Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Jun 8, 2020 18:49:02 GMT
Queen’s Brian May has been named the greatest rock guitarist of all time by readers of Total Guitar magazine.The magazine had a shortlist of 170 players which they split into six categories: classic rock, blues, heavy metal, shred, indie/alternative and ‘best right now’. Fans got to have their say in an online poll – and it was May who came out on top of the rock category. Reacting to the news, May tells Total Guitar: “I’m absolutely speechless. I’m blown away. I have to say it’s completely unexpected. Obviously I’m deeply touched that people feel that way about me. I’m not under any illusions that, technically, I’m even on the tree of great guitarists. www.loudersound.com/news/queens-brian-may-voted-the-greatest-rock-guitarist-of-all-time
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Post by Chief Mouse on Jun 8, 2020 19:11:55 GMT
Good for him, I love how humble he is about it.
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Jun 8, 2020 20:32:06 GMT
It's really difficult to fault him, isn't it? He's such a lovely guy.
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Steve
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Post by Steve on Jun 8, 2020 21:38:05 GMT
Well done Bri. Well deserved.
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Post by The Real Wizard on Jun 9, 2020 17:32:01 GMT
Brian May's gentlemanly humility has always been one of his finest attributes, which has prompted me to add a small portion of what he left out.
Hendrix was a visionary. Page was eclectic. Angus was incendiary. Zappa was exploratory. Clapton was emotive.
Brian May was all of these things.
Hendrix wrote the book and laid down the red carpet, ushering in the next generation of players. But Brian May is on a whole other level from his peers - a composer trapped in a guitarist's body, who completely revolutionized the guitar in how it could be used in orchestration in the studio environment. A true scholar of his medium.
Until recent years May was rarely listed amongst the greats, because he didn't meet the (thankfully now outdated) criteria of fast, flashy solos. He has always been the tortoise, methodically crafting flourishes that serve the song in the same way a master chef garnishes a dish. Never outstaying his welcome, giving it exactly what it needs - and always with a sense of melody, making his guitar sing as distinctly as any voice (and that's saying something, given the greatest rock voice was in his band).
I'd opine that the pinnacle of his achievement was Good Company, which saw him create a Dixieland jazz band of trombone, trumpet, and clarinet - all with the guitar. On paper it sounds outrageous, but in practice it is precisely what his band's name implies - regal. It is a piece of compositional genius that remains unparalleled to this day.
Hindsight and perspective allow the true greats to be seen for what they are. And in Brian's case, it's obvious that he's atop that mountain because literally no-one has created anything remotely similar to his finest work ever since. An accreditation well deserved.
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Post by 85guild on Jun 9, 2020 18:54:16 GMT
"Hendrix was a visionary. Page was eclectic. Angus was incendiary. Zappa was exploratory. Clapton was emotive.
Brian May was all of these things."
Amen, that is well said.
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Jun 9, 2020 19:28:59 GMT
Brian May's gentlemanly humility has always been one of his finest attributes, which has prompted me to add a small portion of what he left out.
Hendrix was a visionary. Page was eclectic. Angus was incendiary. Zappa was exploratory. Clapton was emotive.
Brian May was all of these things.
Hendrix wrote the book and laid down the red carpet, ushering in the next generation of players. But Brian May is on a whole other level from his peers - a composer trapped in a guitarist's body, who completely revolutionized the guitar in how it could be used in orchestration in the studio environment. A true scholar of his medium.
Until recent years May was rarely listed amongst the greats, because he didn't meet the (thankfully now outdated) criteria of fast, flashy solos. He has always been the tortoise, methodically crafting flourishes that serve the song in the same way a master chef garnishes a dish. Never outstaying his welcome, giving it exactly what it needs - and always with a sense of melody, making his guitar sing as distinctly as any voice (and that's saying something, given the greatest rock voice was in his band).
I'd opine that the pinnacle of his achievement was Good Company, which saw him create a Dixieland jazz band of trombone, trumpet, and clarinet - all with the guitar. On paper it sounds outrageous, but in practice it is precisely what his band's name implies - regal. It is a piece of compositional genius that remains unparalleled to this day.
Hindsight and perspective allow the true greats to be seen for what they are. And in Brian's case, it's obvious that he's atop that mountain because literally no-one has created anything remotely similar to his finest work ever since. An accreditation well deserved.
Great post! I couldn't agree more. 👍 |
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Makka
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Post by Makka on Jun 10, 2020 6:22:20 GMT
Brian May's gentlemanly humility has always been one of his finest attributes, which has prompted me to add a small portion of what he left out.
Hendrix was a visionary. Page was eclectic. Angus was incendiary. Zappa was exploratory. Clapton was emotive.
Brian May was all of these things.
Hendrix wrote the book and laid down the red carpet, ushering in the next generation of players. But Brian May is on a whole other level from his peers - a composer trapped in a guitarist's body, who completely revolutionized the guitar in how it could be used in orchestration in the studio environment. A true scholar of his medium.
Until recent years May was rarely listed amongst the greats, because he didn't meet the (thankfully now outdated) criteria of fast, flashy solos. He has always been the tortoise, methodically crafting flourishes that serve the song in the same way a master chef garnishes a dish. Never outstaying his welcome, giving it exactly what it needs - and always with a sense of melody, making his guitar sing as distinctly as any voice (and that's saying something, given the greatest rock voice was in his band).
I'd opine that the pinnacle of his achievement was Good Company, which saw him create a Dixieland jazz band of trombone, trumpet, and clarinet - all with the guitar. On paper it sounds outrageous, but in practice it is precisely what his band's name implies - regal. It is a piece of compositional genius that remains unparalleled to this day.
Hindsight and perspective allow the true greats to be seen for what they are. And in Brian's case, it's obvious that he's atop that mountain because literally no-one has created anything remotely similar to his finest work ever since. An accreditation well deserved.
Yeah good post. He's very diverse in the styles that he can play. The dynamics in his playing style are extraordinary to study. Jimmy Page, although a fine guitarist in the studio, could be extremely sloppy when playing live. But so many guitarists to choose from and they're all very different. Very hard to pinpoint a Greatest Rock Guitarist of all time. Even jumping on YouTube or Instagram these days, there are so many amazing guitarists most people have never heard of. |
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Post by The Real Wizard on Jun 10, 2020 8:30:30 GMT
Yeah good post. He's very diverse in the styles that he can play. The dynamics in his playing style are extraordinary to study. Jimmy Page, although a fine guitarist in the studio, could be extremely sloppy when playing live. But so many guitarists to choose from and they're all very different. Very hard to pinpoint a Greatest Rock Guitarist of all time. Even jumping on YouTube or Instagram these days, there are so many amazing guitarists most people have never heard of. Yeah, indeed. If we go outside of rock then you get into Michael Hedges and Tommy Emmanuel territory, and none of the rock guys can touch them.
But for rock - in a perfect world Jeff Beck would share the top of Everest with Brian. He's just as unique, but in a whole other universe.
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Post by badboybez on Jun 10, 2020 8:35:44 GMT
As the No 1 guitarist reckon it's about time he delivered either something new, something old as in a re-released / re-mastered or even have his legacy put out in the digital world.
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Post by Ryan Newton on Jun 10, 2020 22:41:18 GMT
Brian May's gentlemanly humility has always been one of his finest attributes, which has prompted me to add a small portion of what he left out.
Hendrix was a visionary. Page was eclectic. Angus was incendiary. Zappa was exploratory. Clapton was emotive.
Brian May was all of these things.
Hendrix wrote the book and laid down the red carpet, ushering in the next generation of players. But Brian May is on a whole other level from his peers - a composer trapped in a guitarist's body, who completely revolutionized the guitar in how it could be used in orchestration in the studio environment. A true scholar of his medium.
Until recent years May was rarely listed amongst the greats, because he didn't meet the (thankfully now outdated) criteria of fast, flashy solos. He has always been the tortoise, methodically crafting flourishes that serve the song in the same way a master chef garnishes a dish. Never outstaying his welcome, giving it exactly what it needs - and always with a sense of melody, making his guitar sing as distinctly as any voice (and that's saying something, given the greatest rock voice was in his band).
I'd opine that the pinnacle of his achievement was Good Company, which saw him create a Dixieland jazz band of trombone, trumpet, and clarinet - all with the guitar. On paper it sounds outrageous, but in practice it is precisely what his band's name implies - regal. It is a piece of compositional genius that remains unparalleled to this day.
Hindsight and perspective allow the true greats to be seen for what they are. And in Brian's case, it's obvious that he's atop that mountain because literally no-one has created anything remotely similar to his finest work ever since. An accreditation well deserved.
I'll be citing this anytime someone tries to undercut Brian. Perfect description of his genius. |
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Post by Mr Badger on Jun 11, 2020 1:20:27 GMT
Brilliantly said Wiz. What Brian was able to do and the sounds he created from his guitar were from another world and under appreciated in his “era”. They were always more than the expected solos of the 1970s. While you mention Good Company, I was always blown away by his playing in Millionaire Waltz, particularly live. He created an orchestration with his guitar that to me remains one of his best. In fact I think I will go listen to it from Detroit 1977 tonight.
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Post by The Real Wizard on Jun 11, 2020 8:00:47 GMT
Brian May's gentlemanly humility has always been one of his finest attributes, which has prompted me to add a small portion of what he left out.
Hendrix was a visionary. Page was eclectic. Angus was incendiary. Zappa was exploratory. Clapton was emotive.
Brian May was all of these things.
Hendrix wrote the book and laid down the red carpet, ushering in the next generation of players. But Brian May is on a whole other level from his peers - a composer trapped in a guitarist's body, who completely revolutionized the guitar in how it could be used in orchestration in the studio environment. A true scholar of his medium.
Until recent years May was rarely listed amongst the greats, because he didn't meet the (thankfully now outdated) criteria of fast, flashy solos. He has always been the tortoise, methodically crafting flourishes that serve the song in the same way a master chef garnishes a dish. Never outstaying his welcome, giving it exactly what it needs - and always with a sense of melody, making his guitar sing as distinctly as any voice (and that's saying something, given the greatest rock voice was in his band).
I'd opine that the pinnacle of his achievement was Good Company, which saw him create a Dixieland jazz band of trombone, trumpet, and clarinet - all with the guitar. On paper it sounds outrageous, but in practice it is precisely what his band's name implies - regal. It is a piece of compositional genius that remains unparalleled to this day.
Hindsight and perspective allow the true greats to be seen for what they are. And in Brian's case, it's obvious that he's atop that mountain because literally no-one has created anything remotely similar to his finest work ever since. An accreditation well deserved.
I'll be citing this anytime someone tries to undercut Brian. Perfect description of his genius. Flattered.
But "undercut" how?
Either way, I'd say it's not worth your time. If they listen to Queen's 1974-76 output and still don't get why Brian is great, it's their own loss.
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Post by Ryan Newton on Jun 11, 2020 9:08:43 GMT
I'll be citing this anytime someone tries to undercut Brian. Perfect description of his genius. Flattered.
But "undercut" how?
Either way, I'd say it's not worth your time. If they listen to Queen's 1974-76 output and still don't get why Brian is great, it's their own loss.
Perhaps undercut is the wrong term. "Underestimate" is probably the term I was looking for at the time and I blanked. In addition to your comments about Good Company, I think the tone he achieved on In the Lap of the Gods is also a great example of the maestro at work. Sounds almost like a cello (or maybe a viola) at times. |
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Post by staysweet on Jun 11, 2020 15:07:39 GMT
Great post, Wizard, and 100% accurate. Truthfully, I hate these “best of” type things, they are a snapshot in time and not objectively based for the most part. But I love that Brian finally won one, it is most deserved! If anything maybe because I like that he will be getting the credit he deserves, but also that it’s coming at a time when he is a little down and out. Hopefully a good pick me up for him.
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Post by 85guild on Jun 11, 2020 22:27:07 GMT
Nuno chimes in:
A BIG Congratulations to Brian May.
You are the Champion... my friend.
I’m so happy for you getting your overdue praise.
With respect to Total Guitar, you didn’t have to tell ME.
There are not enough characters alowwed on IG to talk about how Brian’s guitar playing, tone, taste, composition, writing, singing, and intellect has impacted my Guitar Playing... impacted my EVERYTHING.
Yes he can play like a beast. His tone was ahead of its time. But the most important element I learned from the King of Queen was his ultimate respect for THE SONG.
As guitarists, we cannot wait for our leashes to be taken off and go attack the song. But trust me, if it weren’t for Brian, one of the chosen few, who taught us that it’s quality over quantity. That a guitarist can single handidly elevate a song into the stratosphere or selfishly burst it into flames at the launchpad.
Most of the time you’d wait with anticipation for the guitar solo, to hear what a player has to offer. Yes, Brian did that. And ALWAYS like a pervert wine pairing, he served the perfect solo for song. But what made him extra special was his sprinkling of taste and genius throughout the song.
A simple note. A bend. A quick flurry of harmonized guitar from the left to the right in poetic conversation with Freddie’s vocal. That’s Brian’s brilliance. His band chemistry.
We all know how brilliant Freddie’s vocal was. But it was the Roar of Brian’s guitar and his musical companionship that empowered Freddie to lift that iconic clenched fist and sawed off mic stand into the air with Gorgeous Arrogance.
Throw that on a Legendary bed of Roger Taylor and John Deacons Rythm Section... who both also composed and sang.
You get the indisputable QUEEN.
You can talk top 100 all day.
But us guitarists, even others on that list, know very well that there’s a short list of 4 or 5 , the Mt. Rushmore of the Super Heroes that wern’t guitarists, but true visionaries who didn’t just influence us, anyone can do that. These guys, like Brian, reshaped the world’s internal DNA as guitar players.
But don’t take my word for it.
go and listen for yourself.
Throw on a pair of headphones and strap yourself in!
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Jun 11, 2020 23:09:06 GMT
"And ALWAYS like a pervert wine pairing, he served the perfect solo for song. Eh? A pervert wine pairing? 🤔🤪 I wonder what Nuno is up to these days? Hopefully not still trying to flog the dead horse of Extreme. 😒 |
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Post by 85guild on Jun 12, 2020 0:05:21 GMT
He is indeed back on the Extreme horse, Lord Fickle. New album due for the past 6-7 years and was likely scheduled for release around now but no way it's going out with no touring around the release. FWIW, I saw them in London in 2018 at the o2 in Brixton and not only was it an amazing show, it was one of the best nights of my life. They are absolutely killer live, it's not a nostalgia trip as they are hungry like they are a new band, and it's not just all Nuno. Fulfilled a bucket list item of seeing a fave band in England. Not quite Queen in 1977 but not a bad runner-up  |
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Lord Fickle
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Post by Lord Fickle on Jun 12, 2020 8:49:26 GMT
He is indeed back on the Extreme horse, Lord Fickle. New album due for the past 6-7 years and was likely scheduled for release around now but no way it's going out with no touring around the release. FWIW, I saw them in London in 2018 at the o2 in Brixton and not only was it an amazing show, it was one of the best nights of my life. They are absolutely killer live, it's not a nostalgia trip as they are hungry like they are a new band, and it's not just all Nuno. Fulfilled a bucket list item of seeing a fave band in England. Not quite Queen in 1977 but not a bad runner-up I loved Pornograffitti, but every one of their albums since then has been a let down, so I I kind of gave up on them. Gary Cherone is a great singer, and Nuno is obviously one of the best guitarists, but they need to write some decent songs. |
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Post by Chopin1995 on Jun 12, 2020 12:13:02 GMT
I'd opine that the pinnacle of his achievement was Good Company, which saw him create a Dixieland jazz band of trombone, trumpet, and clarinet - all with the guitar. On paper it sounds outrageous, but in practice it is precisely what his band's name implies - regal. It is a piece of compositional genius that remains unparalleled to this day.
I agree with that. Brian shared the latest article from 'Total Guitar' about him on his Instagram. There is "Brian May's 20 greatest guitar moments" section, and the first thing I did was looking for Good Company, but it's not there. Left me a bit disappointed: http://instagr.am/p/CBElt6EhBwO |
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