Pub argument time again

[slimjim]

My friend says that he would put Francis Rossi in a top five of currently-playing guitarists. Now I'm partial to a bit of Quo but I totally disagree with him. Anyway, that got us on to discussing who is in the top 5. We actually agreed on quite a few (except Ol' Francis). I won't prejudice the answers by telling you who we came up with but would be interested to hear who people would put in such a list. We were basing our selection criteria on technical ability, longevity and writing talent; you may have a better criteria.

[DrWu]

Used to like the Quo and still sometimes dig out some old Vinyl. Funnily enough I always respected Rick Parfitt more for being an absolutely rock solid rhythm player. One guy who won't make any top 5 polls but should do is Donald 'Buck Dharma Roeser from Blue Oyster Cult, a band too often dismissed as a one hit wonder in this country. Dharma as a hugely talented player with a wonderful melodic lyrical quality to his playing as well as the ability to shred with the best of them when required. Plus BOC are still going strong and should be back over here this summer if anyone wants to check out Mr Roeser for themselves.

[j2buttonsw]

My favourite alive ones (so the best as far as I am concerned and in no particular order): Malcolm Young, Adrian Belew, Dave Gregory, Nile Rodgers and John Scofield (please God, don't say you had Eric Clapton in your top 5)

[alix p]

A mention for Bert Jansch, and also the inimitable Johnny Marr. Also John Frusciante has a great sense of melody, and tends not to "overplay", despite being technically brilliant. As a sidenote, I remember an interview with Francis Rossi, where the interviewer was giving it the "you only know three chords" schtick, whereupon Rossi produced a classical guitar and gave an incredible display of flamenco/finger-picking guitar! Not a fan of the Quo myself, but good chap!

[sft42]

He is taking the proverbial right? I have been a gigging guitarist in a few bands playing different styles and tastes and let me tell you Rossi is nowhere near the top ten let alone five...Right now (thought this will have changed by next week most likely) I would opt for: David Gilmour, Issac Guillory, Rory Gallagher, Stevie Ray Vaughan and James Dean Bradfield.......I have avoided the obvious Hendrix shout but I haven't listened to him for a while...might go and dig out Axis: Bold as Love now for a listen.

[andy hughes]

I think Francis Rossi is a far better musician than people give him credit for, but he's not a top five player. My list is -Django Reinhardt, David Gilmour, Lindsey Buckingham, Jack White, Carlos Santana, and that's in order. OK - shoot!

[Alan2]

Les McQueen from top 80s outfit Creme Brulee' would definately be in there

[Gef]

Richard Thompson is my number one for both playing and writing. I know most of you will never have heard of but he's been around for over 30 years - try searching Amazon music for him.

[DrWu]

Good call on Les McQueen there Alan "It's a great business ..."

[sft42]

Damn....Richard Thomson.....Dimming of the Day....From Galway to Graceland....Vincent Black Lighting......I should have said him.

[boognish76]

Dean Ween from Ween. The NME said that Ween's latest album 'quebec' contained one of the greatest guitar solos ever!

[rja211077]

honourable mentions for John Squire and Graham Coxon

[Starman 2112]

Jimmy Page Alex Lifeson Richie Blackmore Carlos Santana Tony Iommi

[TommyC]

Hmmm.. For sheer technical brilliance I think Mark Knopfler still has it pretty much taped.. But my personal fave could only ever be Dave Gilmour, who should receive a knighthood for generating thirty-years' worth of guitar-fuelled ecstasy to millions... Between the sheer genius and that indefinable hippy-ish ambience, I'll die happy and Comfortably Numb...!!

[del_1690]

If you are refering to technical brilliance then may I suggest....Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler and Slash from Guns N Roses. But this list is no way referring to my five favourite bands or representatives of bands.

[sft42]

HAHAHAHAA. Technical brilliance and Eric Clapp in the same sentence......It appears that the only real concensus is that Knopfler & Santana (2) and Gilmour (3) should be there with all the others only picking up one nod....hardly a massive poll but good to see no one actually said anything too silly.

[Jenny Tools]

Living :- Jimmy Page, Dave Gilmore, Carlos Santana, Gary Moore and Eric Clapton in no particular order. Deceased :- Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Kossoff, John Entwistle and Django Reinhardt. I'm affraid Francis Rossi does not even come close !