Battle of the Prog Bands SFD2: Floyd vs. Rush

 

Yes, anybody can bend a string, no doubt about that. But sit down and have a good laugh while I try to match Gilmour's subtle touch and feel on for example Shine On You Crazy Diamond. I'm sure I can match the speed even with my humble skill, but there's no way I could ever make it sound heavenly. That's one stunning guitar track.

 

Different guitarists, both great on their own right. "Better" is not a word that enters this discussion if you ask me.

 

I could go into the whole "define talent" nonsense as you seem to think that the Gilmourish control of the instrument takes none of it, but I don't think I'll bother.

 

If I had to choose I'd perhaps say that I prefer the solos of Gilmour and the rhythm work of Lifeson.

And yes I might be admitting defeat  ....but to me this is a big win!

 

I personally would have prefered the final to be Genesis vs __________ .

 

But King Crimson vs Pink Floyd is a decent final.

 

 

Gave my sympathy vote to Rush

Sure, anyone can bend a string, but LIKE Gilmour? Certainly not Lifeson, for starters. And, off topic, I don't think just about anyone can bend like this crazy dude Mitch Watkins:

I am sorry but vibrato and bending are as important facets of a guitarist's skill, if not more than, speed.  After all, their identity and style derives much more from the first two than the last.  Now, if Lifeson could dazzle me with amazing chord changes like a Holdsworth or Larry Carlton, I would at least say he finds a different dimension in which to be as or more interesting than Gilmour but his playing lacks flavour and, as I said earlier, is not even as impressive as other heavy rock/metal guitar monsters from his time.  He's rhythmically more interesting than Gilmour, I certainly give that. 

Please don't underestimate the quality of rendering just because there are few or slow notes being played because anybody who claims that is easy is lying or doesn't know for real. It is perhaps more difficult for a singer than for those who play instruments to distinguish themselves with the way they render notes but there is a reason not many sound as beautiful as Latimer, for another example. It's not just a subjective, nebulous feel, he plays the notes more beautifully than many others who can perhaps manage more pyrotechnical gymnastics than him.