I don’t know who the best guitarist in the world is, but I know which guitarists I would most like to be able to play like (if I could play the guitar).
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I would like to play guitar like Lindsey Buckingham (lead guitarist for Fleetwood Mac). Lindsey’s unique style, devotion to his craft and willingness to take chances sets him apart from most other rock guitarists. As the All Music Guide says, he is a breathtaking guitar player. His latest CD, “Gift of Screws” is a must listen for anyone that appreciates “rocking, heady electric pop…, as well as some glorious, lyrically sophisticated, acoustic singer/songwriter fare”
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, I would like to play guitar like Dave Evans (The Edge) U2’s guitarist. The Edge is known for his ability to create powerful melodies with minimal flashiness. Larry Mullen, U2’s drum player said something to the effect that The Edge is always searching for the perfect song, the perfect sound, the perfect idea. I have the feeling that The Edge often thinks of God when he is playing guitar. I know his playing often inspires me to worship God.
On Sundays I would like to play like Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac’s original guitarist. A guitar player’s guitarist, he is regarded by many as the finest white blues guitarist ever. Peter replaced Eric Clapton in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and won over a legion of Clapton’s fans to his own sound. My favorite song of Peter’s from this era is “The Supernatural.”
Peter wrote Carlos Santana’s signature hit “Black Magic Woman” and performed it on Fleetwood Mac’s album “English Rose“. Fleetwood Mac’s original version of the song is every bit as compelling as Santana’s.
The body of work represented by these three outstanding guitar players is nothing short of amazing and their influence on generations of guitar players is incalculable. They have given me countless hours of pleasure listening to their songs for which I am exceedingly grateful.