Favourite Guitarists

@tablejockey 

Joe Bonamassa 45 years old

Slash 57 years old

Not sure I would call them young.

"Not sure I would call them young."!

tony1954-

Hah! I’m only 61, and a life long guitar wanker. My instructors back from 50 years ago left an impression on who to pay attention to when it comes to geetar playing.

Classical and Jazz players who have been at before the 70’s, that’s for certain.

In the grand scheme of guitarism-YES..they are quite young. Somewhere in the 70’s IMO, is where the cutoff is for innovative, unique players.

I see the great Steve Howe of Yes, has not been mentioned.

(643) Les Paul with Steve Howe - YouTube

This was the acid test for guitarists..sit in with Les Paul.

Les Paul & George Benson LIVE at the Iridium - YouTube

Here’s one with a "young" player- Zak Wilde which is pitiful. Guy is a "shredder" but here’s where you find out if you’re a "complete player". He can’t even find the key and improvise with simple chord/scale harmony. Also disrespectful and clueless as to whom he’s playing with.

(643) Les Paul with Zakk Wylde - YouTube

Joe Bonamassa gives off a "trying to be humble, but full of himself" kind of vibe.

A little showy with his guitar/amp collection= kind of douchey. Talented, but I don’t hear unique/original is his playing style.

@tablejockey 

Reminds me of watching George Thorogood trying to trade licks with Stevie Ray Vaughn.

It was embarrassing and hard to watch. Like Soupy Sales trading punches with Marvin Hagler.

Off the top of my head.  Electric lead players only.

Eric Clapton

Tom Verlaine

Robby Krieger

Jimmy Page

I'm not a fan of shredders, players who choose to play at the speed of light. I value a melodic sense and the player's ability to display a variety of intensities and emotions. I'm also a sucker for good tone.

for me the list changes constantly based on how I'm feeling.  But a few constants would be :

David Bromberg

Al Di Meola

Michael Burke

Three different styles of playing, but who I go back to time and time again when I want to hear guitar front and center.