not necessarily a traditional thing, but nevertheless its a musical question. in your opinions who would you say is the best guitarist ever. i would say mark knopfler.
good call peace! dont forget paco pena. but i think its a personal thing and dependant on style. i do quite like the styles of antoine dufour, and andy mckee, trace bundy and eric mongrain. very intuitive and talented. though when you see the likes of sungha jung you have got to ask just how good he will be when he's older.
I think this may have been debated on here before and Mark Knopfler didn't figure highly on that occassion either. I'd be interested to know why you rate him above Jimi Hendrix,Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Jeff Beck, Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Peter Green, Ry Cooder, Neil Young, Ali Farka Toure, Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Scotty Moore, Richard Thompson or 100's of others I could mention. Knoff is good but not that good.
"in your opinions who would you say is the best guitarist ever. i would say mark knopfler."
It's still a stupid question, but he's not asking anyone to agree with him, so there's no point in asking him to defend his view. He's asking for your opinions, which will also be indefensible.
For my money, anyone who can name one "best player of instrument X in the world" isn't listening to enough music, and anyone who bothers to argue about the question really ought to move out of their mother's house and smoke a lot less weed, but that's just my opinion.
All six string devil botherers, including me, are shight and they have all ruined all music over the last 60 odd years with their stupid over amplified BLooZ noodling in the name of extemporization, chronic inability to pick up and play an actual tune and their obsession with harmonic sequences over broader musical content.
my preference of mark knopfler over all them other guitarists strayaway mentioned is due to the fact i like his original material more than i like any of the other's material. they are all perfect guitarists, gallagher would be another one i would add to the list.
You're right on one point Jon, which is placing one particular player as "The Best" I think a better way to put the question so your hackles don't get raised is "Who is your favorite"
But we all must realise, there is no such thing as a stupid question.
When I say that Paco De Lucia is best, I'm refering to the player whose music I've been enjoying the most recently.
I think this is a very good question that gets people listening to more variety. We hear who each others favorite players are and give them a listen.
I've known about Paco Pena for years but hadn't listened to him as much as Paco De Lucia but now that I've heard what christofloffer had to say, I'll certainly be listening to more Paco Pena. As well as what others here have to say. I'm listening.
Please proceed folks!
No need for competition.
No need for argument.
Don't call peoples questions stupid!
All we need are thoughtful ideas about who you like.
Whose guitar playing inspires you to become a better player.
Whose carrying of the torch makes you yearn to hear more.
Jon, Now that you've taken part maybe you should just smoke a bit less yourself or in the case around here, you can't get that stuff no more which as I'm sure you know is by another rather fine guitar player - Tampa Red
For many years, I would have replied that I respected Andres Segovia above all others.
Today I'm feeling that Joe Pass is da man.
Ask me again tomorrow.
This list is definitive and well-considered. Sort of. Any predictable names are there for good reason.
Best jazz player: Lenny Breau (R.I.P.)
Best country picker: Danny Gatton (R.I.P.)
Best Irish trad backer: John Doyle
Best acoustic player, any genre: Tommy Emmanuel
Best bluegrass flat picker: Bryan Sutton
Best blues player: S. R. Vaughan (R.I.P.)
Best Brazilian samba/bossa nova player: Joao Gilberto
Best gypsy/manouche player: Joscho Stephan
Best flamenco player: Carlos Montoya (R.I.P.), I mean, who else?
Best rock player: J. Hendrix (R.I.P.)
Best electric tone discoverer: (tie) R. Fripp, J. Beck, D. Gilmour, C. Santana, J. Page
Best classical player: (tie) John Williams, Narciso Yepes (R.I.P.), Andres Segovia (R.I.P.)
Best instinctive, primitive player, with zero chops: (tie) Neil Young, Jack White
I saw him playing in the sixties. His guitar was covered in paintings by Picasso. In this clip he is just improvising at suggestions from his host. He must be 90 now and still playing.
Any guitarist who inspires me to practice.The guitarists I like all seem to have the ability to play right on the edge of their creativity which I find to be the most enjoyable and inspiring.
For trad right now I am enjoying Tim Edey from Australia who you can find on you tube.
Angus Young from AC/DC because if it were not for him I might not be a musician.
Ian Lambe from the Doolin (Co Clare) years as he is one of the finest guitarists I have ever heard in a session.I am typing on my iPod and my thumbs are tired I am giving up. There are some great players out there and for any we remember there will be more forgotten.
i will risk mentioning an earlier omission on my part. it suprises me (actually i suppose this isnt really the site but hey) that nobody has mentioned dave gilmour. i mean the guy is a legend in intuition and his prowess has been proven many times. and on a possibly risky one, i have had this before, but tommy emanuel. i accept he is good but i have seen so many that can and have surpassed him in pretty much every style. on a personal note his version of classical gas was not good, it was just a different song.
I mentioned Gilmour, up^ on my insufferable “Bests” list.
Though I do love that Johnny Rotten was recurited for the Sex Pistols when he was spotted strolling around London in his artfully torn “F**k Pink Floyd” t-shirt.
This guy is pretty good for his age. Was touring with Tommy Emmanuel over here recently, Tommy has since retired and is taking lessons. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnKmcRSh80g
I dont believe that there IS such a thing as "the best" .... but if you asked me who was the most IMPORTANT Guitarist in the last 100 yeaars I'd say it was .....without a doubt...
............Django Reinhardt.............
That "Manitas..." fella in the first video posted is a bit of a chancer I reckon. Paco de Lucia, Django, Neil Young (being of a primitive bent meself like) all worthy suggestions. Love this early clip of Tomatito for his vitality and duende/nyah etc....
(Mark Knopfler?...Gerrup de garden willya! )
If I had to choose one who was even vaguely related to our genre it would be Tony McManus. If you don't believe me grab yerself a copy of "Return to Kintail."
Or, alternatively, anyone who can play respectably apposite chords all the way through a set of three tunes, quietly and unobtrusively. Yes, I know, no need to tell me, rocking horse shi*t...
When I want to appreciate listening to solo guitar music, I find what I enjoy best are the styles of Spanish, Flamenco and Classical. I just think that those genres of music are where solo guitar sounds most at home and pure.
it's not all about neck-teek, not by a long shot, is it.....favorites, no order, no classical/flamenco cuz it's not my patch of ground...
django reinhardt
charlie christian
reverend gary davis
blind blake
bb king
robert johnson
charley patton
muddy waters
chuck berry
chet atkins
john fahey
buddy guy
jimi hendrix
duane allman
fred "sonic" smith&wayne kramer (MC5)
tom verlaine
carlos santana
Tony McManus is what Michael Jackson's doctor should have prescribed instead of the propofol.
Other equally mogadonic attempts at playing traditional melodies on the acoustic guitar: John Renbourn and Pierre Bensusan. It just plain doesn't work, any more than playing lullabies on the GHB or sea shanties on the church pipe organ.
Electric can get nearer, since it doesn't have the same built-in inequalities of volume and timbre between notes taken on different strings, and has adequate sustain - it can phrase a melody much more like a voice/fiddle/flute. And it can also do what Seasick Steve gets it to do, which wouldn't put anybody to sleep.
Plectrum: Django
Fingerstyle : Ted Greene
Underrated: Chuck Wayne
Influential: Tony Rice
Pioneers: Segovia(classical)/ Doc Watson(folk/old timey)
Versatility : Joe Pass
Ragtime : Dave Laibman
As a second instrument : Mark O'Connor(fiddler)
I don't know whether what you said about McManus was good or bad, Jack. Michael who? I was thinking more about his accompaniment on that recording, though if anyone can do chunes on his axe he can.
Ok Dogmageek, sure, Jerry Garcia was pretty good for a noodler.
But no where near the calibur of Paco and Al, who also sound better with John Mcglaughlin out of the way.IMHO. Here's another of Paco and Al with Mcglaughlin out of the way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlaCZ106b5w&NR=1
I always felt that Mr. DiMeola was all sound and fury, certainly a great athelete, I will give you that. The Maynard Ferguson of the guitar world, if you will. If we are talking contemporary jazz, I will go with Pat Metheny.
But Metheny has done so much more than the lyrical stuff he was originally known for. And there is nothing wrong with being lyrical when you do it as well as he does. There is so much more going on in his body of work than in Kenny G's. It ain't how many notes you play, it is how you play the notes that counts.
Here is a good guitar quote regarding ITM accompaniment from someone I just played with recently, "The best way to accompany this music is to think what Charlie Lennon would be doing, and try to imitate it on guitar." A pretty good philosophy, if I do say so myself!
Oh yeah I'm with ya Al, Methany has a niche that I appreciate regularly.
Secret Story and Imaginary Day spend time in my cd player for long drives.
I didn't say that I call him the Kenny G. of the guitar. But I know many people who do.
Johnny Thunders, Walture Lure, Tom Verlain, Ron Ashton(rip), James Williamson. Robert Johnson. Billy Zoom of X is awesome! I'll even throw Joe Strummer in there. He's no great guitarist but what an inspiration!
For all time tasty licks and probably the most recorded studio guitarist, I'll go with Larry Carlton.
He was responsible for most every classic lick done on all the Steely Dan projects.
Here check him out playing some Steely Danesque stuff with Lee Ritenour. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfchN7G-oQk&feature=related
Tony "the man" McManus
Django "the man who inspired many's a jazz cigarette" Reinhardt
Tony "get a bucket of water, he's on fire" Rice
All have at one point or another made me want to laugh cry and smash my guitar.
The break Tony Rice played on "Whitewater" (Track 1) from Bela Fleck's album "Drive" really really feckin blew my mind first time I spun the disk. Check it out.
I still say it's a stupid question: there's nothing to be learned here. Rather, there's exactly one thing to be learned here, and that's something you ought to know already: the only good answer to this sort of question is to un-ask it. To leave it behind, and go listen to something you want to hear, or something you haven't heard.
Is Laphroaig better than Caol Ila? Is Chandler better than Hammett? Is Amado better than Saramago? Is the fiddle better than the flute? Is Matt Molloy better than Tommy Peoples?
Suppose I told you that June Tabor was a better singer than Emmylou Harris. Suppose, too, that you disagreed. How would you convince me? I've heard just about everything either of them has ever recorded - what can you tell me that will change my mind?
It's a stupid question. Doesn't mean you can't have fun listing your favorite guitarists, but why not just say "who are your favorite guitarists", if that's what you want? "World's best guitarist"? What would that mean? What would it mean if Mark Knopfler were the best, and I was in a mood to hear Bill Frisell? Would I be wrong? Or would it be a stupid question?
What if you found out, on unimpeachable evidence, that the best guitarist in the world was Jim Jenkins of Norman, Oklahoma, who died in 1935, never having recorded a lick? Would you give up? Would you look for the second-best?
What if you found out, again on irrefutable proofs, that the best guitarist in the world, to nine decimal places, was Pat Matheny - and you didn't like Pat Matheny's playing? (I don't, not even a little bit) Would you could yourself out of luck? A loser in the game of favorites? Would you listen to Matheny, gritting your teeth in disgust, because he turned out to be the best?
Or would you just listen to all of these guitarists listed here, and more, as the mood struck you? If that's your answer, congratulations. You've found the only right answer: to un-ask the question. And you've demonstrated that there's no point in asking it in the first place.
So yes, Virginia, there are stupid questions. Any other questions?
So you're so committed to the idea that all questions are equally valid and all points of view should be respected that you consider it a prima facie sign of mental instability if someone questions you in that view?
I'm sorry, but you're really not impressing me as the brightest bulb in the chandelier. If you're going to try to be clever, aim somewhere other than the foot next time.
Can I throw Dick Gaughan into the mix. Not saying he's necessarily the "Worlds Best", but I enjoy listening to his guitar playing more than any of the others on the eminent lists posted here that I've heard. Listen to "Coppers And Brass" and some of the playing on "Handful Of Earth". Does it for me!
There are such things as stupid questions. This is information I like imparting to undergraduates early in the semester.
Also, arguing that someone might be insane because you disagree with their point of view is a little bit lame. Most of the time. Or that's what the aliens told me anyway.
That Dick Gaughan post sort of hits the nail on the head. His guitar playing for his own singing is superlative. Come to think of it, Nic Jones is in that category too. I read somewhere (I wouldn't know myself) that Nic's playing isn't very technical. I care not a jot. It's 100% perfect for him and his songs, which is what matters I reckon.
There are such things as stupid questions......
...that's the most sensible thing anyone wrote in this whole discussion.
Which is the best fruit ?
I say it's blueberries, and I'll beat the pips out of anyone who disagrees with me.
SO THERE !
None of those island malts are to my taste. They all taste like medicine. Give me a nice Speyside any day. (Hmm, isn't that sort of the point of this discussion - that tastes vary?)
Dick Gaughan is a good example to chew on, technically he is rough around the edges. But his playing serves the songs so well, and has such drive and energy. And his voice is nothing to write home about either. But there is something magical at the heart of it all that makes him brilliant!
"Dick Gaughan ...technically he is rough around the edges"
I couldn't disagree more. Technically he is brilliant. His voice is great too. It is full of passion and power. It is not operatic, that is true, but I have never liked opera anyway.
Sorry, I realise you were largely being complimentary about him but he has done so much for advancing the position of the guitar in traditional music being, I think, the first person to introduce flatpicking Scottish and Irish tunes to the guitar.
Plus I was at his gig last night in Leith. Brilliant.
I'm with NCFA on that one, Al. I've heard Dick live three times close up in small venues and you wouldn't want to be picking holes in his guitar playing at all. Not only that, it's flexible - he's no one-trick pony. He's a bit avid with his tuning-up, though! I also think his voice is perfect for his songs. We don't use Pavarotti as our benchmark, do we? But I know what you mean about magic at the heart. Consider Woody Guthrie, in my opinion the finest thing ever to come out of the US. He was a bit of a strummer at best (he famously said that anyone who used more'n two chords in a song was just showin' off ), he had a thin, whiney voice, and - don't get me started on his harmonica playing!
The 21 year old cask stuff sound expensive but nice, loved the 17 year old but consider the 10 year old to be the best all rounder from that stable 46% just add a splash of water, instant party, in my head at least.
I'm with NCFA & Steve regarding Gaughan being handy and not just for trad songs, try getting a blast of "neck deep in the big muddy" in your lug at 5 paces and tell me he's rough around the edges.
@Al Brown While I more than respect yer opinion, suggesting King Dick's voice "is nothing to write home about...." does the man a grave disservice. Personally I find it rough/soulful laden with wonderful phrasing and ornamentation. Each to their own I guess...
Nice to hear Nic Jones get some recognition, Canadee-i-o being an absolute gem for example. Seamie O Dowd and Paul Brady also deserve a mention, being other fine exponents of intricate and sensitive guitar accompaniment as well as fine singers.
Which would be better, Lenny Breau improvising under the influence of quadruple-distilled Bruichladdich, or Tommy Emmanuel improvising under the influence of 27-year-old Tomintoul? (And no fair bringing "Hendrix under the influence of Owsley tabs" into the discussion.)
"Consider Woody Guthrie, in my opinion the finest thing ever to come out of the US." Well said Steve Shaw, well said indeed. As for Gaughan, I've seen him many, many times and like has been said earlier his superlative playing is 100% complimentary to his superlative voice singing his superlative songs. He's the man.
I agree with everyone who disagreed with me about Dick Gaughan, which means I didn't express myself very well. What I was trying to say is that he is an example of how judging people by some sort of classical standards can so often miss the mark. Someone judging him by the quality of his voice and precision of his playing might overlook him, but that would be their loss. It is what is at the heart of the music that is important, and his playing and singing gets right to that heart. If people thought I was criticizing Mr. Gaughan, they missed my point.
I knew you weren't criticising Dick, Al. It is clear from your post you are a fan. I was just disagreeing with the idea that his guitar playing is not precise.
btw, this crowd might well enjoy the new autobio by keith richards (himself worth a place on our lists here during his best times as a rhythm riffer) titled "life." regardless of what you think of his lifestyle choices and the plummet in quality of playing standards in his band after, oh, 1975, 1995 or so, this man is an extremely knowledgeable and passionate lover of the guitar and guitar playing, and the book is packed with material on the instrument and its exponents. keith richards lives for guitar, guitarists, guitar styles, etc, and reading his take on these topics and the joy it brings him is worth the price of the tome....
Props to ceemonster for mentioning Fahey. My favorite guitarist. Hard to say what's "best"-- technical skill doesn't always equate tastefulness. Guitarist Cacho Tirao, for example, remarked later in his life that he wished he developed better tone in his youth instead of playing fast and showy all the time.
Also: Django's great, but don't forget Oscar Aleman!
I saw Bert Jansch live in San Francisco a few years back and his playing was phenomenal, hands on autopilot. Even as he drank more beer and forgot more words, he still played great!
World's best guitarist
World's best guitarist
not necessarily a traditional thing, but nevertheless its a musical question. in your opinions who would you say is the best guitarist ever. i would say mark knopfler.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by James Morgan
Re: World's best guitarist
I know a few who aren't....
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: World's best guitarist
Paco De Lucia
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
Bodhran Bliss.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by browndog
Re: World's best guitarist
good call peace! dont forget paco pena. but i think its a personal thing and dependant on style. i do quite like the styles of antoine dufour, and andy mckee, trace bundy and eric mongrain. very intuitive and talented. though when you see the likes of sungha jung you have got to ask just how good he will be when he's older.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by christofloffer
Re: World's best guitarist
I think this may have been debated on here before and Mark Knopfler didn't figure highly on that occassion either. I'd be interested to know why you rate him above Jimi Hendrix,Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Jeff Beck, Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, Peter Green, Ry Cooder, Neil Young, Ali Farka Toure, Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Scotty Moore, Richard Thompson or 100's of others I could mention. Knoff is good but not that good.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by strayaway
Re: World's best guitarist
Note the question:
"in your opinions who would you say is the best guitarist ever. i would say mark knopfler."
It's still a stupid question, but he's not asking anyone to agree with him, so there's no point in asking him to defend his view. He's asking for your opinions, which will also be indefensible.
For my money, anyone who can name one "best player of instrument X in the world" isn't listening to enough music, and anyone who bothers to argue about the question really ought to move out of their mother's house and smoke a lot less weed, but that's just my opinion.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
They are all shight.
All six string devil botherers, including me, are shight and they have all ruined all music over the last 60 odd years with their stupid over amplified BLooZ noodling in the name of extemporization, chronic inability to pick up and play an actual tune and their obsession with harmonic sequences over broader musical content.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by yhaalhouse
Re: World's best guitarist
my preference of mark knopfler over all them other guitarists strayaway mentioned is due to the fact i like his original material more than i like any of the other's material. they are all perfect guitarists, gallagher would be another one i would add to the list.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by James Morgan
Re: World's best guitarist
You're right on one point Jon, which is placing one particular player as "The Best" I think a better way to put the question so your hackles don't get raised is "Who is your favorite"
But we all must realise, there is no such thing as a stupid question.
When I say that Paco De Lucia is best, I'm refering to the player whose music I've been enjoying the most recently.
I think this is a very good question that gets people listening to more variety. We hear who each others favorite players are and give them a listen.
I've known about Paco Pena for years but hadn't listened to him as much as Paco De Lucia but now that I've heard what christofloffer had to say, I'll certainly be listening to more Paco Pena. As well as what others here have to say. I'm listening.
Please proceed folks!
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Gone to work
Who is your favorite guitarist in the world
No need for competition.
No need for argument.
Don't call peoples questions stupid!
All we need are thoughtful ideas about who you like.
Whose guitar playing inspires you to become a better player.
Whose carrying of the torch makes you yearn to hear more.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Gone to work
????????????
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
Jon, Now that you've taken part maybe you should just smoke a bit less yourself or in the case around here, you can't get that stuff no more which as I'm sure you know is by another rather fine guitar player - Tampa Red
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by strayaway
Re: World's best guitarist
Julian Bream.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: World's best guitarist
Django Reinhardt
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Why Bother?
Re: World's best guitarist
I thought he played the lute! Mind you so does Richie Blackmore these days, funny old world.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by strayaway
Re: World's best guitarist
Bream that is, not Django who I very much like.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by strayaway
Re: World's best guitarist
For many years, I would have replied that I respected Andres Segovia above all others.
Today I'm feeling that Joe Pass is da man.
Ask me again tomorrow.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by oldstrings
Re: World's best guitarist
For Irish guitar I've been liking Arty McGlynn and Paul Brady for years now both together and on their own.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzE439U5iMI
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
Johnny Ramone
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: World's best guitarist
On the home front (Ireland) Louis Steward takes some beating but I loved the style of Chet Atkins.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Free Reed
Re: World's best guitarist
Buckethead?
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by HK
Re: World's best guitarist
That guy on youtube.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by EnDaC
Re: World's best guitarist
Hell, I'll bite.
This list is definitive and well-considered. Sort of. Any predictable names are there for good reason.
Best jazz player: Lenny Breau (R.I.P.)
Best country picker: Danny Gatton (R.I.P.)
Best Irish trad backer: John Doyle
Best acoustic player, any genre: Tommy Emmanuel
Best bluegrass flat picker: Bryan Sutton
Best blues player: S. R. Vaughan (R.I.P.)
Best Brazilian samba/bossa nova player: Joao Gilberto
Best gypsy/manouche player: Joscho Stephan
Best flamenco player: Carlos Montoya (R.I.P.), I mean, who else?
Best rock player: J. Hendrix (R.I.P.)
Best electric tone discoverer: (tie) R. Fripp, J. Beck, D. Gilmour, C. Santana, J. Page
Best classical player: (tie) John Williams, Narciso Yepes (R.I.P.), Andres Segovia (R.I.P.)
Best instinctive, primitive player, with zero chops: (tie) Neil Young, Jack White
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by NEW Pure Drop® Ear Canal Oil
Re: World's best guitarist
Or, as EnDaC says: that guy on youtube.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by NEW Pure Drop® Ear Canal Oil
Re: World's best guitarist
This guy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTQtA09Rq14
I saw him playing in the sixties. His guitar was covered in paintings by Picasso. In this clip he is just improvising at suggestions from his host. He must be 90 now and still playing.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by gam
Re: World's best guitarist
You heard about Eric Clapton leaving a Rory Gallagher Concert after 2 Songs when asked where he was going he said home to practise
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by glengarslasher
Re: World's best guitarist
Stochelo Rosenberg, Russ Barenberg and the other Berg dude...
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by pennhorse
Re: World's best guitarist
Bodhran Bliss.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by browndog
Another subject you know little about.
Ah well, keep trying.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by bodhran bliss
Re: World's best guitarist
Any guitarist who inspires me to practice.The guitarists I like all seem to have the ability to play right on the edge of their creativity which I find to be the most enjoyable and inspiring.
For trad right now I am enjoying Tim Edey from Australia who you can find on you tube.
Angus Young from AC/DC because if it were not for him I might not be a musician.
Ian Lambe from the Doolin (Co Clare) years as he is one of the finest guitarists I have ever heard in a session.I am typing on my iPod and my thumbs are tired I am giving up. There are some great players out there and for any we remember there will be more forgotten.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by gubnet
Re: World's best guitarist
Today I would say John Williams but in all time........considering everything...Django was amazing.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by bodhran bliss
Re: World's best guitarist
i will risk mentioning an earlier omission on my part. it suprises me (actually i suppose this isnt really the site but hey) that nobody has mentioned dave gilmour. i mean the guy is a legend in intuition and his prowess has been proven many times. and on a possibly risky one, i have had this before, but tommy emanuel. i accept he is good but i have seen so many that can and have surpassed him in pretty much every style. on a personal note his version of classical gas was not good, it was just a different song.
also though it will almost certainly be regected.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbndgwfG22k
this is a serious show of talent and practise.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by christofloffer
Re: World's best guitarist
"it suprises me (actually i suppose this isnt really the site but hey) that nobody has mentioned dave gilmour"
Oh, but I did - implicitly, at least.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: World's best guitarist
I mentioned Gilmour, up^ on my insufferable “Bests” list.
Though I do love that Johnny Rotten was recurited for the Sex Pistols when he was spotted strolling around London in his artfully torn “F**k Pink Floyd” t-shirt.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by NEW Pure Drop® Ear Canal Oil
Re: World's best guitarist
If I had to pick just one, it would probably be Julian Bream. But there are lots of close seconds.
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by Fiddler3
Re: World's best guitarist
or, "recruited"
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by NEW Pure Drop® Ear Canal Oil
Re: World's best guitarist
there cant be a best but on a purely technical basis i would say tommy emmanuel .
# Posted on January 11th 2011 by banjitar
Re: World's best guitarist
This guy is pretty good for his age. Was touring with Tommy Emmanuel over here recently, Tommy has since retired and is taking lessons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnKmcRSh80g
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by strayaway
Re: World's best guitarist
I dont believe that there IS such a thing as "the best" .... but if you asked me who was the most IMPORTANT Guitarist in the last 100 yeaars I'd say it was .....without a doubt...
............Django Reinhardt.............
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by zoukboy
Re: World's best guitarist
Anna Massie
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Alasdair Paul
Re: World's best guitarist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BCoZiSbGtY
That "Manitas..." fella in the first video posted is a bit of a chancer I reckon. Paco de Lucia, Django, Neil Young (being of a primitive bent meself like) all worthy suggestions. Love this early clip of Tomatito for his vitality and duende/nyah etc....
(Mark Knopfler?...Gerrup de garden willya! )
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by laguacamaya
Re: World's best guitarist
there was a man one time...... his name was Jimmi Hendrix...how quickly we forget
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Red Robin
Re: World's best guitarist
This thread has got me all fired up to look for more great players and I've found some amazing stuff. Among all the amazing players I've happened upon today, this guy is my favorite, for now anyway.
Here's Eduardo Issac, I'd never heard of him till today, I love this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he65QUZXoJQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XisMH19eMcs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnEStqhqfis&feature=related
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
If I had to choose one who was even vaguely related to our genre it would be Tony McManus. If you don't believe me grab yerself a copy of "Return to Kintail."
Or, alternatively, anyone who can play respectably apposite chords all the way through a set of three tunes, quietly and unobtrusively. Yes, I know, no need to tell me, rocking horse shi*t...
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: World's best guitarist
When I want to appreciate listening to solo guitar music, I find what I enjoy best are the styles of Spanish, Flamenco and Classical. I just think that those genres of music are where solo guitar sounds most at home and pure.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
it's not all about neck-teek, not by a long shot, is it.....favorites, no order, no classical/flamenco cuz it's not my patch of ground...
django reinhardt
charlie christian
reverend gary davis
blind blake
bb king
robert johnson
charley patton
muddy waters
chuck berry
chet atkins
john fahey
buddy guy
jimi hendrix
duane allman
fred "sonic" smith&wayne kramer (MC5)
tom verlaine
carlos santana
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by ceemonster
Re: World's best guitarist
Tony McManus is what Michael Jackson's doctor should have prescribed instead of the propofol.
Other equally mogadonic attempts at playing traditional melodies on the acoustic guitar: John Renbourn and Pierre Bensusan. It just plain doesn't work, any more than playing lullabies on the GHB or sea shanties on the church pipe organ.
Electric can get nearer, since it doesn't have the same built-in inequalities of volume and timbre between notes taken on different strings, and has adequate sustain - it can phrase a melody much more like a voice/fiddle/flute. And it can also do what Seasick Steve gets it to do, which wouldn't put anybody to sleep.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Jack Campin
Re: World's best guitarist
Plectrum: Django
Fingerstyle : Ted Greene
Underrated: Chuck Wayne
Influential: Tony Rice
Pioneers: Segovia(classical)/ Doc Watson(folk/old timey)
Versatility : Joe Pass
Ragtime : Dave Laibman
As a second instrument : Mark O'Connor(fiddler)
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Tony O'Rourke
Learn a proper instrument!
Stupid six string devil botherers have buggered up ALL music since they became electric, retro-cool and an apparently simple option...
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by yhaalhouse
Re: World's best guitarist
I don't know whether what you said about McManus was good or bad, Jack. Michael who? I was thinking more about his accompaniment on that recording, though if anyone can do chunes on his axe he can.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: World's best guitarist
i'm going with
jerry garcia and
john mcglaughlin
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by dogmageek
Re: World's best guitarist
I don't know why Al Di Meola hasn't been mentioned yet.
Here's my absolute favorite Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola duet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-W8RDu7Chc&feature=related
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
Ok Dogmageek, sure, Jerry Garcia was pretty good for a noodler.
But no where near the calibur of Paco and Al, who also sound better with John Mcglaughlin out of the way.IMHO. Here's another of Paco and Al with Mcglaughlin out of the way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlaCZ106b5w&NR=1
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
I always felt that Mr. DiMeola was all sound and fury, certainly a great athelete, I will give you that. The Maynard Ferguson of the guitar world, if you will. If we are talking contemporary jazz, I will go with Pat Metheny.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by AlBrown
Re: World's best guitarist
Pat Methany's pretty good too, but you know he does get called the Kenny G. of the guitar. But I won't mention that.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
Here's one where Mcglaughlin and Paco sound better with Al Di Meola out of the way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-SXt7H-eUk&feature=related
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
John Pizzarelli
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by ∅
Re: World's best guitarist
But Metheny has done so much more than the lyrical stuff he was originally known for. And there is nothing wrong with being lyrical when you do it as well as he does. There is so much more going on in his body of work than in Kenny G's. It ain't how many notes you play, it is how you play the notes that counts.
Here is a good guitar quote regarding ITM accompaniment from someone I just played with recently, "The best way to accompany this music is to think what Charlie Lennon would be doing, and try to imitate it on guitar." A pretty good philosophy, if I do say so myself!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by AlBrown
Re: World's best guitarist
Oh yeah I'm with ya Al, Methany has a niche that I appreciate regularly.
Secret Story and Imaginary Day spend time in my cd player for long drives.
I didn't say that I call him the Kenny G. of the guitar. But I know many people who do.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
Johnny Thunders, Walture Lure, Tom Verlain, Ron Ashton(rip), James Williamson. Robert Johnson. Billy Zoom of X is awesome! I'll even throw Joe Strummer in there. He's no great guitarist but what an inspiration!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by shanty
Re: World's best guitarist
@Bodhran Bliss; had to take the bait!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by browndog
Re: World's best guitarist
Oh and RIP Joe!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by shanty
Re: World's best guitarist
And frickin Johnny!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by shanty
Re: World's best guitarist
For all time tasty licks and probably the most recorded studio guitarist, I'll go with Larry Carlton.
He was responsible for most every classic lick done on all the Steely Dan projects.
Here check him out playing some Steely Danesque stuff with Lee Ritenour.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfchN7G-oQk&feature=related
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
You're all wrong. Here's the World's best guitarist
Lots of YouTube clips of this guy, and he's the most inspirational guitarist I've heard yet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVyUoVWoUjY&feature=related
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Will Harmon
Re: World's best guitarist
Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtV9Qem7zPw&feature=related
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Will Harmon
Re: World's best guitarist
Re: Peace: "There are no stupid questions"
Okay, but there *are* an awful lot of inquisitive idiots.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Will Harmon
Re: World's best guitarist
Another brilliant guitarist not mentioned yet, Tony Melendez: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuIkrsdrJLY&NR=1&feature=fvwp
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Will Harmon
Re: World's best guitarist
I dunno Willy, it's the smart folks who get inquisitive and ask questions.
The idiot's are the ones who never ask for help when they need it.
Tony Melendez, that's the dude that made the pope cry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shK0DZHd81E.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
Favorites include;
Tony "the man" McManus
Django "the man who inspired many's a jazz cigarette" Reinhardt
Tony "get a bucket of water, he's on fire" Rice
All have at one point or another made me want to laugh cry and smash my guitar.
The break Tony Rice played on "Whitewater" (Track 1) from Bela Fleck's album "Drive" really really feckin blew my mind first time I spun the disk. Check it out.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Solidmahog
Re: World's best guitarist
Peace, I didn't say all inquisitive people are idiots. I said there are a lot of inquisitive idiots out there.
(It was just a laff, thanks to a demotivational poster at www.despair.com)
Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning–Kruger_effect
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Will Harmon
Re: World's best guitarist
Sorry lads, fretted instruments just aren't expressive the way a fiddle can be....
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Will Harmon
Re: World's best guitarist
I still say it's a stupid question: there's nothing to be learned here. Rather, there's exactly one thing to be learned here, and that's something you ought to know already: the only good answer to this sort of question is to un-ask it. To leave it behind, and go listen to something you want to hear, or something you haven't heard.
Is Laphroaig better than Caol Ila? Is Chandler better than Hammett? Is Amado better than Saramago? Is the fiddle better than the flute? Is Matt Molloy better than Tommy Peoples?
Suppose I told you that June Tabor was a better singer than Emmylou Harris. Suppose, too, that you disagreed. How would you convince me? I've heard just about everything either of them has ever recorded - what can you tell me that will change my mind?
It's a stupid question. Doesn't mean you can't have fun listing your favorite guitarists, but why not just say "who are your favorite guitarists", if that's what you want? "World's best guitarist"? What would that mean? What would it mean if Mark Knopfler were the best, and I was in a mood to hear Bill Frisell? Would I be wrong? Or would it be a stupid question?
What if you found out, on unimpeachable evidence, that the best guitarist in the world was Jim Jenkins of Norman, Oklahoma, who died in 1935, never having recorded a lick? Would you give up? Would you look for the second-best?
What if you found out, again on irrefutable proofs, that the best guitarist in the world, to nine decimal places, was Pat Matheny - and you didn't like Pat Matheny's playing? (I don't, not even a little bit) Would you could yourself out of luck? A loser in the game of favorites? Would you listen to Matheny, gritting your teeth in disgust, because he turned out to be the best?
Or would you just listen to all of these guitarists listed here, and more, as the mood struck you? If that's your answer, congratulations. You've found the only right answer: to un-ask the question. And you've demonstrated that there's no point in asking it in the first place.
So yes, Virginia, there are stupid questions. Any other questions?
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: World's best guitarist
Yes, I do have 2 questions.
Did you forget to take your medication today Jon?
Or do you need to visit the doctor for a different medication?
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Gone to work
Re: World's best guitarist
So you're so committed to the idea that all questions are equally valid and all points of view should be respected that you consider it a prima facie sign of mental instability if someone questions you in that view?
I'm sorry, but you're really not impressing me as the brightest bulb in the chandelier. If you're going to try to be clever, aim somewhere other than the foot next time.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: World's best guitarist
Can I throw Dick Gaughan into the mix. Not saying he's necessarily the "Worlds Best", but I enjoy listening to his guitar playing more than any of the others on the eminent lists posted here that I've heard. Listen to "Coppers And Brass" and some of the playing on "Handful Of Earth". Does it for me!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by riverrunner
Re: World's best guitarist
Of course Laphroaig is better than Caol Ila. Tsk! I just thought of Chris Newman. He fully deserves a mention in this context.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: World's best guitarist
Lagavulin is better than Caol Ila and Laphroaig.
There are such things as stupid questions. This is information I like imparting to undergraduates early in the semester.
Also, arguing that someone might be insane because you disagree with their point of view is a little bit lame. Most of the time. Or that's what the aliens told me anyway.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: World's best guitarist
Only Talisker is better than Laphroaig.
That Dick Gaughan post sort of hits the nail on the head. His guitar playing for his own singing is superlative. Come to think of it, Nic Jones is in that category too. I read somewhere (I wouldn't know myself) that Nic's playing isn't very technical. I care not a jot. It's 100% perfect for him and his songs, which is what matters I reckon.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: World's best guitarist
There are such things as stupid questions......
...that's the most sensible thing anyone wrote in this whole discussion.
Which is the best fruit ?
I say it's blueberries, and I'll beat the pips out of anyone who disagrees with me.
SO THERE !
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Guernsey Pete
Re: World's best guitarist
Ardbeg is better than Talisker Lagavulin Laphroaig and Caol Ila, but Laphroaig is a close 2nd and Caol Ila is pants IMVHOTI.
But then again, it's all about personal taste.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Solidmahog
Re: World's best guitarist
Ardbeg is pretty awesome as well, especially their 21 year cask strength.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: World's best guitarist
"it´s all about personal taste"
It is indeed. For me, there´s nothing to touch Lagavulin !
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by murfbox
Re: World's best guitarist
My lips.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by gam
Re: World's best guitarist
None of those island malts are to my taste. They all taste like medicine. Give me a nice Speyside any day. (Hmm, isn't that sort of the point of this discussion - that tastes vary?)
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Red Menace
Re: World's best guitarist
Dick Gaughan is a good example to chew on, technically he is rough around the edges. But his playing serves the songs so well, and has such drive and energy. And his voice is nothing to write home about either. But there is something magical at the heart of it all that makes him brilliant!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by AlBrown
Re: World's best guitarist
"Dick Gaughan ...technically he is rough around the edges"
I couldn't disagree more. Technically he is brilliant. His voice is great too. It is full of passion and power. It is not operatic, that is true, but I have never liked opera anyway.
Sorry, I realise you were largely being complimentary about him but he has done so much for advancing the position of the guitar in traditional music being, I think, the first person to introduce flatpicking Scottish and Irish tunes to the guitar.
Plus I was at his gig last night in Leith. Brilliant.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: World's best guitarist
I'm with NCFA on that one, Al. I've heard Dick live three times close up in small venues and you wouldn't want to be picking holes in his guitar playing at all. Not only that, it's flexible - he's no one-trick pony. He's a bit avid with his tuning-up, though! I also think his voice is perfect for his songs. We don't use Pavarotti as our benchmark, do we? But I know what you mean about magic at the heart. Consider Woody Guthrie, in my opinion the finest thing ever to come out of the US. He was a bit of a strummer at best (he famously said that anyone who used more'n two chords in a song was just showin' off
), he had a thin, whiney voice, and - don't get me started on his harmonica playing!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: World's best guitarist
And I thought you couldn't get Ardbeg any more.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: World's best guitarist
Plenty Ardbeg out there.
The 21 year old cask stuff sound expensive but nice, loved the 17 year old but consider the 10 year old to be the best all rounder from that stable 46% just add a splash of water, instant party, in my head at least.
I'm with NCFA & Steve regarding Gaughan being handy and not just for trad songs, try getting a blast of "neck deep in the big muddy" in your lug at 5 paces and tell me he's rough around the edges.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Solidmahog
Re: World's best guitarist
@Al Brown While I more than respect yer opinion, suggesting King Dick's voice "is nothing to write home about...." does the man a grave disservice. Personally I find it rough/soulful laden with wonderful phrasing and ornamentation. Each to their own I guess...
Nice to hear Nic Jones get some recognition, Canadee-i-o being an absolute gem for example. Seamie O Dowd and Paul Brady also deserve a mention, being other fine exponents of intricate and sensitive guitar accompaniment as well as fine singers.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by laguacamaya
Re: World's best guitarist
Sorry - a little late I know but:
Gubnet - "For trad right now I am enjoying Tim Edey from Australia who you can find on you tube"
What? Tim is a genius for sure but he is from Kent and not Australia.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: World's best guitarist
Are you sure he's not simply denying he's from Oz because of the Ashes fiasco?
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Steve Shaw
Re: World's best guitarist
Keith Moon.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Jimmy B
Re: World's best guitarist
Tom Verlaine?
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Rudall the time
Re: World's best guitarist
Nope - although I would agree that losing to England at anything must surely be seen as a fiasco.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: World's best guitarist
I liked it when Strauss pointed out that they (England) weren't really on form.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by ethical blend
Re: World's best guitarist
So, it all comes down to this:
Which would be better, Lenny Breau improvising under the influence of quadruple-distilled Bruichladdich, or Tommy Emmanuel improvising under the influence of 27-year-old Tomintoul? (And no fair bringing "Hendrix under the influence of Owsley tabs" into the discussion.)
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by NEW Pure Drop® Ear Canal Oil
Re: World's best guitarist
"Consider Woody Guthrie, in my opinion the finest thing ever to come out of the US." Well said Steve Shaw, well said indeed. As for Gaughan, I've seen him many, many times and like has been said earlier his superlative playing is 100% complimentary to his superlative voice singing his superlative songs. He's the man.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by strayaway
Re: World's best guitarist
I agree with everyone who disagreed with me about Dick Gaughan, which means I didn't express myself very well. What I was trying to say is that he is an example of how judging people by some sort of classical standards can so often miss the mark. Someone judging him by the quality of his voice and precision of his playing might overlook him, but that would be their loss. It is what is at the heart of the music that is important, and his playing and singing gets right to that heart. If people thought I was criticizing Mr. Gaughan, they missed my point.
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by AlBrown
Re: World's best guitarist
Francis Rossi of Status Quo!
Well, you must admit, he must have talent, considering he's managed to make a successful career out of playing 3 chords!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Ptarmigan
Re: World's best guitarist
I knew you weren't criticising Dick, Al. It is clear from your post you are a fan. I was just disagreeing with the idea that his guitar playing is not precise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ29XRvoNHI
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by No Cause For Alarm
Re: World's best guitarist
All right, NFCA, I have been beaten into submission!
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by AlBrown
Re: World's best guitarist
there was a man one time...... his name was Jimmi Hendrix...how quickly we forget
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by Red Robin
Not as good as the old man who lives down the street from me, name of Jim Armstrong.
But I also loved Johnny Fean of Horslips....
# Posted on January 12th 2011 by bodhran bliss
Re: World's best guitarist
Dracapalley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq1KLOQluSQ
Well, she's the prettiest anyway.
# Posted on January 13th 2011 by gam
Re: World's best guitarist
We used to have this argument in school, if I remember rightly. It's a bit "adolescent male" isn't it?
# Posted on January 13th 2011 by Bren
Re: World's best guitarist
btw, this crowd might well enjoy the new autobio by keith richards (himself worth a place on our lists here during his best times as a rhythm riffer) titled "life." regardless of what you think of his lifestyle choices and the plummet in quality of playing standards in his band after, oh, 1975, 1995 or so, this man is an extremely knowledgeable and passionate lover of the guitar and guitar playing, and the book is packed with material on the instrument and its exponents. keith richards lives for guitar, guitarists, guitar styles, etc, and reading his take on these topics and the joy it brings him is worth the price of the tome....
# Posted on January 13th 2011 by ceemonster
Re: World's best guitarist
sorry, didn't mean "1995," i meant, 1975 to 1985 or so at the latest...
# Posted on January 13th 2011 by ceemonster
Re: World's best guitarist
I've got the book ceemonster and must start reading it very soon.
# Posted on January 13th 2011 by strayaway
Re: World's best guitarist
Soig Siberil
# Posted on January 13th 2011 by iwerzon
Re: World's best guitarist
Martin Simpson
# Posted on January 13th 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: World's best guitarist
How dare you Dick....
NEVER KNOCK THE QUO!
# Posted on January 15th 2011 by Hugo Chavez
Re: World's best guitarist
Lets not forget the guitar players who influenced generations of guitar players in the 50s and 60s.....Bert Weedon/Les Paul
# Posted on January 15th 2011 by Free Reed
Re: World's best guitarist
Props to ceemonster for mentioning Fahey. My favorite guitarist. Hard to say what's "best"-- technical skill doesn't always equate tastefulness. Guitarist Cacho Tirao, for example, remarked later in his life that he wished he developed better tone in his youth instead of playing fast and showy all the time.
Also: Django's great, but don't forget Oscar Aleman!
I saw Bert Jansch live in San Francisco a few years back and his playing was phenomenal, hands on autopilot. Even as he drank more beer and forgot more words, he still played great!
# Posted on January 15th 2011 by Resodan
Re: World's best guitarist
Maybelle Carter.
# Posted on January 15th 2011 by Bob himself
Re: World's best guitarist
Roy Clark
# Posted on January 16th 2011 by dogmageek
Re: World's best guitarist
Andres Segovia
# Posted on January 17th 2011 by Invincible
Re: World's best guitarist
I agree silly question, but I also note Les Paul has not been mentioned. Neither have some really fine lesser lights...
# Posted on January 17th 2011 by cboody
Re: World's best guitarist
I love Mark Knopfler above all else.
To me he is, and always will be, the best.
# Posted on October 19th 2011 by merrygoround
Re: World's best guitarist
Grandpa Jones
# Posted on October 19th 2011 by Solidmahog