I'm the guitar player you showed for "fastest". I appreciate the kind words, but I did NOT play anything at 600 bpm. What Guinness said I did, I certainly did not do. I've made a video calling myself out on this after I learned more about what I can actually play.
@@SwedeSpeeder No, he showed bad judgement. Anyone with an appreciation for and understanding of music can see that Jimi is considered a legend for a reason, even if it is not your type of music. Same goes for Bach for example. If you consider Hendrix to be bland/boring/overrated, not just your first time hearing it, but over years, while being a guitarist! it really puts your judgment into question... There are certain musical achievements that are objectively impressive, pretty much regardless of taste.
Exactly, I usually talk about my favorite, as opposed to some all-encompassing “best.” A related discussion that can be fun is talking about who had the largest impact. For example during the 1980s I’d say it was clearly Eddie Van Halen, but over time it’s diminished and now I’m not sure exactly has the most following their footsteps; you can always make a case for Jimmy Page. Neither of those two are my personal favorite though, but they certainly made a lot of people revise how they approached guitar after their first turn in the spotlight.
As a flamenco player, I can confirm that the first video was just a fairly showy exhibition of a Rumba which some flamenco purists don't even regard as flamenco (but that's another argument). The playing and slapping was no big deal but as you say, would easily impress non-players.
I actually know the guy and he'll be the first to agree with you. He gave a talk on the psychology of people over praising things and uses his video as an example.
Joe Pass is hands down MY favorite mention in the video. Sometimes you see these players just going through the motions but when you watch Mr. Pass play, watch his face and body language also. The guy is genuinely in love with the music he's playing, plays with soul, and that translates to all these little subtleties in his techniques and just sounds freak'n amazing.
Thank you for your take on the Prince solo. I sat through it 3 times and was wondering what I was missing. When it came on in your video, my first thought was here we go again.
I regularly go onto the videos and say similar things and get slaughtered by the blinkered fanboys who maintain by the 1000's that prince is the greatest guitarist of all time. Bozos !!!
I think for me it was the fact I'm not too familiar with Prince and didn't realize he could play guitar like that. So for that reason I was impressed by it but yeah it's not THAT extraordinary but it's a fun rock and roll solo that made for a good live tribute to the song. Doesn't make him "the worlds greatest guitarplayer" but it proves he's a talented musician for sure.
There just isn’t a best guitar player. Every guitar player who can make you stop in your tracks, listen and take something with you is a great guitar player.
Nope, there is someone that is the greatest ever. They might be famous, they might not, might be dead, might be alive. But there is quantifiable ways to measure anything, even guitar playing.
@ there’s multiple ways to measure and an overall sum of these measuring points. Have you heard someone that sounds shit? That’s 1 out of 10… then who would be the 10?
@@TaroTimes there might be a guitar player who you subjectively think is the best, but there is no objective way to rank art, meaning there is no guitar player who can universally be considered the best.
Chet Atkins, Tommy Emannuel, Jason Becker, Andres Segovia, Ewan Dobson, Mike Dawes, Antione Dufour, Jon Gomm... All extremely talented. Whats great about guitar is that there are always new boundaries opened for each listener. "Best" seriously narrows the true nature and validity of the action of creating. You can focus the category down and get something close to "best", but there will always be that stipulation and it will all just be a matter of opinion. I like hearing how people say certain performaces affected someone. Even the most skilled and experienced player could miss the mark. Not everyone understands the nature of the guitar and its mechanics involved. But, once again thats what makes guitar playing great and music the common denominator of humanity. 🎸 🔊🙉
I like that list but I feel like those are all great guitarists for guitarists. Guitarists compared to laymen tend to connect with highly technical, flawlessly executed, perfectly spaced, tonally appropriate music. Hendrix is not clean and his execution is more theater than precision but I feel like he did the sloppy showman thing better than anyone. It's like watching a drunk master weave in and out of a mess. I feel like "best" can be more targeted to other things besides music that would get you an A in music school.
I can't watch that video anymore. I tear up every time - and I'm an Aussie bloke. Trucks pulls so much emotion out of each note it's a masterclass in articulation and expression. If I could play like that just once I'd happily take my last breath.
The fastest guitarist video was recorded at Guitar Center in Arvada, CO where I used to work (that's my buddy, Rick, standing in the background.) The guy would bribe us to recommend him as a guitar teacher in exchange for Little Caesar's pizzas once a month. So much digestive problems thanks to him.
This may be cliche, but the carrot I'm always chasing, is trying to play more like Gilmour. His phrasing, the space he leaves, and his feel are just phenomenal.
6:50 I think you hit one of the most important aspects of approaching and appreciating jazz: a familiarity with the source material gives you a much better understanding of what’s actually happening!
As someone who grew up listening to Jazz, and playing Jazz, this is so true. I hear a piece and it can bring a tear to my eye and other people around me are just not interested at all. It's not even about understanding, not to counter what you are saying, but to me it's more about. . . how to put this. . . it's about having a frame of reference for what you are hearing that allows you to emotionally connect to the music. Which I guess is just another way of saying understanding but I just don't like when people think that appreciation for good Jazz is academic, it's not. For me it is deeply emotional.
As someone who got into modern jazz at 16 in a family home that was very much a non-jazz environment, there's a moment when all the deviation in the solos from the melody as written suddenly makes sense as a listener, from which there's no possible return. It's about the way in which colour is added to a songwriter's work, which both compliments and embellishes it.
What really gets me about those who are truly, truly great, is how they never try to step in front of the music. They are incredibly confident, but without ego. If you’ve ever seen Tedeschi Trucks live, their ability to some how put everyone in a 13 piece band front and center, sometimes seemingly all at once is truly marvelous. Derek spends an entire concert making everyone else sound better, and by that his music is elevated to a higher plane.
I'm not a musician, or a music historian. So there's lots of music I know nothing about. But what I do know is the guitarists whose music has moved me. And the top 3 on that list are David Gilmour, Alex Lifeson, and Jesse Cook. Other than possibly Gilmour, none of those guys ever show up on a "top 10" list but I don't care: at least once in my life their music has made a difference in my life. And that's more important than speed or talent or what others think of how they compare to other players.
Joe Pass: when I first heard Joe Pass some 40 years before, I thought about giving up the guitar. He still is the only player to give me this feeling. Because what he does is so complete.
I think we all have a moment like that, and if it's Pass that's a fair shout, he is sublime. For me it was hearing Leo Kotke play airproofing live. Pass I understand even if I can't do it. Other guys who used to blow me away (who I still love) like Jack Rose I now actually see as somewhat attainable. Kotke just short circuits my brain.
Oh my I love the Prince solo . Totally appreciate his music , but not something I get pulled too . I appreciate solos , but not drawn to them in a big way either , but I think this solo is about more than technical ability or complexity . It’s the moment and feeling . Like how many videos on UA-cam of folk doing insane technical solos etc , but leave you feeling cold . I think that what’s separates these musicians from the masses . It’s what they able to put into a a song or solo . They have signatures that resonate deep after a couple of notes . Thank you for videos 🙏. Happy Holidays 💚💙
I love that you wrapped it up with Derek Trucks. His technique is incredible and his musicality is enriched by a broad range of styles - but most of all: he does not get short of vivid ideas that are pure music. He sings through his guitar. His solos give me something that I got when I heared Patricia Kopatchinskaja playing Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35: the whole span of human life between silence and uproar - beauty that is. 💚
We are birds of a feather. I just posted Derek's solo From Midnight in Harlem in my comment on this just a few minutes ago I.hope a lot of people that don't know much about Derek's music listen to it.
Seeing Mateo Mancuso was a lot like seeing Jason Becker when I was a teenager. As a player with a lot of confidence in my playing, it's a supremely humbling experience. Like 'put it down forever' king of humbling.
The guitarist that played maggot brain, forget his name,to me was one of the best guitar playing IMHO . I heard that before he played he was told to imagine his mother's death. The way he plays gives me chills.
@@joseislanio8910 ahh, it Mr. Hazel then? I always thought the Collins brothers, Bootsie and Catfish joined Parliament Funk (that recorded the album 'Maggot Brain') after they left the James Brown entourage. Thanks for letting us know.
Must be Buckethead . . . .one of the grestest guitarists. With Les Claypool´s Maggot Brain. Best guitar player? Nobody is perfect, and music is NOT a match.
iirc he was also on acid and his mother wasn't dead. George told him to play like it was the saddest thing he could think of like his mother died and that was what he played
For me it's a mix of both. Pure technical skill isn't going to do much, but if you have someone that is both mindbogglingly talented and can express themselves and connect emotionally, that is the sweet spot.
The emotion comes after you master the technicality. You can't convey emotion if your technical skills are subpar. This is akin to an abstract artist that can't draw a basic sketch.
Well done and enjoyable as usual. Your following is well deserved as you always entertain, you're always humble, and you have a great sense of humor. Much to learn here and much appreciated. -Mark
When I watch Monte Montgomery play "Six String Wooden Friend", I cry like a baby. It's a song related to this topic. And Monte Montgomery is my favorite (amongst many) guitarist.
Loved the video! I think you'll find the best musicians and music teachers will agree with you on most points you've made! Happy New Year! I think the best each of us can do is our best in the moment, and liberally steal from our favorite musicians, then twist it into our own thing if we put in enough time and creativity. As an improvisor, it's good to be able to let go and give the song what it needs, no more, no less. So, shredders should shred, but dynamics can be a welcome addition to anything! Joe Pass and Derek Trucks, Matteo Mancuso are the best of the best! Derek moves people to tears regularly, and what each of us feel about something is what gets us hooked! Thank you for your videos!
Derek Trucks Midnight in Harlem Live solo may be the best solo I ever heard. My friend who is a talented guitarist sent it to me saying he got emotional listening to it... very unusual for him to say that... but I got chills too.
We are on the same page, I just posted that performance in my comments just a few minutes ago before reading this from you.That solo bring's as much emotion with goose bumps and tears from me as much as anything I have ever heard before.
Totally different style of players of course but I once was at a concert given by Paco De Lucia and Paco Pena where they played for more than 2 hours together - this was in about 1981 when I was “boarding with Her Majesty” at HMP Wormwood Scrubs …they played in the superb church there where the sound created was really super - and a thing I obviously have never forgotten…I also used to go to see Joe Pass whenever he played at Ronnie Scott’s …. thanks for the video.
I could not agree more with your opinions here. So well done that I subscribed to your channel! Your takes on Prince, Beck and Trucks ..........spot on!
If ya can’t listen to Christone KingFish Ingram play Empty Promises (live 4years ago) and not feel some kinda way you are broken somehow. There’s a lot going on with the bass playing the bottom of the chords he’s walking, the drumming is simple to the point of being elegant and the keys are spot on for the song but he’s makin that guitar talk! Tiptoeing in to the beginning of phrases and going off, coming back to it and going farther on the earlier phrase until it opens up at the end. Soulful playing and clever progressions make it an outstanding and very special performance to my ear.
Man this is the kind of content I wish there was more of. No sugar coating, no trying to fake musical tastes just because they are "legends" or they are "objectively good". Thanks for the honesty, whereas I agree or not, I will always appreciate someone who gives me his personal subjective opinion in music or any art form and not just repeat the same opinion over and over in fear of what other people would think. Keep it up!
there are lots of amazing guitarists that never got a mention. if making the guitar sing with pure emotion is the mark of a great guitarist then Peter Green was definitely one of the best. my top pick for best guitaist is Jan Akkerman. a solid knowledge of musical theory and the ability to improvise in genres from jazz to rock. Akkerman has technique and soul
This is not a list with the best guitar players, it is more a random pick of videos that say "best guitar player" in the title and his thoughts to that.
Jeff Beck at Ronnie Scott's probably one of the most worthy performances of each musicians in a best of list ever! I say this because best of lists are so so so silly, they could never ever make sense; but watching THAT specific performance makes you think that all those people are the top musicians in the world in their own right. Which is something I believe to be true always! Seeing something that for a moment makes you think that THAT is peak, makes it worth hearing or watching, even if it changes daily
prince’s solo is not supposed to be the most musical and technical guitar solo. it’s a performance that shows how to grab a stage and really bring the audience with you. I can’t imagine how many people must’ve picked up a guitar after hearing what he did that night. It was more of a statement and i feel like his energy itself makes it one of my favourite live solos ever.
@@mbrady2329 The "context" was a tribute to George Harrison, and Prince made it all about Prince: boastful, showboaty, self-involved. I bet George would have hated it.
@@ggmonoyou're not wrong here but he also made it memorable and iconic performance which probably introduced a lot of people to Harrison's music. Kinda best tribute to a musician that is no longer with us idk I'm kinda split on it 😐
Jimi Hendrix was an Experience, and a trend setter. Plus his songs and lyrics were Dylan meets the Beatles. His influence to the advancement of the electric guitar can't be underrated. But keeping him as the best guitarist is an injustice to players who are studio musicians that appear on thousands of songs. Or Jeff Beck who just kept getting better till the day he ( Joe ) Passed away !
I don't think you're wrong on Prince. A few things intersected to make the occasion of that solo legendary, but solo itself, not so much. (Also, not enough is made of Jeff Lynne's absolutely sublime vocals on this same performance.
All fair opinions, but I'm a life long Prince fan, and I thought that solo was amazing as soon as I saw that video, years before he died. The stage presence is a big part of it to be sure, but I think even if I only heard the audio I still would have been impressed. it's not my favorite of his, I like how subtle the solos are on I Could Never Take the Place of your Man, very groovy and understated.
@@jonnichols3236Nonsense. Lynne, Winwood, Marc Mann, Petty are all amazing musicians, but so is Prince. And you might prefer Petty's songwriting, that's up to personal taste, but as a multi-instrumentalist he's less skilled/virtuosic than Prince, isn't he? I'd also say Petty is more limited to the folk rock idiom, while Prince can be harmonically more complex at times.
@@jonnichols3236 I am not even a big fan of prince's music but he literally plays every commonly used instrument at a professional level, sings and composes music.
Im so glad i found thos video, i thought i was doing bad at my instruments but my struggles are normal and i feel now im doing very very well and wish to do better. Thank you so so much
This highlights something great about music that everyone forgets from time to time. And its that not only music, but guitar is completely subjective, i like neoclassical shred because its precise, i like punk because its sloppy and raw. Sometimes i like when someone shreds and their hands are perfectly in sync, and sometimes i like when theyre not and the train is running off the tracks.
My favourite guitar video is probably Garu Moore playing "The Messiah Will Come Again" live on the famous Greenie. It's absolute magic and no guitar solo has ever moved me like that one
Oh man. THANK you. Finally someone agrees with me about that Prince solo. Not even close to one of the best solos. Not even close to the best PRINCE solo!
I know your Right Prince has a lot of Great solos. So in actuality.Prince is a Guitar Master. I have watched other guitarists such as Jeff Beck, Clapton, David Gilmore etc. Prince has a complex skill set at times or subtle and sing through his guitar.
Yeah. I'm a Tim fan but it's low-key annoying how often he appears in these kinds of videos lol. He's really talented obviously but I feel like it's overblown a little bit as much as I love him
I once got roasted in a Joe Bonamassa forum for saying that a clip of him titled "This solo is out of this world" was nice and Bonamassa surely can play, but that solo in particular was far from being out of this world. Then people came up with the most moronic argument on earth: "Show us playing it better". How stupid is that? Following that idiot logic I could not even complain about malfunctioning brakes on my car because I surely cannot build better brakes myself.
Funny. I watched the Prince solo today before this video was uploaded. I didn't understand what all the fuzz is about either. But I have a love/hate relationship with the guitar. I like very, very few guitar players.
A guitarist that is often overlooked due to the era he was in is Rik Emmett. Because Triumph was in that late 70s through the 80s, there was always a media push of who the greatest guitar player was. The 80s were littered with virtuoso players, but as far as range & style, I think Emmett was really in a class by himself. His solos in the “Rock and Roll Machine” performances were unbelievable. When playing at the US Festival, he is whipping the crowd into a frenzy with his speed and voicing, then unexpectedly sits down on the front of the stage and weaves in a classical piece. All this to say, although the moniker of “Greatest” is subjective, Emmett deserves a piece of the conversation (which is what I’m doing). Triumph’s catalogue illustrates he was as good a guitar player as anyone in the R&R 70s & 80s. I go so far as putting him up there as one of the better vocalists too. I remember a review stating he played like EVH and sang like Steve Perry.
Steve Hackett may or may not be a GOAT, but he's one of the most versatile guitarists alive. Also, while he's not known for shredding, he can do some very tasteful shredding.
Right On! No bout a doubt it my friend's. There's been quite a few guitarist's over the years who've taken a trick or 2 from Steve Hackett. A good example to compare to which is pretty blatant to hear some of the exact same things Hackett plays on "Fifth of Fifth" & what Yngwie Malmsteen took from Steve's used it in his own solo on the song "Black Star." Just saying...
Samurai, I just stumbled on to your video. Glad you've received many views. I've been playing for over 50 years so have a working knowledge of the guitar. You friend are bang on. I am so glad you brought up the Prince video of Harrison's Weep. I have repeatedly been in arguments with people saying this is not near the greatest playing ever. It is ridiculous to even think so. The other guitarist nailed it better and did not noodle. I noodle pretty decently. Better than average yet not world class even if some others think so. It's because I can't read music and can't do exact duplications of other players. And your insights with Hendrix again bang on. These are the same examples and arguments I have made over the years. Nice to know I'm not alone. And great tastes regarding the other player. Yet sometimes I listen to Tommy Emmanuel and wonder why I pick up the guitar lol Thank you.for your insights.
I think what is impressive for most people is that they don't see Prince as a good guitar player at all. But even if you don't like his solos the technical ability is there in droves. That's what takes people by surprise.
I don't recognize the piece offhand, but it sounds like Tarrega. I think that video isn't on Brandon Ackers channel. I think it might be on the guitar luthier's channel that he frequently visits...Marshal Brune.
Whether you’re a personal fan or not, I hope we can all agree Matteo Mancuso is incredible. He blows my mind every time I watch/listen to him. Also, I kinda expect to see a piece from Shawn Lane in any type of “Best guitarist” videos. He never gets the credit he deserves from the masses. He was legitimately terrifying on the fretboard.
I never thought Jimi was the greatest guitarist. However I think we can agree he is the most influential guitarist, he's probably influenced more people to pick up a guitar than any artist before or since.
Greatest doesnt equate to best. Jimi was the greatest because he was the most influential, famous, and popularized the guitar. If you ask 100 non guitar players/musicians/music fanatics to name a guitarist most of them will probably say jimi hendrix
He’s the greatest because he set a standard that hasn’t been matched before or since. I feel like it has to do with music moving further and further away from its raw blues roots in favor of technicality.
Great perspectives. I always go to Roy Buchanan playing "Hey Joe" live whenever I'm feeling a little flat. Such mastery and he puts his personality all over it.
that derek trucks thing is like that wonderful moment when you see someone do something on a whole level above you , but you're watching vicariously as BB KING and John Mayer are experiencing that very thing which is just incredible.
Samwise Guitar-G, check out Michael Hedges. Michael Hedges and the whole Windham Hill Catalog of Guitarists completely upended my understanding of the instrument as a young guitarist, and Hedges in particular has filled the role you described Derek Trucks filling for you.
For the record, I'm pretty much 100% on board with the views you expressed in the video. I've been playing for over 50 years, teaching off and on for 20+, and in that time have performed and recorded (solo and with bands) in most genres in which the guitar is a component. I always come back to Joe Pass for jazz, because not only could he play anything with anyone, he could make it absolutely his own and it always looked and sounded effortless. Jeff Beck was also, in my view, a maestro and possibly a genius, who is appreciated not only by guitar players but by almost every musician who ever played with him as well as his legion of fans. What Pass and Beck have in common is that for both of them it is ONLY the music that matters, so that the guitar becomes an extension of themselves through which the music flows. I'm with you on Hendrix, too - a great performer and showman, but if I had to rank guitar players in terms of their 'greatness' (whatever that term means), he wouldn't be in my top 20. Probably not a popular view, but hey - who cares? It's only a subjective opinion, like everything else on here. I'm not sure why competitions to find the fastest guitarist exist, as if speed were the only (or most important) element worthy of consideration. I'm pretty sure that the fastest chef in the world wouldn't necessarily be the most skilled cook, or if I would want the fastest surgeon in the world to perform brain surgery on me. In both cases I'd prefer a) someone who knows exactly what they're doing; b) why they're doing it and c) utilising all their skills, expertise and experience to reach their desired outcomes. The rest for me is just showbiz.🙂
It was recorded on the very first take BTW. Makes it far more impressive doesn't it. Insane emotions in there. Off to listen to it now. Thanks for reminding me of this gem!
100% agree, music being subjective and personal to everyone is what makes it so beautiful. I can absolutely appreciate Trucks as an amazing musician, but I personally feel absolutely nothing listening to that piece, or most slide guitar in general. Hearing you say it's among the best for you was really surprising to me but that's what makes life life! Thanks for the video Sammy!
Prince was great but that "performance" always bugged me. He took a memorial to George Harrison and had to make it about himself. For a better solo (IMO) search for his performance of Play That Funky Music from the Los Angeles Forum April 28 2011
About Prince: Thank you… absolutely agree. It was on par with what you might expect on any jam… On Derek Trucks: Yeah… beautiful playing. One of the best slides in the world, but after one song it is pretty much enough slide for me. He is the perfect guest artist. Good video. Enjoyed it. 🤘🏻 Merry X-mas 🎅🏻🎄
Love the vid, and am definitely pretty much in agreement with all of your opinions here surprisingly. A note on "super speedy guitarists", that dude you showed who was probably going for a world record for notes per minute is definitely appreciable for pushing the human limits of how fast guitar can be played for sure, but falls into the boomerish category of "no soul just note salad", which I normally disagree with wherever it's brought up, but would say it makes a case here. I would like to hear your opinion on guitarists that are on the faster end that actually do make interesting melodies though, eg; Todd Duane (Electrocution 250), Lucas Mann (Rings of Saturn), Dean Lamb (Archspire) etc etc.
The Prince solo is all about context. He was the last to start playing and was answering all the other guitars on stage. Not saying it was great, but it was fun and it was memorable.
Not to mention that Rolling Stone had just released a Greatest Guitarist list which he didn’t make and this was kind of him coming out of hiding to respond to that. A Musicology victory lap
The problem with that solo is he gets hung up on this mindlessly busy stuff that isn't really that impressive in the first place. He starts off strong and the emotion is coming along well, but then like losing your virginity, It all just happens too fast. Lol
Holdsworth may be the most underrated guitarist ever, to this day there's nobody that sounds like him and what can be better than having such a unique sound that's so identifiable as yours.
There is no such thing as "greatest guitarist," but if there was... it would be Allan Holdsworth. Out of this world, singularly original, blisteringly melodic, angelic, interdimensional.
Well... Hi! I'm one of the people constantly bringing up that Prince solo. It's interesting hearing you describe Prince's all-over-the-neck, unhinged solo as "just an A minor scale thrown in your face", but then when Matteo is literally just going up and down a scale (before he starts doing that amazing tapping and string skipping thing lol), he's an "amazing generational talent." I feel like Prince might be a bit of a victim of his own ego and status. I didn't have the highest opinion of him myself, but then my dad had me listen to some of the stuff Prince released just before he passed, and it's literally some of the best guitar work I've ever heard. You should really check out 12Tone's "The Greatest Guitar Solo Ever Played." I think it might change your mind, at least a little. lol Though, I honestly disagree with that title... For me, the greatest guitar solo ever played is the last half of "Have a Cigar" by The Main Squeeze.
You hit the spot with Main Squeeze. As to the Prince solo, Samurai was just commenting on that particular Prince solo, and it's true: while it was a fine, great sounding performance, the actual solo was pretty safe and unimaginative. Just not outstanding.
@@YaoEspirito I firmly disagree. It wasn't in any way safe, in fact he was rarely even matching the tempo of the song. It wasn't in any way unimaginative, it paid homage to every version of the solo that came before it while playing something uniquely Prince. It was, in every way, an outstanding solo. You're welcome to dislike it, but if you want to make objective claims about its quality... well, I'll have to refer you back to that 12Tone video where he goes over, step-by-step, why it's one of the greatest guitar solos ever played. Glad you enjoy The Main Squeeze though, those guys are fantastic!
I think Prince's solo on While My Guitar Gently Weeps is elevated greatly by the contrast between him and the others. The others are kind of phoning it in or only just getting by to begin with, and then he brings his unbridled energy on stage.
I think the sentence “this isn’t impressive” can be a bit arrogant, thinking that you're better or something. But Sammy really treats this saying with real critique and delivers a very good tone throughout the video. Love this guy
Hide, Alexi Laiho, Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammett, Michael Schenker, Randy Rhoads, Jason Becker, Michael Weikath and a case an argument can be made that Stevie Ray Vaughn was basically a blues shredder.
5:09 It’s about his emotionality in the solo; not virtuosic perfection. For example, you may be a trained, technical expert on the guitar but your actual playing can’t hold a candle to that of Nathaniel Murphy’s. It’s all good.
A pet peeve of mine is when a guitarist will use the body of the guitar as a percussion instrument. What that tells me (and maybe it's just me) is that he has such an ego he can't get along with the rest of the band, and just has to do the drums and guitar all by himself. That's my gut reaction.
Not for the same reason but I can't stand all those acoustic drumming players with all their tapping and pounding. Horrible, no matter how technically difficult it may be.
Something I really like about Matteo is he said that everybody, note, everybody flubs a note at some point. He said he's actually more interested in players who might flub on the rare occassion than not. I love Jeff Beck and have great respect for him, but he's not someone I've listened to a lot. Nowadays I hear people saying he never played a bad note, etc. Then one day I came across a video of him playing the National Anthem at a football game; I was underwhelmed. Before that I actually found a video of him on UA-cam smashing his guitar to my great surprise because I didn't think he did that. Evidently he did at least that one time. Finally, I can't say I wasn't super impressed when he did a blues album with a blues player whose name I can't remember: I'm a blues lover. On the other hand I have heard enough Beck to recognize that he had immense talent. More than anything I like what some have said, he kept improving and searching. He didn't appear to want to be boxed in with one style. That is probalby one of the things I respect most about him plus this comment he said about Hendrix; "Jimi was not one of those Blues players who only listens to Blues, he listened to everything." Jeff always seemed to speak positively of Jimi in his later years though I have read comments where he saw Jimi as a threat when Jimi was still alive. Make the guitar sound like a human voice, make it sound like an orchestra. I read that quote by a musician who contributes to Quora. I've never forgotten it. Finally one thing I try to look for in guitarists is those who play great lead and rhythm. Just being great at one of the two doesn't cut it for me. Talking basketball and some other sports, can someone play offense and defense well, be a complete playe?
I'm the guitar player you showed for "fastest". I appreciate the kind words, but I did NOT play anything at 600 bpm. What Guinness said I did, I certainly did not do. I've made a video calling myself out on this after I learned more about what I can actually play.
the lst solo sucked donkey dick but fast dude was sounding like necrophagist
Still impressive as fuck my man.
Since he said he used to think Jimi H was overrated I can not bring myself to take anything seriously he says about music....
@@m420-nd1if So, you only cared about his thoughts until he disagreed with you about Hendrix.
Got it. lol
@@SwedeSpeeder No, he showed bad judgement. Anyone with an appreciation for and understanding of music can see that Jimi is considered a legend for a reason, even if it is not your type of music. Same goes for Bach for example. If you consider Hendrix to be bland/boring/overrated, not just your first time hearing it, but over years, while being a guitarist! it really puts your judgment into question... There are certain musical achievements that are objectively impressive, pretty much regardless of taste.
People should stop using phrases like "best guitarists", "best music", "best album" or "I hope that guitar was over 18".
Could not agree more: there are SO many brilliant guitarists across time & genre. Enjoy your own favorites. Leave it there.
Exactly, I usually talk about my favorite, as opposed to some all-encompassing “best.” A related discussion that can be fun is talking about who had the largest impact. For example during the 1980s I’d say it was clearly Eddie Van Halen, but over time it’s diminished and now I’m not sure exactly has the most following their footsteps; you can always make a case for Jimmy Page.
Neither of those two are my personal favorite though, but they certainly made a lot of people revise how they approached guitar after their first turn in the spotlight.
Right music isn’t a contest
I mean have you seen Steve Vai play tender surrender.
That guitar definitely needs to be asked for consent.
Art is not a sport
As a flamenco player, I can confirm that the first video was just a fairly showy exhibition of a Rumba which some flamenco purists don't even regard as flamenco (but that's another argument). The playing and slapping was no big deal but as you say, would easily impress non-players.
I actually know the guy and he'll be the first to agree with you. He gave a talk on the psychology of people over praising things and uses his video as an example.
you just gave me an idea for a party trick
@@Elflamencojuan my wife is a non-player she heard Mr. Harvard and said ehh lets go see Al Di Meola or Mike Stern.
It impressed me and I know 3 chords! :)
When I was new to the guitar the video definitely inspired and impressed me, i agree with your point
Joe Pass is hands down MY favorite mention in the video. Sometimes you see these players just going through the motions but when you watch Mr. Pass play, watch his face and body language also. The guy is genuinely in love with the music he's playing, plays with soul, and that translates to all these little subtleties in his techniques and just sounds freak'n amazing.
Pass wrote the book. Magical.
I'm a bit of a simple guy who finds this kind of Pass playing a bit like elevator music but when he shreds some bop, holy cow!
@@thereagauze we all have our preferences, but I really like his upbeat stuff too.
it’s so crazy to me that he spent 15 years as a drug addict
Matteo Mancuso is insanely clean, precise, melodic and technical at the sametime... this is a generational talent right there
Sounds lame though
Agree he plays very well, but the music he plays sounds like music you hear in hoteltoilets.
@@AEMachinas You have the ears of a child.
@@AEMachinas
Cuz you are a beginner. lol
@@Eric-dd8bk 100% The better you get at playing, the more you realize that playing you thought was easy... isn't easy at all.
Thank you for your take on the Prince solo. I sat through it 3 times and was wondering what I was missing. When it came on in your video, my first thought was here we go again.
I regularly go onto the videos and say similar things and get slaughtered by the blinkered fanboys who maintain by the 1000's that prince is the greatest guitarist of all time.
Bozos !!!
@hulldanfan I'm not a fanboy but I think it was just really raw and well phrased without being too much or too little. It was just right
@danepresley7851 I have no problem with it in general. Was just confused how that solo made him the greatest guitar player ever.
I think for me it was the fact I'm not too familiar with Prince and didn't realize he could play guitar like that. So for that reason I was impressed by it but yeah it's not THAT extraordinary but it's a fun rock and roll solo that made for a good live tribute to the song. Doesn't make him "the worlds greatest guitarplayer" but it proves he's a talented musician for sure.
@@phantomprism7659 absolutely
There just isn’t a best guitar player. Every guitar player who can make you stop in your tracks, listen and take something with you is a great guitar player.
Nope, there is someone that is the greatest ever. They might be famous, they might not, might be dead, might be alive. But there is quantifiable ways to measure anything, even guitar playing.
@@TaroTimes I don't think one can measure or quantify art. How would you measure or quantify guitar playing? Notes per minute?
@ there’s multiple ways to measure and an overall sum of these measuring points. Have you heard someone that sounds shit? That’s 1 out of 10… then who would be the 10?
Greg Ginn is probably the greatest ever
@@TaroTimes there might be a guitar player who you subjectively think is the best, but there is no objective way to rank art, meaning there is no guitar player who can universally be considered the best.
Chet Atkins, Tommy Emannuel, Jason Becker, Andres Segovia, Ewan Dobson, Mike Dawes, Antione Dufour, Jon Gomm...
All extremely talented. Whats great about guitar is that there are always new boundaries opened for each listener. "Best" seriously narrows the true nature and validity of the action of creating. You can focus the category down and get something close to "best", but there will always be that stipulation and it will all just be a matter of opinion. I like hearing how people say certain performaces affected someone. Even the most skilled and experienced player could miss the mark. Not everyone understands the nature of the guitar and its mechanics involved. But, once again thats what makes guitar playing great and music the common denominator of humanity. 🎸 🔊🙉
Lenny Breau, Mike Stern, John McGlaughlin, Herb Ellis, Danny Gatton, Albert Lee, Ed Bickert, Sonny Landreth, you are correct sir❤️
I like that list but I feel like those are all great guitarists for guitarists. Guitarists compared to laymen tend to connect with highly technical, flawlessly executed, perfectly spaced, tonally appropriate music. Hendrix is not clean and his execution is more theater than precision but I feel like he did the sloppy showman thing better than anyone. It's like watching a drunk master weave in and out of a mess. I feel like "best" can be more targeted to other things besides music that would get you an A in music school.
@rorschach775 yea, it's like asking what the best element is.
Roy Clark and Glenn Campbell are 2 more that still blow my mind today. Amazing talent.
@@subdynoman yeah haha thats probably the best way to describe it.
I love how John Mayer's gaze is fully locked on everything Derek Trucks is doing. That man sat down between King and Mayer and blew both their minds.
ua-cam.com/video/cvPdnZ80Eaw/v-deo.html
Trucks is so good he's making Mayer pull guitar faces
I can't watch that video anymore. I tear up every time - and I'm an Aussie bloke. Trucks pulls so much emotion out of each note it's a masterclass in articulation and expression. If I could play like that just once I'd happily take my last breath.
I was there that night. We all knew what we were witnessing
Mayer got exposed for the boring fraud he is
Jeff Beck & Derek Trucks, they both sing through their guitars.
Both monotonously cheesy mawkish to squeeze out the tears of impressionable virgins rather than listening.
The fastest guitarist video was recorded at Guitar Center in Arvada, CO where I used to work (that's my buddy, Rick, standing in the background.) The guy would bribe us to recommend him as a guitar teacher in exchange for Little Caesar's pizzas once a month. So much digestive problems thanks to him.
I knew that store looked familiar. What a truly small world!
LOL!
This may be cliche, but the carrot I'm always chasing, is trying to play more like Gilmour. His phrasing, the space he leaves, and his feel are just phenomenal.
6:50 I think you hit one of the most important aspects of approaching and appreciating jazz: a familiarity with the source material gives you a much better understanding of what’s actually happening!
As someone who grew up listening to Jazz, and playing Jazz, this is so true. I hear a piece and it can bring a tear to my eye and other people around me are just not interested at all.
It's not even about understanding, not to counter what you are saying, but to me it's more about. . . how to put this. . . it's about having a frame of reference for what you are hearing that allows you to emotionally connect to the music. Which I guess is just another way of saying understanding but I just don't like when people think that appreciation for good Jazz is academic, it's not. For me it is deeply emotional.
As someone who got into modern jazz at 16 in a family home that was very much a non-jazz environment, there's a moment when all the deviation in the solos from the melody as written suddenly makes sense as a listener, from which there's no possible return. It's about the way in which colour is added to a songwriter's work, which both compliments and embellishes it.
Derek Trucks' solos give me goosebumps, that's what it's all about, making you feel something. Like Ben Webster's sax too.
Connoisseur's comment.
What really gets me about those who are truly, truly great, is how they never try to step in front of the music. They are incredibly confident, but without ego. If you’ve ever seen Tedeschi Trucks live, their ability to some how put everyone in a 13 piece band front and center, sometimes seemingly all at once is truly marvelous. Derek spends an entire concert making everyone else sound better, and by that his music is elevated to a higher plane.
@@bensalemi7783 Well said. He plays so effortlessly, but with such passion. Seen him many times.
I'm not a musician, or a music historian. So there's lots of music I know nothing about. But what I do know is the guitarists whose music has moved me. And the top 3 on that list are David Gilmour, Alex Lifeson, and Jesse Cook.
Other than possibly Gilmour, none of those guys ever show up on a "top 10" list but I don't care: at least once in my life their music has made a difference in my life. And that's more important than speed or talent or what others think of how they compare to other players.
I'm not familiar with Jesse Cook (I just googled him), but I completely agree about Gilmour and Lifeson.
Derek playing the Sky is crying with Warren Haynes is up there for me.
Joe Pass: when I first heard Joe Pass some 40 years before, I thought about giving up the guitar. He still is the only player to give me this feeling. Because what he does is so complete.
I think we all have a moment like that, and if it's Pass that's a fair shout, he is sublime. For me it was hearing Leo Kotke play airproofing live. Pass I understand even if I can't do it. Other guys who used to blow me away (who I still love) like Jack Rose I now actually see as somewhat attainable. Kotke just short circuits my brain.
Oh my I love the Prince solo . Totally appreciate his music , but not something I get pulled too . I appreciate solos , but not drawn to them in a big way either , but I think this solo is about more than technical ability or complexity . It’s the moment and feeling . Like how many videos on UA-cam of folk doing insane technical solos etc , but leave you feeling cold . I think that what’s separates these musicians from the masses . It’s what they able to put into a a song or solo . They have signatures that resonate deep after a couple of notes . Thank you for videos 🙏. Happy Holidays 💚💙
I love that you wrapped it up with Derek Trucks. His technique is incredible and his musicality is enriched by a broad range of styles - but most of all: he does not get short of vivid ideas that are pure music. He sings through his guitar. His solos give me something that I got when I heared Patricia Kopatchinskaja playing Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35: the whole span of human life between silence and uproar - beauty that is. 💚
We are birds of a feather. I just posted Derek's solo From Midnight in Harlem in my comment on this just a few minutes ago I.hope a lot of people that don't know much about Derek's music listen to it.
Seeing Mateo Mancuso was a lot like seeing Jason Becker when I was a teenager. As a player with a lot of confidence in my playing, it's a supremely humbling experience. Like 'put it down forever' king of humbling.
The guitarist that played maggot brain, forget his name,to me was one of the best guitar playing IMHO . I heard that before he played he was told to imagine his mother's death. The way he plays gives me chills.
Isn't it Eddie Hazel? Check out his version of "California dreaming".
@@joseislanio8910 ahh, it Mr. Hazel then? I always thought the Collins brothers, Bootsie and Catfish joined Parliament Funk (that recorded the album 'Maggot Brain') after they left the James Brown entourage.
Thanks for letting us know.
Must be Buckethead . . . .one of the grestest guitarists. With Les Claypool´s Maggot Brain.
Best guitar player? Nobody is perfect, and music is NOT a match.
@@wolfgangsimons9183he is talking about eddie hazel
iirc he was also on acid and his mother wasn't dead. George told him to play like it was the saddest thing he could think of like his mother died and that was what he played
Your statements about Prince’s lead playing, and WMGGW in particular are almost identical to mine.
I don't rate technicality in my favourite guitar solos, it's more about the ability to convey emotion for me!
AKA: Marty Friedman
For me it's a mix of both. Pure technical skill isn't going to do much, but if you have someone that is both mindbogglingly talented and can express themselves and connect emotionally, that is the sweet spot.
@@no_nameyouknow
Precisely.
Ah, a Gilmour fan
The emotion comes after you master the technicality. You can't convey emotion if your technical skills are subpar. This is akin to an abstract artist that can't draw a basic sketch.
Derek's solo on Any Day at Crossroads did it for me. Incredible.
my dad showed me Jeff Beck when I was 15 or 16 and he has influenced the way I play ever since. one of the most expressive guitar players ever.
Well done and enjoyable as usual. Your following is well deserved as you always entertain, you're always humble, and you have a great sense of humor. Much to learn here and much appreciated. -Mark
When I watch Monte Montgomery play "Six String Wooden Friend", I cry like a baby.
It's a song related to this topic.
And Monte Montgomery is my favorite (amongst many) guitarist.
Monte is amazing and under appreciated
ua-cam.com/video/yCgEuDODhf0/v-deo.html He is awesome!!!
Loved the video! I think you'll find the best musicians and music teachers will agree with you on most points you've made! Happy New Year!
I think the best each of us can do is our best in the moment, and liberally steal from our favorite musicians, then twist it into our own thing if we put in enough time and creativity.
As an improvisor, it's good to be able to let go and give the song what it needs, no more, no less. So, shredders should shred, but dynamics can be a welcome addition to anything! Joe Pass and Derek Trucks, Matteo Mancuso are the best of the best! Derek moves people to tears regularly, and what each of us feel about something is what gets us hooked!
Thank you for your videos!
Derek Trucks Midnight in Harlem Live solo may be the best solo I ever heard. My friend who is a talented guitarist sent it to me saying he got emotional listening to it... very unusual for him to say that... but I got chills too.
We are on the same page, I just posted that performance in my comments just a few minutes ago before reading this from you.That solo bring's as much emotion with goose bumps and tears from me as much as anything I have ever heard before.
The one from Everybody's Talking? Yeah, my eyes get a little wet for that one
Totally different style of players of course but I once was at a concert given by Paco De Lucia and Paco Pena where they played for more than 2 hours together - this was in about 1981 when I was “boarding with Her Majesty” at HMP Wormwood Scrubs …they played in the superb church there where the sound created was really super - and a thing I obviously have never forgotten…I also used to go to see Joe Pass whenever he played at Ronnie Scott’s …. thanks for the video.
When you talk about slide you can’t beat Derek Trucks. His touch is so emotional.
I totally agree, I just posted his solo from Midnight in Harlem in my comment a few minutes ago, I hope people listen to it.
I could not agree more with your opinions here. So well done that I subscribed to your channel! Your takes on Prince, Beck and Trucks ..........spot on!
If ya can’t listen to Christone KingFish Ingram play Empty Promises (live 4years ago) and not feel some kinda way you are broken somehow. There’s a lot going on with the bass playing the bottom of the chords he’s walking, the drumming is simple to the point of being elegant and the keys are spot on for the song but he’s makin that guitar talk! Tiptoeing in to the beginning of phrases and going off, coming back to it and going farther on the earlier phrase until it opens up at the end. Soulful playing and clever progressions make it an outstanding and very special performance to my ear.
You are 100% spot on regarding all videos and players discussed, confirming that you have excellent taste (which happens to match mine perfectly).
Most people will know this video when they see the title "Insanely Amazing Guitar Solo". Hard to believe it's 18 years old.
The main riff is still in my head after all these years
Well done. on point, honest, entertaining. Thanks man.
my personal favorite is still johnny marr. sidenote i only play bass so my opinion might not be valid
Man this is the kind of content I wish there was more of. No sugar coating, no trying to fake musical tastes just because they are "legends" or they are "objectively good". Thanks for the honesty, whereas I agree or not, I will always appreciate someone who gives me his personal subjective opinion in music or any art form and not just repeat the same opinion over and over in fear of what other people would think. Keep it up!
Shoutout to Karai Guedes at 1:58 is everything. The guy is the best gaúcho playing a 7 string nylon
He is amazing. Another one is Yamandu Costa, an absolute beast who also explored other styles
What, no Tommy Emanuel???
there are lots of amazing guitarists that never got a mention.
if making the guitar sing with pure emotion is the mark of a great guitarist then Peter Green was definitely one of the best.
my top pick for best guitaist is Jan Akkerman. a solid knowledge of musical theory and the ability to improvise in genres from jazz to rock.
Akkerman has technique and soul
This is not a list with the best guitar players, it is more a random pick of videos that say "best guitar player" in the title and his thoughts to that.
@Mullewarp Sure, I get that. I guess my surprise is more that no one's made a video claiming Tommy is the best guitarist ever.
Check out Lucas Imbiriba if you like Tommy
I don't think Jimi thought he was the best guitar player in the world. I think he genuinely meant what he said.
He once said that Terry Kath was perhaps the best.
@@waltblackadar4690 Jimi was a shy guy never one to brag about himself like Lebron saying he was better than Jordan.
Jeff Beck at Ronnie Scott's probably one of the most worthy performances of each musicians in a best of list ever! I say this because best of lists are so so so silly, they could never ever make sense; but watching THAT specific performance makes you think that all those people are the top musicians in the world in their own right. Which is something I believe to be true always! Seeing something that for a moment makes you think that THAT is peak, makes it worth hearing or watching, even if it changes daily
Now for you to put out a video of what are your most influential guitar solo videos.
prince’s solo is not supposed to be the most musical and technical guitar solo. it’s a performance that shows how to grab a stage and really bring the audience with you. I can’t imagine how many people must’ve picked up a guitar after hearing what he did that night. It was more of a statement and i feel like his energy itself makes it one of my favourite live solos ever.
Indeed - it's very context-specific.
@@mbrady2329 The "context" was a tribute to George Harrison, and Prince made it all about Prince: boastful, showboaty, self-involved. I bet George would have hated it.
@@ggmonoyou're not wrong here but he also made it memorable and iconic performance which probably introduced a lot of people to Harrison's music.
Kinda best tribute to a musician that is no longer with us
idk I'm kinda split on it 😐
Jimi Hendrix was an Experience, and a trend setter. Plus his songs and lyrics were Dylan meets the Beatles. His influence to the advancement of the electric guitar can't be underrated. But keeping him as the best guitarist is an injustice to players who are studio musicians that appear on thousands of songs. Or Jeff Beck who just kept getting better till the day he ( Joe ) Passed away !
1:25 we are the sultans
Creole
@@awldunedo you know all the chords?
I don't think you're wrong on Prince. A few things intersected to make the occasion of that solo legendary, but solo itself, not so much. (Also, not enough is made of Jeff Lynne's absolutely sublime vocals on this same performance.
All fair opinions, but I'm a life long Prince fan, and I thought that solo was amazing as soon as I saw that video, years before he died. The stage presence is a big part of it to be sure, but I think even if I only heard the audio I still would have been impressed. it's not my favorite of his, I like how subtle the solos are on I Could Never Take the Place of your Man, very groovy and understated.
I think that Jeff Lynne, on this and nearly everything else, is just so slept on by most people. He's kind of an "If you know, you know" musician.
With the possinle exception of Dahni Harrison, Prince was the least talented person on that stage that night.
@@jonnichols3236Nonsense. Lynne, Winwood, Marc Mann, Petty are all amazing musicians, but so is Prince. And you might prefer Petty's songwriting, that's up to personal taste, but as a multi-instrumentalist he's less skilled/virtuosic than Prince, isn't he? I'd also say Petty is more limited to the folk rock idiom, while Prince can be harmonically more complex at times.
@@jonnichols3236 I am not even a big fan of prince's music but he literally plays every commonly used instrument at a professional level, sings and composes music.
Im so glad i found thos video, i thought i was doing bad at my instruments but my struggles are normal and i feel now im doing very very well and wish to do better. Thank you so so much
This highlights something great about music that everyone forgets from time to time. And its that not only music, but guitar is completely subjective, i like neoclassical shred because its precise, i like punk because its sloppy and raw. Sometimes i like when someone shreds and their hands are perfectly in sync, and sometimes i like when theyre not and the train is running off the tracks.
My favourite guitar video is probably Garu Moore playing "The Messiah Will Come Again" live on the famous Greenie. It's absolute magic and no guitar solo has ever moved me like that one
Oh man. THANK you. Finally someone agrees with me about that Prince solo. Not even close to one of the best solos. Not even close to the best PRINCE solo!
I know your Right Prince has a lot of Great solos. So in actuality.Prince is a Guitar Master. I have watched other guitarists such as Jeff Beck, Clapton, David Gilmore etc. Prince has a complex skill set at times or subtle and sing through his guitar.
Because of this video, I not only gave you a thumbs up, but now I’m a subscriber!
so glad tim henson isnt in this video
I'm a hardcore fanboy but i agree that the gay elf ain't here too😂
Tim is a legend. But Marcin already surpassed him
Yeah. I'm a Tim fan but it's low-key annoying how often he appears in these kinds of videos lol. He's really talented obviously but I feel like it's overblown a little bit as much as I love him
This video made me not only give you a thumbs up, but I’m now a subscriber!
I think one of the best solos of all time has to be Guthrie Govan's solo on Drive Home. Phenomenal.
Agree, I also love his solos on The Watchmaker, Routine and Ancestral
Easily one of the greatest of all time for sure.
Guthrie is definitely way up on the mountain, so clean and precise!
I agree, also his playing on Regret#9. Just amazing.
Ahhh, i was looking for that comment!
Dude! I had to subscribe after your opinion of Derek Trucks.. His leads take it to another level. Good video !
I once got roasted in a Joe Bonamassa forum for saying that a clip of him titled "This solo is out of this world" was nice and Bonamassa surely can play, but that solo in particular was far from being out of this world. Then people came up with the most moronic argument on earth: "Show us playing it better". How stupid is that? Following that idiot logic I could not even complain about malfunctioning brakes on my car because I surely cannot build better brakes myself.
There are so many guitarist I would love to see you cover in this format and and hear your opinion on. Thanks for the video :)
Funny. I watched the Prince solo today before this video was uploaded. I didn't understand what all the fuzz is about either. But I have a love/hate relationship with the guitar. I like very, very few guitar players.
A guitarist that is often overlooked due to the era he was in is Rik Emmett.
Because Triumph was in that late 70s through the 80s, there was always a media push of who the greatest guitar player was. The 80s were littered with virtuoso players, but as far as range & style, I think Emmett was really in a class by himself.
His solos in the “Rock and Roll Machine” performances were unbelievable. When playing at the US Festival, he is whipping the crowd into a frenzy with his speed and voicing, then unexpectedly sits down on the front of the stage and weaves in a classical piece.
All this to say, although the moniker of “Greatest” is subjective, Emmett deserves a piece of the conversation (which is what I’m doing).
Triumph’s catalogue illustrates he was as good a guitar player as anyone in the R&R 70s & 80s. I go so far as putting him up there as one of the better vocalists too. I remember a review stating he played like EVH and sang like Steve Perry.
Steve Hackett may or may not be a GOAT, but he's one of the most versatile guitarists alive. Also, while he's not known for shredding, he can do some very tasteful shredding.
Good to see some Hackett appreciation. His work both in Genesis and solo career are very unique. And he did tapping in electric way before Van Hallen
Right On! No bout a doubt it my friend's. There's been quite a few guitarist's over the years who've taken a trick or 2 from Steve Hackett. A good example to compare to which is pretty blatant to hear some of the exact same things Hackett plays on "Fifth of Fifth" & what Yngwie Malmsteen took from Steve's used it in his own solo on the song "Black Star." Just saying...
Samurai, I just stumbled on to your video. Glad you've received many views. I've been playing for over 50 years so have a working knowledge of the guitar. You friend are bang on. I am so glad you brought up the Prince video of Harrison's Weep. I have repeatedly been in arguments with people saying this is not near the greatest playing ever. It is ridiculous to even think so. The other guitarist nailed it better and did not noodle. I noodle pretty decently. Better than average yet not world class even if some others think so. It's because I can't read music and can't do exact duplications of other players. And your insights with Hendrix again bang on. These are the same examples and arguments I have made over the years. Nice to know I'm not alone. And great tastes regarding the other player. Yet sometimes I listen to Tommy Emmanuel and wonder why I pick up the guitar lol Thank you.for your insights.
I think what is impressive for most people is that they don't see Prince as a good guitar player at all. But even if you don't like his solos the technical ability is there in droves. That's what takes people by surprise.
Derek is something else man. each one of his notes touches your soul
You understand the art of guitar very well.
1:42 *can someone please help me find what that song is please?* I know its from Brandon Acker channel but i cant find the video
I don't recognize the piece offhand, but it sounds like Tarrega. I think that video isn't on Brandon Ackers channel. I think it might be on the guitar luthier's channel that he frequently visits...Marshal Brune.
Whether you’re a personal fan or not, I hope we can all agree Matteo Mancuso is incredible. He blows my mind every time I watch/listen to him.
Also, I kinda expect to see a piece from Shawn Lane in any type of “Best guitarist” videos. He never gets the credit he deserves from the masses. He was legitimately terrifying on the fretboard.
Matteo is great at many things but especially good at making me want to quit playing 😅
@ Facts😂😂😂
Praise, my man! Great and honest video!
I never thought Jimi was the greatest guitarist. However I think we can agree he is the most influential guitarist, he's probably influenced more people to pick up a guitar than any artist before or since.
Greatest doesnt equate to best. Jimi was the greatest because he was the most influential, famous, and popularized the guitar. If you ask 100 non guitar players/musicians/music fanatics to name a guitarist most of them will probably say jimi hendrix
He’s the greatest because he set a standard that hasn’t been matched before or since. I feel like it has to do with music moving further and further away from its raw blues roots in favor of technicality.
Great perspectives. I always go to Roy Buchanan playing "Hey Joe" live whenever I'm feeling a little flat. Such mastery and he puts his personality all over it.
When Jimi got asked what it was like being the best guitarist later in that interview he allegedly responded with "I don't know, ask Rory Gallagher.
He also said the same thing about Terry Kath...
That's an urban myth, Rory did not say that.
Allegedly he said this about Phil Keaggy too
@@GreenDistantStar No, Jimi did...
@@Stratocus Jimi never mentioned Rory in any interview. Rory himself had never heard the comment, I know because I asked him.
that derek trucks thing is like that wonderful moment when you see someone do something on a whole level above you , but you're watching vicariously as BB KING and John Mayer are experiencing that very thing which is just incredible.
I made it to the end, we're still friends (in fact i don't think I disagree with anything you said here). But I am by no means a reasonable person.
Thanks for the Jeff Beck mention, new to me so I searched it up - really really nice
Samwise Guitar-G, check out Michael Hedges. Michael Hedges and the whole Windham Hill Catalog of Guitarists completely upended my understanding of the instrument as a young guitarist, and Hedges in particular has filled the role you described Derek Trucks filling for you.
Breakfast in the Field is an absolute classic and redefined how I look at fretted stringed instruments. Gone much too soon
Same with Alex deGrassi, Will Ackerman, etc
Hedges: The Guitarist from Outer Space. Outstanding talent and so much musical music.
For the record, I'm pretty much 100% on board with the views you expressed in the video. I've been playing for over 50 years, teaching off and on for 20+, and in that time have performed and recorded (solo and with bands) in most genres in which the guitar is a component. I always come back to Joe Pass for jazz, because not only could he play anything with anyone, he could make it absolutely his own and it always looked and sounded effortless. Jeff Beck was also, in my view, a maestro and possibly a genius, who is appreciated not only by guitar players but by almost every musician who ever played with him as well as his legion of fans. What Pass and Beck have in common is that for both of them it is ONLY the music that matters, so that the guitar becomes an extension of themselves through which the music flows. I'm with you on Hendrix, too - a great performer and showman, but if I had to rank guitar players in terms of their 'greatness' (whatever that term means), he wouldn't be in my top 20. Probably not a popular view, but hey - who cares? It's only a subjective opinion, like everything else on here.
I'm not sure why competitions to find the fastest guitarist exist, as if speed were the only (or most important) element worthy of consideration. I'm pretty sure that the fastest chef in the world wouldn't necessarily be the most skilled cook, or if I would want the fastest surgeon in the world to perform brain surgery on me. In both cases I'd prefer a) someone who knows exactly what they're doing; b) why they're doing it and c) utilising all their skills, expertise and experience to reach their desired outcomes. The rest for me is just showbiz.🙂
guthrie govan's solo in steven wilson's drive home is absolutely perfect
It was recorded on the very first take BTW.
Makes it far more impressive doesn't it.
Insane emotions in there.
Off to listen to it now. Thanks for reminding me of this gem!
I'd have a hard time not voting guthrie as the GOAT even though the idea of a guitar GOAT doesn't really make sense. He's just too good at everything.
Guth is another "Your favorite guitar player's favorite guitar player." Sadly underrated, like Shawn Lane.
Lol
Fakkaaaaaaaaaaaa
You hit the nail on the head on every one of them. Excellent.
I completely agree with you on that Prince solo. It is so over-hyped. Listen to his solo on Play that funky music. It is so much better than this one.
100% agree, music being subjective and personal to everyone is what makes it so beautiful. I can absolutely appreciate Trucks as an amazing musician, but I personally feel absolutely nothing listening to that piece, or most slide guitar in general. Hearing you say it's among the best for you was really surprising to me but that's what makes life life! Thanks for the video Sammy!
Prince was great but that "performance" always bugged me. He took a memorial to George Harrison and had to make it about himself. For a better solo (IMO) search for his performance of Play That Funky Music from the Los Angeles Forum April 28 2011
About Prince: Thank you… absolutely agree. It was on par with what you might expect on any jam…
On Derek Trucks: Yeah… beautiful playing. One of the best slides in the world, but after one song it is pretty much enough slide for me. He is the perfect guest artist.
Good video. Enjoyed it. 🤘🏻
Merry X-mas 🎅🏻🎄
Jerry Donahue - Menage, the beak the claw
Love the vid, and am definitely pretty much in agreement with all of your opinions here surprisingly.
A note on "super speedy guitarists", that dude you showed who was probably going for a world record for notes per minute is definitely appreciable for pushing the human limits of how fast guitar can be played for sure, but falls into the boomerish category of "no soul just note salad", which I normally disagree with wherever it's brought up, but would say it makes a case here.
I would like to hear your opinion on guitarists that are on the faster end that actually do make interesting melodies though, eg; Todd Duane (Electrocution 250), Lucas Mann (Rings of Saturn), Dean Lamb (Archspire) etc etc.
The Prince solo is all about context. He was the last to start playing and was answering all the other guitars on stage. Not saying it was great, but it was fun and it was memorable.
Not to mention that Rolling Stone had just released a Greatest Guitarist list which he didn’t make and this was kind of him coming out of hiding to respond to that. A Musicology victory lap
It was, in fact, great.
@@Randomjackass135 if that was his answer it doesn't surprise me that he was not included in the list in the first place.
up to that point, the song sounded great but not memorable. that's what prince did.
The problem with that solo is he gets hung up on this mindlessly busy stuff that isn't really that impressive in the first place. He starts off strong and the emotion is coming along well, but then like losing your virginity, It all just happens too fast. Lol
Cool video! And nice to see a different opinion from time to time
Two words: Allan Holdsworth. Two more words: Tommy Bolin. 'Nuf said.
Allan was certainly very technically competent. However, I think the album he hated the most is one of his best; Velvet Darkness. That and Road Games.
Holdsworth may be the most underrated guitarist ever, to this day there's nobody that sounds like him and what can be better than having such a unique sound that's so identifiable as yours.
@@indianaslim4971
"Underrated" 😅😅 Don't be ridiculous. EVERY fusion fan has Allan at #1 and then everyone else.
@@YaoEspirito not ridiculous if you consider outside the fusion niche and realize how few people know of him.
There is no such thing as "greatest guitarist," but if there was... it would be Allan Holdsworth. Out of this world, singularly original, blisteringly melodic, angelic, interdimensional.
THANK YOU for the comment on Prince's guitar solo. I really had NO IDEA why people were saying this was something. I thought it was garbage.
One word: Julian Lage
Very true
Two words
@@danielthomas9843 lol lighten up Sally the Grammar Police
@@ByTheSpirit84 the Common Sense Police
@@thestradiosmiles Welp, found Sally's friend Nancy.
With you on Trucks. Every time I hear / see him, it motivates me to get my slide out!
Well... Hi! I'm one of the people constantly bringing up that Prince solo.
It's interesting hearing you describe Prince's all-over-the-neck, unhinged solo as "just an A minor scale thrown in your face", but then when Matteo is literally just going up and down a scale (before he starts doing that amazing tapping and string skipping thing lol), he's an "amazing generational talent."
I feel like Prince might be a bit of a victim of his own ego and status. I didn't have the highest opinion of him myself, but then my dad had me listen to some of the stuff Prince released just before he passed, and it's literally some of the best guitar work I've ever heard.
You should really check out 12Tone's "The Greatest Guitar Solo Ever Played." I think it might change your mind, at least a little. lol
Though, I honestly disagree with that title... For me, the greatest guitar solo ever played is the last half of "Have a Cigar" by The Main Squeeze.
You hit the spot with Main Squeeze. As to the Prince solo, Samurai was just commenting on that particular Prince solo, and it's true: while it was a fine, great sounding performance, the actual solo was pretty safe and unimaginative. Just not outstanding.
@@YaoEspirito I firmly disagree. It wasn't in any way safe, in fact he was rarely even matching the tempo of the song. It wasn't in any way unimaginative, it paid homage to every version of the solo that came before it while playing something uniquely Prince.
It was, in every way, an outstanding solo.
You're welcome to dislike it, but if you want to make objective claims about its quality... well, I'll have to refer you back to that 12Tone video where he goes over, step-by-step, why it's one of the greatest guitar solos ever played.
Glad you enjoy The Main Squeeze though, those guys are fantastic!
Wait till he hears dime
I think Prince's solo on While My Guitar Gently Weeps is elevated greatly by the contrast between him and the others. The others are kind of phoning it in or only just getting by to begin with, and then he brings his unbridled energy on stage.
Seemed to me like he was playing over the others not with them. It didn't really serve the song. Not his best work
Yeah... he brought a happy, almost, gay energy to it.
I think the sentence “this isn’t impressive” can be a bit arrogant, thinking that you're better or something. But Sammy really treats this saying with real critique and delivers a very good tone throughout the video. Love this guy
I hate shredding guitarists. It doesn't lead the music to anything.
Guthrie Govan would like a word.
Govan ain't impressive either
Hide, Alexi Laiho, Eddie Van Halen, Kirk Hammett, Michael Schenker, Randy Rhoads, Jason Becker, Michael Weikath and a case an argument can be made that Stevie Ray Vaughn was basically a blues shredder.
Shredding can be good if it fits in the context of a song but shredding for just the sake of shredding is just noise, in my opinion.
You were spot on with the guitarists. Only wish you wouldve added Roy Clark. But spot on
The thing about the Prince solo is that the guitar is supposed to be weeping in that song. His was far from it.
"While my guitar gently yells at you"
Yeah, she got over it.
5:09 It’s about his emotionality in the solo; not virtuosic perfection. For example, you may be a trained, technical expert on the guitar but your actual playing can’t hold a candle to that of Nathaniel Murphy’s. It’s all good.
A pet peeve of mine is when a guitarist will use the body of the guitar as a percussion instrument. What that tells me (and maybe it's just me) is that he has such an ego he can't get along with the rest of the band, and just has to do the drums and guitar all by himself. That's my gut reaction.
Not for the same reason but I can't stand all those acoustic drumming players with all their tapping and pounding. Horrible, no matter how technically difficult it may be.
I respectively totally disagree with you.
Something I really like about Matteo is he said that everybody, note, everybody flubs a note at some point. He said he's actually more interested in players who might flub on the rare occassion than not. I love Jeff Beck and have great respect for him, but he's not someone I've listened to a lot. Nowadays I hear people saying he never played a bad note, etc. Then one day I came across a video of him playing the National Anthem at a football game; I was underwhelmed. Before that I actually found a video of him on UA-cam smashing his guitar to my great surprise because I didn't think he did that. Evidently he did at least that one time. Finally, I can't say I wasn't super impressed when he did a blues album with a blues player whose name I can't remember: I'm a blues lover. On the other hand I have heard enough Beck to recognize that he had immense talent. More than anything I like what some have said, he kept improving and searching. He didn't appear to want to be boxed in with one style. That is probalby one of the things I respect most about him plus this comment he said about Hendrix; "Jimi was not one of those Blues players who only listens to Blues, he listened to everything." Jeff always seemed to speak positively of Jimi in his later years though I have read comments where he saw Jimi as a threat when Jimi was still alive. Make the guitar sound like a human voice, make it sound like an orchestra. I read that quote by a musician who contributes to Quora. I've never forgotten it. Finally one thing I try to look for in guitarists is those who play great lead and rhythm.
Just being great at one of the two doesn't cut it for me. Talking basketball and some other sports, can someone play offense and defense well, be a complete playe?