Uli Jon Roth

This is not my sort of thing personally, but I wanted to feature one of the most influential metal guitarists. Uli was an early metal pioneer playing with the Scorpions from 1973 to 1978. His guitar playing features the influences of Jimi Hendrix and classical music. If you want to check out more info about Uli check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uli_Jon_Roth.

Roy Buchanan

Here is a video of Roy Buchanan from Austin City Limits in about 1976. This is a awesome performance of Roy's composition "The Messiah Will Again". Roy is seen here at his best a true "Master of the Telecaster".

Ted Greene

Ted Greene was a genius of the guitar who lived mostly in obscurity. He was content to spend his career teaching others and not seek a high profile performing career. When I started playing the guitar he was a hairy looking guy on the cover of a somewhat intimidating chord book called "Chord Chemistry". In the photo he was surrounded by a bunch of hot rodded Fender Telecasters and assorted Gibsons. The picture was fascinating and tried to imagine what his playing sounded like but it wasn't until many years later that I heard his album. The album was full of amazing chord soloing that sounded just remarkably beautiful.

Unfortunately, Ted passed away suddenly a few years ago, but there some video left behind that you can enjoy. Here he plays the standard "Autumn Leaves" with what looks like some sort of vintage Telecaster. It is amazing the sound he gets out of the Telecaster. Enjoy.

Allan Holdsworth

If there is anybody who has learned to split the atom on guitar it is Allan Holdsworth. HIs playing is just so unlike almost everbody else that it should command your attention. His technique is smooth with a phrasing that sound almost saxophone or keyboard like.

This clip is from the Eighties, but if watch more recent clips he still plays absolutely great and may even play better. A video is just one point in time so you should seek out more recent clips also. An interview begins this clip and a minute or so in the playing begins. Prepare to be amazed!!!

Jimmy Bruno

I really dig Jimmy Bruno. He is just one of the most exciting jazz guitarists currently playing. His drive and technique really makes for a fun performance that is as much fun to watch as it is to listen to. Here is an old performance from Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philly. I believe this performance is available in whole on a DVD from Mel Bay Publications.

Syd Barrett

Syd Barrett passed away recently at age 60 after many years of living a reclusive lifestyle. He was the original guitarist and the major creative force behind the early Pink Floyd. Video footage of Syd in prime form actually playing is rare, making this video a rare treat. I chose this video not because Syd was some of virtuoso (which he wasn't), but because of the force of his creativity. If you are interested in finding more info on Syd's rise and fall there is plenty of reading on the web.

Pink floyd in this clip plays the song "Astronomy Domine". Syd is playing a Fender Esquire which is a Telecaster without a rhythm pickup. The show is hosted by a major pompous jerk who is rude and has condescending attitude towards Pink Floyd, but Syd and Roger Waters have a good attitude in spite of this. Check it out.

Hank Marvin and the Shadows

Here's a clip from the Shadows featuring Hank Marvin on lead guitar. The Shadows were innovators in the area of instrumental rock music in the early '60's. They were not very popular here but were extremely popular in England. Hank was a huge influence on the British rock guitarists of the late sixties and seventies with his hard to find in England Stratocaster guitar. The tune most associated with the Shadows is "Apache" which was big hit in the US when covered by another artist. Check out the Shadows.