Top 5 technical guitar players?

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

As a guitarist for 21 years, I have to say that technique really isn't that important and should never be your primary focus IMHO. Look at Steve Rothery or David Gilmour, it's not about technique for them. It's about expression and making every note count. I think one of the biggest problems facing guitarists these days is they worry about things that don't mean anything. Pat Metheny once said that he's forgotten more than he remembered. Every player is different of course and have their own set of goals they want to achieve. For me, just trying to play music always seemed more interesting than learning theory, although I did learn a bit of theory in my early days, but I've forgotten pretty much everything I've learned. Anyway, music was just more important than anything coming from a technical standpoint.

Edited by Mirror Image - July 21 2012 at 23:37

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Mirror Image Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: December 13 2011 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2111	Posted: July 21 2012 at 23:36
	As a guitarist for 21 years, I have to say that technique really isn't that important and should never be your primary focus IMHO. Look at Steve Rothery or David Gilmour, it's not about technique for them. It's about expression and making every note count. I think one of the biggest problems facing guitarists these days is they worry about things that don't mean anything. Pat Metheny once said that he's forgotten more than he remembered. Every player is different of course and have their own set of goals they want to achieve. For me, just trying to play music always seemed more interesting than learning theory, although I did learn a bit of theory in my early days, but I've forgotten pretty much everything I've learned. Anyway, music was just more important than anything coming from a technical standpoint. Edited by Mirror Image - July 21 2012 at 23:37
	“Music is enough for a lifetime but a lifetime is not enough for music.” - Sergei Rachmaninov

Ambient Hurricanes Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: December 25 2011 Location: internet Status: Offline Points: 2549	Posted: July 21 2012 at 23:35
	My list will probably look ridiculous as there are hundreds of technique masters who I've never listened too, but just from my listening experiences, these are the guys whose technique has impressed me the most. In no particular order (and sticking to prog): Steve Howe (don't laugh; his work with Yes might not seem terribly technical but some of his solo acoustic material is astounding). John Petrucci (self-explanatory) John McLaughin (I know there are probably many fusion players with more technical ability, but my knowledge of the sub-genre is limited). Maybe I'll think of a few more later. If I was to make a "best guitarists" list, it would be much different.
	I love dogs, I've always loved dogs

moogprodigy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: July 22 2008 Status: Offline Points: 40	Posted: July 21 2012 at 23:29
	For pure technique and teaching approach, I am liking Paul Gilbert. He is also a huge Alex Lifeson fan.
	My band "Centrifuge" and personal music page "Sven". My band page My personal music

Horizons Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: January 20 2011 Location: Somewhere Else Status: Offline Points: 16952	Posted: July 21 2012 at 23:25
	Omar Rodriguez-Lopez is my all time favorite guitarist. Very technical in a on-shredding way.
	Crushed like a rose in the riverflow.

moogprodigy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Groupie Joined: July 22 2008 Status: Offline Points: 40	Posted: July 21 2012 at 23:18
	Just curious what others think. I am trying to find new players to inspire my current technique.
	My band "Centrifuge" and personal music page "Sven". My band page My personal music