The guitar gods have returned
By Chad Phillips
MTW contributing writer
Most of you probably don't know that I've been playing guitar for about 30 years now. A great deal of that time was spent locked in my room for hours on end transcribing my favorite guitar heroes, playing in backyards, garages, studios, smoke filled nightclubs, and halls. That was then; this is now.
After my conversion, I traded in my stack and axe for something a little less extravagant: an acoustic guitar.
Then I discovered that Christian music (praise and worship music) didn't have to be stiff, weak, bubble gum, and all the other adjectives I used to describe it. Not that acoustic guitar oriented stuff isn't cool; it is. But for my money, contemporary Christian/Christian Rock had arrived. As a result, I picked up the axe once again and pulled the stack out of storage. Truly, it was like coming home. Now, I am rediscovering rock guitar again…for the first time.
I've also taken to teaching guitar. And in my neighborhood, I have a reputation as someone who can not only teach guitar well, but is a pretty good player in their own right. I even began to believe the legends that were being told of my "conquests" among the "commoners." My exploits as a rock guitar warrior were beginning to rival that of Sir Gawain. That was before one of my students introduced me to the subculture of guitar greats immortalized on YouTube.
To say what I saw there was a shock to my system was (and still is) an understatement. After observing some of the most amazing playing I've ever seen, from upstarts less than half my age, I have been transported back to a time when all I could say for myself as a guitarist was, "I suck!" and "I need to practice!"
Yeah that was some pretty bad-a** technique. He made it look effortless. On the other hand I found it kind of boring to listen to. It was amazing for the flash and technique but empty of soul in my opinion.
As you know there are millions of guitar gods all over the world who can play amazing stuff technically. But for my money good song-writing, good melodies, and soul will always be more impressive and more rare than flashy technique.
I remember back in the 80’s and 90’s when people were amazed by Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai. Sure their technique was impressive but they had as much life as wet cardboard. One string bend from Stevie Ray Vaughn had more soul than all of those guys’ solos combined.
Chad, you’ve always been one of my favorite guitar players. You’ve got technique, style, creativity, and soul–the whole package. And like Forrest Gump says: “That ain’t something you can find just around the corner.”
So don’t worry Chad. You don’t suck. Of course I haven’t heard you play for a while
Thanks for the encouragement, holmes. I think you’re right that some of the guys running in the shredmaster crowd can be repetitive, and therefore, boring–technically impressive for about five minutes, then the honeymoon’s over. But I still think the guys I featured on the post are awesome! Especially that guy from Brazil or Argentina…wherever the heck that was. I’m always looking at the total package, which is why I like the “Spaniard.” He seems to have absolute command over the instrument–blazing speed, articulation, dynamics, flash, and a diverse blend of techniques which he executes with diabolical precision.
T-Cocophony, on the other hand can shred with the best of em, which is why I don’t understand his preoccupation with the two handed fret tapping technique. I think he’d be even more incredible if he incorporated more techniques and styles into his play. Nevertheless, the guy is nothing short of amazing. He still gets props from this old dawg.
Glad you appreciated the technical skill of these greenies and thanks again for making this rock guitar veteran feel like I still got it.
Speaking of still having the right stuff, I’m waiting for the day when we’ll be banging out tunes together once again. I miss the old days of finishing each other’s sentences, musically. You’re still the Fretless Bass Hook King in my book–a real 70’s finger style groove monster. You need to move back here where the cost of living is reasonable and where we can start writing songs again. Now that we’re old, crusty, and independently wealthy, we can sit around and jam just for the sheer joy of it. Anyway, even if it sucks, the kids would get a chuckle…lol.
Chad,
Brad is only kissing butt. You in fact do suck. A lot. You suck. Meaning you, Chad, suck. A lot. Sucker.
Seriously, I was unimpressed with the the fret tapper. Stanley Jordan was doing that 15 years ago, and he does it with much more soul.
I think in many ways I’m kind of sick of guitar solos. The “shredders” are lame as far as I’m concerned. Very mechanical.
But I hear you’re pretty righteous, and although I’m skeptical considering you suck, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.
Thanks D. It looks like we’ve found yet another rare issue on which we agree…lol…see you