Steve Hackett Vs. Steve Howe

I prefer Steve.

I'm not sure why but I voted for Howe

Hackett.

I think Steve Howe is a bit more versatile, especially on Clap and Mood For A Day (although Hackett did Blood On The Rooftops and Horizons), so he'll get my vote. Also, I found out fairly recently that Howe can't read music! Pretty impressive to have taken the guitar to such a high level but to write the kind of music Yes wrote is insane!

Steve Hackett because I'm biased and like Genesis way more than I like Yes.

Hackett

Howe do you do

If we're just talking about their contributions to their respective groups during the 1970's, it's Howe by a wide margin.

If we're talking about their solo albums, it's Hackett by a wide margin.

If we're talking about how well they've been playing over the past 10-20 years, it's Hackett by a small margin.

Versatility, one of Howe's big strengths in the 1970's, is a tougher issue. Howe has proven that he *can* play almost any style, but since 1980 or so, he seems to stick to only a few, and doesn't try to push himself too much anymore. Hackett was less versatile in the 1970's, but seems to have pushed himself more throughout his entire career. So on this issue, I'd put them about even.

So overall, Hackett, just barely.

Howe is more virtuous. Hackett is more melodic and diverse. Obviously I like the combination of virtuosity and melody, but if I must to choose between them I prefer the virtuosity on service to the melody. So I prefer Hackett. In any case comparing solo works Hackett is ahead by far IMO.

I don't think one guitarist is better than the other one. This has to do with personal preference and my vote goes to Hackett. He's a favorite of mine.