I’m a Lot Like Jeff Beck…
I didn’t say I could PLAY like Jeff Beck, but after reading some of his comments in a recent interview with the U.K.’s Daily Telegraph, I realized that I sure do THINK like Jeff Beck.
Jeff Beck (Getty Images)
“I don’t like over-the-top heavy metal. Can’t stand it. Too many amps, too much volume. It’s just flat-out ear assault. I’m sure there’s a lot of deaf people out there. Speedy guitars leave me not feeling detached but physically upset. When you think of all the subtleties that were built into the guitar and amps for you to discover, they completely cover the whole lot with a rack of effects. The guitar doesn’t need that.” — Jeff Beck
Right on, Brother Jeff!
I know this post will alienate a few of my metal friends, but as far as I am concerned God only made one thing on this earth more beautiful than the pure tonal sound of a guitar in the hands of a masterful musician.
Any guesses?
I watch a lot of YouTube videos — especially those of bands and artists that I have not had the opportunity to see perform live. As a result, I have a much better understanding and appreciation of their true ability and talent. I have also honed in to the styles and genres of music that resonate the most with my personal taste. And while I love Rock-n-Roll, Smooth Jazz, Blues, Latin and New Age…I do not care for loud, screeching, shredding Metal at all.
I recognize the talent, but I do not enjoy the music.
Guitar music should be sensual, spiritual, uplifting and exciting — not “ear assault”.
So in that light, I admit that I am a lot like Jeff Beck and Jeff Beck is a lot like me!
Amen and well said. I realize it takes some virtuosity to shred hard and fast but it just doesn’t do it for me.
Dear Guitar Daddy, I, for the most part, completely agree that “ear assault” is not musically pleasing, regardless of the talent needed to create it. With that said, I must disagree with your condemnation of heavy metal as a genre. Every genre of music can be written and performed with genuine emotion, and metal is certainly no exception. I would greatly appreciate it if you would listen to Death’s song Voice of the Soul from the album The Sound of Perseverance and Opeth’s song Drapery Falls from the album Blackwater Park. Both of those songs have little shred, but instead have guitar played by real masters that are able to convey emotion and emphasize the creation of mood in their music. I would like it very much if you shared your opinions of the aforementioned songs with me.
Hey Vanderbob… thanks for speaking up! I am no expert, just a passionate guitarist sharing my opinions. I don’t expect everyone to agree and I am ready to listen to anyone that has content to add. That said… I took your advice and checked out both songs…. (Click to listen)
Death – Voice of the Soul from the album The Sound of Perseverance
Opeth – Drapery Falls from the album Blackwater Park
I prefer Voice of the Soul (which had a mysterious vibe that kept me on the edge – I loved the acoustic mix) over Drapery Falls (which was a bit dark and a little too heavy for my personal taste). BOTH tunes have plenty of emotion and demonstrate tremendous talent. Now, I am going to go check out the rest of The Sound of Perseverance album… thanks again – rock on! -GuitarDaddy
@GuitarDaddy
I’m glad that you liked Voice of the Soul. I think the whole album is near perfect, but it took me a good while to get accustomed to the vocals. I hope that you enjoy it!