Are You Only A GOOD GUITAR Player If You Can SHRED?!

I often hear fellow musicians talking bad about themselves, because all the other musicians they know that they consider to be better. And often the argument is, that those other musicians can do things that they can't. And I, like probably many of you, have often been in the same boat. Is it justified to think you're not as good as others, because you are not as fast, technical and theoretically proficient? Let's talk about it!

To hear my original music, check out the links down below:

My band 'Nighthawker'

My side project 'Steven Anthony Band'

[craig.martin]

I consider myself a beginner guitarist and I only just started playing live and having fun. I used to think I had to be Yngwie-level-good before I could do that but the truth is, if I do a really simple arrangement of say, an instrumental version of Take on Me, or While My Guitar Gently Weeps or The Loner I connect with the audience way more than if I play Black Star. Playing guitar is all about communication, and the quality of that communication and connection. You nailed it. To paraphrase the movie Jerry Maguire, these are the things we think but do not say. Keep going, Sir!

[slashgee]

You're right it's all about the feel. Cheers!

[tkjo]

There's only one Yngwie and he's a monster. In the mid 80's in LA the mere mention of his first name would terrorize aspiring guitarists. And there's value in itself in having the best tools. But you have to separate that and the artistry of the songs. Most of us will have to settle for just being as good as it takes to play the songs.

[kurtjohnson]

I'm so tired of shredding, as soon as I hear it I turn it off.

[Gaslight.Guitar]

shredding is cool. playing with feel is also cool. depends on the song and the music. You can be a good musician with or without shredding skills. some shredders are not musical though. So theres no black and white... as always. ;) nice topic, peace!

[RogerSullivanNOLA]

As someone who can play all the Yngwie stuff, I'd say no. You just have to be able to make good music and shred is nowhere near a requirement for good music. On the other hand, I like having all the tools in my toolbox, including speed...because there is a certain exhileration that comes with speed. Just try driving fast while listening to some Racer X. It's exciting, and that's a color I like to have in my crayon box, personally.

[DreidMusicalX]

There is a point to when I call it cock rock. I can shred, I can do very difficult stuff, but I actually like the music that breathes more and is much slower and emotion. I usually use shredding for warming up.

[DavidManolis-qn]

I generally don't enjoy simple rock music because it tends to lack originality. All that low hanging fruit has been picked a long time ago. There is plenty of terrible technical music as well, but minimlism should nevertheless be discouraged.

[NoBSMusicReviews]

How many shredders have created lasting melodies and/or lyrics?

[Red_Whitenblu]

Yes, these guys are supposed to be inspirations. But more like discouragment for the noobs.
Theres a solution to help from getting discouraged. And I cant say it enough. The very first day you start playing, record yourself and hide the tape.
Learning to play is so gradual, progress goes unnoticed, but is evident.
So the next time watching Vai or Satriani snd start crying cuz you're not even close, youre wrong. Pull out the tape and listen to how you used to be. Guaranteed, youll be impressed (that is providing you practice once in a while). And its never to late to record yourself. You're always progressing and always getting bummed out, until youre worthy. Then you'll have a big head to deal with. Lol.

[bob]

To some, great players are the ones who can play the fastest triplets. Give me a BB King anytime.

[Red_Whitenblu]

Music is subjective anyways. The guitarist that appeals to you the most is the greatest guitarist ever. You even said so.

[brianintexas]

Light speed noodling means nothing to me. I like music that has emotional value to it. The high speed stuff is completely devoid of any feeling. It's just fast and boring. Don't get me wrong speed has it's place. If it's done tastefully and in the right amounts. But constant shredding just because you can...no thanks.

[NoBSMusicReviews]

Malmsteen is an embarrassment... Who cares how many notes you can play? More often than not, it's "talking a lot and saying nothing" - and that goes for Satch, Vai, et. al. So TIRESOME!

[Toaskor]

You’re only a good guitar player if people tell you that you’re good.
End of story.
All those dudes that said Hendrix was the best are dying of old age and players from the 80’s are getting all the hype finally, one day they’ll fade due to a dying fan base.

It’s all subjective.

Being able to actually shred doesn’t mean you’re a GOOD guitar player but it means you’re more technically proficient than someone who can’t.