[It's time for a breather from economics.]
Who deserves the title "Best Lead Guitarist Ever"?
Some of my friends and family members hold different opinions from mine, but they're wrong. Some of the names they've come up with are Buddy Guy, Slash, Eddie Van Halen, John Petrucci, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Jimi Hendrix, and Steve Vai. [One friend even picked Chet Atkins, believe it or not... but even though I admit Chet Atkins was pretty good, this is coming from the same guy who flunked art appreciation back in junior high school, and today cannot understand why Hollywood refuses to colorize the first and last ten minutes of The Wizard of Oz.]
Anyway, I'll end the suspense; the correct answer is:
Instead of trying to explain in words why SRV gets the title, I'll just post some evidence. The video below is a 2-fer, and the whole thing is great, but the first 2:36 will prove my point.
Strongly recommended before pressing the "play" button: Put on a good set of headphones.
There. That should take care of any lingering doubts. [With the probable exception of the guy who picked Chet Atkins.]
Ummm. Wouldn't this be a subjective thing? Indeed, for me it varies by the day. When it's someone who plays in this style, I personally prefer Johnny Winter (Johnny Winter And... Live, for example).
Actually, I'm a better guitarist too (though that also just might be a personal opinion :-).
Posted by: Bret | 20 April 2009 at 10:42
At this blog, it's deterministic. Best = SRV.
[But in general: Best = f(blogger)]
Posted by: Optimist123 | 20 April 2009 at 10:50
If you are looking for the 'most talented', then SRV is definitely a good choice.
However, I'm disappointed that Eric Johnson didn't even make your short-list.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Johnson
Posted by: TMBLSN | 20 April 2009 at 13:32
This sir....is your finest hour...I too am a guitarist and worship at the alter of SRV.....he was and still is an open conduit to the blues.
I've always enjoyed your blog but now I know we're on the same page you and I!
Chinny
Posted by: Chinny | 20 April 2009 at 14:33
http://tinyurl.com/ahnp4d
what about bass guitarists?
Victor Wooten is my choice.
Posted by: millhead | 20 April 2009 at 14:50
Well sir, you are now in my neighborhood. Been playing for over 30 years.
SRV was arguably the greatest blues guitarist of his generation. However, that time was tragically cut short. For a lifetime volume of blues it's hard to top Clapton.
But one should listen to some of the jazz greats to really get an appreciation for the talent it takes to play jazz guitar and the unbelievable licks and melodies produced. I'm talking about the likes of Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Charlie Christian, Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis and the incomparable Joe Pass.
Posted by: Bob | 20 April 2009 at 16:13
Just another of the many ways I agree with you, Steve.
Posted by: workindev | 20 April 2009 at 17:14
Would have to agree. As long as we're talking about best lead guitarist.
Best guitarist? Ever? That goes to Tommy Emmanuel. Hands down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZNJf-h7F8s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgwNyUcR8Y
Yes, you'll hear a lot of Chet in there. Chet gave Tommy his "CGP".
Posted by: AGoyAndHisBlog | 20 April 2009 at 20:37
millhead:
If I could walk a bass line as in the video above, I'd join a band. As it is, it looks like my time for blogging is safe from gig intrusion.
Posted by: Optimist123 | 22 April 2009 at 10:54
I had the privilege of seeing SRV live with Double Trouble several times in the eighties. I can still feel him. More than once the police adjusted the volume on my turntable.
Posted by: rbdjr | 22 April 2009 at 18:54
I discovered Valentine from a link to a jazz site I subscribe to. Never heard harmonics like the ones he plays on Rainbow. Sounds like a harp. Check out what we does with a Beatles medley while you're at you tube.
While you're there check out Joe Pass as well. I saw him and Ella F. in the seventies, live. Beautiful.
BTW, Roy Clark, though no Atkins, was no slouch with the axe. Yep, that would be the old "Hee-Haw" Roy Clark.
Okay, I'm dating myself.
Posted by: Bob | 23 April 2009 at 05:23
Okay, finally a post where I feel educated enough to chime in on. Ha!
Steve, Steve, Steve.... There is one guitarist who you clearly omitted from your top selections. Although he may not be the best, it's all subjective anyway, he certainly deserves a mention.
CARLOS SANTANA!
I was fortunate enough to see him live in Madrid in 2003. It was simply genius. He was playing two guitars at once for this one song. He had a classical propped up on a stand and an electric hanging from his strap. He would swing the electric over and switch off between both guitars. It all flowed together so nicely and was just amazing to watch.
Posted by: Brogan | 23 April 2009 at 12:38
Yours is one of my favorite blogs and SRV is up there but I don’t think he is #1
There are quite a few names not even mentioned on your families starting list
In Alphabetical order only!
Dennis Agajanian - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RPaUKxo7-c
Dominic Frasca - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2BOApUvFpw&feature=related
Phil Keaggy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T3to3DHLIE & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB9daFEtCcY&feature=related & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKqQXPPHK58&feature=related
Yngwie Malmsteen - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS_IYe5JTZ4&feature=related & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj3ec2cCaJw
Les Paul - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb5_DEhmDAM&feature=related (Kudos to your friend who said Chet Atkins, but Les Paul was a better player then Chet and for his time he was THE BEST, hands down.)
Joe Satriani - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGNgcRwKW4Q & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibr47SqERes&feature=related
Angus Young - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSVecGNiTDg
While it’s a tough call my top is a four way tie between:
Keaggy, Malmsteen, Satriani, and Vai
Posted by: StevenT | 26 April 2009 at 21:32