What are you listening to?

[WaffleJaw]

Originally Posted by WTL

I think I missed that one. No way either Van Halen or Gossard is better than Hendrix. I think both guitarists would even concede that. Van Halen might have been quicker, but several guitarists have been faster, that doesnt make them better (do a youtube search on Ygnewie Malmsteen).

PS, Stairway to Heaven is Led Zeppelin and couldnt have been covered by Hendrix as he was dead by the time it was written.

The reason I say Gossard was better than both is because his playing actually makes my hair stand up.Especially the solo in ''Alive''.
Thats just my opinion since Hendrix could never do that.
I think Hendrix is overrated to an extent.I dont think he was that well-rounded.There are a ton of gutarist out there that are technically sharper,not faster or anything (speed doesnt equal great as you stated and your completey right)but they command the guitar better,and have a broader harmonic understanding, sense of playability,and adapting many different styles.(Hendrix only adapted a few,but in another argument is still more than most)
Look around at how many young students can play ''Voodoo Child'' ''All Along the Watchtower'' ''Hey Joe'' probably his entire discography...You think that same student could turn around and learn John Petrucci's technical/progressive guitar work in Dream Theater's Metropolis - Part I?
Now was he an innovator?..Absolutely!..I take nothing away from him and I will say he deserves that respect...Incorporating Jazz/Blues/Rock together and not to mention a great song writer.
I just think compared to today standards Hendrix doesnt take first..He cast a big shadow that alot of people have a hard time getting out of.He did great things in his day,and he did revolutionize/innovate the guitar.
But so did.
Pete Townshend
Les Paul
Robert Fripp
Keith Richards
Chuck Berry
Zappa
Tom Morello
John Petrucci
Just to name a few...All Innovators and staples in there own way ,and that is why the greatest guitarist could never be crowned...Because when it comes to skill,Hendrix was adequate.What he did was put his soul into the music...and that is what makes him great.