Why Can’t We Criticise The Red Hot Chili Peppers?!

I spoke to ‪@pat_finnerty‬ on my podcast this week and we broached the sensitive topic of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We have both received backlash for critiquing this band. Why are there fans so sensitive? Why do they love RHCP so much?! Why aren't we allowed to dislike them?!
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[@N33se]

My husband and I have this conversation all the time. As a non-guitar player I couldn't care less if you can (technically) play the guitar. The only thing I care about is if I like the song. I don't care if you're the best player in the world. If your song isnt good, I don't care how good of a guitar player you technically are. John is awesome because his guitar playing is emotionally relatable.

[@goodtogo2876]

Then your argument is that he is a good songwriter, shich has nothing to do with being a guitar god.

[@N33se]

@@goodtogo2876 Can he play the guitar? Being a "guitar god" is subjective.

[@tremblence]

@@goodtogo2876 Being a "guitar god" is subjective, and many would consider that like some Polyphia or Chon technically stuff I agree that is technical, complex and impressive....... but it doesn't emotionally affect me, or take me places in my mind/feelings etc like Frusciante's stuff And I have many favorite bands not just rhcp.....

[@flyjohnson711]

It’s not just about guitar playing. It’s songwriting, hooks and serving the song. John F is s master of those….songwriting is way harder than shredding. I know a million guys that can shred. I know a handful that can write good songs.

[@carlosimotti3933]

Not to mention Frusciante was a shredder back in his teens. He just had actual artistic talent and creative ideas, exactly what shredding nerds don't have. So he found his own language that no one can copy and is immediately recognizable. Look on the net if anyone can play the outro to Sir Psycho, or the riff to Can't Stop or Snow, or many of his solos exactly as John does. Not even Frusciante specialists can. Yet you find dozens perfectly emulating any shredder in the block

[@BobbysArchive]

They also didn’t bring up his incredible vocals. To me THAT is what made the Frusciante era of the Chili Peppers. Amazing layering and range, Almost Beach Boys-like harmonies at times

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

The only person to effectively mock RHCP deservingly was Mike Patton, since Anthony Kiedis claimed Patton was copying him. And Patton responded by doing that better than the original.

[@markrodeo420]

He can also shred though, that’s the frustration. People say he’s an amazing player, then this guy picks a random song to listen to, it ends up being one focused on other elements besides John’s playing, and he starts insulting him for not being able to do stuff he does the hell out of on like 100 other songs. The guy shreds like a fucking mad man on the mars Volta albums. It’s just such a bad take, and such an obvious reason it’s happening and then you get all the well meaning fans who come in with the “it’s not about the playing, it’s his songwriting” takes that muddy the waters even further. That’s sometimes true but not what people are talking about when they gush over the guy’s playing. It’s just so irritating to me lol. It’s the kind of thing that if a friend had that take, I’d be able to change his mind in less then 10 mins.

[@carlosimotti3933]

@@markrodeo420 that's just the custom of non-artist no-talent nerds, to delude themselves they belong to some kind of elitist circle by bashing some big name. And John is most likely the only active big name in the last 2 decades, as far as rock goes. Plus this Justing guy needs the views to pay his bills as the drunkard's Rick Beato character he tailored for himself, since he had his last and only half-hit 20 years ago. He's also friends with Dave Navarro, whom is perfectly fine with John by the way and even said that Frusciante was the only guitarist for the RHCP when he was kicked out. But maybe the dude feels compelled to diss the RHCP for that.

[@thedanielspindler]

They never mention John's solo stuff...which is super expressive (in my opinion), and worthy of analysis if you want to rate John holistically.

[@brows.]

Absolutely

[@standarsh8056]

U mean that album where he squeals incoherently while doodling out of key on his guitar?

[@brows.]

@@standarsh8056 that album is him expressing himself during a tough period of his life with drugs. Some can still find art and beauty in it. I'm one of them. Have you checked out Shadows Collide with People, The Empyrean, Curtains, Inside of Emptiness or The Will to Death? There you got some of his work I recommend you giving a shot. :)

[@standarsh8056]

@Gustavo Alves oh so he was shit on purpose. Ty for clearing that up for me 😀

[@brows.]

@@standarsh8056 that's his soul back then expressed through sounds. I understand that if that's the first thing you hear from his solo stuff it may be a shock and you may not even want to hear anything from him again. It's a shame when people do that and don't get to hear a bunch other awesome stuff he composed. Well, you got my recommendation, I wish you at least give it a try.

[@sheep910]

It's so bizarre to hear someone say John's playing is void of emotion, when most of his fans consider his playing to be very emotional (myself included)

[@tokilladaemon]

I felt the same way, when i was like 15, then i listened to more music. Frusciante hits like a 3 or 4 on the emotional scale that goes up to 10

[@whitebuffalo4904]

@@tokilladaemon who, in your opinion, are some players who are an 8-10/10? genuinely curious. i find gilmour a highly emotive player. and while i'm not into shred really, jason becker was extremely emotive.

[@tonedowne]

Best thing about John Friuscantte is that he makes space for the bass.

[@Monkeymosh]

He literally said that in a guitar magazine interview last year. I love Justin but he just doesn't get it.

[@sindreeidem5336]

EXACTLY. There`s a thought out reason to his simplistic approach, and some people just don`t seem to get it or appreciate it. They want him to not stand out, which he does IMO.

[@olavjorvik94]

They’re a 3-piece, with a bright, thin guitar tone, and a very present and loud bass. Very rarely does he double track in the sence where it gets too much. How in the world is any of those two gonna disappear?!

[@chriswinter8511]

That is exactly it, even on the live shows you can see this even clearer, at certain points and for certain songs, Flea's Bass and Performance come more to the forefront and John drops back to support Flea and Chad.

[@common-girl]

nuance is Johns super power and it seems a lot of rockers say he is overrated.

[@Fenar_]

I can't help but feel. People who don't like John's stuff haven't really listened to that much. What about songs like wet sand, charlie, slow cheetah, torture me?

[@vaughanxaviermusic]

Agree. It's not really a band you can gloss over

[@gahan101]

Maybe those who don't like John listened to enough RHCP songs and made their minds about his guitar playing. It's just a matter of taste,no one has to love everything you do.

[@vaughanxaviermusic]

@@gahan101 that's totally fair. Music is subjective and taste is definitely not negotiable. But these guys in this video are just throwing these huge accusations around and they only name drop 1 song. 1! Rhcp has a huge discography with john, and they only talk about 1. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and these guys brought no evidence. They're just talking

[@carlosimotti3933]

@@vaughanxaviermusic they drop 1 song because Justin Hawkins' career lasted 1 song 🤣🤷‍♂

[@newfoundmoralclarity]

Most of his best stuff isn't on RHCP albums

[@tarantinoexperience1108]

we must always remember that when frusciante recorded “” Blood Sugar Sex Magic”” he was 20 or 21 years old.. and that makes a huge difference when you are a musician

[@RF-fr8mz]

21*, but still young.

[@sometimelater]

pure genius

[@roostertheguy]

Exactly, thats some very refined guitar playing for such a young person

[@Alex-ox7fm]

​@@RF-fr8mz he was 19 for mother's milk though and that was a sick album too imo

[@tricko8000]

Something tells me Justin hasn't actually sat down and listened to that album start to finish lol From his other videos on RHCP, apparently he's only heard the singles.

[@gabe2869]

I am a John Frusciante fan and someone that has an extremely eclectic taste in music. That being said, his solos are not what I love. It's his creativity in the songwriting and the parts he chooses to play. The rhythm parts on Blood Sugar Sex Magik alone are amazing.

[@WhiteWizzard]

It’s not that we cannot criticize the RHCP or John F….but should you? I dunno. The Darkness were fun and you are a pretty good singer (not A level but good) and you guys wrote a couple few “pretty good” songs….but The RHCP have written countless, dozens of iconic memorable songs that will be played for centuries worldwide….Once you are dead and gone , there will be an occasional guy in his underwear yanking it to an old Darkness video….I know hundreds of guys that can shred….I know a handful of great songwriters. John F writes masterful hooks, and serves those songs with grace. Perspective says ….maybe you shouldn’t criticize them, even if you can.

[@janglederek]

​@@WhiteWizzard you make rhcp and Frusciante fans look bad

[@RighteousBrother]

For me it's the soulfulness you hear in his playing. Sometimes it's pain or joy or love but I feel every single note he plays. I just cannot understand how these two cannot see or feel it.

[@blakemaxfield4267]

I was really excited for John to come back to RHCP but those 2 new albums were lacking imo

[@lolocaust4967]

​@White Wizzard dude you're commenting on every single thread. We get it you want his babies. The fact of the matter is people disagree with you. Everyone has the right to an opinion. Get over yourself.

[@axeman14]

I love John Frusciante and I also love Justin Hawkins. There I said it.

[@anshumandas6849]

me asf

[@kiwigold]

Well I love You.

[@ReeceyOne]

Speaking for me too

[@RickReasonnz]

How dare you. A conciliatory message on the You Tubes, the nerve of it!

[@MusicTheoryLogic]

Honestly I do too. I think it taught me that everyone has their own opinions.

[@stellaskitchenbass]

Because a solo or guitar part being a blowing in the wind hair metal helicopter view tapping jizz fest - is appropriate for every song

[@saintjabroni]

👌🏼😂

[@andoletube]

For anyone who doesn't know, at 3:05, he's talking about John Mayer and his Paul Reed Smith guitars.

[@philipampofo6435]

Absolutely dont get this one. Thats exactly WHY we love JF. The soul and melody in his guitar playing over heavy thrashing 'vertical' pentatonic solos. Wet Sand, Californication, I Could Have Lied, Scar Tissue- not the most difficult nor technical to play but full of melody- you could hum most of his solos. The opening riff of Under The Bridge- that should just be 2 chords- D and F#- that he sprinkled magic dust onto and created one of the most recognisable intros of all time. The riffs and ending of Sir Psycho. Then you get his solo stuff- Wayne is an absolutely brilliant virtuoso piece. I mean, ANYone can vibrato- im just an intermediate amateur and I can manage it. I personally feel vibrato is overdone by many musicians (not just on the guitar)- maybe because its safe or lack of imagination? It is weird because ive been on the 'music internet' for many years- he is usually criticised for not being technical/shreddy enough- literally never heard a single person describe his playing as soulless- even among his detractors. Even people who find RHCP insipid, often still rate JF. (I do agree Dani California was musically terrible) Edit- i just listened to the top 10 Darkness Solos to see where you are coming from. I couldnt play most of them on the guitar but they just dont do it for me. Most seem very predictable rock/blues you almost know where the solo is heading after the first couole of bars. Saying that, I love this channel so know you also have good taste for music so I find this a bit perplexing.

[@toekiman]

👊🏽spot on !

[@sailacristina]

I love Dani California. The final solo is glourious

[@benzilla1823]

See i love their live jams for the very same reasons that you, Justin, often mention you enjoy something, the rawness, the mistakes, the grit, the epic struggle of man vs instrument as you put it. I hate “perfect” music, butter guitars that practically play themselves. I don’t need every singer to be the best singer ever, or every guitarist to be Steve Vai levels of virtuosity. I want aggression and feeling in my music too sometimes. I hear those things in rhcp, and love them for it, if you don’t then that’s cool too, still love ya. Variety doth be the spice and the lice or whatever.

[@mw7851]

Totally agree.

[@chriswinter8511]

Nice point.

[@InsidiousJazz]

Respect to both these guys but how can you listen to a song like Look On and not think that Frusciante is great?

[@SupermanNew52]

He's probably only ever heard the radio stuff.

[@InsidiousJazz]

@@SupermanNew52 Yeah, you're probably on to something there. I didn't get why Frusciante was considered such a big deal at first since I'm not really a fan of RHCP but I totally reversed my opinion when I heard his solo stuff.

[@Bloom64-rt5cm]

It's not that great

[@sarcasmxkate]

I think people forget that the Californication album was made right after John had to re-learn playing. His addiction took everything from him, including his ability to play. He made a conscious choice to not do anything he wasn't comfortable with and to just be a part of a band without taking any spotlight. Which is a stand he still takes to this day. But it's not just the guitar playing that fans love, it's what he brings to the band overall. There's so clearly a difference in energy when John is in the band. There's a reason their most beloved music is the stuff they've done together. There's also a difference between studio version John and live version John. I can understand not personally vibing with someone's playing, but I also think there's a much bigger pool of John's playing that you're completely missing out on. Which I think is where an unfairness in critique comes from. I saw them live in September and it was incredible. Everyone was killing it. Chad was hitting harder than ever, Flea was Flea-ing harder than ever, Anthony was on pitch and remembering lyrics, and John was absolutely shredding. To each their own, but I just think it's important to see the full scope before firmly planting your criticism in a critique that isn't the full truth. Then, if you're still not vibing, cool. At least you're more educated and can have a more well rounded response.

[@medardoantoniocaballero8412]

These idiots don’t even know John’s story, can’t even pronounce their last name correctly, and probably can’t even name 10 non-hits songs. Have them criticise Turn It Again, Dosed, Torture Me, Wet Sand, Tear, wtf are they gonna know about John if they talk about 2 songs here?

[@shelby8364]

well said!! I saw them in September too! In Orlando

[@sarcasmxkate]

@@shelby8364 cool! So good!

[@paddysguitarshow2]

how did addiction cause him to not be able to play guitar ? genuine question ?

[@medardoantoniocaballero8412]

@@paddysguitarshow2 he stopped playing from 93-96,97 and lost the strength in his fingers to play, he was just a lost soul in a world of drugs, he lost his teeth, scarred his arms, got skinny as a stick, there’s an interview of him during this period look it up.

[@coldblackfire]

If you listen to "don't forget me" and say the guitar is expressionless then I have nothing to say to you

[@Sinuite]

Brutal. The end of Sir Psycho Sexy debunks the whole theory of lack of expression. Poor argument

[@cotopaximusic]

His entire discography debunks this whole video lol

[@EasyAcoustic]

Agreed. The guy who's most famous song is power chords arguing complexity...lol

[@emirozdemir2037]

why? pretty basic stuff

[@SpencerLewis-tg8xz]

@@emirozdemir2037 It isn't super complicated but it is arguably genuinely beautiful. It is a lovely chord progression and obviously the fills between the chord changes are clean and creative.

[@Krooksbane]

Sounds like that’s just your opinion, man.

[@adnan4739]

I absolutely adore RHCP, they’re special and significant to me. I also love and Respect Justin Hawkins. We’re all entitled to our opinions and we don’t always have to agree. We don’t need to get upset either.

[@TheEclecticSinger]

100% agree. Huge RHCP fan but I respect Justin Hawkins and think highly of his takes. I don’t necessarily agree but I can understand how he would feel that way

[@tricko8000]

I respect everyone's opinions, but in this case I admit it does piss me off when someone critiques a band having only heard some singles. If Justin had actually sat down and listened to an album from beginning to end, like BSSM for example, this video wouldn't exist lol.

[@TheGhostOfFredZeppelin]

Finally a reasonable comment

[@SaucyBeanOfficial]

@@tricko8000Agreed, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and should be respected, but like you said these guys only listened to some singles and call John’s playing “shit”. It’s one thing to not be a fan of RHCP but the critiques they gave with no evidence came off very snobby and ignorant.

[@peterthompson1989]

Yeah 100 percent this. Everyone has a preferred style and no one is going to like everything but it feels like some people can't accept his opinion and these are proving him right

[@whitherandthither]

There's no possible way I can let this slide guys.

[@WhiteWizzard]

It’s not that we cannot criticize the RHCP or John F….but should you? I dunno. The Darkness were fun and you are a pretty good singer (not A level but good) and you guys wrote a couple few “pretty good” songs….but The RHCP have written countless, dozens of iconic memorable songs that will be played for centuries worldwide….Once you are dead and gone , there will be an occasional guy in his underwear yanking it to an old Darkness video….I know hundreds of guys that can shred….I know a handful of great songwriters. John F writes masterful hooks, and serves those songs with grace. Perspective says ….maybe you shouldn’t criticize them, even if you can.

[@musliboy2430]

​@@WhiteWizzard the success of the darkness should have nothing to do with him criticizing RHCP. He's just saying why he doesn't like them much and explains why

[@WhiteWizzard]

@@musliboy2430 No the “success” of the Darkness is irrelevant to the point. The core part of this “criticism” so to speak is that John F is not a good guitarist. My counter is that “good” is subjective. He serves their songs with iconic grace and a vibe all his own. You know when it’s John F.playing on a song and to me feel and songwriting Trump shredding all day…..this is a common argument in hard rock and metal..,,And the perspective I’m giving is this is a VERY hot take and also a play on the title of the video…..simply -can we criticize them , sure….should he in that context? I dunno….up to people to make that call….he went public with it so I guess he can own it.

[@paulkingdesign5928]

The truth stings.

[@tuckbradley2358]

Just to add a bit more context to the simplicity of the guitar recordings on Californication. John had just returned from almost dying from heroin addiction, which weakened him physically. It’s been documented that his hands just simply weren’t at the strength they needed to be at to really open other avenues. John plays with so much emotion and dedication. Every solo he plays live, no two are the same, the improvised jams keep things fresh every night, which is more that I can say for a lot of other rock bands very much going through the motions these days.

[@fragrelb]

As an amateur guitarist, John’s riffs are obtainable, relatable and playable. I can’t see how it’s expressionless - all you have to do is watch them at Slaine castle and behind the scenes / making of their hit records to appreciate his dynamic. He and Flea have some kind of connection that cannot be replicated (we saw this with Dave and Josh and even Hillel IMO). I listen to and am a fan of a huge range of music, growing up in the 90s and John’s playing still stands out to me (I am also a huge knofler fan thnx to my old man). John’s tone and guitar choice is usually always on point. There is beauty in simplicity. In saying that it’s all subjective and relative to personal taste and opinion :) we can all agree Anthony is the weakest link in ability to perform - but you cannot question his song writing. /rant over

[@ThatBassline]

"We can all agree Anthony is the weakest link in ability to perform" Really ?? Very few in his age range have the ability to perform like he does and not many are as physically fit as Anthony and Flea.

[@mamaloh8165]

Anthony is a born perfomer. He himself spoke very humble about his voice and singing, and there might be better ones, but he is recognizable at the first tone. Asked whether he was the frontman, he said, well, we always had three frontmen, and another frontman in the back of us. Totally agree.

[@ballsballsballs3617]

@@ThatBasslinethat’s what I’m saying. He deserves credit solely for being the only muscular front man ever

[@markocvejic6416]

But when you think about it. Antony style of singing and voice are very defining for their sound. I love them all :)

[@misterlister-wm2tj]

Lmao if someone having an opinion you don't agree with makes you this angry I don't think yourube is for you haha 😅

[@pestesoidubutor8626]

Never been a huge RHCP fan (I still prefer Jane's Addiction/Porno For Pyros) but John Frusciante's solo discography is a body of work I constantly come back to since my teenage and more strictly metal and grunge/alt-rock days. Also love Klinghoffer projects and Navarro's solo album is pretty good. Won't forget Hillel Slovak (RIP), he surely would have a great career if he didn't die so young (but he had a band with Alain Johannes and Jack Irons and also recorded with Keith Levene). Well, when it comes to RHCP I prefer all the extra stuff than their records/singles as a band (but they obviously have some great material too).

[@WhiteWizzard]

It’s not that we cannot criticize the RHCP or John F….but should you? I dunno. The Darkness were fun and you are a pretty good singer (not A level but good) and you guys wrote a couple few “pretty good” songs….but The RHCP have written countless, dozens of iconic memorable songs that will be played for centuries worldwide….Once you are dead and gone , there will be an occasional guy in his underwear yanking it to an old Darkness video….I know hundreds of guys that can shred….I know a handful of great songwriters. John F writes masterful hooks, and serves those songs with grace. Perspective says ….maybe you shouldn’t criticize them, even if you can.

[@Csnich96]

Jane’s addiction don’t have a bad album

[@brazilianjosh]

I like Frusciante. He is like a grungey version of funk. It’s not super choppy or in the pocket, it’s pretty real. It’s fuzzy riffing and simple lines. Not overproduced. Not over busy. No filler parts. It’s like hearing a live band. They’re not intense or dramatic, I think they sound pretty light, summery and uncomplicated . It itches that scratch. But I understand why not everyone likes it :)

[@irena7777777]

It’s the singer for me. He’s terrible and the lyrics are cringe inducing.

[@Quinnsula5]

That's the thing that's also just him with the peppers he has some very good solo stuff that is more a mix of stuff, some being singer song wrighter ect... like if you listen to more of his you see his genius.

[@chriswinter8511]

That's a good description, you could certainly feel his loss when he took that most recent break and Josh was playing, Josh wasn't bad but he's missing what John brought to the table.

[@initial_kd]

​@@chriswinter8511Josh is a great musician, his work on John's solo albums is great imo. That's probably why they felt like choosing Josh. There's just something about the way John makes music with the band that just works. Not even a hardcore fan would say RHCP are that technical, they're not trying to be. Do people forget that some technical players are dry AF sounding? Kiedis is not a great singer and even John said Anthony doesn't know music theory but he has a unique sound and a good ear. Kiedis has gotten better in that aspect over the years tho, he actually sings a lot more notes now than before which used to be more spoken or a rap type singing. Chad i agree is a great drummer even from a technical point. Flea is just Flea and great.

[@VLKV_loves_you]

Frusciante also tracked all the guitars on mars voltas amputetchre record so that Omar could focus on producing, so that’s also evidence of how he’s said multiple times that he’s just not interested in the guitar gymnastics that developed with late 70s and 80s players.

[@soarel325]

I feel you can't talk about Frusciante without acknowledging what he did in TMV

[@danjdear]

Frusciante is my favourite guitarist not because of the Californication and By the way albums, but because of his earlier work with the band, solo stuff and the sounds coming out of Stadium Arcadium, which are probably closer to the virtuoso like performances you seem to crave. Fair enough if it's not for you but if you're limiting your listening to a select period when they were in the mainstream then I feel sorry for you and the wonderful musicianship you're missing out on. I've studied plenty of guitarists over the years and I have no reason to prefer JF over anyone else, but I just find his style so unique, fascinating and ultimately a breath of fresh air from the classic rock tropes.

[@sometimelater]

these guys are dolts, beyond clueless

[@MrFruscianteFan]

I love RHCP, I love Justin, and Frusciante is my favorite guitarist. And RHCP fans are obnoxious.

[@jackonly18]

RHCP are my absolute favourite band and I’ve been a fan for about 25 years… but god I fucking loathe some RHCP fans

[@StacyODell]

John is that you?

[@aaronneumann5378]

most fans of most bands are obnoxious, it's not isolated to any one band. its human condition.

[@probotprobert]

I don’t really know enough about the technicalities of guitar theory, tone, or expression so I can’t really comment on his PLAYING but Shadows Collide with People is one of my favourite albums ever. The songwriting and singing is stellar, just beautiful songs! Maybe give one of the songs on that an analysis? My favorites are Wednesday’s Song, Song to Sing when I’m Lonely and Carvel. Thanks Justin! You’re a beaut!

[@carlosimotti3933]

He can't because he's never listened to that, nor he ever will because then he should face the fact that he's miles below Frusciante's artistic status. Much more comfortable to be another self-appointed youtube expert

[@probotprobert]

@@carlosimotti3933 I disagree, Justin is one of the all time greats, and incredibly insightful and a KZbin hit because he knows what he’s talking about- he just needs to hear Carvel. Hey maybe don’t watch if he’s so terrible

[@carlosimotti3933]

@@probotprobert An all time what? LOL. Maybe at preparing cookies I don't know 🤣 I have nothing against the guy, guess what one might watch and still have some observtion to make, incredible isn't it? He's a good musician who's been in the business, and this fact should further make him feel the responsibility of listening to an artist and his band, before making zillion monthly critique videos for the views. Especially when it's about a REAL all time great

[@ignatiusjackson235]

​​​​@@carlosimotti3933Exactly. Justin's feet are soiled in sour grapes. He should stick to writing parody songs about Hot Yoga. Who knows? Maybe one of these days, he'll score a 2nd hit!

[@carlosimotti3933]

@@ignatiusjackson235 after several videos since the release of Unlimited Love saying always the same unbased things and without having listened to anything while having all the time to, it's obvious it's for the views and his own inferiority complex. Which happens when the only money you make you owe it to blabbing about bigger names on youtube 🤷‍♂

[@funkeestadirtwurx2448]

John simply play in his own terms. He can suck if he wants, he can be brilliant if he wants. He can play, or not play. It’s this kind of artistic freedom and honesty that we’re drawn into

[@sindreeidem5336]

Oh this is spot on!

[@sombra1111]

Frusciante completely changed his style about 6 times since 1987, but he only talks about Californication, which was a very brief period in his career. RHCP have the technical competence to easily write some generic 70's hard rock ripoff if they wanted to, just to give an exemple, but they prefer to take risks with their own personality, which is already more than we can say for most mainstream artists. If we are to believe that this is not just meant to get angry clicks from fans and if he honestly thinks that the backlash is uncalled for, perhaps the best thing to do would be to dig deeper and criticize them with some more background next time.

[@MrMastrsushi]

"He can suck if he wants, he can be brilliant if he wants. He can play, or not play" That's just fanboyism These guys are speaking as other guitarists listening to another one. They don't want to hear someone who sucks, and likely you wouldn't either had you not fallen in love with songs like Soul to Squeeze back when you were 13 lol...

[@sombra1111]

​@@MrMastrsushi If you knew what Frusciante can do, you wouldn't be saying that. He is so much better than Justin. This video is like Salieri criticizing Mozart, only worse, because Salieri was actually a good composer. Justin is just a dude who plays generic 70's hard rock ripoffs in a one-hit-wonder band. Frusciante just never shows off and only plays what's needed for the song, which is a good thing, but he can play pretty much anything. If the song is supposed to be simple, he's not going to sweep pick or do some tasteless nonsense just to try to impress people when most RHCP songs don't need that. There's a video here on youtube that shows Frusciante playing when he was 17, before RHCP, and he was already shredding, probably more than he ever did afterwards. He only got better since then, but he eventually realized that that was not his style and a lot of the time simplicity can be more meaningful and effective than playing 25 notes per second, after all music is not a sport.

[@MrMastrsushi]

@@sombra1111 They’re not criticizing his capabilities, they’re criticizing what he chooses to do. In their opinions, what JF chooses to do isn’t all that great or impressive. Also Justin’s capabilities are irrelevant, he has every right to criticism another guitarist as much as you or I do. The subject of the video isn’t “Justin vs John”.

[@willow519]

You don't have to love his playing. But if you don't acknowledge his absolutely amazing ability to write unique riffs and beautiful melodies idk what to say dawg. He's more creative than the majority of guitar players who are more proficient. Personally I would like it if he revamped his technique just a bit. Emotion wise and expressiveness he is top tier, he just tends to repeat his favourite licks a bit too often

[@jakehines1123]

100% agree, however John is just as proficient as players like Steve via or EVH that's all he played then he was 16 and 17

[@jeremykeelermusic3153]

@@jakehines1123 maybe he's close to EVH's proficiency but he's nowhere near Steve Vai. And I don't think we've seen him play like that since the BSSM era, it'd be a surprise if he still could honestly.

[@misterlister-wm2tj]

Unique riffs hahah 😆 i swear youtube gives a platform for some seriously stupid takes 😄 🤣

[@kylepretorius2982]

I'm smiling so much that the 2 of you are together in a video. This is the best combo team ever!

[@thepayne7862]

I've always been a firm believer in that you can be fan of any form entertainment media, and be critical of it especially if it's constructive criticism, and it doesn't make you any less of a fan. To me constructive criticism comes from a place of love, because you can still love something but want it to be a better version of what it already is.

[@steveblake4832]

As a fan of Frusciante and Knopfler (Clapton, Green, Page, Hendrix) and a luthier and guitarist (and I love J Hawkins), he doesn’t get it and that’s totally ok. Everything Frusciante does is very deliberate and he’s remarkably eclectic. What strikes me about this conversation is how out of touch and amateur they sound discussing the validity of art. I’ve taught and played Darkness songs and RHCP songs live for years and technically, there’s no contest that Frusciante’s parts are infinitely more intricate and orchestrated than the Darkness songs that I’ve learned. Sadly, these guys are coming off as the antithesis of what music and art is about. To insinuate that Frusciante (or anyone’s) leads would be more musically valid if he played with more vibrato (as if he couldn’t or doesn’t - check out his shred-ish playing on Mother’s Milk for Van Halen-esque vibrato btw) is a perfect of example of “it’s not good because good can only be what I decide and like”, sadly a bad point of view to assess art and music. They truly don’t get it but there’s always time. 😊 to paraphrase; talking about music is like dancing about architecture. Do better fellas, we need ya

[@Hexon66]

I'm immediately put into the Marshal McLuhan scene of Annie Hall. I think it was the "I've taught and played" part, and the hyperbole of "infinitely more intricate" (sadly YT doesn't have a "sock filled with horse manure" emoji... iykyk). It seems like it's *you* who's more personally attacked than Frusciante, and have to resort to ad hominem attacks on guys who are giving honest opinions, as they see it. Give it a rest.

[@freeed2722]

Hey Justin, love your videos and appreciate your work! As a big fan of John Frusciante and RHCP I respect your opinion, although I see things differently. What I like in John Frusciante playing is his totally different approach in his often minimalistic style; the absence of vibrato was also for me not understandable until I played an original 60ies Strat for the first time: usually one uses vibrato to add a certain expression or touch to a note, but this original 60ies Strat already had a so tremendous amount of self-expression that I found myself enjoying to hear the note ring without adding some expressive playing technique. And yes, the solo in californication is somewhat unexpectedly „different“, nevertheless I somehow found the beauty in its simplicity that is - if one may like it or or - unique (although does not contain the most sophisticated playing techniques or melodic surprises, but it’s something that’s sets it apart anyways 😃). Thx again for your great videos and insights into music!!! Peace ☮️

[@tremblence]

He plays the solo different every time live Its iconic.... the perfect notes Sure when you hear it 1000 times it loses some magic.... but that applies to any song

[@RedChairReviews]

The one thing that Mr. Hawkins isn’t mentioning with Frusciante-and the thing I love that he brings to RHCP-is his vocal harmonies. Frusciante and Flea crush a lot of backing vocals on “Stadium” songs and “By the Way” tracks. Their harmonies MAKE those albums! I agree that Frusciante isn’t my favorite guitarist ever. But his backing vocals are honey. Hawkins always keys in on great vocal harmonies-they’re there if he goes back and listens! Might make him forget the soulless guitar. 😁🔥

[@RighteousBrother]

I agree with you 💯 I'm a bit of a RHCP bore. Only yesterday I was saying to my girlfriend "just listen to those harmonies!!"

[@RedChairReviews]

@@RighteousBrother They are SILKY SMOOOOOTH. I think I only revisit those records frequently because of those harmonies! 🔥

[@dls31070]

Flea? Hell, Anthony sings better than Flea. Those vocal harmonies are all John

[@RedChairReviews]

@@dls31070 I think there are three part harmonies that also include Flea on Stadium.🤔

[@RedChairReviews]

@@dls31070 Maybe not, tho🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Jake.Frush2]

"The californication solo is trash" And they can both sing the entire solo perfectly

[@arricat5e311]

Yeah it's probably like how a tune you hate gets stuck in your head

[@Jafiveon]

I bet you can sing the Kars for Kids jingle. Familiarity does not mean it's good.

[@carlosimotti3933]

The Californication solo is amazing, it's a drive through the californian desert or a side street on the asphalted LA River. You can hear dusty wind blow when it plays. These two losers have no clue about what art is

[@Rattlepiece]

I can sing lots of songs I hate.

[@vi0letcr1me]

this. John was still crawling his way back from rock bottom here so some of the lead on Californication is quite simple but as far as composing and melody writing goes I think John was maybe never better than he was at this time.

[@baseballnic25]

This is the take you get when you only listen to RHCP top 10 songs. John’s playing is revered by fans because they do their homework. Some of his work on the deeper tracks is remarkable. Also how he plays live… it’s incredible. Dissing things that tons of people enjoy and agree is impressive is a lame personality take.

[@CourtTV.]

For real. Bsides included

[@corrosivealtars]

That's like saying McDonald's is top of the line due to the sales.

[@baseballnic25]

@@corrosivealtars No, it’s not.

[@tesfallewellyn9385]

They havent listened enough to be able to judge him Califonia album but they are from England prob a diffwrent bag I mean Oasis hahahaaaha

[@corrosivealtars]

@@baseballnic25 It absolutely is. Tons (literally) of people think Mickie D's is impressive and enjoy it, thoroughly. Many of us don't. Saying so isn't a lame personality take - nor trait. It's simply saying so. However, dismissing people that aren't in agreement with what the masses thoughtlessly consume kind of is.

[@paulharrisonadventuregearm5457]

The thing is one can argue intellectually as to why Frusciante genius in his expression, his tone is exceptional, his choice of notes is also exceptional, he does bends when appropriate, creates space where it is needed to produce emotional story lines. Very few guitarists can do all of these. They can shred, and do fast work..but there's nothing there to actually grab onto ... because it just doesn't have slow, fast space dynamics, to either paint a picture that goes with the lyrics. Very few guitarists can consistently find incredible melodies like Frusciante. Van Halen, Malmsteins...all of the shredders can go fast and all over the shop...but they simply cannot find the moving storytelling that Frusciante just constantly finds.

[@adamcater87474]

Exactly, he was shredding at the age of 18 but thankfully stopped doing that early on.

[@klickj26]

well said. he levelled up as a technical virtuossa by the time he was 18. yes, he could play and shred basically anything at that point. thats not what making good music is about tho, and he realzied it. he realized that as a BAND, the sum is greater than the parts. He knows how to play guitar that works perfectly with bass and drums. His CHOICES are what sets him apart. I mean, I can't think too many other guitarists who have been able to create such melodies with such devastating emotional resonsnace. That hit hard even after the 1000th listen. that sound like they were just gifted to him, like "how had no one else put these notes together before?". So many people understand this, which is why RHCP has such a emotional an dpassionate fan base. I think the reason people like Justin do not gravitate to him is because they are being to intellectual about it. Theyre overthinking. Just feel th emusic bro.

[@bencoleman5965]

I think the outro to sir psycho sexy is some of the most beautiful guitar ever recorded, and the solo from shes only eighteen is amazing. But what do i know 😂 i loved this whole interview 👍

[@PengoLu]

true, people always make fun of sir psycho sexy when in fact it’s a brilliant song

[@wolfreyet]

Listen to more music: it’s the only thing we can all do to increase the spectrum of musical relativity and simultaneously become more discerning.

[@diegosotomiranda4107]

​@@PengoLutbh it baffles me how in 2023 reactors act like a 80s teenager in a sex ed class when listening raynchy lyrics, youre an adult ffs and they talk about sex, Big deal..

[@PengoLu]

@@diegosotomiranda4107 yes, it has funny userious lyrics that talk about sex as one would expect by anthony kiedis, it’s undeniably a very well structured song, very well recorded and produced with awesome instruments though

[@klausbremner_autotelic_art]

You're absolutely entitled to have your own taste. But, I'd suggest listening to the recent Rick Rubin podcasts with John, where he explains alot of the musical choices he made regarding the minimal playing on Californication and By The Way, in particular. It might give you a bit of different perspective

[@ignatiusjackson235]

They're entitled to have their own tastes, yes, but they're not entitled to claim that Frusciante isn't great because he *chooses* not to play the way they'd like him to play. It's like a classical pianist bashing Thelonious Monk. Personally, I wish John would have kicked it into a higher gear on these new LPs. That's a *legitimate criticism,* based on my own experience with the music and extensive knowledge of the band. I've really lost a boatload of respect for these guys, especially Justin. At least Pat - despite making a whole What Makes This Song Stink about "Dani California" - tries to come at the thing with a rounded perspective. I do think he was obviously sucking up a bit to Justin's unwarranted negativity here. These two act like every RHCP fan is a blind-ass fanboy; as though Frusciante has nothing to offer, when that's *demonstrably* not the case.

[@ricardorix73]

I took a major influence in my playing style from BloodSugarSexMagik. It's more of a right hand rhythm thing and usual chords. It beats the previous 80s rock guitar solo hands down for style and creating a band vibe, rather than the big hair look at me. I'm guessing the darkness missed that.

[@VLKV_loves_you]

I love Frusciante and after spending my formative years emulating him, I’ve realized that after playing guitar for over 10 years, I just wasn’t playing rock n roll. 20 years later, I’m still trying to inject it to my alternative-electronic influenced sound.

[@Collier990RHCP]

Justin, have you ever heard John’s album ‘the Empyrean?’ Love to hear what you think. Not necessarily due to guitar but just as a whole

[@jackonly18]

I second this. The Empyrean is an incredible album and nothing like RHCP (who I love btw 😂). I think the critique is slightly unfair as JF has a incredibly wide ranging back catalogue and some of RHCP’s deeper cuts are nothing like the mainstream stuff most people hear.

[@donge9589]

I love it, but I think Justin wouldnt, let's not let him go there haha it's sacred.

[@MedalionDS9]

I don't consider myself a RHCP fan but enjoy enough of their songs I see their appeal... they fill a certain need/sound on the radio that is pretty harmless, it's there. Funk Rock, mellow alternative funk whatever you wanna call it... it has a place that is kind of timeless that nobody else is doing or doing as well as them, honestly. RHCP are some of the only old guard Alternative Rock bands still hanging around and filling in a sound for those who miss those kinds of sounds I guess. The simplistic and minimalist playing of John Frusciante serve the songs perfectly, and the guitar tones are memorable and signature... that without his involvement, RHCP feel incomplete. John's RHCP guitar stuff is very melodic/catchy and accessible and people probably grew up learning his guitar parts when learning guitar as a beginner... people need those kinds of heroes as much as virtuosos. In a sense, John Frusciante is not unlike The Edge of U2... often praised and derided for minimalistic style, but they serve the songs and create a mood/atmosphere perfectly that the singer may not always convey in all they sing about. It's ok if you don't like RHCP or John in particular, nobody said you had to... but it's the way you express your almost condescension hate for them is what rubs people the wrong way, I dunno.

[@paulalanghorn1774]

I'm a big fan of rchp and John fruiscante and I agree with what u say but when he's live stick to the solo the improvisation let's me down my opinion but I still love John fruiscante

[@piercelawless2654]

Disagree that his playing is accessible, sure some of stuff isn't difficult but most of his playing is very skillful

[@MedalionDS9]

@@piercelawless2654 Accessible to play and easy to grasp. Not to compose, there is a difference. Not downplaying his compositional skills.

[@piercelawless2654]

@@MedalionDS9 it's not all easy to grasp tho, u don't understand my point. The basic songs most people who don't rlly acknowledge his better stuff know is pretty easy but there's stuff that's deceptively difficult, he's got a style that's very difficult to replicate which makes learning his music in itself difficult

[@aps81x22]

​@@piercelawless2654 I understand your point and totally disagree. As a guitar teacher I have never had a Frusciante part that I couldn't teach to the kids. For the most part he sticks to diatonic parts; easy to figure out and easy to play. It feels like people are conflating their like for something and thinking it's good.

[@edwardchester1]

Genuinely surprised by this take. Under the bridge being one of the finest guitar riffs ever recorded, and pretty tricky to play well. And its a silly, again slightly unexpected, turn of phrase for you to use to say he's overrated when as a musician you know full well people choose to have a style. You can not like it, but calling it overrated is... yeah, surprising.

[@misterlister-wm2tj]

You think that's one of the finest riffs ever recorded lmao 🤣 not listened to much music have you hahahahah

[@lucassalman2803]

@@misterlister-wm2tjI don’t know any riffs that you’ve wrote….and wrote it when 20 years old

[@kayes5216]

Love Justin but I have to disagree! The first few notes of Scar Tissue was the start of my love for John Frusciante’s guitar playing. Pure, simple and perfect. All these years later and I just love listening to him play. Seeing RHCP on their most recent tour was one of the best concerts I’ve seen. Skilled musicians who love playing with each other at the top of their game! Oh yes and give Ramparts a listen to hear the most beautiful solo Frusciante!

[@sonovabeach2165]

To me whenever justin critiques the peppers its just coz i feel like he's judging them from only their mst popular singles and radio hits and such. I think their best stuff is lesser known so i feel like he hasnt listened to the things that make us rhcp fans adore the band lol. Like, I doubt justin has heard something like Aquatic Mouth Dance or The Heavy Wing or many deep cuts and things from their albums. When people describe them as only making funky rock music its like, no lol, listen to white braids and pillow chair. Maybe he has, what do i know, in that case its all fair, i just feel like he's not judging them fairly i guess? but hey everyones allowed to have an opinion, they'll be one of my fav bands right next to radiohead.

[@ants.446]

Frusciante is amazing. End of.

[@matthewmonk2983]

I agree about Johns lack of vibrato but I think that is part of his sound. He has been responsible for some very good guitar pieces. I love his solo on Show Me Your Soul.

[@LfunkeyA]

he has a lot of vibrato, just more subtle

[@TheGuitarDudeSteve]

I love Justins Channel. Love what he does. And have massive respect for him as a musician. I saw the Darkness on the Permission to Land tour. And of course he is entitled to his opinion, as we all are. But I have to wholeheartedly disagree with him on the subject of Frusciante. Without waffling on too much. I started playing guitar in 99, aged 17. John was one of the reasons why. The solo on "I Could Have lied" still gives me goosebumps 30 years later. I saw RHCP 3 times between the Californication and By the Way tours. The first time I saw them is still the best gig I've ever been too. And mainly due to John's emotive playing. The show ending cover of Iggy Pops Search and Destroy. Just breathtaking. He never plays the same solo twice, like all great improvisers. From full on hard rock riffing on tunes like 'Good Time Boys' & 'Higher Ground' to acoustic numbers 'Cabron' and 'Road Trippin' and everything in between. I can see where he's coming from on the newer stuff, can't say I'm blown away by anything post 'Stadium Arcadium'. And truth be told I've never loved Kiedis' vocals. (I'm firmly in the Mike Patton camp there!) But I would suggest listening to Mothers Milk and BSSM in their entirety. This is not even to mention his extensive catalogue of solo work, almost an album released a year in recent times. My personal highlights being 'Curtains', 'Empyrean' and 'Shadows Collide'. The bottom line though, is that this is obviously completely subjective and a matter of personal taste. It comes down to what you grew up listening to in most cases I find. Personally I don't have any emotional connection to bands like ACDC and Queen. And as good as I know Angus Young and Brian May are as players, I can't say they "move me" in the same way that John does. Goal to minimise waffling failed 🤦

[@stevenhanley5505]

Does anyone know what guitarist/guitar make Justin was talking about in the middle of the video?

[@willywonka7812]

Or on the subject of Flea, tangentially, The Butthole Surfers are another of those great bands that don't get their due regard. Paul Leary is one of the most talented guitarists, when it comes to scratching at the itch in the back of your mind

[@johngatewood4638]

Damn Skippy friendo!!!!

[@AdrienCollot]

Damn, I already know I will hate to write this comment. And I will certainly be a waste of time as you will probably never read this. For most of the reasons I will write, I can't tell for your guest, because I didn't heard his initail critique. So there is many reasons : - You based your critique on 1 single track which may not represent there overall work (not to mention his incredible solo career). - Maybe the words used in your xritique means a different thing for their audience. - You said Frusciante's playing has no dynamic, no tension. It has and is liked for this (listen to a song like Venice Queen or Turn It Again for example). - Maybe because yes, he serves the song. He's all about melody and not about jerking off listening to himself satisfied of the techniques he showed. And don't get me wrong he can do it (listen to Mother's Milk. - Maybe because he understands that music is a vector of emotion not about how "impressive he can be". - RHCP/Frusciante fans (or at least part the most vehement one), feels deeply, soulfully connected to his music, and that's why they feel offended (TBH honest, if some critique about Frusciante are legit, when i heard your critique video, I clearly remeber that some of your point were like red flags because it was the opposite of what I thought of the RHCP/JF's music). - Californication solo "crappy" ? Why beacuse there is not 12 notes/second ? So Pink Floyd's solo are crap too ? The melody / progression is great. And It's OK not to like it. But maybe calling it crap tells more about you guys that about the solo. - Yes for Californication, Frusciante was just back form his "junky years" and set himself a different limit on each tracks to work on his creativity. - Maybe you can critique them without being pedantic (as a fan (less now than 20 years ago) of the RHCP), I bought myself a solid discotheque (500 albums, form Pink Floyd to David Bowie, from Bob Marley to Buck 65, From ATDI/The Mars Volte to Billy Talent, from Emilie Simon to... The Darkness, from Nine Inch Nails to Serge Gainsbourg, from Frank Zappa to Mastodon, from The Beach Boys to Silpknot, from the Dandy Warhols to The Clash, from Death From Above 1979 to Johnny Cash, from Stupéflip to Miossec. - Maybe you are not sensitive to what makes them great in the eyes of millions of people. - Or maybe you are just trolling to create a buzz. - And maybe critiquing a guitar player whose palette is 20 times (probably way more) wider than yours does not help. And I certainly forgot a lot of other reasons why you "can't critique the rhcp" but it seems like a good sample and I already spend too much time responding to your question (and i didn't wanted to spend more time listening again to the first video to have it fresh in mind).

[@seanmacdonald8211]

Frusciante is a genius. You slate him for his style of guitar playing, but he deliberately keeps it simple listen to early frusciante, the guy is a genius

[@davidfarmer4669]

Hi I watched the full PF interview and was intrigued by this bit - so yesterday I listened to a lot of Frusciante while out about - so my challenge is could you do a breakdown of Sir Psycho Sexy and in particular all elements of Johns playing ?

[@pauljdoron7411]

I think those two didn't do the proper research about John's guitar work. Go watch more live performances of him and peppers cuz that's where the magic is. John never plays any solo the same way. He always improvises. Sometimes he's great and sometimes not but that means he puts his emotions into guitar like no one else. Justin you seem like a clever well spoken man but not everyone has to be a flashy rock n rolla like you...yeah...rock n roll baby...I'm always gonna have John close to my heart. I think he's a beautiful soul. You guys mention solo from californication...even John himself said that back then he just got clean after being on drugs for a long time and he said that during this time he lost his good technique and vibratto because he wasn't practicing at all. Also during recording californication he was influenced by guitar players such as Bernard Sumner(Joy Division). So that's why he didn't care about the technical and flashy licks, instead he focused on pure simplicity and the melody and it's all there. You guys should check solos in songs such as "Turn it again" or "Hey" for instance or just watch some of the live stuff like live at slane castle. That's basically John for you: even if it's only one note he's completely aware of that one note and he knows what he's doing. He's an artist before he's a guitar player-don't forget that. He's a great singer, makes good electronic music and co worked with many artists playing various genres etc etc. Majority of great guitar players are just great players. They can't even sing one note in tune or just simply think outside of the box. I'm not gonna mention any names but go figure...

[@trickfinger1177]

I think that most frusciante and or peppers fans feel that their source of joy and passion is being attacked from a place of ignorance. If you listened to a lot of their records and frusciantes solo work and are of the opinion that its not for you, thats all good. But if you reacted to one or two songs and call all the guitar work in general bad, it seems ignorant.

[@medardoantoniocaballero8412]

Ikr, wtf are they gonna know about john’s playing if they only talk about 2 songs. I wanna hear them criticize Turn It Again, Torture Me, Wet Sand, Dosed, Tear, Hey.

[@cameroonarooon88]

I'm a big Fruciante fan. Yeah, you can learn to play his stuff but the genius is creating the work. Come up with a riff like Under The Bridge or Can't Stop. Go on. Do it. By the way 😂 I love a lot of bands and not exclusively RHCP

[@NellyGandhella]

Why does someone having a different opinion to you bring you to tears 😂 😄

[@BlackCatGuitar]

The emotion JF communicates in his guitar playing live, I've yet to see anyone match. Always right on the edge of the notes, where such magic often happens. Worth noting he's a big fan of electronic music and attacks the guitar often as if it was a synth, hence the lack of massive vibrato!

[@zacharykeyser8817]

Okay, I'm going to try to be positive...... this video is a GREAT example of music snobbery.

[@user-ug8dq7wm8d]

Its an impeccable display of sour grapes off a bloke famous for nothing in a band that achieved nothing that hasn't already been done to death. Would love to see there sell out world tour "coming to a social club near you" haha

[@Iggy87]

The worst part is it's willfuly ignorant snobbery, coming from the I belive in a thing called love guy. Not exactly Mozart or Miles Davis.

[@ignatiusjackson235]

​@@Iggy87It would be like Weird Al bashing Nirvana, except Weird Al is a better performer.

[@eltorpedo67]

@@Iggy87 but a much. much better guitarist than John Frusciante.

[@eltorpedo67]

@@ignatiusjackson235 really? you've heard him sing, yeah? You've heard him play guitar, right? But Weird Al is better? You're butthurt that not everyone thinks Frusciante is the world's greatest guitarist.

[@sah-win]

And I thought the most “disrespectful” part of this ep was neither mentioning that Stevie & Petty doing “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” was the best rock duet of all time, haha!

[@TwilightCalzone]

I can see where they're coming from, but there's a counter-argument to be made for songs like Snow and Eddie, among others. These are definitely noteworthy high points with John's playing. I appreciate the love for Chad and Flea. Killer rhythm section.

[@LucaBerkowicz]

No way he roasted the californication solo 😂

[@shayeasy]

under the bridge, give it away, soul to squeeze, breaking the girl. if you listen to these songs and can’t recognize what frusciante brings to the table, you can’t be helped. you don’t understand what everyone else likes about him because you’re not capable of understanding it.

[@ryanname2503]

What a dreadfully condescending take proving Justin's point exactly, " you don't like him so you must just not understand it" no he just doesn't personally rate him that highly. It is possible for somebody to not like what you like.

[@WilliamPayneNZ]

A band should never be rated by the songs that get played on the radio. Bands best songs generally are not the overplayed hits. I don’t listen to much chilli peppers but I can appreciate a few songs

[@shayeasy]

@@ryanname2503 i didn’t say everyone has to like him, and justin didn’t just say “i don’t like him”. he said he’s bad and implied people who like him have bad taste. even if you don’t like something, you can understand how others might and leave it to differing tastes, which is what i was getting at with my comment, but that is not what he’s doing here.

[@SingularityMedia]

Pop garbage, is that the best example?

[@Zakkrifice]

These two sadly wont get the views as e.g. a Michael Starr-interview......but its an absolute pleasure to listen to!

[@cherkovision]

One Frusciante guitar solo that I'm obsessed with is the Mellowship Slinky one on BSSM. Watching him record it is magic.

[@CommanderCarnage]

I was lucky enough to see the darkness play at the Isle of Wight festival years ago and it was absolutely amazing , is their anything that stands out about that festival to Justin as it’s based on a island 🏝

[@HalfDuck]

I haven't seen a lot of Frusciante. But from the live performances clips I've seen. he really fights the guitar, playing with a ton of distortion and doing a kind of rock n roll performance. And that impromptu cover he did of How Deep Is Your Love is pretty raw

[@ignatiusjackson235]

Hell yeah!

[@willywonka7812]

Have you ever done a video about Television? Tom Verlaine died not too long ago and if we're talking about guitar tones, Television had some of the sweetest, whether Torn Curtain from Marquee Moon or The Fire, on Adventure, Television made some of the most beautiful guitar music of the past century. In my opinion, of course, and I'm fairly redacted

[@galetinm]

Doubt he was ever that much into that sort of stuff. He is more a classic rock type of guy

[@markkarlo4869]

I love RHCP and grew up with them so I think it depends on what era of RCHP are you criticising. If I am not mistaken, when Fruciante was brought back on the Californication album he was a recovering addict who sold everything and almost died because of a mouth infection. Recently, I have heard from a video somewhere here that Fruciante actually had to re-learn everything about playing guitar when he came back. I think everything he did with Californication album was only serviceable enough to be recorded while he was re-learning things... So, as a big fan of Fruciante would really disagree on this. I could agree that Dani California is not a good song, but I think of it as a 1/album for Anthony Keidis to send love to California...

[@jakubborczuch7543]

This band got me into music, and John Frusciante is my fav guitar player...but I don't care about people's opinions when it comes to trashing the band, if you don't like Frusciante, cool, I love that guy. Everyone should have a right to an opinion.

[@robmcilheney1657]

It's simple: You speak about an EXCEEDINGLY brief period of JF's career in which he was PURPOSEFULLY exploring minimalism and the sounds between sounds, hence the lack of vibrato/expression, as if it represents his vast, and unparalleled evolution over 40 years. Quite simply, he can do anything any guitarist can do, and has.

[@wesleymidgley4699]

Some of his solo albums, the track he recorded with Bowie, his work with Mars Volta and playing on blood sugar sex magik (the album) are incredible

[@das0ul177]

@@wesleymidgley4699 let us not forget MM They like to talk about his minimalistic style but they haven’t listened to mm or blood sugar

[@keagancallen]

Well said 👍🏻

[@BoozeyBit]

What's your opinion on the birth of punk & the three chord wonders?

[@MattCollisMusic]

Glad someone is finally questioning rhcp ... I've thought they were over hyped... yes and I've copped flak online too for it ...keep it coming

[@tremblence]

Everything after Stadium Arcadium to me.... I don't care for But most stuff before that takes me ON A WILD RIDE

[@sminchan3732]

Here's what you just don't seem to grasp about RHCP/Frusciante. If you actually care about the topic, you'll read it. For the sake of my credibility I'll let you know a bit about myself. I'm a 33 year old guy who has studied Japanese for 20 years, I've worked as a Japanese teacher and now as a translator. I am also a composer for various projects which I've been doing for 10 years. I'm a guitarist as well. The guitar and fretless bass are equally my first instruments, (again, 20 years playing those). I also studied Japanese and music on a dual degree at the university of London (not that it matters). So, the reason people are so defensive about them is because of how much they love the band, their unrelenting dedication and especially Frusciante's approach to music. 1) There's a rare interview where Frusciante criticised Kurt Cobain once (which he clearly now disagrees with) and that wasn't even about music. Other than that I cannot recall a time when Frusciante has sh*ttalked anyone (like you are so freely doing here). 2) I think your main argument was... he doesn't use vibrato? Great, so do you think Frusciante who has been playing the guitar for about 30 years+ is unaware or unable to do vibrato? He makes artistic decisions which are born from listening to synthesisers, mimicking them (New Order), and after his heroin days where he essentially had to retrain himself to play the guitar. During this time he paid attention to simplicity and melody. He has an open artistic journey which many follow and adore him for. He's barely ever stopped making music. To you, not having vibrato as a standard tool prevents someone from being a good guitarist? That's moronic. Should everyone play in the exact same way? 3) When people hear the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it draws them into listen to their music more. When they hear Frusciante's playing, and backing vocals, and the love and relationship those guys have towards each other and making music, they are drawn in. As I mentioned above, I have been playing myself for 20+ years, and know a fair bit about many bands. I'd be able to list players from different bands, regardless of whether it's a very famous band or not, because I was drawn to them. I was drawn into RHCP by several of their songs before I even knew their name, and ONLY their albums with Frusciante have drawn me back to them time and time again. I've heard a couple of your 'songs', gimmicky parody **** in my opinion, and do you know how many times your songs have drawn me to look into you, your band, your ethos, your history? None of them. 4) Do you know why you spend so much time making KZbin videos and not music, where Frusciante has his head in the clouds, purely thinking about music, and artistic endeavors? Do you know? Do you know why you are trying to criticise someone, who appears infinitely more intelligent, englightened and 'into' the music than yourself? It's because you are butthurt that Frusciante's music speaks 1000 times more effectively than yours does. That's why you have a KZbin channel where you mainly talk crap about other people. Let's say it's about his 'technical prowess' for one second. Check out this: "John Frusciante - amazing" the video on KZbin, from 16 years ago. Do you not like the sound of this, the technique? Anything? If not, I'd argue you're barely even a guitarist. I'll say this again, I've said it before, I was enjoying your channel until you started tearing people down. It's an ugly trait that not many countries from around the world enjoy. I myself am an English person, and I have learned from living in other countries that the kind of attitude and butthurt venom you are putting out makes you look weak, and petty. Well done. I chose to unsubscribe because of that attitude. From one English man to another, man up. You are not carrying yourself as a true English gentleman. If you'd like to debate this topic with someone on your level, how about replying to my comment and having a Skype/Discord/Zoom call? PS.♫ It's neeearly Chriiiistmaaaas time, stop being a beeeelllleeeend ♬

[@thombly5772]

Gentlemen love husbandry, & megalomania. Any lowely vitriol shown by Justin is definitely surpassed by yours. Debates? Sh#t talk? Echo chambers all the way down. Sapience is a dogmatic cul-de-sac.

[@merylrees7183]

When all is said and done, music is subjective. Whether it's technically correct or not. It either speaks to you, or it doesn't. When we give an opinion (on anything), we provoke a reaction. Of course we do and those reactions may be strong and passionate. Such is life. If we put ourselves out there, we should expect that reaction. I'm not a huge fan of The Chili Peppers, but I like a few of their songs.....and Californication is one of my favourites. It's mellow, simple and to the point. I get it 😁😍

[@wroot1]

Justin, Mother's Milk is an amazing album, have you heard Taste the Pain?!!

[@FluffyBunniesOnFire]

2:45 Any guesses here? I know some of John Mayer's recent stuff is very Knopflerian.

[@roydekel2445]

John F is perfect for what he does. He wrote great melodies in the last 3 decades. Also, his early and mid 2000’s solo albums are brilliant and so simple yet touching. You talk about PRS players such as J Mayer, but you play mainly on a butter guitar (les Paul) Check yourself

[@briancanfield2968]

RE: John's playing on Californication (not just the song itself, but that album as a whole): I believe the minimalistic approach was due largely in part to him having just returned from rehab after being mostly in a drug-induced stupor for the past 4-5 years (there's that one particularly infamous video from around '97 where he looks & sounds like he's knocking on death's door). His skills had likely atrophied quite significantly, and thus took a couple years of consistent playing out on the road until he was able to reclaim his former chops. His playing on By The Way is still largely understated, though I suspect that was a deliberate artistic choice based upon the style of music & influences on that album (which, IMO, is easily their best; instrumentally, it's essentially a Frusciante solo album through and through). Fast-forward a few more years to Stadium Arcadium, and by then, he was pretty much back into 'guitar god' mode - though I personally find that album rather bloated, and also agree wholeheartedly with Pat's opinion on "Dani California". I still distinctly remember how underwhelmed I was the first time I heard it; to my ears, a very bland departure from their BTW-era sound despite John's flashy outro solo.

[@inflagranti9706]

Exactly this. Justin should watch JF’s 1994 VPRO interview and see how close to death he was. He suffered a lot of brain damage and was still healing during the Teatro sessions in 98’ leading to Californication 1999. He almost had to start over learning guitar again, thus why some of his work on that album is simple. JF says something along the lines of ‘it’s not about the notes, but the space between the notes’, and it really shows. Anyway, I will always be huge RHCP fan, I love the instrumentals, with just John’s backing vocals as the only vocals. I’m also always be a Justin Hawkins at Pat Finnerty fan. Cheers

[@carlosimotti3933]

I still don't know what's wrong about Dani California. It's a well crafted pop/rock song with good verse, good chorus, good bridge and cool guitar outro. In fact it won the rock song of the year award. Justin Hawkins would thank all his lucky stars to come up with that stuff, it would make his entire career. And that's just another song in the RHCP catalogue, just the surface

[@briancanfield2968]

@@carlosimotti3933 I’m certainly not saying it’s a bad song. It’s just that, compared to a lot of the material on By The Way (stuff like Dosed, Midnight, and Venice Queen), it left me somewhat underwhelmed at the time of its release. I also distinctly remember thinking (in regards to AK’s lyrics), “Jeez, *another* song about California?”. It’s a pretty good song IMO - just wasn’t what I had expected coming off By The Way. The whole plagiarism controversy was a complete joke and very unwarranted. I get that the verse is pretty similar to that of LDFMJ, but you can find a ton of songs that fall into the same category. It’s a pretty standard minor-key chord progression; much ado about nothing.

[@carlosimotti3933]

@@briancanfield2968 yeah it's another song in their catalogue and another bla bla California lyrics by Anthony, but doesn't have a dull moment, every part is definitely good and greatly mixed & produced, and John pays his homage to Hendrix in the end with an outro, I mean how long since we didn't hear that tone on the radio? Top singles from SA were Dani California, Snow and Tell Me Baby. Justin Hawkins and other million people would give a kidney to release those in their whole career, shall we talk of the guitar work in these tracks? And they're radio friendly stuff

[@MetalMatt]

Hey Justin, Have you noticed how often Ricky Gervais used to play The Darkness on his old XFM shows? Very Cool

[@sindreeidem5336]

I would be curious to see if you might get another opinion on his simplistic guitarplaying after hearing himself talk in depths about that particular subject. You should go through his series of interviews with Rick Rubin on the "broken record podcast".

[@mattgearytransplanted]

never really got the chili peppers or their fans. its almost cult like in a slightly more talented insane clown posse way. not my bag.

[@brettfraser1210]

I think someone of Justin's experience and achievements certainly entitles him an opinion on any musician. I think the issue is the rather narrow slice that he seems to have formed this opinion. I don't think anyone can watch John play live (particularly the live at Slane Castle show) and say that he lacks expression in his playing. I would've love to watch his opinion on that show, and if he still stands by his opinion.

[@ignatiusjackson235]

I don't know, man. One throwback novelty hit doesn't really entitle you to an opinion in my opinion. 😂 I agree about Slane Castle. If you can watch that and not at least SEE what John brings to the table, then you're swimming in sour grapes. I wasn't a fan of John or RHCP before I caught that show.

[@buzzin-hornet]

When John goes simple and melodic with his soloing, it's absolutely incredible! He can make his guitar sing and speak with very few notes! His stuff hits me in the feels!

[@Alpha_7227]

Although the RHCP aren't my fave band, they have such a distinctive sound which I love. The rhythm section of Chad and Flea are so solid. Great live band.

[@WhiteWizzard]

It’s not that we cannot criticize the RHCP or John F….but should you? I dunno. The Darkness were fun and you are a pretty good singer (not A level but good) and you guys wrote a couple few “pretty good” songs….but The RHCP have written countless, dozens of iconic memorable songs that will be played for centuries worldwide….Once you are dead and gone , there will be an occasional guy in his underwear yanking it to an old Darkness video….I know hundreds of guys that can shred….I know a handful of great songwriters. John F writes masterful hooks, and serves those songs with grace. Perspective says ….maybe you shouldn’t criticize them, even if you can.

[@Alpha_7227]

@@WhiteWizzard I think Justin just likes to stir. I'm sure he really likes Frusciante's playing. I think his playing fits the bands sound, his guitar parts give what the song's arrangement needs. He doesn't need to play a flash 16 bar solo, that's not what the band is about.

[@klausbremner_autotelic_art]

Chad Smith recently said that John Frusciante is the greatest musician he's ever worked with. And he's worked with a truckload of musicians

[@jpgduff]

Then he's wrong, innee?

[@mechmat12345]

Lol

[@thechief00]

Chad Smith is a fictional character played by Will Ferrell.

[@dusty3913]

Uggg. Sometimes, musicians, actors, etc. make these demonstrative statements that are the stuff of pure emotional drivel. This is why Kurt Cobain regularly makes lists of the “top 25 guitar players of all time.” It’s just people who are often susceptible to hyperbole .

[@mikev4373]

@@jpgduff who are these two clowns?

[@maxster0097]

i love johns playing but justin can have his own opinion cmon now btw californication and their jams are quite awesome and emotional in my opinion

[@EdEddnEddyMercury]

Not saying this should influence anyone’s opinion one way or another but John said in an interview that he doesn’t use vibrato very often because he finds using it sparingly makes it more effective for the rare occasions he does use it. I think this is a really good example of why Frusciante’s playing is so controversial. He has a very specific philosophy/approach to guitar playing that doesn’t jive with everyone.

[@endlessmotion2255]

Absolutely each to their own, we're all entitled to feel the way we do about any artist/player and nobody is right or wrong. The one thing I would say about Frusciante though is that his brilliance (in my opinion at least) isn't as obvious as a lot of well known guitarists that are held in high regard. So if you simply find that the RHCP don't do much for you then you're probably not going to ever even get close to really seeing or hearing what his playing style and muscianship in general is all about. That doesn't mean you'll still love what he's all about but you just won't be aware of it. If all you know of him is the big well know chili pepper hits then it's pretty surface level stuff. The fact is he's a brilliant, brilliant musician that has a very good understanding of music theory for starters. In his teens he was about to audition for Frank Zappa's band which says a lot about his playing abilities and knowledge of music theory at an extremely young age. But the biggest thing with Frusciante is he's such a lover and student of so many musical genres that a lot of people just aren't aware. He's a huge prog rock fan and adores Alan Holdsworth for example and studies his playing style to death. On the other hand he's a huge punk rock fan for likes of Black Flag and The Germs. Yet he doesn't had a snobbish opinion that great technical playing and complex music is better than a simple punk rock song. It's about how the music makes you feel, not how it's constructed that makes it valid or great. Then there's everything in between from good pop, funk, hip hop and electronic music which he's delved into throughout the years. He appreicates good art and doesn't sit in one box as a "funk guitarist" or whatever you want to call him. Most importantly he recognizes what a song needs and brings it to the table regardless of whether it's the most simple (maybe sometimes boring to some) chord progression triad thing, or something that's fairly complex comparatively. In the late 80s he was an absolute shredding guitar hero when he wanted to be, lost his playing abilities through a viscious drug addiction and relearned the guitar focusing a more on far more simple and textural playing based around melody, almost becoming an anti-guitar hero not wanting to shred or play fast at all. Then he crept back into a more tradtional rock guitarist, then left again and basically put the guitar down and now he's back again and trying to blend Kurt Cobain's style with Eddie Van Halen😂The point is it's easy to just look at some of the RHCP more safe and "boring" singles and just think "meh, i don't get what all the fuss is about" but until you really look at a lot of his playing both with the band and his own solo work, from the 80s until present, it's very easy to completely miss his complex character and personality which translates to his work as an artist and player over the years. But each to their own like I said, it's fine if he doesn't do anything for you. Apologies for the essay too lol thanks if you managed to read all the way through

[@phoenixgirl70]

I would love it if Pat was a guest once a month. These two are so smart and funny and I think they could talk about anything and it’d be enjoyable. They bounce off each other so well.

[@AaronEddieHYo]

That's the thing, though. It's too pseudointellectual that the mass cattle population just thinks that

[@PaulMappud]

I have a very varied musical taste (take note I didn't use the "e" word) and I can't stand RHCP... For me they are the musical equivalent of painting by numbers.

[@macdonald26]

I would be interested to hear your opinion on the Josh Klinghoffer albums that he recorded with the Red Hot Chili Peppers

[@ryanjackson5689]

Fisrt of all i absolutely love your channel Justin! You're a super witty guy and you definitely have a lot of knowledge when it comes to music and please do continue with the channel, it's awesome! I have a lot to say about this so sorry for the massive comment 🤣🤣 Being a huge chili pepper fan I have to say that the comment about a lot of their fans only listening to rhcp is a bit stupid. I'd wager that there are a very small number of people on the planet that listen to ONE band, no matter how closed minded they are 🤣🤣 It was a funny comment though! But not a well thought out one chaps. I think the problem with going after this band is always going to cause backlash as their fan base is of course quite large! But hey, it all helps the channel grow and gain momentum so keep putting out these types of videos whether they're controversial or not 👍🏻 You've certainly got some balls Justin! 🤣🤣 The god like status that has been attributed to John is for, sure a bit OTT but then again there aren't many guitarist that have achieved this kind of title. Off the top of my head I'd say Hendrix, Clapton and perhaps Page (personally nowadays I'd say that title belongs to the likes of Guthrie Govan, John Petrucci, Joe Satriani) - my thoughts on this staus would be that if we think about it, it's usually referring to their live performances and John is certainly up there! I've seen them twice and he was phenomenal! It's not just his soloing but his rhythm work is stupendous and his ability to jam with flea and chad is probably not rivaled or topped by many bands! Please, please listen to some of their older stuff (especially the bssm album) but more over listen to some live work of his. The slane castle concert is simply amazing! Id lastly like to add that any lack of vibrato doesn't mean a lack of feel or soul imo. If vibrato was a defining factor of whether a player is good or not then surely we'd all work on that and the guitar world would be full of everyone trying to be the next BB King! Don't get me wrong, vibrato is a key technique you absolutely need in your guitar playing repertoire but to say that and lack of it is makes you a worse player is just plain wrong to me. The man Satriani was actually criticised by his renound teacher that he initially relied on vibrato too much to make him sound more interesting. His teacher challenged him to actually use way less vibrato and look where Satriani is now! A quick bit about PRS guitars... Alterbridge. They've used PRS for ages and are one of the top rock bands on the planet! And you've already said how much you like them Justin, so perhaps that one escaped you. Not to mention Philip Sayce and Black Stone Cherry! Please don't forget, the rock umbrella is massive and to say PRS guitars have no part in rock music imo is very, very wrong. If used in the right way most guitars work in rock music and being an amalgamation of fender and LP guitars (words of PRS himself) then I'm sorry but it really does rely on the player more so than any guitar. Just my opinion peeps. We're all entitled to our own and just to reiterate, i love Justins work and have a lot of respect for him and again hats off for picking a big band like rhcp to really get the internet kicking off! I keep seeing this article on social media so had to say my bit! In the words of Jimi Hendrix. Peace and Love to you all

[@mikebaldino333]

You are a great and very talented guitar player, and I understand your criticisms of Frusciante - I had him written-off as a dime-store Hendrix imitator until I recently joined an RHCP cover band (I play in disco / r&b wedding bands in Boston) thinking it'd be easy money - nope! It's way, way harder than I thought, those songs are all very arranged and parts-y, and you look stupid real quick if you're not nailing it. He could have played a less "dinky" solo on "Californication" but was clearly going for a Captain Beefheart-type thing; I got turned on to a lot of hip stuff like Durutti Column from checking out his influences. He also learned a lot of EDM stuff, Prodigy records etc. and imitated that sort of electronic arpeggiation, which is pretty challenging to replicate on guitar. If you can play "Snow (Hey Oh)" up to speed and with authority I'd be impressed. I think Anthony Kiedis sucks and is the luckiest man in popular music, but the rest of that band is legit.

[@iwearthegold]

Vini Reilly tho 🙌

[@pureamoursoul]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The beauty of opinion diversity is that it allows us to challenge each other's point of view and consider all possible angles. I like RHCP's music. I haven't seen them live and I'm a bit unsure if I want to, as I've seen a few videos of Frusciante's performances which were a bit sloppy. Not sure if it was intentionally done in the style of Kurt Cobain. However, I do commend him for his creativity and what he has contributed to the band which works cohesively. Even if it's considered simple - sometimes "less is more".

[@sagesheridan691]

Can we get some reactions of johns live improve solos please. It's pretty sad seeing 2 guys trash talk his solo on californication when it seems like they are unaware of his live improv.

[@benjaminjackson1913]

Danny California isn't a rip off. Rick Rubin made both. I'm a frusciante fan and not a huge RHCP fan. He plays minimally yet meandering through, and it feels soulful and expressive with the tones. He plays with stank face and goes somewhere else when he's playing, but in rhcp he backs flea not the otherway. Chad is super tight! Try John's solo stuff with electronic music. Knopfler is a God and underrated. I think frusciante is accurately rated.

[@akiraergo4727]

Yeah all his stuff is good. I like his electronic album too: almighty, maya, trickfinger I and II

[@sah-win]

Woah. I’ve only made it through about half of the comments and once again, a nerve seems to have been hit. Whether I agree or not with JH’s & PF’s opinions of JF & the RHCP, I’m just stoked that they gave it unfiltered. I get so sick of all the fake opinions that usually get spit out by commentators. Sláinte!

[@11thtempleproductions]

Samhain Grim 🤘🏻

[@frankcastella2984]

@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain, What do you think of the guitarist who got fired from the Chili Peppers? Do you think he had more interesting things to contribute as a guitarist in that band?

[@imitationasian6140]

Who are the 2 commentators favorite guitarist? Top 10 please? That will help me with your frame of reference 😊

[@BasilHayden]

John is interesting in his tone, phrasing, choices. It's like how you like how Bob Dylan sings

[@SolTransition]

I don’t understand the Frusciante hate

[@tremblence]

jealously And wanting to rebel against "the majority" since rchp simply has a lot of loyal fans