal Jeff Beck who confines himself to picking and fretting and doesn't constanly fiddle with the knobs. Painkiller and Beyond the Realms of Death get mentioned a lot, but I'd throw out "ELectric Eye" as one to really check out from Mr Tipton.

Dave Murray; well it's a little hard to put into words, because he's been pretty consistent over the years and tends to stay fairly close to his strengths, blazing fast legato minor pentatonic stuff! I do like his rounded tone, out-of-phase neck pickup lead tones coupled with his whirring "blur of notes" flourishes--which can be heard in the first half of the solo to a song like Caught Somewhere in Time.

If you're still here--thanks for reading! :hi:

[Manifestor_of_Light]

1. I would say someone who has technique WITHOUT resorting to lots of distortion.

When the Beatles used distortion on "Revolution" it was new. Now everybody uses too damned much distortion for my tastes. Except for Brian May who uses it tastefully.

Of course, if you want to hear pure technique with no distortion, listen to Spanish classical guitar. Andres Segovia, Julian Bream, John Williams (not the composer), Eliot Fisk, the Romero brothers.

Paganini composed for the guitar and worked out ideas on the guitar that he later wrote as violin pieces.

[eyepaddle]

5. I just love, love, love a nice crunchy tone!

Of course with Beck the amount of disortion varies almost contantly througout the song and always seems to be perfect for each part that he is playing.

Granted my list above is pretty much British rock guitarists, but I listen to quite a bit more than that, and I have some pretty strong folk tendencies. I just listed this quartet because it dawns on me that if I have been listening to them consistenly for the 30 years, I must like them quite a bit! Plus, I've actually takne the trouble to analyze what they are doing and attempt to learn from it.

As to accoustic playing I'd say I am a Leo Kottke and Adrian Legg fan above all others. I am impressed byt he classical guys, but I really like the twang of a steel string accoustic and nylon strings always sound a bit empty to me.

On edit: Gosh, my fingers are bit chilly and am I ever making the typos today!

[RadiationTherapy]

12. Love the Paganini trivia! Thanks.

It's not trivial, of course, but...ahem. Very cool.

[eyepaddle]

2. Here are a few clips of the above mentioned songs

Victim of Changes (KK is the Blond guy with the white Flying V and he takes the first solo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PCX6lKFHkE

Waste Years (Adrian Smith takes this solo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmxbKmiOJlU

Glenn's showcase (Electric Eye)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkvEDAg6MWw

Caught Somewhere in Time (Dave Murray plays the first solo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ59d1_CHoo

On a side note: To film a concert do you have to sign some kind of form saying that under no circumstances will you ever be able to fucking tell who is playing a solo? Or maybe, if you do figure it out it is your job to film the singer stading idly waiting for his part to come back up, or maybe show the bass player chugging out roots and 5ths? God you see this shit all the time and it drives me nuts

[S_E_Fudd]

3. Ry Cooder...nt

[eyepaddle]

7. Certainly a worthy option!

Especially in the "evaluating Jeff Beck criteria" I use above

Even though he always seemd to use his powers to make those around better as opposed to merely unleashing his might upon te world!

:hi:

[Bake]

4. Heresy!

Clapton. Or Tony Rice (acoustic).

Beck is up there, of course.

:hi:

Bake

[eyepaddle]

6. Clapton back in the 60's and well, everything up to to most certainly NOT including 461 Ocean Blvd

is probably the best of all the British blues rock guys--at owning the blues, but to me he seems to have deliberately backed away from being a monster.

As an aside, there have been many music threads here, and many of them flamed up, but I have always refrained from saying exactly what I like and discussed the topic at hand. So for the record, this thread kind of lays out my thoughts on the matter.

:hi:

[7wo7rees]

22. James Page. Flame away.

[eyepaddle]

23. There's a post about Jimmy Page over at Dinosaur Rock Guitar that

really puts Page into perspective: Yes he was a complete fumble finger--by the standards of thirty years later. At his time he was pretty damn proficient--and he generally got better as the the tours went on, what you hear on the record was usually the best of the three takes he was gonna do and that was that.

His songwriting and arranging of course are essentially out of this world. So he's a complicated figure.

Personally, I go back and forth with Zeppelin, there is something about Robert Plant's voice that drives me crazy, and The Song Remains the Same has a few, umm. rough edges, in the performance, but....Achilles Last Stand.

I guess the true measure is that Page will be remembered and argued about for a few hundred years, and that really indicates his impact.

[7wo7rees]

24. Achilles has amazing Bonzo too.

Did you see that Davis Guggenheim documentary? "It Might Get Loud" http://www.amazon.com/Might-Get-Loud-Jimmy-Page/dp/B002RVZV9K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315860703&sr=8-1
Three-way with The Edge, Jimmy, and Jack Black, discussing and playing guitar. Stunna.

[eyepaddle]

25. I haven't seen it, I've seen a few clips though.

Isn't it Jack White in that? How does he come off in the film? I thought that might be a bit of risky choice, but that is probably why the filmmaker wanted him in there.

[7wo7rees]

26. White/Black sorry.

Jack comes off as an ardent lover of authenticity. Builds a guitar in the first scene. Sits with a little fella in a pork-pie hat and shows him how to riff. Takes his roadshow to all sorts of unconventional venues and preaches the gospel of rock and roll. Still loves Son House best, etc.

Jimmy does air guitar to Link Wray's The Rumble that's just priceless.

Edge is all effects all the time.

[tblue]

8. You have not lived until you've heard LAURENCE JUBER!!!

Laurence was Paul McCartney's lead guitarist in Wings - he's a consumate musician! He can play guitar with ONE HAND! I have never seen a greater master of any instrument. See him in person if you want to be blown away.

http://www.laurencejuber.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sHElGKTniw&feature=related

[eyepaddle]

9. Thanks for the tip!

You may have seen/heard him, but here is about my avorite accoustic guy--Adriam Legg.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOSH_45eBws&feature=related

[guitar man]

10. I always hate to say who's "best"

But when pressed, I'll always say Tommy Crook... he's right here in Tulsa OK and of all the guitar players I've ever seen live, Tommy consistently leaves me speechless every time I see him play...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlBUuOM8G1o

[eyepaddle]

11. Well, he'd be great if he cleaned up his technique a bit! ;)

:wow: :applause:

I'll admit I did have a bit of an ulterior motive when I made this thread--I was hoping a few people would throw out a few goodies.

Mr Crook is certainly in that group!

[guitar man]

20. He's played at Lana Thai restaraunt for years

It's been a while since I've been to see him, but it's really amazing to see a player of his caliber in such an intimate setting.

What's funny is my wife when we go, she'll be like "are you going to eat? Take a bite.... chew....breathe!!"

Then I remember we are supposed to be on date night and have to tear my attention away from his playing...but it's tough to do. :crazy:

[av8rdave]

13. Everyone has their own opinion of "greatest." Mine:

Electric: SRV. Technique and soul. Much of what you say of Beck I would say of him. Mastery of the instrument and the ability to use the instrument to express emotion and thought.

Acoustic: Tommy Emmanuel. The most amazing fingerstyle I've seen or heard. Plays bass, rhythm and melody simultaneously, can shred on acoustic with the best of the electric folks, and creates the most amazing special effects simply using his hands and brushes on the body of the guitar.

[eyepaddle]

14. Thanks for the tip on Tommy Emmanuel!

:hi:

[av8rdave]

15. I've seen him live several times. He never fails to amaze.

Hope you enjoy!

[ArnoldLayne]

16. Pink Floyd's- David Gilmour

[eyepaddle]

18. Now that you mention it.....

David Gilmour is an astoundingly talented guitarist, and to my ears about the most emotional player I've heard.

Plus, he seems to really play the sound and tone as much as does the instrument, so that would factor well in his favor by my purely arbitrary criteria.

I guess in a nutshell, what makes somebody a "the greatest" is fire and a flawless ear. In other words a player who knows what a wrong note sounds like, and then never plays them, as well as knowing what the right note will sound like, and then paying those.

To be blunt I probably feel that way becase I am physically fairly skilled as a player, but I have a fairly mediocre ear--I can tell the difference between the right notes, and the wrong ones, but only AFTER I've played them, when all too often it is just too late!

Fairly recently I've given up and gone back to the woodshed and really workin on modes and knowing the neck deeply--as opposed to my passing familiarity with it. I want to know what each note is as I go for it, and know where that fits before I make sound. It seems to be giving me a bit of traction at long last. Back in my younger days I tried to learn scales ad such, but mostly as patterns to play, not relly as a framework to understand.

I wish I would've taken less than 26 years to get to this place, but better late than never eh?

[hifiguy]

17. Robert Fripp would be my nominee.

There is nothing the man cannot play and he is effortlessly fluid when playing time signatures and rhythms most musicians couldn't even count, much less play in. His melodic sensibility is one of a kind - far more Stravinsky/Bartok than Chuck Berry.

Edit to add: Tal Wilkenfield is effing amazing. Saw her playing with Jeff B on a DVD at a bandmate's home and said "I have just officially had my ass handed to me as a girl who has been alive ten-plus fewer years than I have been playing bass." But there more than a few big names she can blow into the weeds, so that made me feel a little better.

[eyepaddle]

19. Yep. I really can't think of anything in your post that I disagree with.

We should probably throw an honorble mention in Adrian Belew's direction as well. A very solid player and a fearless sonic explorer.

[Tom Ripley]

21. Fripp is an amazing player, but I always like his "hired hand work" more than his own projects

I know it's sick, but I prefer his work with Bowie, Eno, Blondie, Daryl Hall, etc to King Crimson and the various Leagues.

[dawg]

27. My favorite is Steve Howe.

I love his unique mixture of styles and influences, from Wes Montgomery to Chet Atkins to Hendrix. And despite the fact that he is as far removed from the blues as a rock and roll guitarist can get, I think his playing is passionate and full of feeling.

Also, I'd like to second Jeff Beck, David Gilmour and Robert Fripp.

Jeff Beck was the best guy to ever play in the Yardbirds - my favorite by far.

Gilmour makes his guitar weep. I love his tone. I'm just getting into Pink Floyd, and I don't know why I overlooked those guys for so long.

Fripp is amazing, of course.

Steve Hackett is a great guitarist as well. He gets overlooked.

Obviously I'm a progressive-rock nerd, so YMMV.

[hifiguy]

29. Dave Gilmour can break your heart with nothing

but his guitar. The solo at the end of "High Hopes" from The Division Bell has brought me to tears more than once. He says so much with so few notes, and that aching, yearning Gilmour tone is my all time standard setter for sheer aural beauty.

Steve Howe is, like Fripp, simply amazing at everything, and I'd put John McLaughlin in with those two in terms of sheer technical ability.

And Genesis went to hell in a handcart when Steve Hackett (yes, he is massively underrated) left.

'nother progger nerd here! :hi:

[eyepaddle]

38. As far as I am concerned Genesis ended when Steve Hackett left--they

became te "Phil Collins Hit Machine" at that point.

Steve Howe is also a favorite of mine--I just absolutely ADORE the sound and fee of his solo album Turbulence--I only wish it went on longer!

In addition to British Heavy Metal I amm also a fan of Prog. :hi:

[Tikki]

28. Billy Zoom, Jeffrey Lee Pierce...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCEHSwp1jJc
"How I Learned My Lesson"....X

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WsvTN_FAlo
"Go Tell the Mountain"....Gun Club



Tikki

[Tobin S.]

30. I say Tony Iommi and my fiance says Les Paul

Both are innovators and helped shape the kind of music we listen to today, especially regarding guitar based music. Jen says that without Les Paul none of them would have been around. :)

Black Sabbath "Symptom of the Universe"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14qjtGEePVY

Les Paul "How High the Moon"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14qjtGEePVY

[hifiguy]

39. Your fiance is correct!

Les Paul is the musical daddy or granddaddy of everyone who has ever picked up a solid-body electric guitar. And both his playing and arranging are still jaw-dropping 50-60 years later.

[TreasonousBastard]

52. Listen to your fiance-- Les Paul was The Man. They all owe him.

[KG]

31. given up keeping track of 'the best' thing. seen alot of live music in the last 20 years. so many

guys that could rip holes in the fabric of the universe with their licks and i can't remember all their names...

[KamaAina]

32. In a band: Clapton. Solo: Hendrix.

That's the way I've broken it down for some time now.

Any new contenders out there?

[Ahpook]

33. Picking one is impossible

Well, for me anyway.

I will name Page as a musician that always speaks to me, though.I know thats an easy or popular choice, but hear me out :)

As a guitar player I get frustrated listening to Zeppelin live. Page can spin webs seemingly out of thin air. If John Paul Jones and Bonzo are on a roll, Page will invariably come out with an outstanding answer. Its interesting to hear him on some recordings.

Love him so much for that:)

[Bake]

37. But your avatar says HENDRIX!

:woohoo:

:hi:

Bake

[hifiguy]

40. Jimmy Page was a very good guitarist

but the most brilliant producer/director/master of the studio in the music's history. His ear for contrasting acoustic and electric textures (think ANY Zep album) his ability to build arrangements (ditto) and his willingness to try things not even Hendrix could have dreamed up when combined with a perfect sense of when too much is just right and when to hold back made him a deity of rock.

It's not so much Page the pure guitarist as Page the overwhelming musical mastermind (ably abetted by the immensely talented John Paul Jones) that has secured him his place among the immortals.

[Bennyboy]

34. Jerry. NOBODY played as many styles as Jerry did...

From the most ecognizable steel guitar riff ever (teach Your Children)to his acoustic band as well as the many various bands he played with that played blues, jazz, funk as well as his regular gig the Grateful Dead. There's a reason why people followed him everywhere he played.

Jerry garcia had more emotion in the notes he did not play than most guitar players ahve in the notes they do play. he got the spaces...

[mtnester]

35. I throw Johnny Winter into the mix

oh yes.

[Bennyboy]

36. Trey Anastasio of Phish is GOD...

Seriously the guy is amazing. So many notes.

[Dystopian]

43. And in Oysterhead!

Yes, one of my Gods...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP_VcJN6ro8

Awesome.



peace~

[mikeytherat]

41. Oh, yeah. Years ago, I caught a live performance by Les Paul in NYC.

mikey_the_rat

[Mendocino]

42. Duane Allman

He accomplished by the time of his early demise at 24, what some players don't do in a lifetime.

Best acoustic player-I Like Clarence White.

[Bennyboy]

44. The case for WARREN HAYNES!

he replaced Duane Allman in the Allman brothers and in fat, was the guy most responsible for keeping that band together. Then when Dickie left and Derek Trucks came on he replaced Dickie Betts.

Oh yeah, and for years he was the default Jerry Garcia replacement in the what's left of the grateful dead.

Not to mention all the other bands like Gov't Mule that is mind blowingly good and the warren Haynes band and others...

[Bennyboy]

57. Get "The Deepest End"

Concert and DVD. The greatest night of guitar playing I have ever seen. All the guests and you can't take your eyes off of warren. Seriously if you like Hard rock, this show is it for you.

[bluesbassman]

45. I'll throw Roy Buchanan into the mix here.

Down By The River
http://youtu.be/lLhdS-8-YS8

This is always a great subject, and I'll always give Jeff Beck props as one of the all time greats. His technique is beyond reproach and what gives Beck the edge over many of the so-called technique players is his ability to infuse passion into his technique.

Buchanan's style definitely relies on some serious technical ability, but what pushes him into the all time great category is the absolute passion his music exudes, Roy was a troubled man through most of his playing days and I hear the pain and sorrow in every note he plays.

[WilliamPitt]

46. Jerry Garcia

[mulsh]

47. Maybelle Carter, Charlie Christian, Oscar Moore,Jimmie Rogers

J.B. Lenior, Son House,
It's a very sketchy list but lots of the above people listed stand on these folks and many other's shoulders. I'd say Maybelle Carter and Son House influenced and inspires more than any of the others.

[givemebackmycountry]

48. Kelly Joe Phelps & Michael Hedges

I guess there is a distinction between electric guitarists and acoustic guitarists.
As well as ROCK guitarists and Jazz guitarists.

Who can deny that John Scofield and Pat Metheny and Wes Montgomery are absolutely brilliant artists?
All three of them played both acoustic and electric, with Metheny probably being the most proficient.

But for sheer jaw dropping technical brilliance I say give me Michael Hedges and of course...

Kelly Joe Phelps.
His live version of "Killing Floor" is a gut wrenching experience.
Seek it out.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

49. Well, we can't forget about Frank!

Here he is in Black Napkins

http://youtu.be/PzqoflT70b4

[Joe Fields]

50. You are obviously too young to appreciate Hendrix...

If you were a teenager when Judas Priest came onto the scene, then 'nuff said.

[eyepaddle]

54. Oh no, I totally appreciate Hendrix--I've spent a lot more time baked cranking his stuff than I

have Beck's, but I just think that the connection between the sounds in Jeff Beck's head and the music that comes to our ears is almost perfect. And it's kind of a seamless connection where he plays all aspects of the instrument, left hand, right hand, tone, volume, pick-up controls, deft use of the tremolo bar and so on.

I love a shitload of guitar players, but I am always literally amazed at Jeff Beck does.

[NoGOPZone]

51. Interesting selection

Beck is highly underrated and better than a few names that keep showing up here.

FWIW, some of my favorites are Chuck Berry, Neal Schon and John Cippolina

[eyepaddle]

55. Neal Schon is an interesting case--phenomenally talented, but

apparently pretty fixated on the non-musical bottom line.

Or if it wasn't money motivating him he must've wanted the audience full of women, and if that meant bacing up Steve Perry, well, then so be it.

I'm actually a little surprised that this thread has gone on for as long as it as and nobody has even really menitoned the four players I deiscuss as my personal faves!

[cemaphonic]

53. Eddie Hazel deserves a nod

Anyone who's ever heard "Maggot Brain" knows that he can do the blues-rock Hendrix thing better than just about everyone, but he was amazingly versatile too. Before Parliment-Funkadelic settled down into their mid-70s big band sound, they did a lot of stylistic experimentation, and he was a great player in lots of different styles.

[eyepaddle]

56. Oh, since nobody else is handling this--RANDY RHOADS\m/\/m/

Seriously. I still occasionally wonder what he might have produced if only he had more time.

[blueknight]

58. robin trower

used to blow me away