At 44 years of age, I personally feel fortunate to have lived in an era along with some of the finest guitarists who have ever lived. I have always had an overwhelming love of music. As I look back to my earlier years of music appreciation (I took formal piano training for 17 years) I remember how my instructor would suggest exposing myself to the many different styles and disciplines of music.
These were such valuable words of wisdom. Considering the fact that this suggestion, more or less, forced me to be more open to musicians other than those that played in strictly rock and roll bands.
Wow, was I surprised to find that I could be as entertained by Chet Atkins and Les Paul as I could be by Ritchie Blackmore or Carlos Santana. Just think about some of the finest from our time. Jimi Hendrix, John McLaughlin, Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Johnson, Steve Howe, Al DiMeola, the list could seem almost endless. All such incredible musicians.
Although it's very hard to pick one person or style in particular, let's remember the key words, "overall favorite". I would probably have to say that my overall favorite would have to be Steve Morse (from Dixie Dregs fame).
Some excellent picks above, I can't agree more with so many listed, especially Clapton back in the day! I also like some of the newer guys who made a wonderful pressence and still have what it takes to get it on....how about, Pat Metheny, Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton for the fusion stuff!
Wow, this is tough. I guess a tie between George Harrison and Clapton.
There were many others listed that I love, too. I remember the first time I heard SRV, and thought, "Wow...this guy is terrific!" Of course, it was right after he died. I have the knack for liking dead artists.
Boldstrummer: I am not saying technical proficiency is easy at all...but I still think an artist has to go beyond that to be great. Classical guitarists should be no different...its the case in any art form.
Technical poriciency is no small feat! It is the product of prodigious talent, excellent teaching, and a lifetime of hard work - the kind of work which would earn a fortune in almost any other endevor. Perhaps you need to be a (classical) guitar player to really appreciate it, but there are some guitarists, like Jorge Caballero, Tilman Hoppstock, Pepe Romero or Denis Azabagic, who are really sooooo proficient that it is an art in itself. These guys really seem so free of technical problems, even on very difficult music, can simply flow through them unfettered. They are like a really good pre-amp!
Key is orginality as there are so many technically proficient. Orgniality in their solos, or a distinct style/sound...at least to me. That's what truly distinguishes the great from very good
Jimi Hendrix (the baddest of them all), Stevie Ray Vaughn (among all his impersonators only the guy in the band Indigenous can hang), Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Edge, BB King, Buddy , John McLaughlin, Wes Montgomery, John Scofield.....still so many!
Mood dependent: Julian Bream for reflection, Sonny Sharrock to exorcise demons, Buddy Guy to shake the monkey bone, Grant Green for getting the groove on.
David Russell. Immaculate taste/interpretaions, glorious tone, all in one of classical guitar's finest technicians. Nobody is ever the best, but Russell's cds will always be appreciated by someone.
one thing nice about being old was i got to see some great guitarists live.. clapton with cream circa 1968 was top of the list followed by hendrix last show in the U.S. (denver 1969) and jeff beck with jan hammer mid 70's. i couldn't agree more with bealtebum about keith richards- while technically no where near these guitarists, he's one of the best guitarists/writers of our generation--in my opinion. (on a lighter note i saw alvin lee with 10 yrs after @ 1973 put on a truly, truly amazing show which was incredible as he appeared to be so stoned he couldn't even talk between songs)..seeing clapton in "the day" is unforgetable
While neither is "technically" a great guitarist, to my ears, Keith Richards and The Edge each bring a certain and unique sound to the table that I love. Chet Atkins produced the purist sound I've ever heard from a guitar.
SRV,Buddy Guy,Jimmy Page,Robben Ford,Freddie King,Jimmy Hendrix,Eric Clapton,Ronnie Earl,Roy Buchanan,Chris Duarte,Bill Perry. SRV was the best! I think most of the great guitar players would agree on that!
Probably Clapton for one that's still alive. Jonny Lang had potential, but his latest album is absolute crap IMO. Richard Thompson is always good. There's lots of good dead ones.
Eddie Van Halen. He has a unique combination of vituouso muscianship to entertain the "deeper listeners" while being able to write songs that have the mass apeal of someone like Elton John.
If you really want to understand what makes the guy so good listen to Fair Warning or Girl Gone Bad and House of Pain off of 1984. He incorporates a lot of phrasing more reminscent of a jazz clarinet playerthan a straight ahead rock and roller that he is always known to be.
Unfortunaltely all the VH albums are produced terribly and will sound better in your car than in a nice home system....sigh.....
Man, there are a LOT of fantastic guitarists! Here's a few more to try on for size: Hank Garland Laurindo Almeida David Russell Joe Weed Manuel Barrueco David Lindley Duane Eddy Johnny Smith
Roy Buchanan. If you don't have the blues, you will after you hear him play. I don't believe that anyone played with more feeling or expression than he did. I've listened to all the great ones over the last 40 years, and I still love listening to them all. But Roy Buchanan was a cut above. You don't listen to him play, you feel the playing.
No BB King? Anyone who can say so much with ONE note has my vote. I mean, it's not how fast you play, it's what you say! It's the space between the notes that moves me, usually.
I don't know if I could pick a favorite but, here's short list: Kirk Hammet (Metallica), Michael Einziger (Incubus), Frank Zappa (Frank Zappa), John Petrucci (Dream Theater).
Hey Rosstaman, that's my friend Steve's brother-in-law. He was invited and went to San Francisco from L.I. a number of years ago for a Jimi Hendrix concert bash. I don't know what his favour boutique amp and guitar of the month is today but if it has TONE he owns it.
Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, Warren Haynes, Ronnie Earl, Albert King. Sorry, can't zero in on only one. Fillmore East, in particular (ABB) Blues at Sunrise - Albert King, Ronnie Earls earlier recording with vocalists and Blues Guitarist Virtuoso Live.
Joe Pass, who was only mentioned maybe a couple of times in this thread, was probably the finest guitar virtuoso ever. Listen to his stuff and you will see. Other favorites include Robert Johnson(Real father of the blues) Al DiMeola, John McLaughlin, Paco DeLucia, Lee Ritenour, Johnny Lang, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Joe Satriani, and the list goes on. Let's face it, these people are all master of their crafts and their are so many great ones. My hat's off to them all!!!! Thanks for all the great music.
Can't just name one. Love different guitarists for different reasons: Bill Frissell Derek Trucks Barry Sless Jerry Garcia (my 1st choice) Trey Anastasio Buddy Gage (one of the great peddle and lap steel players) Toy Caldwell Jaco Pastorius (Bass, I know, but he and Phil Lesh both qualify) Duane Allman (my 2nd choice) Dicky Betts Robert Randolph (peddle steel again) Mark Knofler Ry Cooder
There are more, but I'll let someone else have a shot.
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