[Matt_C]

Normally I find that "guitar-god" bands with guitar solo frint men bore me, as they usually just waffle on playing twiddly-twiddly-twiddly solo's with no real destination or musicality.....

But this is dedicated to the few that I do find stunning - which is odd for me as I am a drummer, not a guitarist!

But for me, Joe Satriani, especially the titel track from "Flying in a Blue Dream" is probably my fave "guitar-god" song - can't get enough of it.... I actually like a lot of his work - along with a fair bit of Steve Vai, tho I can find some of his stuff pretentious.

Yngwie Malsteem is one I would go as far to say is a pretentious twiddly bore, but that said, there are a few tracks of his debut (Rising Force) that I do in fact like....

Then of course, you have non "guitar-god" bands that do indeed have insanely good guitarists in them, but they play as a group, rather than a guitarist and backing band Bands like Dream Theater, who's guitarists, John Petrucci, is possibly one of the finest guitarists in the rock/metal world, and of course Slash (ex Guns N Roses, now Velvet Revolver) who is one of the most technically perfect guitarists you will find! I am very much into the guitar styles of Metallica's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammet (the latter of which incidentally was trained by Satriani), and also ex Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares.

So who do you guys rate?

[pmc]

Got to be Dave Gilmour. The live version of Comfortably Numb from Delicate Sound of Thunder is stunning.

A much underated guitarist is Nick McCabe from The Verve. It's not tradional guitar hero soloing, but the way he created a wall of sound is fantastic, especially on the earlier albums.

And of course Jimmy Page and Hendrix go without saying....

[overkill]

I was just discussing this with my oldest the other day. What makes a good solo? In her opinion, nothing! In my view, a good solo is one that merges seemlessly into the song as a whole, of which Gilmours with Floyd are a good example. I hate the modern bands solos as the just seem to have thrown one in for 'effect'. Worse they aren't normally very good anyway.

Best soloists? Hendrix, Gilmour, Vai, Clapton, Beck, Duane Allman, Santana (early stuff) Dick Wagner (Lou Reed, Alice Coopers guitarist). Jimmy Page is a great guitarist but he gets too erm' 'carried away' at times.

I'm relatively young why i make that point is i find all the guitar hero up loud give it some pedal so tiersome now. Of cource there are going to be exeptions to that. But mine are in the jazz industry and a few unknowns like this guy

i think he is outstanding. I adore this sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZpJ0...elated&search=

look at all his guitars to all expensive Gibson archtops ect who is he.

A guy told me how this was done you go hear
http://www.jazzwise.com/catalog/infopages.php?info_id=8

He stressed its copyright backing tracks to play along with for your use only like a cd in the home to actualy use it on line he wonders what the legal implications of this he can see it all being taken of.. Spoil sport.

I wont bore you with a list but one of the others i love is sadly not with us is Lady guitarist emily remler

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

surfing found the answer to my own question That superb player is From holland http://www.index-it.nl/onstenk/main.html

[FeisalK]

Also Eric Johnson (Cliffs of Dover, from Ah Via Musicom)
Alex Lifeson (La Villa Strangiato, from Rush Hemispheres)
Mark Knopfler (Sultans of Swing, from Dire Straits Dire Straits)

And way underrated Messrs Smith & Murray

[krish]

Originally Posted by FeisalK

And way underrated Messrs Smith & Murray

that was when they first used guitar synths ... never heard the "walking in the air" bit before

Haved always liked those two, and have never rated Janick, especially when he goes crazy thinking he's Hendrix

[Matt_C]

Originally Posted by krish

that was when they first used guitar synths ... never heard the "walking in the air" bit before

Haved always liked those two, and have never rated Janick, especially when he goes crazy thinking he's Hendrix

Dave Murray is an increibly underrated guitarist IMO - Adrian is very good aswell, but we all know that lol!

I like Janick tho, he's also a very skilled player, and I like his "lively" on stage antics - I saw them recently at Earls Court a few days before xmas, and not since Slash have I seen such an active guitarist - I reckon he gets stir crazy and just begins to bomb it from one side of the stage to the other as fast as he can, spinning around in circles and throwing his guitar about - all the while not missing a note! Now that can never be bad "Seeing" a live band is just as important as hearing a live band IMO I've seen far to many bands that sound incredible, almost album perfect on stage, but they just stand there doing nothing - BORING!!!!!!

[krish]

Originally Posted by Matt_C

..."Seeing" a live band is just as important as hearing a live band IMO I've seen far to many bands that sound incredible, almost album perfect on stage, but they just stand there doing nothing - BORING!!!!!!

of course ... first saw Maiden at Wembley in Dec '88 at the end of their SSOASS tour and the "seeing" included one of the best stage sets and pyrotechnic displays I've ever seen (pretty much what was captured in the "Maiden England" live at Birmingham NEC video), was standing just four rows from the front ... and I felt Smith and Murray perfectly captured what Maiden are about, whereas when Adrian left and Janick turned up he tried to make it look rock 'n' roll when Maiden are so un-rock 'n' roll - couldn't stand Bruce's Tattooed Millionaire and Maiden's appalling NPFTD because of that fake rock 'n' roll 'vibe' on those albums, as well as the latter's poor production/recording and bumnotes left in

[pwood]

Angus Young plays with more passion than any other rock guitarist I can think of. Listen to IF YOU WANT BLOOD and you will see what I mean.

Eddie Van Halen is at the top for wow factor. His solo in MJ Beat it still gives me goosebumps.

For heavy blues its Stevie Ray Vaughan.

All of the above produced good songs as well which a lot of widdlers could not.

[karkus30]

I used to have definite ideas on this subject, but recently I hear so many good musicians who inspire in so many different ways. Personally I find the technical noodling of Via and Satriani particularly boring. If I was to point to one guitarist in the rock world it would be without doubt Jimi Hendrix, one of the few who didn't really need to compose a solo before playing, he was just a very intuitive player (a sort of motzart of rock guitarists). So Hendrix would be my guitar hero.

[overkill]

Originally Posted by karkus30

I used to have definite ideas on this subject, but recently I hear so many good musicians who inspire in so many different ways. Personally I find the technical noodling of Via and Satriani particularly boring. If I was to point to one guitarist in the rock world it would be without doubt Jimi Hendrix, one of the few who didn't really need to compose a solo before playing, he was just a very intuitive player (a sort of motzart of rock guitarists). So Hendrix would be my guitar hero.

No argument here. His style, adaptability, and range without extensive use of pedals etc, is pure genius.


Sorry guys, never got the Iron Maiden thing. Saw them in 81' in what was probably the worst gig I saw in that era. I just found, and still do, them very boring.

[EricHitchmo]

Any solos on Steely Dan albums are worth listening to. Guitar solos don't come any better imo. Larry Carlton played on some of their stuff.

[unique]

prince is one of the most underrated guitarists, and he's well aware of that. a multi talented multi instrumentalist and vocalist, he's more known for his famous weirdness, although his most well known album purple rain is about as much as rock album as zz top's eliminator. the title track purple rain is one of the great rock classics, like stairway to heaven, and the opening track let's go crazy has some fantastic guitar work. in his attempts to be recognised as a guitarist he's appeared in various guitar magazines (as well as bass and keyboard magazines, showing his versatility), and even recorded a live in the studio "rehearsal jam" rock album with just his bassist and drummer, where he really shows off his chops, which he wanted to give away free on the cover of guitar magazine but his record company wouldn't let him (copies later leaked, and the video/laserdisc got released), he even released an accoustic guitar album, which was heard by few as it was bundled with a 5 disc set. so you can't blame the general public too much for not knowing that work - until last weeks superbowl where he rocked out to 93 milion viewers covers of we will rock you, proud mary, all along the watchtower, and the foo fighters best of you (in response to them covering his songs darling nikki, drive me wild and purple rain)

his influences are very varied, with carlos santana being the main one, rather than jimi hendrix so much, as he is usually compared to (he once did an amazing version of voodoo chile), george benson, as well as eric clapton, led zepplin (his versions of whole lotta love rock enough to raise the dead), and george harrison, with him recently covering a few beatles songs like come together, and elton john appearing with him at vegas at the weekend to the play the long and winding road, and who could forget his guitar solo during while my guitar gently weeps at the 2004 grammies, with an all star lineup of guitarists in awe at his guitar work. having seem one off gigs where he has played all rock music in one night (a mix of covers and rocked up versions of his own stuff) and a solo accoustic unplugged set, he certainly has demonstrated he can do almost anything thinkable with any instrument, let along a guitar. he has many styles from rock to blues to jazz to funk, and has a genuine interest in all styles of music, whereas many of the more popular named guitar hero's tend to have one main style, usually rock and blues. i'm pretty sure he could play anything as good as if not better than anyone, just get him onstage with any other guitarist in a rock dual and i'm sure he'd kick anyone ass

other faves are carlos santana, one of the undisputed guitar legends

and being a huge pink floyd fan, of course i love david gilmour, and his solos are great, but he really tends to play the same style pretty much all of the time (and i have all the floyd solo and related albums, so i know my stuff). in fact one of my favourite guitar albums is the pro's and cons of hitchhiking by roger waters, with eric clapton on guitar. gilmours sound on his soloing isn't too far away from the santana sound, not that i'm suggesting they copy each other

paul weller is another favorite too, in the guitar hero mould, and of course neil young

whilst i have all his proper studio albums, i think jimi hendrix was a bit overrated myself. he was a great guitarist, but it somehow lacked musicality at times

[cbemoore]

Originally Posted by pwood

Angus Young plays with more passion than any other rock guitarist I can think of. Listen to IF YOU WANT BLOOD and you will see what I mean.

Totally agree with you there. Angus Young is utterly fantastic, and "If You Want Blood" is my favourite live album of all time.

Other than that, I reckon Hendrix, Knopfler, Gilmour and Slash would round up my top five.

On the other hand, am I the only one who finds Eric Clapton utterly boring? I'm sure he's technically very good, but the music does absolutely nothing for me....

[Franco50]

Andy Latimer of Camel is a vastly underrated guitarist. He was wanted by Roger Waters to play on his latest tour but although playing the Gilmour guitar parts was not a problem to someone of his skill, reproducing the original Gilmour vocals , which are usually in quite a high key, was something Andy couldn't quite provide and the gig went to someone else.

[dc007]

Can't let this thread go by without a mention of Ritchie Blackmore...

Just check the solo's from Child in Time and Highway Star on the legendary 'Made in Japan' live album.

Like Page, Blackmore can be accused of being a little self-indulgent at times, particularly in later days, but his early career soloing was breathtaking...

Very impressed with this anyone seen this guy please please folow the vid link great guitar player

http://www.mrkyps.net/gigvideo.asp?eventID=1054


Walter trout live Whoops !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Wonder if a nice moderator will alter the heading for me please!!!!!

[Mindcrime]

Where's the mention for Michael Schenker? Have people forgotten about him already? Whilst his solo's never make your ears bleed, his playing is damn near perfect. Check out Force It and Obsession by UFO and then his solo stuff, especially his debut MSG album. Sublime; I could watch him play guitar all day long

Also, 2 very underrated guitarists have to be Mick Moody & Bernie Marsden from the early days of Whitesnake. They created the signature bluesy sound that was Whitesnake in the 70's and 80's.

Then of course there's the great cross-over style of Neil Schon. Fantastic musician who never looks like he has to try too hard.

I've seen Yngwie a few times and although he can grate and get a bit monotonous with his solos, he is an excellent guitarist, who can play some pretty decent melodic stuff too.

[Artie Fufkin]

Originally Posted by Mindcrime

Where's the mention for Michael Schenker? Have people forgotten about him already? Whilst his solo's never make your ears bleed, his playing is damn near perfect. Check out Force It and Obsession by UFO and then his solo stuff, especially his debut MSG album. Sublime; I could watch him play guitar all day long

Well said.

[Kieron]

Well, mines a regular guy and a fabulous guitarist.





Brian May.

Personally - I love listening to him. I've always loved Queen, some years more than others, but I can always guarantee a good time when I fire up a Queen album on my ipod....

[Mac Man]

Originally Posted by Mindcrime

Where's the mention for Michael Schenker? Have people forgotten about him already? Whilst his solo's never make your ears bleed, his playing is damn near perfect. Check out Force It and Obsession by UFO and then his solo stuff, especially his debut MSG album. Sublime; I could watch him play guitar all day long

He made my ears damn near bleed in the early 80s

Saw him at the Mcr Apollo. T'was really feckin loud.

No votes for any of the Lizzy boys then? Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham were sublime together. Never a more melodic pairing. Anyone who hasn't heard Live and Dangerous... please just check it out.

And Gary Moore... rock AND blues. Black Rose is a stunning album in places.

And out of left field... I've mentioned this before... but Edge from U2 puts together a fantastic soundfield that is just sooooo distinctive. Not a twiddler by any means... just excellent.

[Parmenion62]

Originally Posted by dc007

Can't let this thread go by without a mention of Ritchie Blackmore...

Just check the solo's from Child in Time and Highway Star on the legendary 'Made in Japan' live album.

Like Page, Blackmore can be accused of being a little self-indulgent at times, particularly in later days, but his early career soloing was breathtaking...

Got to agree with you there mate. A fine guitarist - inventive and capable of coming up with great melodic solos. Also an excellent blues player.

I wouldnt just stop with Blackmore from Deep Purple - I also think Tommy Bolin is great - he died too young an amazingly talented guitarist - check out his solo albums and his work with Billy Cobham. Steve Morse is also a fine guitarist - like Blackmore a powerhouse live. I would also put a vote in for Paul Kossoff another guitarist who died way too young - damn heroin

[Lunar Humps]

And out of left field... I've mentioned this before... but Edge from U2 puts together a fantastic soundfield that is just sooooo distinctive. Not a twiddler by any means... just excellent.

Don't really rate Edge at all - he plays live thru a monstrous effects rack, incorporating dual Korg SDD-3000 delay units, which is the box that defined the U2 sound. Korg should sure for royalties!

There's a million guitarists who can twiddle their fingers as fast as the next one and drive the listener to distraction very quickly. Which is why the Darkness got dropped so quickly.

As far as homegrown talent, it's Graham Coxon by a mile. Blur's Beetlebum, especially the final sections, is ruddy amazing! Dont think the Yanks have anything else to compare, although Thurston Moore still rocks. And Prince is massively underrated.

[Dr Evilest]

Like yourself Matt, I'm a drummer but have been into Joe Satriani's music for the past 15 years. It helps the fact that he's used many talented drummers ( Phillips, Bisonette, Mover, Katche) but I still like his later work with, for me, the less inspirational Mr Campitelli.

I too used to love Ritchie Blackmore & Michael Schenker but more recently have discovered Dave Navarro; I'd recommend anyone to try Janes Addiction's Strays (with Stephen Perkins on drums incidentally).

[karkus30]

Well if we are going down the technically proficient and incredibly gifted route try a certain Allan Holdsworth.......amazing guitarist that will take on any of the above.

[Dr Evilest]

Must admit, not really given Mr Holdsworth a fair crack; any suggestions album wise for a newbie?

Favourite all-round rock guitarist though: Eddie VH.

[james_uk9]

27 posts and no mention of Alex Lifeson without doubt one of the finest most inventive players in the history of the world :. Also this thread cant pass without mention of the late great Frank Zappa.

EDIT: Actually I'm blind and missed the reference to Alex.

[russ123]

Vai may be a bit pretentious at times and prone to twiddling but Passion and Warfare is an amazing album. Such a range of emotions on the album and he keeps the twiddling in check!

[karkus30]

Originally Posted by Dr Evilest

Must admit, not really given Mr Holdsworth a fair crack; any suggestions album wise for a newbie?

Favourite all-round rock guitarist though: Eddie VH.

Metal Fatigue.....its Jazz inspired fusion music and stars a couple of other top musicians (Chad Wackerman on drums.....chad is one of three drumming brothers, Chad is one of the most versatile and talented drummers....ever).

with reference to EVH and Alex Lifeson, check out where they got their ideas ! http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p...0:5yk9ke9t7q7q

On the subject of Zappa........not a guitar god but an incredible composer bar none except maybe Don Van Vliet

[overkill]

Originally Posted by karkus30

Well if we are going down the technically proficient and incredibly gifted route try a certain Allan Holdsworth.......amazing guitarist that will take on any of the above.

Good point that. He's good on just about anything I've got with him on it. Even Soft Machine, who were well past it by the time he joined. His work is also great on UK's debut. Him on guitar, Bruford on drums, what more could you want? Oh, yes, not John Wetton on vocals.............