NationStates Jolt Archive

My vote goes to David Gilmour. I excluded Hendrix because he would pretty much win automaticlly.

I excluded Hendrix because he would pretty much win automaticlly.

I vote for David Gilmour.

In a recent poll in a guitar magazine David Gilmour won even with Jimi Hendrix included.

Flea from RHCP

This site might change your mind about Hendrix and Gilmour:

http://www.brain-damage.co.uk/news/0602074.html

Flea from RHCP

he plays bass dude.

he plays bass dude.

ah yes, but he's good

i'm a girl, what do i know :p

Errinundera']This site might change your mind about Hendrix and Gilmour:

http://www.brain-damage.co.uk/news/0602074.html

You have opened my eyes to the truth. And Guitarist magazine.

Joe Satriani. Why on earth is he not on your poll?

ah yes, but he's good

i'm a girl, what do i know :p

yeah I call everyone dude, so don't be offended by the "dude" remark. He is a great bass player.

duplicate poll

Cliff Burton.

He was actually a bass player, but it's still a guitar.

Cliff Burton.

He was actually a bass player, but it's still a guitar.

Two words: Pulling Teeth. But let's stick to guitar players.

Flea from RHCP

Best funk bassist ever.


Technically a bass is a kind of guitar..







btw: I'm voting Slash just because he's not on the poll. No, I don't care about that look you're giving your screen.

I dunno about objectively the "best", but I have the most respect for Iommi...he's missing the tips of two of his fretting fingers and plays with plastic caps to compensate. That's dedication.

he plays bass dude.

And any fool knows that a bass is not a guitar.

As I look over the list, I wonder where Alex Lifeson and Prince are. After wondering for a minute or so, I realise that this poll is shit.

What about AL?! Al DiMeola that is. On the poll, I can't decide. Too many great ones.

As I look over the list, I wonder where Alex Lifeson and Prince are. After wondering for a minute or so, I realise that this poll is shit.

Point 1: I can only fit ten choices in the poll, so some people are going to be left out.
Point 2: If this were a poll for best bassist and/or drummer, then I would include Rush. Not for guitar.
Point 3: Prince? Are you either a female (which if you were than I wouldn't care as much), a gay, or mentally handicapped.

My vote goes to David Gilmour. I excluded Hendrix because he would pretty much win automaticlly.
Before gilmore I have Clapton then Jimmy page then Santana .

Point 3: Prince? Are you either a female (which if you were than I wouldn't care as much), a gay, or mentally handicapped.

Why would you care more if he were gay or mentally handicapped?

;)

Point 1: I can only fit ten choices in the poll, so some people are going to be left out.
Point 2: If this were a poll for best bassist and/or drummer, then I would include Rush. Not for guitar.
Point 3: Prince? Are you either a female (which if you were than I wouldn't care as much), a gay, or mentally handicapped.

1: I know that, but Alex Lifeson is leagues ahead of Jimmy Page in technical skill and natural ability. It's a shame that Led Zeppelin is just that overrated (though they still rock).

2: See above.

3: I never said his music was good. I just said that he could play, and he fucking can.

Clapton wins out by far.

1: I know that, but Alex Lifeson is leagues ahead of Jimmy Page in technical skill and natural ability. It's a shame that Led Zeppelin is just that overrated (though they still rock).

2: See above.

3: I never said his music was good. I just said that he could play, and he fucking can.

I agree that Zep is overrated, but I think Rush is more overated, and more people know Jimmy Page than Alex Lifeson. And a lot of people are better than Page, I included him because lot's of people like him.

And Prince can play, but not nearly as good as any of the people on the list.

I agree that Zep is overrated, but I think Rush is more overated, and more people know Jimmy Page than Alex Lifeson. And a lot of people are better than Page, I included him because lot's of people like him.

And Prince can play, but not nearly as good as any of the people on the list.

1: Uh? I've only heard Rush *once* on the radio in my entire life. I hear Zep every freaking day, so don't start with the bullshit.

2: Eh, maybe you're right on this one. I should've said Bob Mould like I was going to at first (but didn't, because only me and like three others on General know who he is).

1: Uh? I've only heard Rush *once* on the radio in my entire life. I hear Zep every freaking day, so don't start with the bullshit.

2: Eh, maybe you're right on this one. I should've said Bob Mould like I was going to at first (but didn't, because only me and like three others on General know who he is).

You need to chill man. I think Rush is more overrated. I constantly hear how they're an amazing band, one of the best, the best progressive band ,etc. And radio dosen't determine anything, that's just want people listen to.

You need to chill man. I think Rush is more overrated. I constantly hear how they're an amazing band, one of the best, the best progressive band ,etc. And radio dosen't determine anything, that's just want people listen to.

Yeah, because us Rush fans do think they're excellent. I'm not saying they're any better than Zep (or that Zep are any better) --- I'm just saying that Led Zeppelin are put on such a high pedestal that it's downright ridiculous.

Rush aren't even in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, for crying out loud. They're only second to the Beatles in Platinum records, their music is timeless, and their concept album, "2112", is one of the best ever.

enough with the back and forth. This is the end. You like Rush, I don't Alex Lifeson isn't on the list. End. No more arguing.

I'm getting some serious deja vu here.

And Townshend isn't included? Shame on you!

Richard Thompson.

You left out Carlos Santana?:headbang:

After seeing him live in concert, I don't know what the rest of the world is playing, but it ain't guitars.

Looking towards the future this kid is gonna be be pretty useful with an axe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjA5faZF1A8

Angus Young, AC/DC

Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine/ Audioslave.

Looking towards the future this kid is gonna be be pretty useful with an axe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjA5faZF1A8


wow, what song is that? it sounds like it would be a theme song to something.

Had to go with Gilmour, though Stevie Ray Vaughn was in the running for me. I don't think anyone one this list doesn't deserve to be, though we can argue all day about who else should be added. I agree on Satriani and Leifson. Probably a couple of others that I'll think about in the next 20 minutes too.

My vote goes to David Gilmour. I excluded Hendrix because he would pretty much win automaticlly.


Hendrix??? would win??? automatically? Well ...

;)

What do I think about Jimi Hendrix Experience's The Ultimate Experience? I'll tell you what I think...

The lyrics of the opening track, All Along The Watchtower would make better sense written on a urinal wall - at least you could piss on them. It's things like Hey Joe that makes people want to kill each other. How many times does Jimi Hendrix Experience need to tell us all about their miserable fucking life? Burning Of The Midnight Lamp just reeks of teenage bedroom poetry and should have stayed there. (...)
In fact, a fruits of the forest yoghurt has more cultural significance.

STTTTOOOOOOOOOPPP ! Don't flamebait, please ....
It's not me it's just ... ah well ... check it out ;)

http://www.chthonicionic.net/bile/default.asp


Ontopic ... well "the" best ... hard to tell! You're of course right with Hendrix and Gilmour as well. I'd vote for Randy Rhodes amongst others ...

Looking towards the future this kid is gonna be be pretty useful with an axe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjA5faZF1A8

Technically not a kid. Hes actually in his twenties. Still a damn good guitarist though.

wow, what song is that? it sounds like it would be a theme song to something.

Canon, unless they mean it is "a canon" which they might. Im not sure which one or composed by whom though. Despite the font I dont think it has anything to do with the camera company.

Canon, unless they mean it is "a canon" which they might. Im not sure which one or composed by whom though. Despite the font I dont think it has anything to do with the camera company.

Its a version of Pachelbel's Canon in D. Changed in places, obviously.

;)

Technically not a kid. Hes actually in his twenties. Still a damn good guitarist though.

Really? I didnt know that. He looks much younger in that video to me. I must just be getting old.

Its a version of Pachelbel's Canon in D. Changed in places, obviously.

;)

Thanks.

The lyrics of the opening track, All Along The Watchtower would make better sense written on a urinal wall - at least you could piss on them.
.

You are cordially invited to piss on Bob Dylan for the lyrics. It's been long overdue.

Isaac Albéniz

Meh. Gilmour is overrated. Probably only won the Guitar Magazine award because Floyd are recently back in the spotlight after the Live 8 gigs.

Happens all the time. Happened on the anniversary of Zepp. release of Stairway and also on the anniversary of Hendrix's death.

Jack Johnson?

Jack Johnson?
*Clubs to death with an old sock*

Errinundera']This site might change your mind about Hendrix and Gilmour:

http://www.brain-damage.co.uk/news/0602074.html


Funny thing, no matter how high I set the volume on my computer and the hi-fi system connected to it, I just couldn't hear anything that changed my mind about the comparison.

This is so much a matter of opinion that I'm surprised it keeps coming up. We may as well have threads about "The Best Vegetable" followed by the occasional "The Best Vegetable [not including ______]". How can we even talk about this without being so subjective that the question remains unanswered? What is "best"? Is it technique? Melodic invention? Harmony? Sounds and effects? Creativity in playing live solos? Skill in studio engineering and remixing? And even then, one human's meat is another human's poison.

I'm a big Pink Floyd/Gilmour fan --- "A Pocketful of Stones" (from On An Island) is finishing as I'm typing this. Gilmour's amazing. IMO, his playing ranks him as one of the true creative geniuses of guitar, although I have to admit I tend to prefer his stuff with Floyd.

BUT ...

... when I think back to Hendrix and what he did (and when he did it) I have to say he was and still is in a class by himself. He virtually created a new way of thinking about the guitar (and with the guitar), and what we enjoy nowadays about so many other guitarists (including Gilmour) includes things that weren't part of guitar-playing until Jimi did them.

I had the privilege of seeing Hendrix live. It was awesome, and at the time he was doing it, it was unique. When you realize what he was capable of doing on a guitar without the aid of a studio, you know he was The Guitar Deity.

Hendrix' career as a "famous" guitarist didn't even span a decade before he died, yet he's left a mark that will remain as long as people play guitars. I can look around now and see Hendrix everywhere: other guitarists have absorbed the principles of his "revolution" in guitar-playing so thoroughly that it's practically seamless. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people are too young to be really familiar with Hendrix, just as a lot of people no longer realize that Louis Armstrong once carried out a similar "revolution" in trumpet-playing.

The thing about Hendrix that keeps him at the top for me is the way all that music and all the unusual techniques came out of the way he was. His style wasn't just a bunch of effects bolted onto his playing, it was an expression of his understanding of music and his view of life. He did what he did with the guitar because those things were the way to make a guitar express what he thought and felt.

By comparison, when others use the guitar effects that Hendrix discovered and that we all take for granted now, it's as though they're learning a foreign language. Some of them are very fluent, but they're still playing in their second language.

And as I tried to say at the start, all that is just an opinion. But of course I'm right... ;)

Joe Satriani. Why on earth is he not on your poll?

I second the question even though I know the answer is down to the technicalities of poll-making here. And then, where is Santana, and Peter Green, and Robert Johnson, and Mike Bloomfield, and Rory Gallagher, and Robert Fripp, and Dick Dale, and Les Paul, and Chuck Berry, and Howlin' Wolf, and Django Reinhart, and a whole load of others? Heck, going back to what I said about how subjective this is, you should have André Segovia on here too.

Also, I know I say this a lot, but Alan Holdsworth seems to get ignored whenever this subject comes up, and he shouldn't. He creates brilliant, fluid melodies on guitar, and loads of space with them. His technical prowess and melodic depth are breath-taking.

The fact is, if I couldn't have Hendrix, I'd have a hard time choosing a new number one, but I'd be looking at a short-list of Clapton, Gilmour, Bloomfield, Santana and Holdsworth. And then my brain would explode.

There are at least three off the top of my head that should also be included on this list

Pete Townsend
George Harrison
Stephen Stills

David Gilmour

Dammit, the "glow" didn't work!!!

There are at least three off the top of my head that should also be included on this list

Pete Townsend
George Harrison
Stephen Stills
George and Pete were never all that creative with their improvised material, which would stop me from voting for either of them. Stills, however, is an amazing guitarist. He's way better than Neil Young.

What about Mark Knopfler?

I cannot believe I am the first and only man to cast a vote for SRV!!! WTF???

Richard Thompson.
Good call.

I would add Ali Farka Toure.

Michael Romeo.

What's with the blues-centric bias?

I hated doing it but, I was left with no other choice...had to vote "Other" because Slash wasn't an option!!! Brian May is my second choice!!!

I cannot believe I am the first and only man to cast a vote for SRV!!! WTF???
I'm with ya, man. I voted Stevie Ray, though Eric Clapton is a close second along with David Gilmour. If anyone has heard Stevie Ray's version of "Little Wing", they'll know what I'm talking about

ah yes, but he's good

i'm a girl, what do i know :p
My mom knows the difference... she plays bass.

How is Tony Iommi not running away with this poll?

enough with the back and forth. This is the end. You like Rush, I don't Alex Lifeson isn't on the list. End. No more arguing.

I honestly don't give a shit. Just because you don't like someone doesn't mean they suck.

Prince, in my opinion, doesn't make such good music. But the fact is, he's an excellent guitarist, and Alex Lifeson is a full-on virtuoso. There's literally nothing the man can't do with a guitar.

No more arguing, you say? Fuck that shit. And you also left out Pete Townsend, which is enough to make one's brain implode.

And you also left out Pete Townsend, which is enough to make one's brain implode.

In many respects, Hendrix merely copied Pete Townsend's stuff. He just made it the centrepiece of his act rather than an amusing aside.

This happens all the time. When Deep Purple was formed they were actively copying Vanilla Fudge - but how many people point to Vanilla Fudge and say they're their favourite band ever?

Matt Bellamy.

Robert Johnson ...all others are in his shadow!


I excluded Hendrix because he would pretty much win automaticlly.

I vote for David Gilmour.

In many respects, Hendrix merely copied Pete Townsend's stuff. He just made it the centrepiece of his act rather than an amusing aside.

This happens all the time. When Deep Purple was formed they were actively copying Vanilla Fudge - but how many people point to Vanilla Fudge and say they're their favourite band ever?

Dude, I've never even heard of Vanilla Fudge. The name is just so stupid that I'll have to check them out. :D

But yeah, it's painful when retards (well, retarded in some respects... music, for example) make polls like this, eh? Either add ten guitarists who deserve to be up on the Top Ten list, or don't have a poll at all.

Robert Johnson ...all others are in his shadow!
Yeah.

Dude, I've never even heard of Vanilla Fudge. The name is just so stupid that I'll have to check them out. :D

You've never heard of Vanilla Fudge?

They mostly covered pop tunes from the early-mid '60s but played them really heavy and really slow. Their cover of The Supremes' You Keep Me Hangin' On is a classic.

You forgot Adrian Smith and Dave Murray, both from Iron Maiden. You also forgot Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing of Judas Priest.

My god Potarius, would you just give it up! Alex Lifeson isn't going on the list! I already made it, and can't edit it! This is all just opinion. No one else is freaking out and calling my poll shit because they're favorite was't on.

You forgot Adrian Smith and Dave Murray, both from Iron Maiden. You also forgot Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing of Judas Priest.

love Maiden, hate Priest.

Me. (I picked Eddie Van Halen)

It's a tough choice to decide between Slow Hands and Gilmour. Both are amazingly good. I picked Gilmour though out of loyalty to Pink Floyd. Clapton's blues are coming back to me in popularity though...

love Maiden, hate Priest.

Pretty much on the same level with ya.

Jon Frusciante

Pretty much on the same level with ya.

good to hear.

My god Potarius, would you just give it up! Alex Lifeson isn't going on the list! I already made it, and can't edit it! This is all just opinion. No one else is freaking out and calling my poll shit because they're favorite was't on.

Oh, he's my favorite now, is he?

But to end this (I honestly don't wanna go on all night), you should keep in mind that in the future, others (not just myself) will stir up shit over poll options. It's kind of an unspoken law on NS General. :p

Actaully now that I think about it, Omar Rodriuguez-Lopez from The Mars Volta is very much in the same vein as the experimental side of Hendrix.

Isaac Albéniz

Excellent choice. :)

EDIT - erm, well, it would be, but now that I think of it, i'm not sure if he played guitar. So he wins as a composer at least.

EDIT 2 - wiki says it was this fellow (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_T%C3%A1rrega) that transcribed his work. Oh well.

SRV is awesome.

SRV is awesome.

I have some bootleg tapes....WOW... I cant beleive I didn't list him..

Fools. Frank Zappa is the best guitarist ever besides Jimi Hendrix.

John Petrucci of Dream Theater

Out of the unfortunately short list of the poll, I like Tony Iommi the most, though I admit that all of the options are people with great skill. I also like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton a lot.

But I don''t like Clapton solo, and despise him for not using a wa pedal anymore.

Fuck that guy now. I liked him in Cream, and kind of in the Yardbirds.

I'm getting some serious deja vu here.

And I wasn't even in the thread at the time. Hi Pot. Still on the Rush crusade. ;)

I picked Stevie Ray Vaughn. I think Jimmy Page kicks ass too. :cool:

Isaac Albéniz
NOW you're talkin'.

Robert Johnson ...all others are in his shadow!
Absolutely right. Without Mister Johnson, nobody hears Muddy Waters. Without Muddy Waters, well...game over.

Okay.

I'll assume the OP meant "rock" guitarists. I'll name a few not on the poll:

Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
Vernon Reid (Living Colour)
Andy Partridge, Dave Gregory (both XTC)
Walter Becker (Steely Dan)
Chris Hayes (Huey Lewis & the News -- look past the hits)
Brian Setzer
John Lennon
Whoever's playing for The Gipsy Kings, 'cause he's amazing

Is it always about fastest, loudest and highest?

But what about the blues guitarists?

B.B. King
Bo Diddley
Robert Cray
Buddy Guy
Muddy Waters
Robert Johnson

Jazz guitarists?

George Benson
Stanley Jordan
John Pizzarelli
Joe Pass
Django Reinhardt
Herb Ellis
Larry Coryell
Charlie Byrd

Chamber/Classical guitarists?

Manuel Barrueco
Andres Segovia
(admittedly, I don't know many...I'm a vocalist, whaddya want?)

Point is, even within rock you're comparing apples to apertures...and then arguing about it. Why not list who you dig, explain why, and perhaps even learn a thing or two about who else to listen for out there? Life's too short to specialize your ears.

Let me join the lengthening list of people who claim that this poll is flawed...

Where's Nigel Tufnell?

Without the guitar god of Tap, there would be no amps that go up to 11.

Funny thing, no matter how high I set the volume on my computer and the hi-fi system connected to it, I just couldn't hear anything that changed my mind about the comparison (Gilmour and Hendrix - Errinundera).

You've missed my point which was easy to do as I did'nt spell it out. The threadstarter left Hendrix out because they believed it was inevitable he would win. I was simply providing evidence that this might not be so.

My personal opinion of Hendrix is that he was a great guitarist but the songs were shit. I find it hard to separate the two.

My best guitarist not on the list is Steve Howe (Yes).

Ben Weinman, duh.

If you don't know who he is, listen to The Mullet Burden and Clip The Apex... Accept Instruction by The Dillinger Escape Plan. :)

There are too many missing options.

Right now, I think it's a toss up between Alex Lifeson (Rush) and Steve Howe (Yes, Solo).

Both of them realize one thing most guitarists I think are lacking: when to shut up and let the rest of the band get the spotlight. And it's not like they're lacking in talent, though. Listen to Hemispheres or Close to the Edge, and you'll see what I mean. I think they could blast a riff right over a good number of guitarists out there.

Realizing that you cant include everyone on a poll, and there isnt anyone like Al Dimeola on it, this is the best poll ive seen in weeks.

I chose David Gilmour.

Toni Iommi was my second choice, and as I was discussing with a good friend not too long ago, I would only make this choice, under serious duress, upon pain of death if I didnt choose.

Otherwise I cant tell you wich is "better".

Between Gilmour and Iommi and Hendrix.....those are about the three best ever.

Jimi is always called "the best ever" because he was so innovative, and so original, and wild as hell.
When the question is asked...its Hendrix, hands down...

BUT...

Gilmour is a much smoother player. (than Hendrix)
Toni Iommi has a much heavier sound than Hendrix ever did.

Toni provides a wall of thunderous crunching riffs, built like an impending wall of doom.

Gilmour can say more with two notes than most guitarist can with a whole measure.

Not even Close......


Django Reinhardt.

Realizing that you cant include everyone on a poll, and there isnt anyone like Al Dimeola on it, this is the best poll ive seen in weeks.

I chose David Gilmour.

Toni Iommi was my second choice, and as I was discussing with a good friend not too long ago, I would only make this choice, under serious duress, upon pain of death if I didnt choose.

Otherwise I cant tell you wich is "better".

Between Gilmour and Iommi and Hendrix.....those are about the three best ever.

Jimi is always called "the best ever" because he was so innovative, and so original, and wild as hell.
When the question is asked...its Hendrix, hands down...

BUT...

Gilmour is a much smoother player. (than Hendrix)
Toni Iommi has a much heavier sound than Hendrix ever did.

Toni provides a wall of thunderous crunching riffs, built like an impending wall of doom.

Gilmour can say more with two notes than most guitarist can with a whole measure.

See, thats why I love Toni Iommi so amn muc. Just how evil his riffs are. Its awesome. I like the "Wall of Doom" analogy. I like Gilmour, but I can't get down to Pink Floyd any more. Ugh.


And Gartref: I can always get down to some Django. That guy was fuckin amazing.

Best funk bassist ever.


Technically a bass is a kind of guitar..

btw: I'm voting Slash just because he's not on the poll. No, I don't care about that look you're giving your screen.

Two things:

As for Slash....

Hes actually really good, despite having been in a hair-metal band.

BUT...as for Flea...

Screw him.

You want to talk about funk bass players...

James Jamerson...best EVER.
Bootsy Collins.
Bob Babbit.

Flea couldnt wipe any of these guys' asses.

BUT...as for Flea...

Screw him.

You want to talk about funk bass players...

James Jamerson...best EVER.
Bootsy Collins.
Bob Babbit.

Flea couldnt wipe any of these guys' asses.

Now, I will agree, Flea is nowhere near "the best" funk bassist ever. He is indeed insignficant when compared to such giants as you have mentioned. But he's still pretty damned good. Just plays some good bass. Not extraordinary, or exceptional, but good. Quite a bit above average.

Now, I will agree, Flea is nowhere near "the best" funk bassist ever. He is indeed insignficant when compared to such giants as you have mentioned. But he's still pretty damned good. Just plays some good bass. Not extraordinary, or exceptional, but good. Quite a bit above average.


I will give credit where its due...Flea is good.

Very good.

Hes just nowhere near the "best ever".

Abraham Laboriel is my favorite Bass guitarman.

Abraham Laboriel is my favorite Bass guitarman.


why doesnt he ring any bells with me?

Who did he play with?

why doesnt he ring any bells with me?

Who did he play with?

Everybody! One of the most prolific studio guys of all time. Here's a brief bio link:

http://www.spectrasonics.net/artists/alaboriel.php

http://www.ilio.com/features/artists/images/abe_laboriel.gif

Everybody! One of the most prolific studio guys of all time. Here's a brief bio link:

http://www.spectrasonics.net/artists/alaboriel.php

http://www.ilio.com/features/artists/images/abe_laboriel.gif

Ohhh..Ok.

That guy.

Yeah..hes like Phil Collins.
The guy has played with everyone.

Yeah..hes like Phil Collins.
The guy has played with everyone.

Nah, you're thinking of Michael Jackson.

;)

Okay.

I'll assume the OP meant "rock" guitarists. I'll name a few not on the poll:

Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)
Vernon Reid (Living Colour)
Andy Partridge, Dave Gregory (both XTC)
Walter Becker (Steely Dan)
Chris Hayes (Huey Lewis & the News -- look past the hits)
Brian Setzer
John Lennon
Whoever's playing for The Gipsy Kings, 'cause he's amazing

Is it always about fastest, loudest and highest?

But what about the blues guitarists?

B.B. King
Bo Diddley
Robert Cray
Buddy Guy
Muddy Waters
Robert Johnson

Jazz guitarists?

George Benson
Stanley Jordan
John Pizzarelli
Joe Pass
Django Reinhardt
Herb Ellis
Larry Coryell
Charlie Byrd

Chamber/Classical guitarists?

Manuel Barrueco
Andres Segovia
(admittedly, I don't know many...I'm a vocalist, whaddya want?)

Point is, even within rock you're comparing apples to apertures...and then arguing about it. Why not list who you dig, explain why, and perhaps even learn a thing or two about who else to listen for out there? Life's too short to specialize your ears.


Quoted for truth. My point exactly.

HOW TO SOUND JUST LIKE JIMI HENDRIX
Lesson One

Step one - Turn distortion to FULL.
Step two - Hit random shit.
Step three - Memorize the order in which you hit random shit.
Step four - Learn how to play the static feedback of your amp.
Step five - Spend 20 years chain smoking marijuana and snorting cocaine. Cough only when your lungs are filled with one of these substances, and do so often.
Step six - Try to vocalize your hate of sobriety while you hit random shit on your guitar.

No, there is no lesson two. That's pretty much it.

Also, the greatest guitarist in the world is some old man in a small Mexican town who will most likely die in the next 6 months, never sharing his gift of music with anyone not of his small, isolationistic village.

Robert Johnson pwns ALL!

BB King, Duane Allman, Django Reinhardt, and George Benson round out the top 5.

*snip*

I take it you don't play guitar. Or probably any other instrument. And have no working knowledge of music.

I take it you don't play guitar. Or probably any other instrument. And have no working knowledge of music.
Actually, I play several instruments - and sing. I know the difference between a clef and a note, which is more than most Hendrix fans can claim. Just try to argue with that. Just try.

What I don't have working knowledge of is pointless noise. Am I wrong? Does he not, at several points in, for instance, Purple Haze, simply make strange sound effects? Did he not play the feedback from his amp for several long, agonizing minutes during multiple live performances? Yes and yes. Hendrix could make a nice bar chord, but hell, you can pick up a guitar for the first time and 6 months later you can play Hendrix's entire repetoire. It isn't difficult or creative and it doesn't sound good. I don't understand why people like Hendrix so much.

Pat Flynn - there's the most talented well-known guitarist of that time period.

Actually, I play several instruments - and sing. I know the difference between a clef and a note, which is more than most Hendrix fans can claim. Just try to argue with that. Just try.

Well, until I see some statistics, I won't. Speaking for myself though, I like Hendrix and I do know the difference between a clef and a note.

What I don't have working knowledge of is pointless noise. Am I wrong? Does he not, at several points in, for instance, Purple Haze, simply make strange sound effects? Did he not play the feedback from his amp for several long, agonizing minutes during multiple live performances? Yes and yes. Hendrix could make a nice bar chord, but hell, you can pick up a guitar for the first time and 6 months later you can play Hendrix's entire repetoire. It isn't difficult or creative and it doesn't sound good. I don't understand why people like Hendrix so much.

Yes, he did use strange sound effects, including the ones in Purple Haze. But continuing with your use of Purple Haze as an example, using strange sound effects makes perfect sense in the context of the song. And as for your claim about being able to play his entire repetoire after six months, can you? Do you know anyone who has managed it (short of virtuosos, obviously)?

As for the live performances, having never been to one I don't know. And yes, the feedback thing sounds fairly pointless. But to me, at least, it pales in comparison to everything else.

Even so, I will acknowledge that music taste is subjective, and I doubt I can convince you to like Jimi Hendrix by arguing with you.

My vote goes to David Gilmour. I excluded Hendrix because he would pretty much win automaticlly.


I love Robin Trower. I'm not sure if that is his name or the name of the group. Any way the music is great. His has a sound that is a little like Herndrics at times

Well, until I see some statistics, I won't. Speaking for myself though, I like Hendrix and I do know the difference between a clef and a note.
Eh, generalisations are the heart of satire. Don't worry about it.
I play the guitar in no particular style or genre, piano primarily in ragtime form, harmonica unceremoniously, and recorder, leaning strongly toward Celtic themes. I should, perhaps, have mentioned that in my previous post.



Yes, he did use strange sound effects, including the ones in Purple Haze. But continuing with your use of Purple Haze as an example, using strange sound effects makes perfect sense in the context of the song. And as for your claim about being able to play his entire repetoire after six months, can you? Do you know anyone who has managed it (short of virtuosos, obviously)?

As for the live performances, having never been to one I don't know. And yes, the feedback thing sounds fairly pointless. But to me, at least, it pales in comparison to everything else.

Even so, I will acknowledge that music taste is subjective, and I doubt I can convince you to like Jimi Hendrix by arguing with you.
I do know one guy who can't play a basic Blues progression (no trouble with the chords but he has no sense of rhythm), but can play anything Hendrix ever put through a fuzz box. It took him under a year, I know - I can't say for sure it really was under 6 months.
I've never tried to play Hendrix stuff. The only "rock" I know on the guitar is Hotel California by the Eagles, and that only because literally everyone who doesn't play guitar immediately asks when they see me holding one if I know Hotel California and Stairway To Heaven.
As for my comment on live performances and playing the feedback - it's true. Bootlegs probably exist that can attest to this, but for now just ask some burnt out old hippies and hope they have the brain cells to recall.

But you're right. No point in debating, really. I feel dirty for saying that. =(