LeafRunner wrote:Since we've got this awesome guitar thread, why don't we talk about influences? Who's your "guitar heroes?"
For me, there's always guys like Eric Claptop and Jimi Hendrix, but most of mine come from prog rock. There's so many to name, I'll just start of with a few:
Alex Lifeson of Rush
Steve Howe of Yes
Steve Rothery of Marillion (absolutely AMAZING if you haven't heard them)
And of course, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd
I used to be more heavily influenced by John Petrucci (Dream Theater), and I still am from his more "soulful" guitar solos, but I've moved away from the more super technical / shredding stuff in recent years.
Slash-He is one of the best axe slingers of our time. His bluesy style and such made me put him on this list, plus his attitude is admirable as well. His taste in guitars isn't bad either (Les Pauls FTW)
Eddie Van Halen-How could I have this list without this guy? He was the guy who ushered in the virtuoso rock craze of the 80's and was influenced by Jimi Hendrix (As in, some of the tricks he does like divebombing). His tone inspired many imitators during the 80's as well, as did his guitars and their paintjobs.
John Petrucci-I wouldn't really put a shredder on this list, but John's an exception. He can mix shredding without sounding like random guitar wankery.
Dave Murray-Iron Maiden's one of my all time favorite bands, and to leave Dave Murray and Adrian Smith off would be a crime. Dave is another example of a musical shredder, plus some of the rhythm work is tricky yet memorable.