Who's Your Favorite Guitar Player?

Julie in the rv mirror · 19 Oct 2011, 04:55

If you have one?

And I don't mean your favorite artist overall, or the one that you think has the best technical skills, although that can (and probably will) come into play. But I think style and feeling are just as, if not more important, than technical skill. I'd like to know who you most like to watch and/ or listen to, and why? And give me an example of what you consider to be some of their best work.

For example, I think Eddie Van Halen has (had?) fantastic skills- he's (was) amazingly fast, but there's not much melody to his playing. Eric Clapton is just sublime to listen to, IMO, but kind of boring to watch - he mostly just stands and plays.

My favorite guitarist at the present is Keith Urban. This guy is a rocker in a country singer's body, though I'd consider his music more pop/rock than country. I love his solos- there's an "atmospheric" quality about them that reminds me of David Gilmour. I've seen him live twice, most recently last Friday night, and I think he's just amazing. I had a hard time picking just one song of his to post- I like them all! lol So, I picked a couple:

'Til Summer Comes Around- The song that got me hooked on Keith when I first heard him play it live. I think the treadmill's kind of corny and totally unnecessary, but if anything, the fact that he can walk and play at the same time is kind of impressive:

YouTube Video

Raining on Sunday- I love the slower pace on this one, the bluesy intro, and I like the melody on the closing solo: (skip the end with him reading the signs, unless you really want to watch. lol)

YouTube Video

He's no slouch on the acoustic, either, and I do love his singing voice:

YouTube Video

Another little factoid to mention here is that Randy Flowers' brother, Jerry, plays bass (and other instruments) in Keith's band. You can see him in the ROS video- he's the bald guy on Keith's left (right side of video).

So, who's your guitar hero?

chairboys · 19 Oct 2011, 10:36

That's an easy one - Ritchie Blackmore. Only saw him once with Rainbow when Doogie White was singer. Then again with his Merry Men. I know he doesn't ever talk to the audience or run about the stage but he so mesmerisng to watch.

*AndyK* · 19 Oct 2011, 10:49

There are so many to choose from ... and no time right now to find some great examples on youtube.

On Acoustic guitar Nils Lofgren is hard to beat IMO, his solo shows are mesmerising.

Randy Flowers is no slouch either, the perfect on stage foil for Paul's Metal antics, much as I respect Mr Crook I much prefer Randy's playing.

Keth Richards and Ronnie Wood are the perfect guitar duo for me, the way they weave their two guitar parts together is stunning.

Sarge · 19 Oct 2011, 19:23

Rory Gallagher - check out his solos.

I like his passion and versatility.

YouTube Video

Acoustic:

YouTube Video

Jan Akkerman is worth mentioning, too.

YouTube Video

P.S.: Nice thread, Julie. Thank you!

Wario · 19 Oct 2011, 19:40

Eddie Van Halen, Bob Kulick, and Paul crook

Sarge · 19 Oct 2011, 19:47

How could I forget these two guys??? Slash is just cool and Brian May has a very distinctive style of playing.

YouTube Video

Sebastian. · 19 Oct 2011, 19:53

Paul and Randy, obviously! Brian May also.

YouTube Video

Vickip · 20 Oct 2011, 03:55

Randy Flowers & Paul Crook

Julie in the rv mirror · 20 Oct 2011, 04:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyK

On Acoustic guitar Nils Lofgren is hard to beat IMO, his solo shows are mesmerising.

I've never seen Nils' solo show, but I have seen him numerous times with the E Street Band. My favorite solo of his is the one on Because the Night, but I think The Ghost of Tom Joad is pretty sweet, too.

May I?

YouTube Video

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyK

Keth Richards and Ronnie Wood are the perfect guitar duo for me, the way they weave their two guitar parts together is stunning.

I've gotta agree- some nice work there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge

Rory Gallagher - check out his solos. I like his passion and versatility.

Awesome vids- I especially like the first one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge

P.S.: Nice thread, Julie. Thank you!

You're welcome- thanks for replying.

And also to everyone else who replied!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wario

Eddie Van Halen, Bob Kulick, and Paul crook

What do you like about them? I think Eddie is one of the reasons I have hearing loss these days.

Van Halen was hands-down the LOUDEST band I have ever seen!

I love Slash and Brian May, also.

I think I'll also add a couple of other guys, who unfortunately aren't with us anymore.

Stevie Ray Vaughn- The one musician I am most sorry I never got to see live. I just love a great blues player. He took on Hendrix and knocked it out of the park, IMO:

YouTube Video

And Frank Zappa, who is one of my favorite artists, as well. Some of his stuff is admittedly not for everyone, but he could do some amazing things with a guitar.

YouTube Video

Anybody have any more?

Sarge · 20 Oct 2011, 06:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

Stevie Ray Vaughn- The one musician I am most sorry I never got to see live.

SRV was awesome! I'm glad I recorded the concert that clip is from when it was broadcasted on TV years ago. Fastastic!

Tri.somethin · 20 Oct 2011, 07:08

David Wilcox (us) look him up - www.davidwilcox.com

*AndyK* · 20 Oct 2011, 10:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I've never seen Nils' solo show, but I have seen him numerous times with the E Street Band. My favorite solo of his is the one on Because the Night, but I think The Ghost of Tom Joad is pretty sweet, too.

May I?

On his last few solo tours (certainly in the UK anyway) we've been treated to a solo electric verison of Because The Night, complete with extended solo that almost makes the solo performed with the ESB sound like amateur. Last time out we were also treated to Nils on harp and tap dancing! Both of which worked far far better than they read! He seems really strict about cameras at his solo shows though, so viedo clips are few and far between.

LucyK! · 20 Oct 2011, 17:46

Ohh Nils was amazing live! Really wasn't sure what to expect as I was so used to seeing him in stadiums with the E Street Band but as Andy says, completely mesmerising. Because The Night in stadiums is amazing, such a big production, but to see it done by one man alone on a stage just a few feet away was something else.

Regardless of the Meat Loaf link I would honestly choose Randy as my favourite, technically he's probably the best guitarist I've seen and I'd happily pay to see him with other people if he ever wasn't in the NLE (plus, I dunno if anyone's noticed but he's not bad to look at either!

)

SueL · 20 Oct 2011, 19:06

Carols Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Paul Crook, Randy Flowers ~ not necessarily in that order.

Sue

duke knooby · 20 Oct 2011, 21:28

the guitarist i've seen the most live, is rab mccullough.. he was the first person i saw play guitar with his teeth, play behind his head and do slide guitar with a mop lol

im also a fan of paul pilot... loved his bowed guitar playing and of course, he's pretty good on the banjo.

and foy vance is awesome on acoustic guitar

Rab...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tJC50rFIK0

wolfy35 · 21 Oct 2011, 00:15

For me its a hard choice but it has to be either Joe Satriani with what else but Surfing with the Alien

http://youtu.be/e-OK7sS855M

Or a man you should know by the name of Steve Vai, Here is one of his slower more emotional tracks, Whispering a prayer

http://youtu.be/8KUSkGeaUPU

Julie in the rv mirror · 21 Oct 2011, 07:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyK

On his last few solo tours (certainly in the UK anyway) we've been treated to a solo electric verison of Because The Night, complete with extended solo that almost makes the solo performed with the ESB sound like amateur. Last time out we were also treated to Nils on harp and tap dancing! Both of which worked far far better than they read! He seems really strict about cameras at his solo shows though, so viedo clips are few and far between.

Cool- I might have to check Nils out if I get the chance, especially for the tap dancing.

lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by SueL

Carols Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Paul Crook, Randy Flowers ~ not necessarily in that order.

Oh yeah, I love Santana, too- he's a very expressive player. Supernatural is one of my favorite albums, especially Corazon Espinado:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otwtS...eature=related

And I think Samba Pa Ti is just beautiful:

YouTube Video

Quote:

Originally Posted by duke knooby

the guitarist i've seen the most live, is rab mccullough.. he was the first person i saw play guitar with his teeth, play behind his head and do slide guitar with a mop lol

Awesome. lol Like I said, I like a great blues guitarist.

I'm dying to see Buddy Guy live; somehow I keep missing him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfy35

Or a man you should know by the name of Steve Vai, Here is one of his slower more emotional tracks, Whispering a prayer

Wow, that was great!

Steve Vai used to play "stunt guitar" for Frank Zappa years ago. Apparently, Zappa was extremely impressed with him, which, from what I've read, wasn't easy to do, as Zappa was very demanding of his musicians.

These are great, guys!

Any more?

Sarge · 21 Oct 2011, 21:57

I think the girls have been neglected so far, so I'm adding a couple of female guitarists.

Her clothes and hairstyle are not that wild anymore but she still rocks - the awesome Jennifer Batten

:

YouTube Video

Joan Armatrading: cool solos at 1:29 and 3:31.

YouTube Video

Jo Ann Kelly - great British blues lady:

YouTube Video

The-Meat-85 · 21 Oct 2011, 22:36

Zakk Wylde is amazing. Here he is tearing it up acoustic style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om2YwwybpEE

The riff master Tony Iommi, solo from 2009 Heaven and Hell tour

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9jqcgnpGKw

A Slice Of English · 21 Oct 2011, 23:01

Michael Jennings singing the old classic "Red Hot Gal" accompanied by some ukelele playing.

Love it, He is my uncle, mind

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6EBhjoZOoI

angelica · 21 Oct 2011, 23:41

Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Paul Crook, all excellent in different ways.

Sarge · 21 Oct 2011, 23:59

I just watched Patti's Q&A and she mentioned someone I admire for her guitar skills, so here's Bonnie Raitt - together with Keb' Mo'

(I named my first electric guitar after her, LOL):

YouTube Video

Julie in the rv mirror · 22 Oct 2011, 03:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge

I think the girls have been neglected so far, so I'm adding a couple of female guitarists.

Awesome! Let's hear it for the ladies!

I love Bonnie Raitt, especially.

An interesting thing- in the background of the Joan Armatrading video, there is a banner for the Nils Lofgren Band. lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by The-Meat-85

The riff master Tony Iommi, solo from 2009 Heaven and Hell tour

Ah, yes- the Godfather of heavy metal.

He almost had to quit when he lost the tips of two fingers on his fretting hand. He tried to learn to play right-handed, but it didn't work. Then, he invented those thimbles that he uses on his right hand. I saw him with Black Sabbath back in the day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Slice of English

Michael Jennings singing the old classic "Red Hot Gal" accompanied by some ukelele playing.

Love it, He is my uncle, mind

Very nice!

I think I would be remiss if I didn't mention my first childhood guitar hero, whom I have come to respect even more these days. I think he's been kind of forgotten by people, which I think is a crime, because I think he's as good, if not better, than he ever was. I give you- Mr. Peter Frampton!

YouTube Video

(I actually like this version even better, but unfortunately the video, which was just posted a few days ago, was shot mostly from behind Pete's back. He's a funny guy, too - he cracks me up!

)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nETFd_zk53U

**allrevvedup** · 22 Oct 2011, 22:41

Joe Perry and Brad Whitford

Sarge · 23 Oct 2011, 01:52

I get the feeling I'm spamming this thread but Popa Chubby belongs here, too. One of the most amazing musicians I know.

YouTube Video

19 Oct 2011, 10:36	#2
chairboys Mega Loafer Join Date: 17.09.2011 Posts: 1,811	That's an easy one - Ritchie Blackmore. Only saw him once with Rainbow when Doogie White was singer. Then again with his Merry Men. I know he doesn't ever talk to the audience or run about the stage but he so mesmerisng to watch.

19 Oct 2011, 10:49	#3
AndyK Relentless Join Date: 21.11.2003 Location: Over the top..... seeing what's on the other side Posts: 18,694	There are so many to choose from ... and no time right now to find some great examples on youtube. On Acoustic guitar Nils Lofgren is hard to beat IMO, his solo shows are mesmerising. Randy Flowers is no slouch either, the perfect on stage foil for Paul's Metal antics, much as I respect Mr Crook I much prefer Randy's playing. Keth Richards and Ronnie Wood are the perfect guitar duo for me, the way they weave their two guitar parts together is stunning.

19 Oct 2011, 19:40	#5
Wario Monstro helps me spell things... Join Date: 05.01.2007 Location: Masculine, Pennsylvania Posts: 9,105	Eddie Van Halen, Bob Kulick, and Paul crook

20 Oct 2011, 03:55	#8
Vickip Mega Loafer Join Date: 07.02.2003 Location: Posts: 8,101	Randy Flowers & Paul Crook

20 Oct 2011, 07:08	#11
Tri.somethin Banned Join Date: 21.06.2011 Posts: 239	David Wilcox (us) look him up - www.davidwilcox.com

20 Oct 2011, 17:46	#13
LucyK! The Monster Is Luce Join Date: 14.04.2002 Location: Posts: 7,547	Ohh Nils was amazing live! Really wasn't sure what to expect as I was so used to seeing him in stadiums with the E Street Band but as Andy says, completely mesmerising. Because The Night in stadiums is amazing, such a big production, but to see it done by one man alone on a stage just a few feet away was something else. Regardless of the Meat Loaf link I would honestly choose Randy as my favourite, technically he's probably the best guitarist I've seen and I'd happily pay to see him with other people if he ever wasn't in the NLE (plus, I dunno if anyone's noticed but he's not bad to look at either! )

20 Oct 2011, 19:06	#14
SueL Super Loafer Join Date: 11.04.2011 Location: Northeastern PA, USA Posts: 224	Carols Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Paul Crook, Randy Flowers ~ not necessarily in that order. Sue

20 Oct 2011, 21:28	#15
duke knooby Mega Loafer Join Date: 24.06.2005 Location: belfast Posts: 17,889	the guitarist i've seen the most live, is rab mccullough.. he was the first person i saw play guitar with his teeth, play behind his head and do slide guitar with a mop lol im also a fan of paul pilot... loved his bowed guitar playing and of course, he's pretty good on the banjo. and foy vance is awesome on acoustic guitar Rab... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tJC50rFIK0

21 Oct 2011, 00:15	#16
wolfy35 Dangerous on a full moon Join Date: 14.03.2007 Location: Standing on the outside, Looking in on you Posts: 751	For me its a hard choice but it has to be either Joe Satriani with what else but Surfing with the Alien http://youtu.be/e-OK7sS855M Or a man you should know by the name of Steve Vai, Here is one of his slower more emotional tracks, Whispering a prayer http://youtu.be/8KUSkGeaUPU

21 Oct 2011, 22:36	#19
The-Meat-85 Loafer Join Date: 09.01.2009 Location: North East, England Posts: 54	Zakk Wylde is amazing. Here he is tearing it up acoustic style. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om2YwwybpEE The riff master Tony Iommi, solo from 2009 Heaven and Hell tour http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9jqcgnpGKw

21 Oct 2011, 23:01	#20
A Slice Of English Guest Join Date: 10.11.2003 Posts: 1,258	Michael Jennings singing the old classic "Red Hot Gal" accompanied by some ukelele playing. Love it, He is my uncle, mind http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6EBhjoZOoI

21 Oct 2011, 23:41	#21
angelica Mega Loafer Join Date: 04.11.2007 Posts: 3,378	Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Paul Crook, all excellent in different ways.

22 Oct 2011, 22:41	#24
allrevvedup "Most things that i worry about, never happen anyway" Join Date: 29.11.2003 Location: Liverpool Posts: 5,355	Joe Perry and Brad Whitford