(Pt. 2) 10 BEST GUITARISTS: Flosi's truth will set you free!

5 influential players out of 10: They helped change music as we know it, pt. 2

Flosi in action w. HAM

It's been a long, long time and I, the editor, apologize. You shouldn't have had to wait so long for the second part of Flosi's well received, interesting and entertaining list of what he deems as the 10 best guitarists. But you did wait and I thank you. So, before you go through this list, why not check out Flosi's first installment HERE and learn more about the author? Yes, that was good! Now, enjoy the next in line, five brilliant, important and influential guitarists, all with their own thing going.



RON ASHETON / THE STOOGES
In my mind many musicians are underrated and especially The Stooges. Everybody's familiar with Iggy Pop but the main man behind the sound was Ron Asheton. The guitar sound and musicianship on Fun House is unlike anything. Asheton taps right into the madness and dissolution. 1970? The Vietnam war, riots, the hippy movement and its wail for peace 'n' unity dying out. The band's music reflects the madness of its time. In "Dirt" Iggy and the guitar engage in a call-and-response of sorts that's an absolute joy to behold. The sound beginning at 0:39sec always conjures a cold chill. The song's bass-line is also amongst rock history's best.
Main guitars: Fender, Gibson og Reverend Ron Asheton Signature.




GEORDIE / KILLING JOKE
I'm enamored by pioneers and influential musicians, not least those I feel haven't gotten the recognition they deserve. Killing Joke's place in this category is cemented and in my opinion the heart of the group is guitarist Kevin Walker, also more popularly known as Geordie. His particular characteristic is a rich tone he favours (sustain) and that particular cold sound which he creates with his favourite instrument that is a golden hollow-body Gibson ES-295, a guitar that is more readily associated with 70s rockabilly rather than 90s new-wave. Nirvana has long been accused of stealing a riff from master Geordie. I'll let you be the judge.




CHUCK BERRY
This is where rock and roll guitars began. What can I say about Chuck Berry that hasn't been said 1000 time before? Everybody knows this. His influence is on such grand scale that it'll hardly be measured with modern application. His strumming was unlike anyone's at the time. He usually hits many strings at once, strums the guitar so brilliantly and creates this magnificent groove that drove millions of people insane and still does.
Main guitar: Gibson ES-335




LINK WRAY (Fred Lincoln Wray)Link Wray
There have been more technical players but everyone who knows just a little bit about playing rock 'n' roll knows that crap just doesn't matter. It's all about emotions, man. It's groove, feeling and being bad, being cool. And man, nobody and I mean NOBODY came close to Link in terms of COOL. He was the epitome of rock 'n' roll, still is. That guy kept on rocking 'till he fell over dead and took no prisoners along the way. The guy was also a true pioneer. I mean wow… "Rumble" (1958) is an instrumental and it was banned back in the 50s. BANNED!? Tells everything really. Just watch the video of Jimmy Page listening to "Rumble" and tell you THAT was the thing that made him wanna pick up a guitar and ramble on. Shows what a true pioneer and legend Link Wray is. The guy who invented the power chord and probably the first to use distortion. Say no more.
Guitars: Lots of different ones but in later years his favorite was a Coral Red 1965 Yamaha.
"Rumble" live on Conan 1998 (link) 69 years old. By the hammer of Thor just watch the guy!!!
Jimmy Page listening to Rumble (link).




JOHN MCGEOCH / SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES/ MAGAZINE
Another influential guitarist who, unlike many, has in later day time received the recognition and respect he deserves. Mcgeoch long struggled with alcohol and it ruined his career. Around the later stages in his life he did manage to change his lifestyle thus withdrawing from the music business. He became a professional nurse. He died at only 48 years of age, of natural causes.
Many famous guitarists such as Johnny Marr, The Edge, Dave Navarro and John Frusciante all recognise John Mcgeoch as and influence. His work in "Spellbound" specifically has enjoyed a life of fame in itself.
Main guitar: Yamaha SG 1000.
Article featuring McGeoch sound examples (link).
BBC program "Spellbound," about John Mcgeoch (link).

 

Related story
5 influential players out of 10: They helped change music as we know it, pt. I
Now enjoy Flosi's guitar playing and his band HAM.

*** Flosi plays guitar in HAM and Melrakkar (Metallica cover band). He studies history in University of Iceland and works with paraplegic children. Find him on twitter (here).