The Greatest Guitarist

No one has mentioned Richard Thompson yet, which is a tragedy, as he is one guitarist who is technically gifted as well as incredibly soulful in his playing - he can really alter a song with just a few well-placed notes, and he seems to be able to almost effortless play any style he chooses. Plus, he all but invented British folk-rock (while in Fairport Convention) and has remained a vibrant and influential songwriter for almost four decades. He is a man who is known best by his peers and who has had little mainstream appreciation, but those folks who discover him tend to all but WORSHIP the man - I know I fall into the latter category (big shock). To understand the scope of his inluence, just check out the variety of artists who appeared on the "Beat the Retreat" tribute album for him : X, Bonnie Raitt, REM, Los Lobos, Bob Mould, Graham Parker, Dinosaur Jr, etc...

Having said that, I will also note that there are other such under-appreciated (at least as far as I can see) guitarists who could use some acknowledgement of their brilliance, such as Danny Gatton, Wilco Johnson and Nils Lofgren.

Also, not under-appreciated in general, but did I not see Jerry Garcia's name anywhere in this thread?Even missing a finger Jerry was a brilliant guitarist - he combined jazz, folk, blues and LSD into a potent mixture.

It is nice to see Zappa get some credit, as it often seems that only hardcore Zappa-philes tend to know just how really great he was.

Also, I must say that while, technically, he's always been a bit "shakey", I always stop to listen when Neil Young goes at it with Ol' Black.

And finally, I think that Jason Isbell (from the Drive-By Truckers) is going to mature into a force to be reckoned with - he already is a mean slide player and an accomplished songwrite, he has nowhere to go but up.
 
Who,s that women guitarist who plays with Jeff Beck on his latest albums
ive forgot her name but she pretty good to say she,s a female player, coz we all know female players are shite
 
CaDDaFy said:
Who,s that women guitarist who plays with Jeff Beck on his latest albums
ive forgot her name but she pretty good to say she,s a female player, coz we all know female players are shite

i think you mean jennifer batten...

reading some of your other posts, caddafy, i'm asking myself one question:
what did your mother do to you that turned you into such a misogynist ??
 

Jagger69

Three lullabies in an ancient tongue
CaDDaFy said:
Mr SlowHand Is soooOOOOooo over rated he,s good and all but not that good

A matter of opinion sir.....listen to his rendition of "Double Trouble" and then listen to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and show me a guitarist who is more versatile than Mr. Clapton. There isn't.
 

Jagger69

Three lullabies in an ancient tongue
CitizenErased said:
I can't believe the Edge always gets mentioned in these lists, one trick pony, middle of the road, boring as hell.

I like The Edge and Townsend but they are essentially rhythm players. Very good no doubt, but rhythm nonetheless. This is too subjective....based on everyone's definition of what makes a "great guitar player". Good suggestions by all so far I would say....
 
Kirk Hammlet , Metalica
 
Jagger69 said:
I like The Edge and Townsend but they are essentially rhythm players. Very good no doubt, but rhythm nonetheless. This is too subjective....based on everyone's definition of what makes a "great guitar player". Good suggestions by all so far I would say....

I agree on the rhythm part in most of U2 songs, but in the song "Bulett the blue sky" he can really jam out. The genius of him he does not sound like anyone else. Not saying the best overall, but an honorable mention IMHO. Townsend can solo quite well too.

:glugglug:
 

Jagger69

Three lullabies in an ancient tongue
E-Ann-Hilden said:
I agree on the rhythm part in most of U2 songs, but in the song "Bulett the blue sky" he can really jam out. The genius of him he does not sound like anyone else. Not saying the best overall, but an honorable mention IMHO. Townsend can solo quite well too.

:glugglug:

I agree they can both play a great lead but U2 and The Who are both single-guitarist bands and don't have a dedicated lead player. Same with Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Not their fault....just the way it is.
 
Today I'd say Eddie Van Halen but that is because I just heard Eruption
but if I hear Stevie Ray or Jimi or Floyd I might change my mind.
Also check it out I just started a new thread with this Violinist Bobby Yang playing Eruption. Check it out it's cool.
 
I'm kinda partial to these guys but for my my favorites in no particular order are

Eddie Van Halen
Michael Anthony
Billy Gibbons
Steve Vai
 

Mr. Daystar

In a bell tower, watching you through cross hairs.
I don't remember if Carlos Santana has been mentioned, but he should be. Another under rated guitarest...not in the class of the "best" but real good, is Niel Schon, from Journey...he played with Santana when he was in his teens.
 
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