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Who is your overall favorite guitarist?

At 44 years of age, I personally feel fortunate to have lived in an era along with some of the finest guitarists who have ever lived. I have always had an overwhelming love of music. As I look back to my earlier years of music appreciation (I took formal piano training for 17 years) I remember how my instructor would suggest exposing myself to the many different styles and disciplines of music.

These were such valuable words of wisdom. Considering the fact that this suggestion, more or less, forced me to be more open to musicians other than those that played in strictly rock and roll bands.

Wow, was I surprised to find that I could be as entertained by Chet Atkins and Les Paul as I could be by Ritchie Blackmore or Carlos Santana. Just think about some of the finest from our time. Jimi Hendrix, John McLaughlin, Robin Trower, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Johnson, Steve Howe, Al DiMeola, the list could seem almost endless. All such incredible musicians.

Although it's very hard to pick one person or style in particular, let's remember the key words, "overall favorite".
I would probably have to say that my overall favorite would have to be Steve Morse (from Dixie Dregs fame).

Who is your favorite?
128x128buscis2
davebachmann
94 posts
 
Ahhh, Sayas you do bring back memories. When we first moved to Calgary there were these 2 guys busking in the parks - Oscar & Manuel. Then they started playing clubs and kept getting better. Oscar went solo and he's still amazing.

To add my votes to the continuing list, I've got to go with the trend and not go with one. Currently in the heaviest rotation are:
- Al Di Meola
- Leo Kottke
- Paco De Lucia
- John McLaughlin
- Jerry Garcia
- Pepe Romero
- Django Reinhardt
- Mimi Fox

Enjoy!
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
I'm listening to Vince Guaraldi and Bola Sete right now while I eat a Velveeta sandwich on my favorite bread. OF COURSE IT'S WONDER! DO THEY MAKE ANY OTHER KIND?
duanegoosen
355 posts
 
Hey Bucsis,
1)I'm not the only lunkhead here who can't come up w/ one favorite guitarist. Does he/she have to wear the overalls or play them like an air guitar?

2)Didn't you put the overalls on Steve Morse?

3)Maybe I should try the Velveeta w/out the Elmer's glue and use Miracle Whip like everyone else next time. Y'know I probably also deserve a flogging...If my wife reads this I'm sure she'll agree.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,543 posts
 
Kind of funny that nobody has mentioned Michael J. Fox and Steve Martin (he also plays the guitar you know:-).

Seriously (even though I usually cater to electric guitar) my favorite to listen to is Bob Dylan (on acoustic) when he performs solo and orchestrates the music in his rambling/rough "train song" kind of way (I suppose that his lousy voice and artsy lyrics may have something to do with it).

For the creative surprise factor my vote would probably go to Alen Holdsworth (who has consistantly produced music for thought over the years).

A handfull of the names mentioned above are studio session/technical players (who have also done solo work) and these are my least favorites as they tend to be quite boring in the long run. People who play themselves know where I am coming from.
davej857
33 posts
 
let's not forget the guys in the trenches........
p.w. long (mule)
philip lithman (snakefinger)
thurston moore (sonic youth)
jim thomas (merman)
king buzzo (melvins)
brandon ross (harriet tubman)
reeves gabrels (tin machine)
donald roeser (blue oyster cult)
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