Hey, Listen to This!

You undoubtedly have some favorite guitarists – maybe some who inspired you to want to play.

Here are a few guitarists I enjoy listening to. Not a “top ten” or “greatest of all time” list. Just my list for today. Ask me tomorrow, it will look a little different.

Let’s warm up with Kenny Wayne Shepherd's Deja Voodoo. If you watch only one video out of all mentioned in this article, please watch Deja Voodoo. And here is KWS’s Shotgun Blues. Check out the solo beginning around 1:50.

Think KSW takes inspiration from Stevie Ray Vaughan at all? Speaking of the late great SRV, (who I am sorry to admit I did not discover until after his death) listen to this fabuloso rendition of Little Wing. See how many other guitar greats you can identify in that vid. Some cool footage from inside the Fender factory, too.

Sometimes we get discouraged and think, “I’ll never be able to play decently, let alone like these guys.” When you get to thinking that way, pull up this vid and reassess your personal challenges to playing guitar.

This six-year-old is incredibly cute, and plays a mean Twist and Shout.

Not all guitar gods play to packed arena crowds. Check out this guy’s home brew.

You simply must hear Andy McKee’s percussive-acoustic style. Try Drifting for starters. Check out his other vids, as well. Some beautiful music and unusual-looking instruments.

The poignant More Than Words brings us Nuno Bettencourt and Extreme. Picking the tempo up, just for fun let’s Get the Funk Out.

Ready for a tasty dessert? No, really, I lied before--if you watch only one video, it has to be this one. :-) Here is BB King, joined by Gary Moore, on the classic blues tune The Thrill Is Gone. Good stuff, Maynard.

Granted, the audio quality of YouTube vids is not always that great. But it’s fun and motivational to watch as well as hear some great musicians. Dig around a bit and you’ll find some gems among the rubble.

Think I’ll go practice now.