what critiria makes a "great" guitarist?

originality aka having their own "sound"
phrasing
Technicality

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originality

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It has to be more than that, but I guess you are saying that is your #1 factor. Bc I can be original on a guitar and I can't play for shite.

My fav guitarist is Duane Allman, but I don't consider him the best, bc he lacks a few key points.

I just wonder when people claim the "best" guitarist, if they are simply picking their favorite or they feel they are the best.

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I don't normally point out grammatical errors,

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I know, all I can say is, whiskey is a hell of a drug.

See I feel live performance (improvisation) is a huge factor.

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Technically sound
Improvisation
Writing skills
Studio ability
Adapting to times
Longevity

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What does duane allman lack out of these criteria?

The man was exceptionally technical,
his improv skills are legendary,
Granted He wasn't much of a songwriter
One of the busiest men in the studio you can find
He didn't really have a chance to adapt with the times or sustain longevity but the band he built from scratch most certainly did.


I think he makes a very strong case for best guitarist.

virtuosity, creativity, style, creativity, ability to improvise, longevity.

I'll take Skydog's short-lived body of work over all of Clapton's any day of the week.

Maybe it's because Skydog has that James Deanesque thing going for him, but I'd put him ahead of Clapton for sure.

I do like Clapton, though.

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Technically sound
Improvisation
Writing skills
Studio ability
Adapting to times
Longevity

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i always listen for melody in a guitarist's playing and their ability to compose a solo that fits the song. putting together riffs and solos that are memorable.
like a previous poster mentioned, having their own sound/tone, style, versatility, & being instantly recognizeable after just a few notes.

double post

These,

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-numerous regonizable riffs
-studio master
-longevity
-technically sound
-original

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are why Buckingham is probably my favorite.

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Technical ability might be a big factor for a lot of people, but for me it's not the main case. Doing sweeps and hitting note after note may be cool to some people, but to me it does nothing. That's why I take good blues guitar players doing a solo that might just be in the same box over a metal guitar player all over the place. It;s subjective to people, but to me; It's about shaping songs, being melodic, improv, creativity, and especially FEELING. for me. How do I feel when I hear the person play? Do I think "Oh, that's really difficult, cool!" or am I thinking "Wow, I have chills from that, this persons soul is in this". I want those chills. Sounds weird, but usually when I am listening to something really great, live or on album, I'll just smile like an idiot.

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This is one of the reasons I like Devin Townsend. The guy can play sweeps all day long, but he recognizes how wanky they are. In fact, if you watch any of his teaching videos, he pretty much degrades sweeping/speed as rather pointless endeavors. However, they do function for the sake of practice and he does use them in heavier songs. However, he also plays a wide range of styles and writes constantly.

I think I take all of those "skills" listed and judge based on the aggregate. You can be really fast and technical, yet boring as hell (Steve Vai). Now, your ability to write interesting parts does require a minimal level of talent. However, some guys just seem like they are attached to the guitar (Gregg Wright) and knows every last inch of the neck.

Now, I also give major bonus points to any guitarist that sings while playing. I guess what it boils down to is: I know it when I see (hear) it.