What, to you, makes "the best" guitarist?

[ArmsAreLoud]

Before I say anything, this is not the thread to say "lolopinions" or "no best guitarist", since they defeat the purpose of the discussion.

So, let us begin. What truly makes a great guitarist in your eyes? For me, technical ability is a good measurement simply because it is the only thing that can actually be measured. However, pure technical ability does not make "the best" guitarist; I quickly grew tired of Yngwie because he really didn't do anything other than shred, so musical talent is a close second, and like I said before, only behind technical ability because it cannot be accurately measured.

[My name is Fez]

Define "Musical Prowess."

Because my main requirement is simply songwriting and sound, annnd, that's about it.

I couldn't give two ****s about technical ability, honestly.

[Gowienczyk]

I couldn't care less about technical guitarists, a lot of technical guitarists have no songwriting ability or soul. Not to mention, I'd rather hear a noisy and sloppy riff from Duane Denison than a overclean and precise progression from Joe Pass and I love Joe Pass.

[zeldazeppelin]

I say what ever sounds epic and great to me is the best.

[WhiteManJohnson]

You can shred as fast as you can, that doesn't mean that it'll sound good though.

[afterstasis]

this varies wildly.

a guitarist can wow me with any mixture of innovative playing styles, catchy melodies, technical skill, outstanding use of effects, and honest emotional playing.

[thedoorsdk]

To me the best guitar player combines emotional playing with technical ability in a way that actually enhances the song, rather than merely being a showcase for technical skills.
My favorite guitar player is Duane Allman, and while he can play his ass off from a technical standpoint, it's always tasteful, effective within the context of the song, and comes across as being a true display of emotion.
While you can't measure emotional content, and it's going to be different for everyone, I feel as though it's the most important aspect of any musician. This is why I can't stand any of the so-called 'virtuosos' such as Vai, Satriani, Ygnwie, or EVH: I find them to be seriously lacking in emotional honesty.

[Lolicat]

Someone who can make me wanna dance/have sex/riot/all of these things.

[Fizzeler]

Since I listen to the blues I would say a mix of Musical Prowess and Technical Ability also, their ability to blend the guitar with the rest of the instrument (including miscellaneous instruments and vocals)

[My name is Fez]

I still wanna' know what "musical prowess" means. So far I'm going with who has the biggest music penis.

[Insane3]

I say that technical ability makes it easier for a guitarist to share his emotions. A musician with lots of technical ability doesn't means he plays to demonstrate that, it only means he can play very complex tabs.

So yes, I would say that technical ability is important.

But in the end, when I listen to a song, I simply care about how deep it brings me, which means song writing abilities.

[THE_T0XICITY]

Comming from a drummer:
Who ever just has the musical ability to make good music.
Popular or unpopular doesn't have anything to do with it.
#1 on the charts doesn't matter either. That only means what the media likes.

[Luur32]

A combination of everything, in my opinion.

A big factor to me is havin a good time while they play. You can be the most skilled guitarist in the world, but its not worth it if you dont enjoy what you do

[warthogdb]

The best guitarist inspires kids to stand in front of a mirror and strum a tennis racket while making rock star poses.


Someone who can make me wanna dance/have sex/riot/all of these things.

I'm also in for the dance sex riot.

[ArmsAreLoud]

Define "Musical Prowess."

Because my main requirement is simply songwriting and sound, annnd, that's about it.

I couldn't give two ****s about technical ability, honestly.

Musical prowess is basically whatever really good songwriting for you is. That's why it can't be measured; for some, it can be bare-bones angry punk, while for others it can be an epic 23 minute instrumental.

[King_Nuthin]

The best guitarist inspires kids to stand in front of a mirror and strum a tennis racket while making rock star poses.
I like this. On a musical level I go for the tone and ability to convey emotion through music. Therefore I'm less impressed by the ability to run scales at ridiculous speed than I am by the ability to squeeze out the last drops of soul from a big long note.

[My name is Fez]

Musical prowess is basically whatever really good songwriting for you is. That's why it can't be measured; for some, it can be bare-bones angry punk, while for others it can be an epic 23 minute instrumental.

Fair enough, that's my vote then.

[Insane3]

The best guitarist inspires kids to stand in front of a mirror and strum a tennis racket while making rock star poses.


You mean Jeff Stinco from Simple Plan?

[gmarsh]

certainly not popularity, and definetly not vh1's lists lol.
Not really sure, theres a lot of reasons to what makes a "great guitarist"

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

The ability to successfully combine exceptional showmanship, technicality, and raw emotion into a performance or song.

[l-o-t]

Whoever can give me the most goosebumps with just a riff/lick/solo.
Whoever can just make you stop and go "Whoa". Not necessarily just because of speed though. I can play fast but it doesn't make me comparable to, say, Hendrix. That guy was somthin' else.

[zeldazeppelin]

The ability to successfully combine exceptional showmanship, technicality, and raw emotion into a performance or song.

this works for a big part of my thinking along with if it sounds good to me

[Quinarvy]

The ability to successfully combine exceptional showmanship, technicality, and raw emotion into a performance or song.

This.

[Gowienczyk]

The ability to successfully combine exceptional showmanship, technicality, and raw emotion into a performance or song.

How boring.

[Runesmith]

Songwriting ability, creativity, emotional power, and tone.

I don't really care about technical ability.

[AstromonyDonime]

I would say how well the guitarist plays with the rest of the band.
A good guitarist should be able to compliment the bassist, drummer, and singer. He should consider how his playing fits in with how his bandmates are playing.
Also emotion.
EDIT: Of course, a guitarist isn't bad just because his band is bad. I have a deep respect for a good guitarist that can help an untalented band sound better.

[zeldazeppelin]

How boring.

I agree. I guess that why I like modest mouse and only find that to be a small part of what I think about

[a7xforlife]

Technicality and Musical Prowess combined for me. My favorite guitarist is John Petrucci

[Gowienczyk]

lolboring person.

[back_blows]

Am I the only person who doesn't give a crap about showmanship?

[Insane3]

Songwriting ability, creativity, emotional power, and tone.

I don't really care about technical ability.

Yes, but if a guitarist has a great technical ability, he will be able to replicate more easily his emotions. Technically able guitarists are not all show-offs.

[onidragon]

Someone who can make me wanna dance/have sex/riot/all of these things.

I'll go with this and move on with my life.

[Utoperitass]

The ability to take a single instrument and make it a full band.
Tony Iommi, he is legend.
To learn his solos is not a hard thing to do... But to actually sound like him is impossible. The man has alot of f***ing talent.
(and he only has two *real* fingers)

[warthogdb]

Yes, but if a guitarist has a great technical ability, he will be able to replicate more easily his emotions. Technically able guitarists are not all show-offs.

This is true. If you can't play, your expression can be limited. However, fighting through limitations to create something is often more authentic and personal than relying on schoolbook theory and technique to create something. My experience in writing with music school types is that often the spontaneity is sucked out and you wind up figuring out what "works" musically rather than finding the sound you hear in your head.

[Alright_Computer]

Out of these choices, I'm going to have to go with musical prowess according to the definition ArmsAreLoud posted earlier. I couldn't give a damn about technical proficiency. Beck's a pretty bad guitarist, and yet his solo at the end of "Jack-Ass" makes me feel more than Yngwie Malmsteen ever could.

[pokerguy94]

Having the name Jimmy Page

[moose39]

I like skill, creativity, and if a guitar solo gives you goosebumps.

All Along the Watchtower is a good example, as well as Whipping Post.

[WhiffleBallTony]

There isn't one defining quality. There are tons of things that make a guitarist great.

[TheClashTheClashTheClash]

Who ever makes better songs. I don't really enjoy songs that are just blazing solos (except Eruption). Look at Mick Jones, he doesn't shred like say Eddie Van Halen but he made so many great Clash tunes. Every song you hear by them (most that is) is made up by him. The Strummer/Jones combination is one of the greatest in music and their chemistry is what led to the popularity of the Clash.

[Boston Rocker]

any guitarist that can put on a show live and still do awesome

[Cosma]

To me technical ability and "musical prowess" go hand in hand. To see the master of an instrument on stage, solo or with a band, lost in his own world with the music seeming to flow from HIM not just his hands can't be beat. SRV, Hendrix, BB King are good examples of this. Alex Lifeson is a master of the guitar but I have rarely seen him in this state of personal nirvana, same with EVH.

[Alright_Computer]

To me technical ability and "musical prowess" go hand in hand. To see the master of an instrument on stage, solo or with a band, lost in his own world with the music seeming to flow from HIM not just his hands can't be beat. SRV, Hendrix, BB King are good examples of this. Alex Lifeson is a master of the guitar but I have rarely seen him in this state of personal nirvana, same with EVH.

Musical prowess doesn't necessarily just mean ability. It could also mean songwriting talent, stage presence, or any number of things.

[Cosma]

Musical prowess doesn't necessarily just mean ability. It could also mean songwriting talent, stage presence, or any number of things.

Didn't say prowess meant ability...not with the instrument anyway. Prowess to me, only dealing with the instrument, is the ability to take the listener with you on a trip. Whether it's a journey to the mind's eye or to the cliffs of dover, it doesn't matter. When a musician of any type can affect a response THAT is prowess. Malmsteen is ability, SRV was prowess. Both could shred but Yngwie never seemed to have any emotion to his music. SRV would be manic on one song and melancholy the next and you'd feel it.

[swet07]

To me it involes two components, ability to write awesome songs and be able to play very well.

that being said i think buckethead is one of the best ive seen but not #1

[chillzatl]

the poll lacks sufficient options:

To me it's a combination of things:

1. Technical Skill, the ability to play anything, effortlessly. Also having flawless picking and fretting technique and ability.

2. Creativity. #1, these days, is a dime a dozen. It's what a person does with it to set themselves apart that matters. This is why Buckethead is so well respected, he's got insane chops and a sound/style that nobody else has. This would also include players who work different styles into their playing and songs.

3. Musicanship. Can they get a decent song out of all that abilty? This is where guys like Yngwie crumble and guys like Slash, who is not the most technically talented guitarist, differ.

So for me, equal parts 1, 2 and 3. If I'm comparing guitarists and all those thigns are fairly equal it comes down to intangibles like heart, showmanship, etc.

[rowtheboat]

I love unpopularity