The above is from the main thread on TBNI, which is why I've switched it to here (so as not to drag that thread off-topic). It just made me think...we spend a lot of time praising Elvis as a songwriter, and a fair bit of time praising him as a singer, but we don't often extol his virtues as a guitarist. Anyone want to do some praising of his guitar skills and/or even suggest a top 3/top 5 recorded performances?Miclewis wrote:I love some of Elvis' guitar "impersonations" sprinkled throughout. Guitar figures in "The Difference" that remind me of Marc Ribot. Short solos at the end of "Mr. Crescent" that sound so much like George Harrison. There are probably more.
Elvis has always been a good guitar mimic. I love his Hendrick impersonation in "Earthbound"
Elvis as guitar hero
Elvis as guitar hero
Re: Elvis as guitar hero
I forget where I lifted this photo from, but thought it fitting for this thread.
I think he sells himself short on his abilities. I for one, love the sound and fury he gets out of his Jazzmaster, on any number of songs. And to see him live solo, with just his guitar, is always fantastic.
I think he sells himself short on his abilities. I for one, love the sound and fury he gets out of his Jazzmaster, on any number of songs. And to see him live solo, with just his guitar, is always fantastic.
- verbal gymnastics
- Posts: 13657
- Joined: Wed Jun 11, 2003 6:44 am
- Location: Magic lantern land
Re: Elvis as guitar hero
And yet one of his self-references is his clumsiness, hence Little Hands of Concrete.
Who’s this kid with his mumbo jumbo?
- Top balcony
- Posts: 924
- Joined: Fri Sep 08, 2006 5:48 pm
- Location: Liverpool
Re: Elvis as guitar hero
My guitar heros are Ry Cooder, Richard Thompson (acoustic), Martin Simpson and I wouldn't ever put EC at that virtuoso level player. But he does sell himself short. Arnie's right about his solo skills - here's a clip of his fingerstyle which shed new light on a couple of familiar tunes : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7k8c03krxk
-
- Posts: 671
- Joined: Sun Jan 01, 2006 7:30 pm
- Location: Chocolate Town
Re: Elvis as guitar hero
EC’s guitar has improved tremendously over the years. It was fairly basic when he started, but these days - while he may not be technically virtuoso - his playing is absolutely delicious. Every guitar note on “If” is wonderful.
When man has destroyed what he thinks he owns
I hope no living thing cries over his bones
I hope no living thing cries over his bones