UGH...The tired, "BEST" Rock guitarist thread

I have loved and admired many of the great and well known guitarists, but I think that it’s important to realize that because there’s so little room at the top where a player becomes famous, there are many brilliant players that never become known.

One example that comes to mind occurred about 4 years ago. I went to see Chris Isaak I think, and the opening act was Jesse Colin Young. I was expecting a snorefest, but actually, he was excellent with a great band. He had in his band a young Asian guitarist in his twenties that I thought was one of the most technically advanced players I had ever seen in my life...and I’ve seen a lot of the greats.

My point is that many who are famous are great, but many who are great aren’t famous.

I lost most of my interest in lead guitarist with the advent of arena rock in late 70's. I was more into the blues, blues/rock guitarists. Once that blues based feel gone, the soul left. That's not to say, other forms of lead still interested and continue to interest me today. I got into Prog rock, and still listen, the new Jam bands carry on that torch, some very fine leads in this genre. And then I like Celtic, International, Americana, bluegrass, old country, blues, I could go on and on. Some of best lead guitarists are NOT rock guitarists. If some of these guys chose or had chosen to be rock leads they would have been rock gods.

Not the best pick for Manzanera. Listen to "Walking through Heaven's door", magical and audiophile quality to boost.

@russ69 +1

Think the focus was on EVH ... not the Nuge... 

He will burn your house down though ... sayin

For me Eddie was best rock guitarist long before Ted said so…

It has nothing to do with his speed or showmanship (or lack there of)

But I agree, like Ted says his phrasing and sense or rhythm and timing has a groove that was second to none…