Fripp on Guitar Technicalities

Those are both very technical pieces, but those are not "shredding" pieces.  

And re: the original post, I think the reason Fripp doesn't "shred," per se, is because he's opposed to it.  Shredding tends to be sterile, emotionless playing in which guitarists add more notes because, well, they can.  Fripp is far more interested in expression than technique.  

3 seconds

Admittedly I wrote that post while tired with an exhausted brain.  Let me explain.

Mr. Bob Fripp has stated in interviews (which can be found on the Elephant Talk wiki) that he believes he has not inherited any "natural abilities or qualities" when it comes to playing the guitar, and that his technical skill and sustain is a result of sheer effort and commitment.  However, to say "talentless" was an obvious mistake, as "talented" has become synonymous with "skilled" and "accomplished" in modern culture.

Anyways....

By "shredding," I was referring to playing many notes as fast as possible, such as in "20 note-per-second alternative picking lines."  I wholly understand that this does not "need" to be done, nor is it "ideal," or "preferential."  I ask this question out of simple curiosity, as it is one of the only things I haven't seen him do.

....I am, if anything, a complete Fripp/KCrimson nut.  Fripp's development and work with NST and soundscapes, guitar craft, simply what he does and how he does it, are astounding.  It appears I've led some to the misconception that if he can't shred, I don't recognize this.  This is not the case.  I'll get around to rewording the first post in order to make this more clear....

Edited by Unsouled - May 03 2008 at 17:52

As for Fripp shredding, yes, footage I've seen of him has shown him alternate pick at virtuosic speed.

waa waaa waaa waaa whaaaaaaa, digga digga digga digga digga digga digga? 

Edited by Slartibartfast - May 03 2008 at 10:22

Slartibartfast wrote: My big question would then be how do you define "shredding"?

I think it's the fast neoclassical type of lead guitar playing Ritchie Blackmore made popular.

DJPuffyLemon wrote: i like how everyone jumped on the opening sentense and completely ignored everything else.

Teaches you something about the importance of the first sentence in any form of conversation.

Can't say that I've seen the man shred in KC or solo but I enjoy what he does, I appreciate it and I do enjoy his soundscapes as well. The man has a wicked sense of humor and is comfortable with speaking in public.

Icon, Legend call him what you will but he is in the top 100 guitarists and will likely still be after he stops playing.

Shredding is child's play when you've developed a New Standard tuning, and have played the guitar parts on Discipline.