(02-18-2011 03:28 PM)Lady Floydian Wrote:  Dave Mustaine (Metallica, Megadeth) once said that David could do more with one note, than any other guitarist could do with an entire fretboard. I always thought that was a kick-ass compliment, especially since a lot of heavy metal guitarists, like Mr. Mustaine, are quite known for running their fingers up and down the fretboard like the damn thing is on fire. It also shows that even guitarists in other genres can recognize and appreciate the genius that David brings to his craft.

I could watch him play for hours, and when I was fortunate enough to see him in Chicago back in 2006, I stared at his guitar more than anything else.

Metal guitarists shred (seriously, that's what it's called :P) a lot, indeed, but Mustaine definitely knows his ABCs when it comes to guitar playing. He's very skilful and talented, and plays both really quick (borderline shredding) and really melodic (like David does) solos. I think people like him should exist more... They'd make metal music so much better.

It's not surprising that this compliment comes from Mustaine, in other words.

So I think we can conclude that David Is not the best? but he is great

He's the best, but at specific things, whereas other guitarists are better in other areas. Where Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughan excel in technique, he surpasses them in emotion and feel. It's six of one, half-dozen of the other. It's what moves you more; a more technically-gifted guitarist or someone who plays things simply but with more emotion and resonance.

good point. David is the best at what he attempts to do with the guitar then?

Yes, David is keeping it simple, but the funny thing is that he was well known in the early days for being able to emulate Jimi Hendrix to perfection.
So he's probably more technically skilled than he lets out. [/u]

Then he must be very modest, because any interview of his I've read where he's asked about his skill, he always demurs and says he's not as technically gifted as others from his generation.

Come on, David.....admit it! You think you're awesome.

Syd was simpler than David, though.

Syd may have simpler a his guitar but his music sure is 'busy' so to say

Nicely put :-)

I wonder how Syd felt about David? How did everyone feel about David when he first joined?

Syd and David were friends. They grew up together in Cambridge, although he was closer to Roger. I'm sure it was hard for David, not only being the new guy, but having to at first, mime all of Syd's parts both musically and vocally. Though I haven't read anything yet to suggest that they did to him what Metallica did to Jason Newsted, for example.