So you like guitar based music?
OK, depends how far back you want to go but you kinda need to start with some early stuff and work your way through musical history if you really want to appreciate the guys who are up and coming today. Here are some tips and guides to bands who have lead the way.
The Who: Pete Townshend is a guitar legend and much of their back catalogue, early stuff back to the 1960's, is now available on DVD or iTunes.
Free: Paul Kossoff unfortunately died very young but he is essential listening for any budding guitarist. Lead singer Paul Rogers went on to found another great band, Bad Company, after Kossoff's death and now sings and tours with Queen.
Queen: Brian May is legend! Listen to the albums from Queen II onwards. You might like the track '39' on A Night at the Opera.
Eric Clapton: Yet another legend. Started his career with The Yardbirds, then Cream, then Derek and the Domino's. Reckoned to be the finest white blues player in the world. Listen to the ubiquitous unplugged album. Incidentally, the backing guitarist on that concert tour and album is a lesser known, but equally brilliant player, called Andy Fairweather-Lowe.
Jimi Hendrix: Broke the mould in many ways. Virtuoso player as well as incredible songwriter. Sadly missed.
Jan Akkerman: Dutch classical lute and guitar player. Famous for the progressive and experimental rock played with the band Focus. Listen to a rare album called Hamburger Concerto. Can guarantee that after 2 or three hearings, you will be hooked!
Lindsey Buckingham: Singer/songwriter/guitar with Fleetwood Mac. Under-rated. Just listed very closely and carefully to his intonation. The art of making a simple melody work.
Nuno Bettancourt: Lead guitar with the band Extreme. Again a virtuoso player and songwriter.
Yes: The early stuff is played by Chris Squires who has a unique style. One of the first real 'supergroups' they were huge, broke up into solo projects, met new musicians (lead singer Jon Anderson worked with Vangelis, keyboard player Rick Wakeman had some huge solo albums) then ended up drifting back together via uber producer Trevor Horn. Joined by one of the finest guitarist/composers, Trevor Rabin, who now writes big movie soundtracks as well as still playing with Yes on tour.
AC/DC: Angus Young has been at it for many years and really knows how to lay down a rock riff.
Up to date: Chris Cornell. Lead singer/songwriter/guitar with Audioslave and Soundgarden. Now solo.
John Meyer: Great songwriting and playing.
These are a tiny drop in the ocean, but might start you off on the path to greater understanding!
Happy listening!
Knight
