My Favorite Guitar Players
Frank Zappa is my number one favorite guitar player, and I miss him dearly. He very seldom played in a blues style like most others of his era did (and still do) and he was innovative and captured that sinister tone that guitar players strive for and can almost achieve. Listen to Filthy Habits, Watermelon In Easter Hay, Zoot Allures, Black Napkins and the solo from Orchestral Duke Of Prunes. There are other songs but, as anyone who knows me will tell you, I never shut up when it comes to Frank!
Number two (or a close tie for number one!) is Jeff Beck. His style is like no other and he is constantly pushing the boundaries of where guitar can go. Check out his song from The Guitar Shop with Terry Bozzio & Tony Hymas called Where Were You? And then, if that does not thrill you, check out his instrumental versions of the Beatles' A Day In The Life and the most recent Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
The guitar player that probably influenced my own style the most was Stephen Stills. When I was listening to some recent recordings of my material, I noticed that I am definitely playing in that style. His style is very blues-oriented (listen to Black Queen) and mine is similar but a bit more melodic.
Jimmy Page was a big influence as well. Again, Jimmy comes from the blues but his influence on the rock genre is legendary. But my favorite aspect of his playing is the acoustic and folk stylings throughout Led Zeppelin's recorded songs. Over The Hills And Far Away is a great example of this style in one song.
And number five is Jimi Hendrix. Most guitar players who know what be 'gwine on' will admit that he was the biggest innovator of the guitar for his generation and all generations up to our current time. Jimi also comes from the blues but only as a jumping off point of reference. Listen to Third Stone From The Sun and see if you do not agree with me.
I must also include Steve Howe as a big influence on my playing. His 'Chet Atkins' style of playing sets him apart from other guitar players in rock music. I find that some of my recorded material invests some of his methods of moving chords and such. Very big influence, indeed.
Robert Fripp has always challenged me with his acerbic style and every one of King Crimson's albums are the soundtrack of my life.
Adrian Belew has always impressed me and his work with King Crimson is astounding. I find it amazing that King Crimson has two of my favorites in one band. Listen to Elektrik from the The Power To Believe (2003) album and the exchange between him and Robert. Awesome!
Steve Vai comes it at number nine. There are others in this genre that compare (like Joe Satriani, etc.) but I think that Steve is special and his compositions are complex and daunting. Check out the DVD Where The Wild Things Are and be prepared to be blown away.
Finally, at number ten (because I am trying to keep my choices to a minimum!) is Steve Wilson of the band Porcupine Tree. Yes, you are most likely scratching you head and thinking, "Huh?" but give these four albums a listen (In Abstentia, Deadwing, Fear Of A Blank Planet, and The Incident) and you may be as impressed as I am. Surely Robert Fripp was impressed; he authorized Steve to remaster some King Crimson albums!
I will cut it short with those ten, but I must also give a nod to George Harrison as well. So ten plus a bonus. Listen to all the soloing in the Beatles songs and on his own post-Beatles material and enjoy another of music's lost treasures.
Number two (or a close tie for number one!) is Jeff Beck. His style is like no other and he is constantly pushing the boundaries of where guitar can go. Check out his song from The Guitar Shop with Terry Bozzio & Tony Hymas called Where Were You? And then, if that does not thrill you, check out his instrumental versions of the Beatles' A Day In The Life and the most recent Somewhere Over The Rainbow.
The guitar player that probably influenced my own style the most was Stephen Stills. When I was listening to some recent recordings of my material, I noticed that I am definitely playing in that style. His style is very blues-oriented (listen to Black Queen) and mine is similar but a bit more melodic.
Jimmy Page was a big influence as well. Again, Jimmy comes from the blues but his influence on the rock genre is legendary. But my favorite aspect of his playing is the acoustic and folk stylings throughout Led Zeppelin's recorded songs. Over The Hills And Far Away is a great example of this style in one song.
And number five is Jimi Hendrix. Most guitar players who know what be 'gwine on' will admit that he was the biggest innovator of the guitar for his generation and all generations up to our current time. Jimi also comes from the blues but only as a jumping off point of reference. Listen to Third Stone From The Sun and see if you do not agree with me.
I must also include Steve Howe as a big influence on my playing. His 'Chet Atkins' style of playing sets him apart from other guitar players in rock music. I find that some of my recorded material invests some of his methods of moving chords and such. Very big influence, indeed.
Robert Fripp has always challenged me with his acerbic style and every one of King Crimson's albums are the soundtrack of my life.
Adrian Belew has always impressed me and his work with King Crimson is astounding. I find it amazing that King Crimson has two of my favorites in one band. Listen to Elektrik from the The Power To Believe (2003) album and the exchange between him and Robert. Awesome!
Steve Vai comes it at number nine. There are others in this genre that compare (like Joe Satriani, etc.) but I think that Steve is special and his compositions are complex and daunting. Check out the DVD Where The Wild Things Are and be prepared to be blown away.
Finally, at number ten (because I am trying to keep my choices to a minimum!) is Steve Wilson of the band Porcupine Tree. Yes, you are most likely scratching you head and thinking, "Huh?" but give these four albums a listen (In Abstentia, Deadwing, Fear Of A Blank Planet, and The Incident) and you may be as impressed as I am. Surely Robert Fripp was impressed; he authorized Steve to remaster some King Crimson albums!
I will cut it short with those ten, but I must also give a nod to George Harrison as well. So ten plus a bonus. Listen to all the soloing in the Beatles songs and on his own post-Beatles material and enjoy another of music's lost treasures.
