Final call for VOTING - MAHALO CONTEST: Who is the best guitarist of all time? Best answer wins a FretLight guitar!
We are giving away a FretLight guitar to the user who provides the best answer to the question "Who is the best guitarist of all time?" Make sure to support your choice with the best possible explanation.
Winner will be chosen by us and user comments/votes will be taken into consideration.
Details about the prize: http://www.fretlight.com/
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M$93 Answers
From the wikipedia:
Jean-Baptiste "Django" Reinhardt12 (23 January 1910 – 16 May 1953) was a Belgian Gypsy jazz guitarist.
One of the first prominent European jazz musicians, Reinhardt remains one of the most renowned jazz guitarists due to his innovative and distinctive playing.
Influence
Many musicians have expressed admiration for Reinhardt (whose main influence was Eddie Lang), including guitarist Jimmy McCulloch, classical guitarist Julian Bream; country artist Chet Atkins, who placed Reinhardt #1 on a list of the ten most influential guitarists of the 20th century (he placed himself fifth); Latin rocker Carlos Santana; blues legend B.B. King; the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia; Phish's Trey Anastasio; Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi; Jimi Hendrix; The Libertines' Carlos Barat, Synyster Gates; Shawn Lane; Stevie Ray Vaughan; Derek Trucks; Mark Knopfler; Les Paul; Joe Pass; Peter Frampton; Denny Laine; Jeff Beck; Jon Larsen; Steve Howe; Charlie Christian; Barney Kessel; George Benson; Wes Montgomery; Martin Taylor; Tchavolo Schmitt; Stochelo Rosenberg; Biréli Lagrène; John Jorgenson; Paul"Pazzo"Mehling;Michael Angelo Batio; Richard Thompson; Robert Fripp; and Jeff Martin. Willie Nelson wore a Django Reinhardt T-shirt on tour in Europe in 2002, stating in an interview that he admired Django's music and ability. The British guitarist Diz Disley plays in a style based on Reinhardt's technique and he collaborated on numerous projects with Stéphane Grappelli.
A new way to play
At the age of 18 he had an accident and the third and fourth fingers of his left hand were badly burnt. Doctors believed that he would never play guitar again.
With painful rehabilitation and practice Django relearned his craft in a completely new way, even as his third and fourth fingers remained partially paralyzed. It is said that he played all of his guitar solos with only two fingers, and managed to use the two injured digits only for chord work.
In summary: Reinhardt is the answer you will get from Knopfler, Santana and Hendrix (well, don't ask Hendrix yet).
And here is why.
Top 5 Django Reinhardt Solo's
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M$
--Never took formal guitar lessons (CNN)
--He played "runs" in the 1970s that other guitarists could not figure out how to do. (Variety)
--Before VanHalen's first record came out, he played with his back to the stage so no one would "steal" his playing (Guitar Wiki)
--Customized his guitars using "everything from sandpaper to chainsaws to alter the timbre of his instrument and achieve a distinct sound." (Rolling Stone 3)
--Innovated two-handed tapping — "using both hands to fret notes simultaneously" which became "the most imitated sound in rock." (Rolling Stone)
--According to a Rolling Stone Magazine with EVH: "I remember a long time ago we were playing and someone told us"A&M Records is here to see you guys." And it was Herb Alpert. I met him years ago later and he came up to me. He goes, "One of the biggest mistakes I ever made was passing on you guys." I'm going, "I remember exactly what you said, too. You said the guitarist is too psychedelic and too much uncontrolled energy." I asked him why? He goes, "I didn't understand what the hell you were doing 'cause it was so unorthodox." It didn't make any sense to him."
--Erruption, a brilliant piece of work, was created by ACCIDENT. He's that good. (Rolling Stone)
--He's versatile. Famous for his guitar solos, other musicians respect his rhythm-guitar playing. (Rolling Stone)
--According to Rolling Stone Magazine, EVH took the electric guitar further than any one else.
--Making a Guitar Hero VanHalen!! (Rolling Stone2)
--Called in to play guitar by Quincy Jones on Michael Jackson's song "Beat It" on the best-selling album THRILLER. The guitar solo in the song? That's EVH. (Wiki and LA TImes)
--Tuned his guitar by flattening his B-string so the interval between "the open G and B reaches a justly intonated, beatless third." (Wiki)
--achieved his distinctive tone, known as the "Brown sound", by using a Frankenstrat guitar, a stock 100-watt Marshall amp, a Variac (to lower the voltage of the amp to change the tone) and effects such as a Echoplex, an MXR Phase 90, an MXR Flanger and EQs. Van Halen constructed his Frankenstrat guitar using a Charvel factory 2nd body and neck, a vintage Gibson PAF humbucker pickup (sealed in paraffin wax to reduce microphonic feedback), a pre-CBS Fender tremolo bridge (later to be a Floyd Rose bridge) and a single volume control with a knob labeled 'tone'. (Direct quote from wiki--couldn't rephrase it if I tried)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iLIZLDH1AQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2I0a7EwWa8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EiKtb0oYmY
CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/04/eddie.van.halen/index.html
Variety: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118000473.html?categoryid=2857&cs=1
Rolling Stone2: http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/03/09/guitar-hero-van-...
Rolling Stone: http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/20979938/secrets_of_the_guitar_heroe...
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Van_Halen
LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-web-thrillertrivia12f...
Rolling Stone 3: http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/vanhalen/biography
Guitar Wiki: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Eddie_Van_Halen
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M$
Thanks! If I win, I'll split the tip with you. I'd say I'd split the guitar, but I have the feeling my brother (a guitar player and the ULTIMATE EVH fan) would never speak to me again. I learned to play "Jump" on the piano because of my him.
@mac5150 You are right about him having taken piano lessons, but I took piano lessons, and I can't play guitar. And, give him a break. He's been battling drug addiction and cancer the past few years. He did come out with a line of new guitars.
Plus, he has recently been awarded the Award Best Music at AVN Awards (Adult Video News Awards) for his work on the adult film feature, Sacred Sin.
So, he has still been recording music. You just may not have been exposed to it. Oh, and thanks for the source on the video! YouTube didn't have it.
http://earsucker.com/2008/01/28/eddie-van-halen-honored-for-best-music-at-avn-awards/
Eddie is one of my favorites but in all fairness, the statement, never taken formal guitar lessons is a bit mis-leading. He may have not taken guitar lessons but he was a classically trained pianist that and won some competitions so he was already a fairly good musician to begin with.
I would say that he transcended guitar in the 70's and 80's and that is why I am such a big fan. I would have to ask what has he done for the guitar in the last 10 - 20 years? Setting aside releasing the signature gear from Fender, not much and that's why it pains me to say I can't vote for Eddie.
BTW - the video above is his guitar solo from the "Live Without a Net" video. Filmed in New Haven CT in 1986. Great video.
Oh I know everything about his drug addiction, alcoholism, losing part of his tongue to cancer, replacement hip, etc... I don't want to take anything away from him on that. He is the reason why I started playing guitar but I have heard his stuff recently and some is good and some isn't. Like i said before, as much as I love his playing, I don't think I can vote for him to all time greatest. But in fairness to you, I don't know if there is and Eddie is definitely a great choice. You have made some great points and here is one more.
As an inventor, Eddie has done just as much for the development of the electric as he did playing it. By this I mean his tinkering with the instrument to get the perfect tone; the famous "Brown Sound." The EVH line of effects, amps and the Wolfgang series of guitars through Peavy, Ernieball (actually called the musicman van halen signature) and Fender are all his work. He designed and engineered them himself.
So I guess you might be winning me over. : )
I was wondering when you would catch that. The title track from that album is some of his best guitar playing. And yes, you are right, I'm yearning for some good Van Halen stuff as a band.
But it is sort of a huge feat to win me over. I've been disappointment in Ed for a quite a while. But your post reminded me of all then things he has done over the years to deserve the nod. And here is another example to help your argument;
EVH's solo at the Les Paul tribute (1988, I beieve). Take note of the praises that Les Paul(The inventor of the electric guitar) gives Eddie. It blew my mind when I watched it 20 years ago and still does.
@robbrown Aw, you almost make me feel guilty (until I noticed that you've earned more tips than me) except that this gave me an excuse to call my brother--who reveres EVH (he even had his guitar made to look like Eddie's). I haven't talked (via phone) to my brother in months.
Mahalo Answers--It brings families closer.
I would say that was a huge feat, but I noticed that your name happens to be the same as Van Halen's 7th album. I think you are just homesick for good EVH music.
I never had a guitar like Ed's but I did make a pinata that was a life size model of his 5150 Kramer in 86, for my Jr High Spanish Class. Right down to the the whammy bar. I used an old BMX brake handle for it. Won 1st place.
@ darcy logan - Sounds like your brother and I would get a long pretty well.
I was going to answer with Eddie too!
I can't provide any reasons that are better than the ones Darcy has mentioned. In fact, the only facts that I can think to usurp Darcy's answer would be to have Eddie himself come on to tell us why he's the best guitarist of all time.
Too bad, I would have loved the guitar. Great contest, guys!!!!!! Really.
I vote for Darcy and Eddie!
Come on People! We're talking about a man who was asked to play the solo on "Beat It" when Michael Jackson was still cool! Heard at 3:12 in this video:
Surely that deserves a vote or two....
Jimi Hendrix: I believe Hendrix is the best rock guitar player ever! He's amazing, and a great guitarist to listen to, even though he's no longer alive. T here are plenty of videos of Hendrix online. Of course there may be others today who are faster and such, but Jimi Hendrix was unique, had a great character when he played guitar, and he would say things that nobody else would ever say. His thoughts in his mind went to the guitar. He played with such passion that it showed in his voice and movements. He enlivened the audience whenever he played. He jammed well, cranking the guitar, making music like nobody else. It just came naturally for Hendrix.
He has been voted by Rolling Stone, Guitar World, and a number of other magazines and polls as the best electric guitarist of all time.
The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5937559/the_100_greatest_guitarists_of_all_time/
Hendrix directly or indirectly influenced Eddie Van Halen, Eric Clapton, and Carlos Santana. Hendirx also influenced many succeslful song writers and influenced his influences, like Bob Dylan, Buddy Guy, and Miles Davis. Stevie Ray Vaughn would say, "Yeah It was good but I didn't write it" in reference to Hendrix.
According to Best and Worst, Hendrix remains at the #1 spot.
http://www.bestandworst.com/r/11141.htm
According to the Urban Dictionary:
"An excellent guitarist. Known to break the boundaries of guitar playing - in such ways as plucking the strings with his teeth (He recorded the American national anthem this way) and setting his guitar neck on fire while playing in concert. Don't ask."
He is also the author of one of the strangest and greatest quotes of all time:
"Excuse me, while I kiss the sky."
Jimi Hendrix is one awesome guitar player! All modern guitar players look up to him, guaranteed.
The forums have listed Jimi Hendrix as the best ever:
http://www.thismoment.com/moment/view/18130/best-guitarist-ever-forum
Just watch him! He's got great rhythm and can really jam!
Hendrix revolutionized the art of playing the guitar and changed the way people thought about and used guitars.
The Jimi Hendrix Improvisation at Woodstock 1969 is brilliant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimi_Hendrix
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5937559/the_100_greatest_guitarists_...
http://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/greatest-guitarists-ever.asp
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jimi%20hendrix
http://www.jimihendrix.com
http://www.michaelallsup.com/hendrix_editorial.htm
http://www.guitarworld.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=32625
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Hendrix-Jimi-478/jimi-hendrix-influenced-others....
http://www.michaelallsup.com/hendrix_editorial.htm
http://www.wanderlist.com/metalguitarist
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M$
"Latin New York Music Awards, Latin Rock Band of the Year, 1975; Bay Area Music Award (Bammy Award), Best Guitarist, 1976-77, 1980-81, 1994-95; Bammy Award, Best Album for Moonflower, 1977; Bammy Award, Best Group, 1980; Grammy Award, Best Rock Instrumental Performance for Blues for Salvador, 1988; Bammy Award, Musician of the Year, 1978, 1988, 1993; Billboard Century Award for distinguished creative achievement, 1996; received star on Hollywood Rock Walk of Fame, 1996; induction, Bay Area Music Awards Walk of Fame, 1997; Chicano Lifetime Achievement Award, 1997; Nosotros' Golden Eagle Legend in Music Award, 1997; induction, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1998; National Council of La Raza, Alma Award, 1999; Grammy Awards, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals, Best Pop Instrumental Performance, Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, Best Rock Instrumental Performance, 2000, Best Pop Collaboration, 2003."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yoGTVzgow8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXXmhPAaDDc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7amYNaPTRI
"After several years spent working as a dishwasher in a diner and playing for spare change on the streets, Santana decided to become a full-time musician; in 1966, he formed the Santana Blues Band, with fellow street musicians David Brown and Gregg Rolie (bassist and keyboard player, respectively).
With their highly original blend of Latin-infused rock, jazz, blues, salsa, and African rhythms, the band (which quickly became known simply as Santana) gained an immediate following on the San Francisco club scene. The band's early success, capped off by a memorable performance at Woodstock in 1969, led to a recording contract with Columbia Records, then run by Clive Davis. Their first album, Santana (1969), spurred by a Top 10 single, "Evil Ways," went triple platinum, selling over four million copies and remaining on the Billboard chart for over two years. Abraxas, released in 1970, went platinum, scoring two more hit singles, "Oye Como Va" and "Black Magic Woman." The band's next two albums, Santana III (1971) and Caravanserai (1972), were also critical and popular successes... He and Michelle Branch won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for the song "The Game of Love." Another interesting array of collaborators appeared on his next album All That I Am (2005). Santana worked with Mary J. Blige, Los Lonely Boys, Steven Tyler, and others on this album. Santana also continues to take his music on the road, playing numerous tour dates each year."
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M$
You can get the video here:
http://www.ultimatesantana.com/Videos/Into-the-Night.html
And more info on the song:
http://www.ultimatesantana.com/ChadKroeger-IntoTheNight.html
I can't do anything about that embed problem... The Video is "Santana Featuring Chad Kroeger - Into The Night" You can go to http://www.youtube.com/ and paste in the title. It's a really good song. Sorry for the link not working. That is rather disappointing. Really am sorry for that.
I still think that Santana had the largest multicultural impact as well as speaking to a broader audience.
Bottom video doesnt embed. It has embedding disabled by request.
Ok, I know he is not the de-facto best guitarist ever, but in recent history he did more for the instrument since Val Halen, who might be the best traditional player and changed the game in the 80s and Jim Hendrix did it in the 60s and Mel Bay did it in the 40s and 50s.
He took a guitar and created a unique sound that could not be replicated successfully by anyone without DJ equipment.
He explains many of is tricks in this video http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6559462259051810528 Including his signature pickup toggle. He pushes the technology of the guitar beyond its intended limits. As the computer was taking off, he was moving the sound toward the 21st century. He makes the guitar into musical turntables. He is a dj who can rock. Tom Morello is a very accomplished and the greatest guitarist.
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M$
The guitar effect Tom Morello made popular is called the "Kill Switch"
A kill switch works by toggling a 'Hot' audio signal 'On' and 'Off' quickly.
Initially you can only create a kill switch effect if you had a guitar with a '3 way toggle switch' and have like the 'Bridge pickup - volume on' and the 'Neck pickup - volume off'
So if you have a Fender Strat style guitar with 5 way switch. You are out of luck. Unless you modify your guitar and install a Kill Switch button.
But as I started to write my answer, the inspirational sounds of the past began to speak to me, consuming my thoughts and singing to my soul, crying out "what about me?".
Let us not forget Steve Howe, "Yes" guitarist. While he has not received the same level of fame, Howe had amazing talent and highly influential style. He was voted "Best Overall Guitarist" in Guitar Player magazine five years in a row (1977 - 1981). He was inducted into Guitar Player's "Gallery of Greats" in 1981. (The only other two guitarists to win the "Best Overall Guitarist" category for the "Gallery Of Greats" are Steve Morse and Eric Johnson.)
BUT - I can't forget James Marshall Hendrix. I am actually settling back into my original thinking, as I am flooded with the melodic sounds and images of Jimi Hendrix in my mind . . . His music transcended through generations, races, color lines and cultures, and grasped the minds and tugged at the souls of people throughout the world.
Jimi Hendrix truly became ONE with his guitar, as if they were a single living organism produced to generate the sound of the human mind with the strings of his guitar. He made the impossible sound possible . . . you could almost hear his guitar speaking words he thought in his mind as he played.
Yeah, I'll go with Jimi Hendrix!
http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/the-jimi-hendrix-experience
http://www.jimihendrixmemorial.com/
http://www.jimi-hendrix.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Howe_(guitarist)
http://www.wma.com/yes/bio/YES.pdf
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com
http://www.dorpat.com/
http://www.celebrityrockstarguitars.com/
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M$
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MBAW9EUlAI&feature=related
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M$
@mshubin You know, saying someone "killed" has a totally different meaning when it comes from a weemee icon that is holding a large knife.
An interesting choice, but he is very good. I worked at his/Fleetwood Mac's record label and one year he played a company Christmas party and just killed. I was amazed at how good he was.
I'll also add that I am not a fan of Fleetwood Mac AT ALL. Really, I can't stand them.
Normally, a guitarist must use two hands to play each note. One hand presses down a guitar string behind a chosen fret to prepare the note, and the other hand either plucks or strums the string to play that note. Jordan's touch technique is an advanced form of two-handed tapping. The guitarist produces a note using only one finger by quickly tapping (or hammering) his finger down behind the appropriate fret. The force of impact causes the string to vibrate enough to immediately sound the note, and Jordan executes tapping with both hands, and with more legato than is normally associated with guitar tapping. The note's volume can be controlled by varying the force of impact: tapping with greater force produces a louder note. (Wikipedia).
Just check it out for yourself:
Wikipedia
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
It's not about shredding! It is so often that the most musical players are overlooked, Gilmore being one of them. I think that there are probably more guitar players out there that have tried to learn the solo from Comfortably Numb than anything else. Sure there are thousands that can play Eruption, and Thousands that can play SRV, and Hendrix, Page, Clapton, etc. HOWEVER, Numb bridges the most important gap. It is pure unadulterated Music. My dad who was, as my brother put it, an "educated hillbilly", really dug Pink Floyd, and he was a die hard gospel fan, I am a huge SRV fan, but would choose Numb any day, my 11 year old son, who has just started playing thinks its the coolest solo ever. Find me one more guitarist that can span that kind of generation span.
My hat's off to GIlmore....
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M$
It is a very close tie between Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. The problem is that 99% of the music that you find out in the open from any of them is not really representative of what they can actually do.
On top of that, you have Jimi Hendrix dying really young, Eric Clapton getting stuck playing slow blues, JImmy Page not doing much for the past few years and Carlos Santana figuring out that he'll still get paid regardless of what he does, as long as he dumps a rift every now and then.
If I were to judge them when they were all relatively young, then Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page were far ahead. Carlos Santana was a novelty because he was very clever bringing in afro-caribbean music styles into rock, but in terms of playing he was not yet on par.
Jimi Hendrix was great because he was making his guitar sound in things that make you wonder if it is even possible. If you want to hear an example, try Burning of the Midnight Lamp, from Electric Ladylamp. It sounds just weird.
Jimmy Page was (and still is, even if he doesn't bring out that kind of material anymore) because of the way he managed to mangle up really old blues with electric rock. Most people that claim that Led Zeppelin rocked can't name 5 of their songs, and one is Stairway to Heaven. Instead, try something like No Quarter, or When the Levee Breaks, it's a completely different kind of music, and a lot of so-called Zeppelin "fans" out there won't even be able to recognize the band. Sad but true.
If I can call a tie, it is with Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page. If I am forced to pick one, I would go with Jimy Hendrix.
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M$
That man whoever he is to me is amazing. And when I say whoever he is that means I don't know if he is well known or just a guy. Music with that much passion and love put into it almost makes me cry.
here is an electric player that has a lot of passion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrhdx5W8GFI&feature=related
and this one does amazing things with his hands...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StxpWgfhjIg
this was also nice...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpDblDia5TE
You raise a good point. I don't follow classical guitar. So I looked into it and I'm impressed. I found this guy and he seems impressive to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxHUMPtQM9g&feature=related
I am thinking I like it more then electric.
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M$Music, in general, is very subjective. So I am going strictly on who's music I "feel" more (talking to me, if you will).
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M$
@csandoval Perhaps you didn't notice the question, but we are competing for a guitar here and they requested an explanation. Perhaps you could add a few comments expanding your answer? (Not that I want you to win, mind you)
thanks for the "heads up" darcy! I totally missed that portion of the question.
The answer is: Julian Bream
I'd like to see any rock guitarist pull off what he can do. Don't get me wrng, I'm a HUGE fan of Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, and Eric Clapton. And while I'd imagine that Jeff Beck or Jimmy Page might actually be able to pull off what Bream does, I can't imagine it being as fluid.
This is ONE GUY on ONE GUITAR:
Seriously. Julian Bream FTW.
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M$
I fixed your embed, you don't need to use embed codes, just pasting the Url works, mahalo will automatically embed it.
I picked Eddie Lang, the early Jazz virtuoso (who also played classical from time to time). Some people like Django, more modern jazz. But the guitar greats from classical music such as Bream and Segovia really should be the serious contenders. They are head and shoulders above and are really in a whole different class and level compared to the pop icons.
He's the best guitar player of all, his music turn all your senses on.
"PACO DE LUCÍA is a living legend of flamenco guitar. Born in Algeciras (Cádiz) in 1947 into a family of musicians, he counts among his biggest influences his father, flamenco guitarist Antonio Sanchez, his elder brother, flamenco guitarist Ramon de Algeciras, and his master Nino Ricardo. His first performance was broadcast when he was just 11 years old. In 1962 Paco de Lucía won an award at the International Flamenco Contest in Jerez. Shortly thereafter he toured with his brothers around the world, and ventured into the world of composition. In 1970, Paco de Lucía met flamenco vocalist Camarón de la Isla, beginning a creative partnership that produced more than ten records. His 2004 recording Cositas Buenas received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary World Music Album and won the Latin Grammy for Best Flamenco Album. Billboard also named it the Best Latin Jazz Record of the year. Also in 2004, Paco de Lucía was the first flamenco artist to receive Spain's prestigious Premio Príncipe de Asturias award"
http://www.laphil.com/press/press_release/index.cfm?id=1863
Paco de Lucía has been given the 2004 Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts. The decision was announced by the Jury for the Award in Oviedo on Wednesday 14th July, 2004. Paco de Lucía is considered to be one of the most universally famous Flamenco artists; his style has become a school of music amongst the younger generations, his art has made him one of the greatest ambassadors of Spanish culture worldwide, and his masterly touch has graced the major stages of Europe, the USA, Russia, Japan and the Middle East
http://www.flamenco-world.com/guitar/pacodelucia/pacodelucia.htm
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M$
There are a few "guitarist guitarists" that are well known among guitar players, but don't achieve a lot of mainstream success, probably because there's nothing to sing along to when played on the radio. The only person like this to achieve anything close to this would be Stevie Ray Vaughan. But that would, of course, leave out great guitarists like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Buckethead, and Yngwie Malmsteen.
This is a very tough question, but I'm going to have to narrow it down to Yngwie Malmsteen and Buckethead. And while the two samples I give you are completely opposite (Far Beyond the Sun by Malmsteen and For Mom by Buckethead), I still think that Buckethead wins out because he can do both heavy rock/funk and classical guitar ridiculously well.
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M$
Trey Anastasio, lead guitarist of Phish.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked him the 73rd greatest guitarist of all-time saying, "Anastasio can play anything he hears... His epic solos balance technical finger-work against screaming climaxes, and they're exciting even when he's sloppy. Especially when he's sloppy." Try making your way through the excitement that is a Phish live album (they've released over a dozen), and you'll see what I mean when I say that Trey Anastasio is the greatest guitarist of all-time. Here's some footage of him playing with Phish in '94. In this concert they played the entire Beatles White Album in between two of their own sets. The concert was condensed into the four hour LivePhish Volume 13, which is a mind-blowing example of Anastasio's guitar skills.
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Now, I realize you wrote this months ago, but I thought I'd respond.
The video you displayed of Trey playing While My Guitar was somewhat of a joke to me. If you think Trey is the best guitarist ever and you showed that as proof, then the world is completely ignorant. For Trey, that was an average day on an average song. For the virgin ears, maybe that's a cute solo to start with, but the technical, emotional, and genius guitar playing that is Trey Anastasio goes infinite miles beyond this version of a Beatles cover.
Trey Anastasio is the greatest guitarist of all time, I have yet to hear anyone better. Sure Jimi and Jimmy did their influencing, but Trey is (and probably will be for as long as I live) the one who Mastered the guitar.
Daniel
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M$I've never seen anyone that made the guitar an extension of themself like he did. I'm not saying others before didn't(like Jimi), but Stevie just made it that much more real.
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M$Robert Johnson was an pioneering guitarists that if most top guitarists were asked to emulate they would struggle. His technical proficiency with the guitar influenced modern rock through the likes of Eric Clapton, Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix and many more. His music whilst almost too hard to listen to by todays standards is both complex and emotional.
His ability to play steady basslines, rythm and complex leads (that go both infront and behind the bassline beats) all at the same time has constantly amazed and bewildered guitarists. Put on top of this he sings different melody lines at the same time he is like four performers in one package.
Legends surround Robert Johnson, somewhat add to the mistique. Based on just the technical ability alone he stands as the grandfather of rock and an influencial guitarists far beyond his short life.
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M$
This answer made me think and I found this:
Computer games inspire children to learn musical instruments
Children are being inspired to learn a musical instrument after playing music-based computer games.
05 Dec 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/3566594/Computer-games-inspire-children-to-learn-musical-instruments.html
It is a good start.
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@bugsy has his/her own opinions, just because people don't agree with them sure doesn't make it wrong. Or unhelpful.
@bernices Yes, we all know that bugsy lives in his own little world. That does not prevent me from giving him a hard time about it (and I did not mark his answer as unhelpful.)
Very inspiring. Will there ever be a Tuba Hero?
So what? My answer stands still. ;)
Being good at Guitar Hero does not mean you can actually play guitar. It is a game. Games are not real. They are make believe. That's like saying someone who wins at SOCOM makes a good Navy SEAL.
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M$
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ears
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_(disambiguation)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_(disambiguation)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_(disambiguation)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x78dq6_neil-young-cowgirl-in-the-sand_musi...
http://digg.com/politics/Neil_Young_Comes_Thru_Again_Like_Johhny_Magic
http://twitter.com/lincvolt
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M$You'll have to compare Hendrix, BB King, Keith Richards, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chuck Berry, Jimmy Paige, Clapton... I mean - the list goes on. It's a huge list of very, very talented musicians.
I think when it comes down to it though, Hendrix wins and comes out on top. No one was ever really in his league, and no one has come close since then. He really made the guitar a part of him - and managed to do it while making it look effortless.
Wikipedia helped...
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
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M$John Platania (Van Morrison's guitarist for many years off and on, esp. notable for his work on "Moondance")
Maury Muehleisen (terrific guitar player on Jim Croce's folk-pop hits; he died with Croce in a 1973 plane crash)
Richard Thompson (how does he do some of that stuff?)
Peter Green (a fine blue guitarist who was the heart and soul of the original Fleetwood Mac, his mellow "In the Skies" album in the late '70s is a sweet -- and rare -- collection of instrumentals)
Bert Jansch (along with his late-'60s and early-'70s British folk-pop-jazz band, Pentangle, and with his duet partner, John Renbourn, Jansch plays a distinctive, all-encompassing style of music.
Tony Rice and Doc Watson (two generations of killer folk/bluegrass flatpickers. Lightning-fast, always precise. I gave up hoping to play like Rice after seeing him live with the David Grisman Quintet. I figured there's no way I could ever be that good!
Oscar Alemar (awesome late Argentine jazz player in the "gypsy" tradition of France's Django Reinhardt, but little-known outside of his own country)
Neil Young (of course -- chunky, funky, hammer-ons and all for acoustic, and one-note wonders and mondo-distorto noisefests on electric)
Les Paul (the King. His two duet albums with Chet Atkins are wonderful)
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M$There is a small group of musicians who are so adept at their instrument that they transcend technique. That is, they have practised until they no longer had to think consciously about the 'playing' of their instrument. Of this small group there is an even smaller group, those who are able to emotionally engage with their creative muse and can consequently draw high grade creativity through perfect technique. Those who can 'play' soulful, deep, wondrous music, channelling their mind directly through their instrument without needing to engage with the mundane aspects of the playing of it. In the Western musical tradition Jimi Hendrix is the zenith of 'pure' creative playing. This is never more evidenced than in his reading of The Star Spangled Banner which so expresses the maelstrom of beauty, terror, funk, freakiness, wonder and weirdness of America and 'The American Dream', that it is more powerful today than it was on the day he played it into the world.
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M$
1. Jimi Hendrix
2. Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band
3. B.B. King
4. Eric Clapton
5. Robert Johnson
6. Chuck Berry
7. Stevie Ray Vaughan
8. Ry Cooder
9. Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin
10. Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones
It’s hard to argue with number one on that list — Hendrix’s playing still sounds fresh, passionate, and vibrant today. He’s the prototypical guitar legend.
It is surprising to see Duane Allman at number two, but I haven’t listened to very many Allman Brothers recordings.
BB King, a great blues guitarist since the 1950’s, is highly renowned and highly influential. I think he’s a great pick at number three.
At number four is Eric Clapton, my favorite guitarist. I’ve always loved the energy Clapton brings to the table. Mostly though, it’s the songs that Clapton plays, and the amount the guitar contributes to them, that I love. Number four is a very solid spot but if I were to make any change, I’d move him even higher on the list.
Robert Johnson is considered one of the most influential musicians of all time. His twenty-nine career recordings, all from the first half of the twentieth century, are worshiped and constantly covered by blues and rock musicians. Also highly influential was rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry. Even his early recordings, like “Maybellene,” still sound good. I like them both at numbers five and six.
At number eight is Ry Cooder, an American roots musician known for his skill on the slide guitar. He’s perhaps the least celebrated of the guitarists in the top ten. I know very little about him and have never heard his music before.
At nine and ten we have two fantastic guitarists from two of the most beloved rock bands ever, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. Jimmy Page’s solo from Stairway to Heaven is widely acclaimed as one of the best — if not the best — guitar solo of the modern era. His band’s guitar-heavy sound and freewheeling guitar solos have become the template for heavy rock bands. Keith Richards, too, has been highly influential to heavy rock. Some of his guitar riffs, including the one from “Satisfaction,” are perennially stuck in my head.
Overall, it’s hard to have too many objections with that top ten. From what I know and what I’ve heard, every pick is solid.
But the winner has to be : Robert Johnson!
He is the favourite of Hendrix and clapton - old time blues singer who played a 12-string acoustic guitar fingerstyle with a slide which famously sounds like more than 1 guitar. "It was almost as if he felt things so acutely he found it almost unbearable," Clapton said of Johnson's music.
Considered by some to be the "Grandfather of Rock 'n' Roll", his vocal phrasing, original songs, and guitar style have influenced a broad range of musicians, including Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck, Jack White and Eric Clapton, who called Johnson "the most important blues musician that ever lived".
Eric Clapton, a frequent proclaimant of the immeasurable significance of Robert Johnson to all music stemming from his generation, admits he "did not take to Robert Johnson immediately... He frightened me."
"Robert Johnson, to whom we all owed our existence, in some way."—Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, on NPR's Fresh Air, recorded in 2004.
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Opinion.
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M$Yes, my pick is Joan Jett. She is one of the most amazing rockers to have ever graced this Earth, she's one mean guitarist, and she's overall awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6Jjm1jzIig
Joan Jett was only one of two women on the Rolling Stone's list of best guitarists. The other one being Joni Mitchell. We need more ladies in rock n roll!
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M$
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M$
Personal experience.
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M$In 1936 he invented the Electric Guitar, and without him, entire genres of music would not exist today. His invention has influenced the creation of numerous sounds of music, and inspired millions of people to take up instruments.
While there have been many great guitarists throughout the decades, I don't think any of them hold a candle to this man's breakthrough.
Wikipedia
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M$When you ask "who is the best?" you have to clarify if by "best" you mean the most technical or the person who has produced the best sounding music. If you want to go with most technical it would probably be a three way tie between Chuck Schuldiner of the band Death, Yngwie Malmsteen (self-titled band), and Alexi Laiho of the band Children of Bodom.
If you want to go with the guitarist who has created the most compelling melodies then it would go either to Ihsahn (self titled band) or Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth.
There are a horde of guys who could contend for the spot though, based on personal preference. Marten Hagström of Meshuggah or Michael Amott of Arch Enemy would probably be among the top contenders.
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My mind.
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He played for Pope John Paul II on September 15, 1987. He's traveled around the country, around the world, telling his story and touching people's lives. To me, he's an inspiration, and when asked who the greatest guitarist of all time is in my mind... he's the first, and only, person that I thought of.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuIkrsdrJLY
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M$Eye Wittness
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That man is John Mayer.
If you haven't ever really listened to his music, and I mean REALLY listened to it, I beg you to give it a shot. Better yet, go see him live the first chance you get. I guarantee that you will be impressed. He is *that* incredible. If you have only heard his radio hits, you're missing out on so much of his talent. Hearing him play live is a truly almost spiritual experience for me.
I believe he is a legend in the making. He may not be on the level of a Hendrix or Clapton yet, but he is well on his way at only 30 years old. In fact, in 2007, Rolling Stone named him one of their new Guitar Gods. He has played with the likes of B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Buddy Guy. Also, Fender has even produced a John Mayer signature guitar.
He's been playing guitar since the age of 13. In his own words, he describes his early guitar playing days, "As a kid, he goes on, "I had this vision — sitting by a window on a rainy afternoon, just playing guitar. I said to myself, 'If I have enough strings and electricity, I can play guitar forever. I don't need anything else."
If you have any doubts about Mr. Mayer's guitar ability, watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etBZBbx_qjM
I love his versatility as a musician. He can effortlessly play acoustic songs, like this cover of the Tom Petty classic Free Fallin':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z12no-EXHKg
To this amazing cover of Hendrix's Bold as Love:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQSGa8nZs8g
John Mayer is literally a legend of our own time.
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M$Synyster Gates (Brian Haner Jr.)
Hes one of the best guitarists of our time i believe, and this is why. Synyster is viewed as an average player, what most people dont know is his range of playing, he could go to any genre and adapt to it instantly. Most know him as a metal guitarist,but did you know he learned from his dads friend...Frank Zappa? And that he studied Jazz guitar in college? Listen to the song "Dear God" (by Avenged Sevenfold) and tell me thats not amazing country playing for a guy whose never played country or learned it. If all that isnt enough, well then all i can say is i really feel his playing and can see his amazing skill and ill just have to keep him as my personal guitar hero =]
My source is that wave of awsome that falls on me when i hear him play
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M$http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doc_Watson
http://www.docsguitar.com/
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M$I listen to everything that anyone mentions to test the flavor for myself. And like my food cravings, my musical palate needs different things at different times.
So, I'm going to name Leslie West of Mountain fame.
They rocked the Woodstock crowd in 1969 and HippieFest in 2007
Granted, Mountain only had a few hits, Mississippi Queen being the only one most young people have heard.
And that is a shame. Nantucket Sleighride is amazing.
Rock stations still will occassionally toss those two and Theme For An Imaginary Lover and Never In My Life as late night fare.
Leslie worked with many of the last 20 years hugest icons.
David Rea (Maverick Child)
Jack Bruce (of the group Cream)
Billy Joel, (River Of Dreams)
Bachman Turner Overdrive (Live)
John Entwistle
Van Halen,
Gelix Cavaliere of the Young Rascals ( Destiny)
Ahmet Ertugen
The Who, (most notable..."Won't Get Fooled Again:)
Mick Jagger
Jimi Hendrix,
Tom Dowd
Bo Diddley (a track for Bo Diddley Jam)
Ozzy Osbourne (Missippi Queen re-make)
In fact, Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhodes, Michael Schenker and Richie Sambora have all cited Leslie as an important influence on their own music.
Mountain, which was named by VH-1 as one of the Top 100 Hard Rock Groups of all time.
If you have never heard Nantucket Sleighride give it a shot. Over 5 minutes if covers more than you would think... a little blues, metal, funkish, good old fashioned r n r.
An American classic that most people under 40 have never heard.
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M$
At the end of the day, we all have listed amazing artists!! I'm shocked by names I thought someone would list that haven't shown up yet.
I find it funny that it went more toward rock/pop with some classical and jazz folks looking down their noses. Listening closely to many of the other choices, a discerning ear for guitar will hear classical, jazz or blues influence.
Glad this decision is not mine to make!
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M$
I think George Harrison was a better guitarist than Lennon actually. Lennon - great songwriter? absolutely. But the Beatles' guitarist was Harrison and he kept on rocking.
Here Comes The Sun
I got My Mind Set On You
While this song is obvs not the best example of his guitar prowess I love it regardless :-D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_niy2ZM5Jo
But I gotta say you gotta go back further... and while Django Reinhardt is certainly up there I may have to say Les Paul. Not only is he a fabulous guitarist, he has contributed so much to the guitar itself. For that, he gets my vote.
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M$
The Space Ace not only had great songs, and great solos, but he could act, too.
"Ack!"
The Kiss Army
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M$He played real music with individual notes, not just strumming chords or pounding on his guitar or dancing around. He was the first great Jazz guitarist, and the last great Traditional Jazz guitarist.
I've been a fan of Bix and Tram since I was a kid, and Lang too!
http://www.redhotjazz.com/lang.html
http://www.redhotjazz.com/langarticle.html
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M$
You can't compare Jimi Hendrix vs West Montgomery, they both where Gods in their category (Rock/Blues and Jazz respectively) and time.
There are other virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Joe Satriana and upcoming talents like Omar Rodríguez López and John Mayer.
So whether which guitarist turns out to be the winner for this contest, I think answers to this one are pretty subjective.
Personally I might tell you that Jimmy Page is the best of all time....no wait, Eric Clapton was once called "God" isn't it...or how about Adrian Legg or Paco DeLucia...you see, it depends on the style and sentiment.
My final answer? There isn't a best guitarist of all time. Doesn't exist.
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M$
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M$2.Jimi Hendrix
3.Jimmy Page
4.Rory Gallagher
5.Keith Richards
Well the best is Eddie Van Halen
my mind
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M$
My ears !!!
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M$Segovia had this amazing ability to play 3 or more melodic lines at the same time. Playing live he was captivating at least as much as the rock gods, but he had nothing but the six gut strings and an unbelievable talent and passion.
Saw him once and play guitar myself.
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Segovia was awarded many prizes and honours including Ph.D, honoris causa from ten universities.8
Segovia was credited by his publicity for bringing the guitar (as a solo instrument) to the concert stage. While this is undoubtedly an exaggerated claim, the fact that he widened the audience for the guitar and was a vital force in helping it to gain respectability among other serious musicians, critics, and academe is beyond dispute.
He received the Danish Sonning Award in 1974 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1986.
pedia
wikipedia
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
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M$
Some people think Robert Johnson is the GAT (greatest of all time) though.
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M$It's all stored in my noggin, but easily verifiable.
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M$Long Live Dimebag.
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M$
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M$
Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, Michael Schenker
choices choices hmmm
I going to have to give it to thee greatest guitar player ever, and it has to be
RORY GALLAGHER he does it all!
35 years of rock concert attendance. Music is life! It is the most important asset we have today. Good music that is!!!
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M$
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M$
The question is not addressing a particular style of guitarist
so here are my lists:
1.
Larry Carlton
Press Releases:
- NEW! Mister
335, Ovvero Larry Carlton - NEW! Gibson Guitar GmbH (Germany)
- Original Guitar Hero More the Humble Sort
Santa Barbara News-Press - Still the original guitar hero - Famed for his 1970s
session work for Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell, Larry Carlton brings his
trio to town.
Santa Barbara News-Press - Larry
Carlton Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
By Mike (Mike)
Like so many other Los Angeles studio musicians, guitarist and composer
Larry Carlton was faced with a choice a number of years back: whether to
go solo and develop a name for himself or to continue the less risky, more
lucrative.. - 100 Greatest
Guitar Songs of All Time
Rolling Stones - Larry Carlton and Robben Ford play a masterful show
Seattle Times - Carlton, Ford Bring Versatility to the Show at the
Belcourt Theatre - Review of 335 Blues Course
Gitarre & Bass Magazine - Blues Bytes - Larry Carlton Interview
BluesWax Sittin' In With Larry Carlton - Live in Tokyo with Special Guest Robben Ford
BBB FM - Live in Tokyo with Special Guest Robben Ford
Allmusic.com - Energy
Abounds!
A BluesWax Reprint - Music Runs in the Family
The Straits Times - Blowout Concert
Singapore Press - Larry Carlton Offers Intimate Glimpse
Premier Guitar - A Night
With Larry Carlton & Spyro Gyra Never Disappoints
JazzReview.com - Sapphire
Blue release note - Larry Carlton - Sapphire Blue
- A
guitarist who plays jazz his way
St. Petersburg Times - Larry Carlton
The Washington Post - Larry Carlton 'Fire Wire'
The Korea Times - Musician's
Friend's Artist Spotlight exclusive interview with Larry Carlton
- A group effort: Larry Carlton enjoys his role in Fourplay
Asbury Park Press - Larry Carlton: Still reelin' in the years
The Philippine Star - Sounds
familiar
Dailynews.com - Media Alert: Larry Carlton review live at the Iridium
The Iridium - Class
ax: Grammy-winning guitarist Larry Carlton got his start in Lomita
Jazz Critic - Carlton talks
about recording with Joni Mitchell and Steely Dan - Larry
Carlton: Deep into it
ContemporaryJazz.com - No
Substitutions: Larry Carlton & Steve Lukather (Favored Nations)
Allaboutjazz.com - Spontaneous Combustion
Guitarplayer.com
2.
Robben Ford http://www.robbenford.com/
3.
Pat Metheny
Source: http://www.patmetheny.com/awards.cfm
He’s nominated in 12 different categories, winning 10 of them. No
one else has won in 10 different categories.
- Best Contemporary Jazz Album
- Best Pop Instrumental Performance
- Best Jazz Instrumental Solo Performance
- Best Jazz Instrumental Performance by Individual or
Group - Best Rock Instrumental Performance
- Best Instrumental Composition
- Best Jazz Fusion Performance
- Best Jazz Performance
- Best New Age Performance
- Best Arrangement on an Instrumental
- Best Country Instrumental Performance
4.
Pat Martino http://www.patmartino.com/
5.
Chet Atkins http://www.misterguitar.us/
6.
Albert Lee http://www.albertlee.co.uk/
7.
Eddie Van Halen http://www.van-halen.com/
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M$It's easy to jump on the rock guitar god bandwagon and rattle off all our childhood guitar heroes, but who do you think influenced them? For many it was Chet Atkins. He can play rock, jazz, country, classical, flamenco and anything else under the sun. The majority of our childhood guitar heroes are limited to their specialty.
Check out Mr. Atkins on YouTube. You will be amazed.
Take your pick. Just Google his name.
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M$
Not only does he have incredible stage presence (you can't go wrong with a KFC chicken bucket hat with a "FUNERAL" flag taped to it) but he also is able to squeeze every possible bit of "wow, I didn't know you could do that with a guitar" out of his playing. He really knows the instrument - he can play fast and still sound good (coughUNLIKEHERMANLIcough) and can also use feedback, killswitching, etc. without feeling forced.
Plus, that's not to say that he is just a solo-shredder: he can lay down a good riff too - a really good one. (Like the one from Jordan:)
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Andy McKee Videos:
1. Drifting - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddn4MGaS3N4
2. Africa - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt1fB62cGbo
3. Rylynn - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsD6uEZsIsU
4. Ebon Coast - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSnWhsmlGec
5. The friend I never met - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f27megLOleQ
6. Nakagawa San - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mYm4FhGauA
Mahalo!
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M$
If you like Andy McKee then you will like Antoine Dufour. Him and Andy were named the hot up and coming fingerstyle/acoustic guitar players in Acoustic Guitar Magazine.
Http://Dreams_Do_Come_True.Elance.com
http:/Twitter.com/ChatMaster007
My source is in my head.
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M$
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$That is a very difficult question...I could have gone with Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, or MAYBE just MAYBE Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead (just throwin a "newbie" in there) BUT I have to say that Michael Kelsey is one AmAzing Guitar Player...If you have seen him, you know...And he is from my homestate :) So I will go with him :)
www.youtube.com
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$"The World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band" Mick Taylor, the quiet, gorgeous, Stone, alone in the back behind Mick J. wailing away on lead and slide, playing lead and along with the late Billy Preston and Keith. Where do you think Clapton got the idea to take Preston on tour to play complex tunes like the D&D Got to Get Better in a Little While. That's cause he had the opportunity to hear Taylor play Heartbreaker w/ Preston during the Stones, 1973 tour. Taylor was the Stones from 69 to 75 when he left the band for artistic differences. I love Ronnie but Keith says in Shine a Light "neither one of us can play worth a damn" and he knows what he lost when he chased away Taylor the songwriter and genious behind Exile on Main St. if you even like that LP on a casual basis you'd have to elect Tayor as the man!! Email me for my prize please!!
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M$
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M$Just some tidbits:
Played with Frank Zappa: Actually transcribed Zappa tunes for a hobby.
Learned from Joe Satriani
Founded Favored Nations recording and publishing company.
The JEM is one of the most beautiful and recognizable guitars out there.
Played with David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, Ozzy, Alcatraz, Solo, etc..
Working with the "Little Kids Rock" Foundation to get free instruments to children.
Let's not forget he played the Devil in "Crossroads"
Like I said, I'm not the biggest fan of his playing but he has done so much to move the guitar forward, pushing boundaries and giving up-and-coming guitarists a means to record and publish music.
He definitely deserves a nomination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw74sDWPH7U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY8wyKuLY2k&feature=channel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Vai
http://www.vai.com/home.html
Numerous guitar mags that are to many to mention.
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M$It is simply not possible for us to know who is the greatest "of all
time", never mind the fact that the phrase "greatest" implies a level of
subjectivity.
According to wikipedia guitar-like instruments are thousands of years old.
"a guitar was defined as being an instrument having "a long, fretted neck,
flat wooden soundboard, ribs, and a flat back, most often with incurved
sides". Instruments similar to the guitar have been popular for at
least 5,000 years."
If we only count actual guitars, they still go back several hundred
years..
"By 1200 AD, the four string "guitar" had evolved into two types: the
guitarra morisca (Moorish guitar) which had a rounded back, wide
fingerboard and several soundholes, and the guitarra latina (Latin guitar)
which resembled the modern guitar with one soundhole and a narrower neck."
"The Vinaccia family of luthiers is known for developing the mandolin, and
may have built the oldest _SURVIVING_ six string guitar. Gaetano Vinaccia
(1759 . after 1831) has his signature on the label of a guitar built
in Naples, Italy for six strings with the date of 1779.The dimensions of
the modern classical guitar (also known as the Spanish guitar) were
established by Antonio Torres Jurado (1817-1892), working in Seville in
the 1850s."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar
Since "the first practical sound recording and reproduction device was the
mechanical phonograph cylinder, invented by Thomas Edison in 1877 and
patented in 1878" and the guitar existed many years before, many guitarists have played who we have never heard and will never have a chance to hear.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_recording
The Lomaxes were the preeminent collectors of folk song in the early to mid 1900s, prior to them while there was some collecting and recording of this material and artists throughout rural areas of the US however there is relatively little of it.
"Lomax was able to set out in June 1933 on the first recording expedition
under the Library's auspices, with Alan Lomax (then eighteen years old) in
tow. " They made tens of thousands of recordings. How many of us have even listened to a small fraction of it?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Lomax
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Lomax
To me, "of all time" also implies the future. So, while we have a large
history of artists and musicians whose work we shall never know from the
past.. we have hundreds if not thousands of years in the future from which guitarists will come.
This leads me to believe that if the greatest guitarist of all time has not yet been discovered.
So whom is the greatest? Innovators who experimented in an as of yet
undeveloped field? Traditionalists and unsung studio or stage heros who play
effectively, accurately, and frequently in significant volume without
becoming known for any one style? Or people in the future who will stand
on the shoulders of giants?
Do we choose Hendrix for his ability to innovate and copy other people's styles, techniques, and pick and incorporate from bits that he loved from here and there so that he becomes a natural guitar virtuoso? Do we pick Van Halen, or Morello for their innovation, experimentation, and customization of their instruments? Do we pick Yngwie Malmsteen or The Great Kat for their extreme virtuosity and high speed? Do we choose one of a number of artists for their extreme technical prowess? Do we choose someone like Beauchamp or Les Paul for their influence with the guitar itself? Do we choose someone who can simply pick up a guitar and play anything they have heard by ear? Do we choose someone classically trained, or someone self-taught? Do we choose someone who is a great songwriter, or someone who can only play the songs of others with great talent? Do we choose someone in the most popular musical style, or someone who chooses to play another genre or some obscure style?
Make all the lists you want.. the greatest guitarist is not yet found, as there will always be someone greater. There is always a "bigger, better deal". (S)he will come in the future.. and then.. be surpassed by one who comes after he(r).. again and again.
And all the while, people will be picking up a new (to them) guitar here or there, or a newly created teaching tool like the Fretlight will be able to learn and grow. . all the while simply entertaining themselves, expressing their need to express themselves, or dreaming of being the next great three minute, jukebox hero playing on that mexican radio.
Years of folklore and folk culture studies, being a fan of music, a patron of the arts, and an artist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audio_recording
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Lomax
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Lomax
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M$
Um....have you heard him?
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M$Have a look at some of Adrianne Belew, or Robert Fripp's work.
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M$
No further comment necessary ;)
My husband's ears
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M$
My Brain
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M$
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M$
-Carrie
My own big head.
Wikipedia for the year of Hendrix death.
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M$
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
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M$
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrés_Segovia
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M$
My vote goes to Django! Your summary statement tells it all.
Django is a nice choice. Some of my biggest influences in guitar (Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins and Bruce Cockburn, to name a few), all mention Django as a big influence in their playing. Pretty good guitar player, especially with just two fingers.