A friend of mine and I were having a conversation last night about guitarists. He thinks Eric Clapton is the best guitarist in the world, as far as rock guitarists go. I think it's Eddie Van Halen.

I thought I'd put it to a vote.

Bill Nelson

They're "Best" in their respective categories. I say that knowing many will come in jumping on the Claption bandwagon simply because he's been playing for 200 years and it's the thing to do.

Frankly, although I like stuff from both of them they're also both boring as hell when compared to some other artists out there.

I vote the Music Forum.

Eddie VH is one of 2 guitarists in the history of rock that I think changed the way rock guitar is played. The other is Hendrix. Obviously many others have made contributions, but those 2 stand out above the rest. That's not to say anything of their talent vs. others, but as far as influence goes no one else is close in my book.

I don't know. Neither do it for me. I find Clapton boring and uninspiring. And though EVH's tapping was a trend setter, it got old fast.




Edit: Spelling

I agree, although I'd gladly take EVH any day. I'd still rather have Randy Rhoads or Kirk Hammett than either (or both).

How about you put it to a poll?

Eric Idle and Eddie Murphy are the greatest guitarists of all time.

Fixed.

Out of the two I'd say Clapton.

You can't compare those two. They're two completley different guitarists.

Anyway, Vai is better then both.

I'd probably agree if I wasn't so heavily sedated.


As for Clapton, I have never understood the appeal. His basically ripped off his style from old bluesmen, whil EVH created his own signature style.

I never understood the Eddie love. I mean, Van Halen is like unbearable to listen to.

Eric or Eddie? Between the two I say Eddie. If you make this a poll, you should include other greats like the above mentioned Tony Iommi and Joe Satriani. I also suggest including Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Brian May, and even Yngwie "J" Malmsteen.

Brian May

Steve Morse.

he doesn't play so well anymore...

There are different degrees of best. Neither is close although Eddie is certainly a better guitarist than Clapton (songwriter it goes the other way). Besides, Stevie Ray Vaughan gets my vote for greatest guitarist of all time.

If you want to know who's the best at playing their instrument while still sounding musical (I'm looking at you Great Kat), then your choices probably boil down to Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen. Malmsteen was around first, is less "out-there" and was a major influence on Vai so he gets the nod from me. Close behind those two are your Satrianis, Gilberts, Johnsons, Petruccis etc.. All technically (and usually musically) great guitarists, in varied genres.

Of course people will argue that flair just masks poor song writing and will want to mention the di Meolas et al of the classical world. Plus you have your Blues, your 70s rock Gods and all the other genres in which you could reasonably debate greatest guitarist of all time honors.

You really can't knock SRV in any aspect though. He can play a million miles an hour and make it sound just as soulful as when he hits one note and just shakes the hell out of it. If his cover of "Little Wing" doesn't move you, you have no business playing the damn instrument.

I agree with you for the most part, except the bit about SRV playing a million miles an hour.
He's a great great guitarist but was not known for his 'speed'. Listen to Paul Gilbert, Buckethead, George Bellas, Todd Duane et al for the 'million miles an hour guys'.
Also I don't think Vai was inspired by Malmsteen as they sound nothing alike.
Malmsteen inspired guys like Tony Macalpine and Vinnie Moore as well as many other neo-classical shredders.

Jimi.

End of discussion.

Eric.....but Eric Johnson.

Of the two? I'd say Clapton. Eddie was very innovative, but I don't remember him being able to make his guitar weep like Clapton. Course I never heard Clapton do the hammer on technique either. Hmmm...

I agree with you for the most part, except the bit about SRV playing a million miles an hour.
He was a great great guitarist but was not known for his 'speed'. Listen to Paul Gilbert, Buckethead, George Bellas, Todd Duane et al for the 'million miles an hour guys'.
Also I don't think Vai was inspired by Malmsteen as they sound nothing alike.
Malmsteen inspired guys like Tony Macalpine and Vinnie Moore as well as many other neo-classical shredders.