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I once asked who the BEST guitar player was, and several people responded that they felt Taylor Swift was. That made me sad. Her guitar playing is about as basic and simple as it gets. Yet people responded that she was one of the best. If she is among the greats, it begs me to ask this question just to see peoples responses.
Who are the worst guitar players. I define "guitar player" as anyone who actively plays a guitar in any capacity-not necessarily a band member whose primary role is that of a guitarist. It can include a vocalist or singer/songwriter known to incorporate a guitar into their act.
Elvis is one of the most important artists in history, but he always struck me as a lousy guitar player. He mostly just held and shook the guitar, periodically strumming here and there. Basically, what every modern country singer does now.
Which brings me to my next nomination: Blake Shelton. I didn't know he even played the guitar until I saw him on "Saturday Night live". I saw him strumming, but did not hear a single note that he played. Most of the other country singers arent much better. Luke Bryan often strums chords now and then, while letting the guitar just kind of hang off him. Garth Brooks and Randy Travis were also little more than basic strummers.
I also nominate the guys in WHAM! Andrew Ridgeley was often seen with a guitar but half the time it isnt audible, so his skills are called into question. And George Michael was often seen with a guitar during his "Faith" years, but its telling that I havent seen him with one since.
Undoubtedly, some of my own favorites will probably end up mentioned in the responses.
I really don't count singers who stand there and strum as the worst. What's unforgivable for me is mediocrity in the guitar playing of lead guitarists. One that comes to mind from classic rock is Mick Jones of Foreigner. Although he has written plenty of memorable power hook intros, his guitar playing is a snooze, with lousy unoriginal leads, just basic chords. And despite the fact that he's been playing in the band for 40 years, his technique hasn't improved a bit.
Elvis is one of the most important artists in history, but he always struck me as a lousy guitar player. He mostly just held and shook the guitar, periodically strumming here and there. Basically, what every modern country singer does now.
Elvis was a good rhythm guitarist.
He played rhythm on all his early records. Listen to his comeback special.
When Jet played on SNL, their guitarist $h!+ the bed when it came time for his solo. Very embarrassing.
A lot of these modern rock and nu-metal groups have "lead" guitarists who are below average, and that's the reason you don't hear them play solos often. That goes for Jet, Godsmack, Korn, Wolfmother, Jimmy Eat World, and so on. Hell, Jenny Lewis' guitarist is better than any of those guys.
A lot of these modern rock and nu-metal groups have "lead" guitarists who are below average, and that's the reason you don't hear them play solos often. That goes for Jet, Godsmack, Korn, Wolfmother, Jimmy Eat World, and so on. Hell, Jenny Lewis' guitarist is better than any of those guys.
A lot of country guys basically fake playing the guitar. Definitely not a fan, the worst in my opinion was that guy from Brooks and Dunne who would run all over the stage, slide down on one knee etc, while fake playing.
I really don't count singers who stand there and strum as the worst. What's unforgivable for me is mediocrity in the guitar playing of lead guitarists. One that comes to mind from classic rock is Mick Jones of Foreigner. Although he has written plenty of memorable power hook intros, his guitar playing is a snooze, with lousy unoriginal leads, just basic chords. And despite the fact that he's been playing in the band for 40 years, his technique hasn't improved a bit.
Would Jones be a bad keyboardist? He plays keyboards on "Waiting for a Girl Like You" and "I Want to Know What Love Is."
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