Guys like; David Gilmore, Eric Clapton and Mark Knofler that made great music by using more minimal efforts.
- bixll

Gilmour is actually who popped in my mind while I was writing that. He's said in interviews that he just can't play fast compared to a lot of the guys around today. But he's a better guitarist than most of the players he was probably thinking of when he said that.

Knopfler's one of my favorites as well...at least up until he started playing acoustic folk songs almost exclusively...

Fantastic player. I understood. I just like that type of player better. It was my preference. The guys that made music you can listen to without getting a head ache.
- bixll

Satriani is amazing. I keep a Surfing With The Alien CD in my car. It helps me deal with road rage. I'm not knocking him or his talent. However, IMO some of his music comes off as over produced. It's almost too perfect.

On the other hand, after an exhausting day at work I'd rather listen to something less technical and more mainstream.

Gilmour is actually who popped in my mind while I was writing that. He's said in interviews that he just can't play fast compared to a lot of the guys around today. But he's a better guitarist than most of the players he was probably thinking of when he said that.

Knopfler's one of my favorites as well...at least up until he started playing acoustic folk songs almost exclusively...
- UIF

I have been learning to play for a while now, and I like the style that these guys play. Also toss in a little George Thorgood, and a little Billy Gibbons and you get a nice little mix of talents to follow. But it all leads back to the blues.

Satriani is amazing. I keep a Surfing With The Alien CD in my car. It helps me deal with road rage. I'm not knocking him or his talent. However, IMO some of his music comes off as over produced. It's almost too perfect.

On the other hand, after an exhausting day at work I'd rather listen to something less technical and more mainstream.
- JimmyP

I can appreciate his music, because he is so good. But I do not listen to his music. Not my cup of tea.

I think he's referring to the Joe Satriani/Yngwie Malmsteen types. The guys that are more concerned with showing off how good they are than making entertaining music (to be fair I do like some of Satriani's stuff). I also like a lot of Stevie Ray Vaughan's music. But with SRV its not always about the guitar.

The refreshing thing about the Ramones is they knew who and what they were and didn't try to hide it. They wanted to be rock stars and they wanted to play fun songs. There was no BS about it being "Art" or any of that nonsense.
- JimmyP

Exactly. Heck, I had Buckethead as my avatar for a while and I think he falls back to that style sometimes too, and that's probably what some people go to see...I've been to many, many of his shows when he comes to the NYC/Albany area. But he at least puts together a lot of unique songs -- slow, fast and experimental -- that makes it interesting to listen to (although I usually pass on the really experimental stuff...I just don't get it).

That's what it's all about, more than raw talent, imo...kicking ass at the music and scene that fits your abilities and style. I think some of the most talented guitarists out there are boring as hell to listen to...they basically just show off speed and knowledge at the expense of actually creating good or interesting music. It's all impressive stuff, for sure, but nothing I'm going to sit back and listen to while having a beer after work.
- UIF

Calling Yngwie!

Xxkeaner17xX

Exactly. Heck, I had Buckethead as my avatar for a while and I think he falls back to that style sometimes too, and that's probably what some people go to see...I've been to many, many of his shows when he comes to the NYC/Albany area. But he at least puts together a lot of unique songs -- slow, fast and experimental -- that makes it interesting to listen to (although I usually pass on the really experimental stuff...I just don't get it).
- UIF

Hey, you should have used a pic of my left arm for your avatar, it is bigger..

Exactly. Heck, I had Buckethead as my avatar for a while and I think he falls back to that style sometimes too, and that's probably what some people go to see...I've been to many, many of his shows when he comes to the NYC/Albany area. But he at least puts together a lot of unique songs -- slow, fast and experimental -- that makes it interesting to listen to (although I usually pass on the really experimental stuff...I just don't get it).
- UIF

Do you play? Either of you

I'd still say the guy who's impressed me the most over the last decade has been Joe Bonamassa. The guy is the most perfect bluesy guitarist I've heard since Stevie Ray died..
My Rushmore probably would be Page, Hendrix, Beck, Van Halen (I know you love that Charlie) and Clapton. (the usual suspects I guess).


Xxkeaner17xX

Do you play? Either of you
- bixll

Better yet...what type of guitars do you own?

Xxkeaner17xX

Do you play? Either of you
- bixll

I don't know if you'd really call it playing the guitar, but yeah, I've fumbled around on a few for about 13 or so years now. Wish I would have taken lessons or at least studied up more on music theory, but it's still fun coming up with riffs and rhythms and trying to build around them. I have very limited knowledge of a few different instruments...mandolin, piano, banjo, violin, bass...so I try to layer enough crap to make it all sound passable.

Better yet...what type of guitars do you own?

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

Gibson SG that I hate to play, a Mexican Fender Strat and a Schecter Devil Custom that's my favorite of the bunch. My first electric was a crummy Samick that never stayed in tune. I still have it, but I took it completely apart so it's just the wooden body. I've always had grand plans to sand it down and try painting it.

Better yet...what type of guitars do you own?

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

Air guitar. I never played. I tried to learn when I was 15 but I didn't have the patience for it.

Do you play? Either of you
- bixll

I'm self taught, but have been playing for about 30 years now. Did the band thing for many years, played in various clubs in a few resort areas, even spoke to a record company but got derailed by life in general. Still play often, but haven't done anything in a band format for over a decade. I'm a legend in the arena of my basement!

Xxkeaner17xX

Gibson SG that I hate to play, a Mexican Fender Strat and a Schecter Devil Custom that's my favorite of the bunch. My first electric was a crummy Samick that never stayed in tune. I still have it, but I took it completely apart so it's just the wooden body. I've always had grand plans to sand it down and try painting it.
- UIF

My first guitar was a Harmony Les Paul replica. Funny thing about it is the screw that holds the strap in started to come out immediate because it was made with such thin wood it just stripped right through! I still have it, but also have a EDS1275 Gibson (doubleneck played by Page), Les Paul Custom, Yamaha 12 string acoustic, Ibanez Soundgear Bass, Fender Strat & a few other cheapies.

I'm working on fitting one of the cheaper one's with a Parsons White B-Bender. All so I can entertain my dog while the wife and kid hang in another room...rock royalty I am!


Xxkeaner17xX

Better yet...what type of guitars do you own?

Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

I have a Fender Strat and a 1953 Mays Banjo.

Just started playing at Christmas, so I am just learning. I play mostly with just my fingers, I am not so good at the pick. Looking at getting a Fender Pawn Shop model next and I also want an electric acoustic. Thinking of the Fender Sonoran.

What are you jackhammers doing over here? Talk about guitars on Dan's page and show some support!

Gibson SG that I hate to play, a Mexican Fender Strat and a Schecter Devil Custom that's my favorite of the bunch. My first electric was a crummy Samick that never stayed in tune. I still have it, but I took it completely apart so it's just the wooden body. I've always had grand plans to sand it down and try painting it.
- UIF

I want to be able to make any type of music, I wanted a Gibson, but I like the feel of the Fender better. I am used to it I guess. The New Pawn Shop model have humbucker pickups for that sound that is missing from the Strat.

What are you jackhammers doing over here? Talk about guitars on Dan's page and show some support!
- Cptmjl

Didn't see Dan's page.

What are you jackhammers doing over here? Talk about guitars on Dan's page and show some support!
- Cptmjl

We did! Viva la resistance!

BTW Dee posted a new article (not that I read it).

We did! Viva la resistance!

BTW Dee posted a new article (not that I read it).
- JimmyP

She can't take a hint.

My first guitar was a Harmony Les Paul replica. Funny thing about it is the screw that holds the strap in started to come out immediate because it was made with such thin wood it just stripped right through! I still have it, but also have a EDS1275 Gibson (doubleneck played by Page), Les Paul Custom, Yamaha 12 string acoustic, Ibanez Soundgear Bass, Fender Strat & a few other cheapies.

I'm working on fitting one of the cheaper one's with a Parsons White B-Bender. All so I can entertain my dog while the wife and kid hang in another room...rock royalty I am!


Xxkeaner17xX
- keaner17

I'm pretty sure my wife wants to smash every instrument I play over my head. My 3 1/2 month old son though looks at me like I'm a god when I play the acoustic for him. He probably thinks I invented the rhythm to "Melissa."

I want to be able to make any type of music, I wanted a Gibson, but I like the feel of the Fender better. I am used to it I guess. The New Pawn Shop model have humbucker pickups for that sound that is missing from the Strat.
- bixll

I got the SG because I told myself I wanted anything other than a Strat. The SG feels good enough, but it's just too muddy of a sound and I feel like I'm always out of ideas when I play it...I should have just spent that money on a nicer Strat than I had. The Schecter was a good purchase though, even if it does look like a giant tick. I like the sound from the active pickups and the fat frets are more forgiving for my clumsy fingers.

Do you play? Either of you
- bixll

been playing for 25 years or so. while I love the shred guys, I'm a HUGE Eddie VH fan...not considered shred by today's standards. I took lessons for years from Petrucci, so it was kinda cool seeing his name pop up in this thread. He's a monster player and a great guy. I love all players mentioned in this thread...

I got the SG because I told myself I wanted anything other than a Strat. The SG feels good enough, but it's just too muddy of a sound and I feel like I'm always out of ideas when I play it...I should have just spent that money on a nicer Strat than I had. The Schecter was a good purchase though, even if it does look like a giant tick. I like the sound from the active pickups and the fat frets are more forgiving for my clumsy fingers.
- UIF

Being comfortable with the guitar is half the battle. I have one of the Fender Mustang 2 amps, so you can download artists setups for the amp. It is very cool.

I see that Martin has a nice new acoustic guitar for around $550 Canadian. Which is excellent for a Martin in Canada.