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Heroes
Everyone has their own guitar "hero." They may be someone who impressed you when you first started playing guitar. Or someone who has recently become popular. The Heroes section of Better Guitar will attempt to feature players who have made a significant contribution to the guitar vocabulary. I will start with a profile of them and their playing, then list some of their best recordings so you can check them out for yourself. There are lots of players who fit the bill, so don’t be upset if I haven’t included your hero.
Naturally, I will start with a few of my own heroes. I tend to like players who play with "emotion" or "feeling" over those who are technically flashy. I appreciate someone who has great technical ability, and my favorites usually do, but I prefer those who can use that ability to say something memorable. Hit me with a barrage of sixteenth notes and I will be impressed — but rarely moved. Play three notes that reach out and grab me, and I will remember.
Reader Heroes
Maybe it was a concert, or a CD (or an LP for us older players), or a song on the radio. There is usually one defining moment when we hear a player for the first time and they become our guitar hero. Here is your chance to tell the story of how a particular player became your hero. If you have an interesting story to tell, simply email me the story. Be sure to include the name of your hero and your name.
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Heroes
- Randy Bachman: Creative force behind two Canada’s most successful bands — The Guess Who and BTO.
- Peter Frampton: From Humble Pie to his solo career, often overlooked master of tone and tasteful guitar parts.
- George Harrison: From the Beatles to his solo career, an always underrated player.
- Phil Keaggy: Amazing electric and acoustic player who remains largely unknown.
- John McLaughlin: Rock/Jazz Fusion pioneer with a multifaceted career.
- Carlos Santana: One of the most unique voices on lead guitar.
- Robin Trower: Seventies guitar hero, with a monster tone and bluesy feel.