Quote:
Originally posted by skullfunk
I think some of you are confusing over/underrated guitarists with good/bad guitarists. Someone's ability to play guitar does not have anything to do with his ability to write music.
The Beatles will never be remembered for their musical talent, but their mark in music history is deep because they knew that music doesn't have to be complicated to be beautiful or revolutionary. Bob Dylan is remembered because his music was great, in spite of a below average voice.
You can't fairly judge someone on his guitar playing ability when he makes no claims to be good. Also, people who are calling Kurt Cobain overrated--who has ever said he was an expert guitarist? If somebody thinks he is a great guitarist, please elaborate.
That said, I think Ace Frehley is a good guitarist, but he has to be considered overrated, because he couldn't perform some of his studio solos live. This doesn't make him a bad guitarist, but it does make the perception of him overrated if anything. An underrated guitarist wouldn't be limited by his own band's playlist.
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Excellent post. Very valid points.
At this point I think everyone in here would expect me to jump all over you about the Ace Frehely statement, but truth is I agree with you. He was usually too stoned to do anything good in concert. He was a prime example of more flash than substance.
I'll say it again, I think Bruce Kulick was the best guitarist KISS had. But, since he was the 4th one, he is overlooked.
As far as my (and a lot of others) bashing on Jack White. He is the same thing, more flash than substance.
After reading your comments skullfunk, I am pressed to defend artists like Clapton, Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen from some of the negative votes they are getting here. Their styles may seem old and tired now, but they've been around over 20 years.
Hendrix was an inovator. He changed the way people played the guitar. I could elaborate for days, but I won't.
The same can be said about Clapton and Eddie too. Eric has always bucked the trend of loud and fast playing, while Eddie embraced it and took it to another level.
I would imagine off the comments about Jimi and the gang are from the younger generation. To them I say, don't confuse over-hype with over-rated.