Since I was child, I've always appreciated the sounds that can be created from the 6-string (or 7,8 and 12-strings at times). This inspired me to actually take the guitar that I owned for years and learn how to play. I've been learning from an instructor for close to 2 years now. I can't say I've made huge leaps of progress, but it is coming around.
Another thing that fascinates me about the guitar is the history of it and some of it's most famous players. The legendary Les Paul passed away a couple of months ago, which is bad news for those who appreciate what he has done in the history of guitars. Even though he is known for the guitars he designed, he was also a very respectable player.
I felt inspired to share my thoughts on my favorite players of this epic music instrument.
Marty Friedman - Not exactly a household name but creates some great solos with heavy use of exotic scales. Some may recall his play with Megadeth in the 90's, playing metal music. What most people aren't familiar with is his work done with Jason Becker in the band Cacophony and the solo records he made that weren't at all metal. This is my personal favorite player just because of melody he creates in his play.
Jason Becker - Another who is also not well known and is no longer playing guitar due to effects of Lou Gehrig's Disease. A master of neo-classical metal who widely used sweep picking arpeggios. When done right, sweep picking licks can sound so awesome. As previously mentioned, played for the band Cacophony, but also did some solo work and worked with David Lee Roth.
Buckethead - A little more well-known than the previous 2, and is familiar with those who've played extensive Guitar Hero. Typically gets classified as a shred-type guitarist, which is partly true, but also has some roots of Jazz and Blues. I think his melodic music is far better than his shred stuff, but the diversity of playing ability is what I find most talented. Has worked for many small projects, but is most well known for his play with Guns 'N Roses from 2000-2004.
Slash - A very well known and well respected guitarist. Personally, I never really got into Guns 'N Roses, but I can't help to appreciate his play. Sweet Child O' Mine is one of my personal favorite songs because the solos are just so awesome. Plays a primarily Blues style guitar, but with heavier distortion than typical Blues players. Not to overlook the play he's done with Velvet Revolver.
Eddie Van Halen - Another very well known guitarist, though is basically a mess these days. Lots of speed picking and tapping gets used in his solos, but they are insanely good. But even some of his basic riffs in songs are very difficult to play, even for an experienced player. But puts together a great blend of riffs and solos.
Ok, so I gave you 5 of mine, so who are your favorites?
Another thing that fascinates me about the guitar is the history of it and some of it's most famous players. The legendary Les Paul passed away a couple of months ago, which is bad news for those who appreciate what he has done in the history of guitars. Even though he is known for the guitars he designed, he was also a very respectable player.
I felt inspired to share my thoughts on my favorite players of this epic music instrument.
Marty Friedman - Not exactly a household name but creates some great solos with heavy use of exotic scales. Some may recall his play with Megadeth in the 90's, playing metal music. What most people aren't familiar with is his work done with Jason Becker in the band Cacophony and the solo records he made that weren't at all metal. This is my personal favorite player just because of melody he creates in his play.
Jason Becker - Another who is also not well known and is no longer playing guitar due to effects of Lou Gehrig's Disease. A master of neo-classical metal who widely used sweep picking arpeggios. When done right, sweep picking licks can sound so awesome. As previously mentioned, played for the band Cacophony, but also did some solo work and worked with David Lee Roth.
Buckethead - A little more well-known than the previous 2, and is familiar with those who've played extensive Guitar Hero. Typically gets classified as a shred-type guitarist, which is partly true, but also has some roots of Jazz and Blues. I think his melodic music is far better than his shred stuff, but the diversity of playing ability is what I find most talented. Has worked for many small projects, but is most well known for his play with Guns 'N Roses from 2000-2004.
Slash - A very well known and well respected guitarist. Personally, I never really got into Guns 'N Roses, but I can't help to appreciate his play. Sweet Child O' Mine is one of my personal favorite songs because the solos are just so awesome. Plays a primarily Blues style guitar, but with heavier distortion than typical Blues players. Not to overlook the play he's done with Velvet Revolver.
Eddie Van Halen - Another very well known guitarist, though is basically a mess these days. Lots of speed picking and tapping gets used in his solos, but they are insanely good. But even some of his basic riffs in songs are very difficult to play, even for an experienced player. But puts together a great blend of riffs and solos.
Ok, so I gave you 5 of mine, so who are your favorites?
