Producer John Ferrara got his start in an impossible to describe band called Trophy Scars. John plays guitar for the band and produces all of the songs. The band released a track called “Mother” on June 19 and we had the chance to discuss ten guitarists that will stand the test of time beforehand. FYI: We chose not to rank them; we wanted to honor them.
-
Brian May
SW: The king of Queen.
JF: What a player. What a writer. What an astrophysicist.
SW: I don’t normally associate rock gods with PHDs, but Brian May outshines most with his brain and fingers.
JF: Brian May has an indistinguishable guitar tone. It’s hard not to recognize his playing when you hear a Queen song.
SW: He’s definitely somebody to love.
JF: Love of my life.
-
Buddy Guy
SW: A king of blues.
JF: Buddy was a straight up O.G. and quite the pioneer of the blues guitar.
SW: Every person on this list bows down to Buddy.
JF: And I believe he’s still actively rocking!
SW: The blues is alive and well.
JF: Especially during this pandemic!
-
David Gilmour
SW: On the bright side of the moon, we have plenty of time to watch The Wizard of Oz while spinning Dark Side of the Moon now.
JF: David Gilmour is the master of phrasing with his instrument. The notes he plays are just as important as the space between ‘em.
SW: And that guitar tone! OOO!
JF: Incredible. One of the silkiest guitar tones I’ve ever heard.
SW: Smooth like chedda.
JF: Comfortably numb.
-
Eddie Van Halen
SW: Comfortably shredding.
JF: Eddie Van Halen pioneered two-hand finger tapping.
SW: That’s what she said.
JF: Nice! I bet that caused an eruption.
SW: It did. Eddie is a guitar hero amongst guitar heroes.
JF: You should go listen to some Van Halen right now.
-
George Harrison
SW: Ok. But first, let me praise the Beatle with my favorite post-Beatle career.
JF: George! Incredible songwriter.
SW: I’m glad that the Beatles wised up and utilized him more and more with each album.
JF: Absolutely. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is my favorite Harrison track.
SW: We’ll get to the other schlub later.
JF: (laughs)
-
Jimi Hendrix
SW: Speaking of guitar schlubs… I kid, I kid.
JF: I’m not gonna play favorites, but Jimi is my favorite on this list and of all time.
SW: If you ever want to hear Jimi’s influence, just go to your local Guitar Center.
JF: He had this mojo about him that no one could replicate even if they tried.
SW: I wish that he took me on his little wing.
JF: Girl, same. It’s such a tragedy that he died so young as the world deserved much more than three albums from the man.
-
John Frusciante
SW: John Frusciante joined RHCP when he was just a boy.
JF: He’s most well known for the Chili Peppers, but his playing on his solo records and The Mars Volta album Amputechture deserves notice as well.
SW: Indeed. I had the chance to catch the Red Hot Chili Peppers live on the Californication tour, and it was amazing seeing John back in true form on his comeback record.
JF: I feel that “Under The Bridge” is one of the penultimate guitar intros of all time.
SW: I have no counter argument.
JF: If you did, I’d give it away give it away now.
-
Mike Campbell
SW: It takes a guitar monster to replace Lindsey Buckingham in Fleetwood Mac, but Mike got the gig!
JF: Mike is spot on at all times. Every Tom Petty song he’s been a part of is better because of him.
SW: It’s a shame he’s so underrated so I hope that this list changes that.
JF: Agreed. Most guitar players don’t even know who he is.
SW: That wrecks me, baby. Yeah, it puts me in two.
JF: Don’t do me like that.
-
Paul Simon
SW: Speaking of underrated guitar players, here comes rhymin’ Simon.
JF: What a catalog.
SW: Stupid. Simon & Garfunkel. Stupid. His solo material. Stupid. (pauses) Stupid.
JF: As a guitarist, Paul Simon is never too flashy. He always hits the right notes.
SW: And here’s to you, Mr. Ferrara.
JF: Moses loves you more than you will ever know.
-
Stevie Ray Vaughn
SW: I’ve never heard an unkind word about Stevie’s playing. Another one gone too soon.
JF: SRV defined the Texas blues. His playing was beyond insane.
SW: Texas’ pride and joy.
JF: Flashy as hell, but he had the chops to justify.
SW: And we’re done. Practice, kids!
JF: I wish we had more time to go over ten more.
We don’t. These are enough. Stop yelling at us.