Why This Guy Is Rock’s Scariest Guitarist

In this episode I talk about my first experience hearing Guthrie Govan and how phenomenal of a player and musician he is.
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[@MateusAsato]

Accurate definition of being a Master on what he does. An interview would be amazing! :)

[@jules153]

100%

[@JEFFWEEE]

Would LOVE to see Rick interview Guthrie

[@fredericcharron3831]

Definitely

[@EnigmaEuslam]

I saw them a week earlier in Jacksonville Fl and saw they had some extra time between their last Fl gig and the one in Atlanta. My first thought was that they’d left some time for interviews with Rick! Maybe next time.

[@Andrew_M_Ward]

if Rick interviews Guthrie we will get another masterfully executed entry into the Musicians Hall of Records (Rick is doing God's work, and I'm not even sure there is a god)

[@MateusAsato]

Guthrie is probably the most versatile player of all times. According to Johnny from JamTrackCentral these videos from JTC were free improvisation. His importance for the scene will resonate for so long.

[@Walletperson]

we need a jam with you and guthrie asap

[@jonmartin3302]

Facts

[@acdclexu6296]

i saw him twice with the aristocrats it was absolute mind blowing

[@RobertMJohnson]

he's a virtuoso but he couldn't write a hit song to save his life.

[@Owtyg23]

@@RobertMJohnson always think this is a stupid point especially know he's worked on major films and been called as an advisor for film soundtracks. Manages to do work that you could never both commercially and virtuosically lol

[@ravusursi893]

Guthrie is one of those guys we’d all love to have as a friend. He seems so genuine, so self-deprecating and so warm. PLEASE get him on for an interview Rick! P.S. We love you too!

[@A_Final_Hit]

Yes, yes, yes!! 👍🏽

[@PaulSmith-gi5bf]

self-deprecating isn't a thing to admire, I think you mean humble

[@ravusursi893]

@@PaulSmith-gi5bf No. Self-deprecation is the act of trying to make yourself, your abilities, or your achievements seem less important. Given his talents, and having watched many of his videos, I do truly admire this quality about him. Also, I have a first in English Literature, therefore I feel qualified to choose my own adjective to describe Guthrie.

[@LouT1501]

One of the great joys of Rick's channel is learning about artists I'd never heard of before. Guthrie Govan is one. Thank you, Rick!

[@LuxPostNoctem]

Check his album "Erotic Cakes" if you haven't already. Not a single boring moment.

[@colbs237]

He and the guys in The Aristocrats make great music. Make sure you give the albums a try, along with the videos of him on KZbin. He's a Fusion guy, but he'll play big gain guitar with fat brite distortion, and he delights with the combination of melodic metal riffs and then fusion leads, all in the same song and album :) To get a feel for this special variation I love, try: Album: The Aristocrats (2011) Song: Sweaty Knockers Album: You Know What (2019) Song: Burial at Sea Have fun on your journey! Remember, we listen on our devices now, but volume is still a big deal, so turn it up!! In Spotify, change settings on Audio Quality\Streaming Quality\ to Very High :)

[@bendonkin9449]

Guthrie is untouchable. His Solos on Steven Wilsons “Ancestral”, “Home Invasion/Regret #9” and “Drive Home” are the greatest solos i’ve ever heard, so full of emotion and taste, and serve the songs perfectly. He has an amazing connection between the music he hears in his head and his hands on the fretboard, it’s just like speaking English for him, he plays what he has in his head, and he can play ANYTHING

[@jaskarissanen5899]

Man the Drive home solo is beautiful.

[@markalan1501]

I cant listen to those. Im an emotional wreck for three days after. I cry in my sleep from those incredibly heart touching solo's.

[@galroffe9055]

the solo on Ancestral is just pure emotion. the sound, the "screaming", that feel...for me his best iv'e ever heard. from anyone actually

[@bendonkin9449]

@@markalan1501 Oh man, i feel you 😂

[@Frewster]

Have you listened to Periphery? Guthrie was featured on their track "have a blast" and it's crazy how he serves the track whilst still being instantly recognizable

[@hamid99991]

His solos on Steven Wilson's albums, "The Raven that Refused to Sing" and "Hand. Cannot. Erase." are out of this world. He also has a great solo on the track "What Have You Done" by Nad Sylvan.

[@ulfskjol]

At last someone else who has heard that song! That solo is so emotional, melodic and breathtakingly beautiful.

[@HerrySucahya]

Oh that solo in Nad Sylvan track is done by Guthrie?! Jeezz don't know it before. It's one of the best lengthy melodic solo I have ever heard!

[@lukaruzic5192]

Regret #9, such an amazing solo. :)

[@DanKonieczka]

So amazing on that album. "Drive Home" is a work of art.

[@robcorlett9558]

@@HerrySucahya It's actually a combined solo. Nad asked Guthrie to do a solo but became worried he wouldn't come through. So he asked Steve Hackett to do the solo. Then Guthrie came through. Nad thought he couldn't choose between the two so put them both on the song, Hackett first. It is absolutely brilliant

[@rexvisitor44]

He’s a shredder who doesn’t sound like he’s shredding. Melody, tone, feel. Genius.

[@Koffieleuter]

Also check out Matteo Mancuso

[@fastjazz]

Absolutely not a shredder. Terrible insult.

[@Koffieleuter]

@Spectacular Spectacular I agree, I just mentioned him because he is quite talented.

[@thomascrawley99]

@@fastjazz ok boomer lol

[@nivrox95]

He sounds exactly like a sherder.sorry I don’t get it.he plays great but it’s not interesting to me and doesn’t make me feel any emotion.

[@markg2861]

I truly believe that the Guthrie Govan interview will be the culmination of this channel. I patiently await the conversation you two will have, it's going to be great.

[@DF-de8ib]

100% accurate.

[@nicolascanon3300]

Guthrie is indeed the scariest one. Each video of him feels like a hidden gem you've found. Every single time.

[@PepinoMichoacan]

A tasty rabbit hole indeed

[@lucasheidenreich7861]

The video where Guthrie breaks a string mid solo playing with Hans Zimmer and, instead of panicking like us mere mortals, grabs a slide and finishes the solo without missing a beat is one of my favorite guitar moments of all time.

[@JamesFocht]

That was such amazing musicianship with how he adjusted his playing when that string broke.

[@VRchitecture]

This is the beauty of the flow. The accident was just below Guthrie’s threshold of consciousness, so why would he panic? He’s here and at the same time he’s somewhere far away from here - Guthrie just make music happen :)

[@aka.Mr.French]

@Alexander Weber yes! I've watched that video several times, and it's astonishing to see him struggle slightly with the capo, then remove it and set it aside on his amp, ALL WHILE SOLOING. Talk about multitasking -- that's other-worldly cranial wiring.

[@g.o.a.t5975]

The fact that he played that on a floating bridge guitar make it even better.

[@joshnizzle]

Wasn’t he on the Dune soundtrack ?

[@joshualeigh]

It gives me such a thrill seeing Guthrie gain the notoriety he deserves. I had lessons with him back in the late 90s when he was teaching. Back then he was known to readers of Guitar Techniques magazine, from his monthly column. We all knew he was something special, I'd never seen or heard anyone like that and teenage me was flawed. He was a brilliant and engaging teacher, so able to describe concepts clearly and eloquently to guitar students at all levels of experience. The world needed to hear him but he was never too interested in seeking fame. We'd go and watch him play at the Bassment club in Chelmsford, usually there'd be 30 or so people in the room below a bar by the train station, amazing gigs. I've watched him slowly become a global name within the guitar community, stemming from those early JTC videos and beyond: playing with Asia, Dizzee Rascal, Steve Wilson, Hans Zimmer. It's so great when someone so humble and dedicated to their craft wins out in the long run.

[@flyjuice9140]

One of the most unassuming and underrated guitarists of our time. He plays with passion, for perfection not the spotlight.

[@82mangini]

Govan and Michael Romeo are The most underrated guitarrist ALL The time

[@peternelson7048]

He can't really be considered underrated when he would probably have more votes from guitar players for the world's best guitarist than any other person.

[@82mangini]

@@peternelson7048 I prefer Michael Romeo

[@peternelson7048]

@@82mangini Cool, he's an amazing player.

[@juanmartinreborati7928]

You should definitely interview him. It’s not the speed that grabbed my attention, but the feel he puts on his bendings. He has some awesome tutorials. He’s algo a great teacher. Cheers

[@patriciosilvarobalino9832]

He is really amazing as a teacher!!!

[@Essin62]

He's doing some DEEP bends!

[@CameronCooper]

I've met Guthrie a couple of times and interviewed him and saw him live with Hans Zimmer this year. To me probably the best guitarist I have ever see live, insane talent, confidence and command.

[@thedefender1064]

Is the interview online?

[@CameronCooper]

@@thedefender1064 It was part of a project I did for university and is only a sound file. Not really worth sharing because it was more specific to my assignment.

[@theScienceLabLive]

Saw him play in Orange, France. Broke a string during his featured solo section on Hans Zimmer tour. Transposed the whole solo to a different part of the neck and didn't miss one single note. Just amazing. Was even more impressive than the famous SRV guitar change. Wow.

[@brunovidana7837]

I would pay any amount of money to have witnessed that, That’s amazing man

[@Dante-xf1mu]

The video is on KZbin

[@Dante-xf1mu]

@@brunovidana7837 It's on KZbin. Search for rain man Guthrie Govan (the video during day time)

[@Aeronaut1975]

I've also seen him snap a string and carry on as if nothing has happened. He's one of a kind.

[@laurenpetto3949]

Even more impressive when you think about how the a broken string on a floating bridge affects the intonation of the entire instrument

[@ConvairAus]

His solo in Steve Wilson's "Drive Home" from the 5:10 mark to the end... just awe inspiring... every time.

[@fizzo_fizzzz]

It made me cry. So beautiful! I uploaded a video where i play it. Extremely hard to learn it all by ear.

[@martrinshyde]

Can't stop listening to it!!!

[@stevep7582]

Guthrie is a beast. His phrasing, sense of melody, and improvisational skills are otherworldly. In my opinion, there has been no one on his level for decades now. I really hope to see him perform live one day. Good video!

[@stephenkennaway9326]

Agreed. he is a rock-jazz-blues fusion player with jaw dropping ability on the fly. cheers Steve.

[@asegal4677]

Hmm. He is great on these JamTracks tracks for sure but live in concert he is pretty disappointing for me.

[@Dave-nm3xc]

​@@asegal4677disappointing?! 😱

[@asegal4677]

@@Dave-nm3xc He has a very thin live guitar tone and his live playing, to me, sounds very mechanical. It is utterly devoid of any fire. Compare this to someone like Shawn Lane (listen to his "Let It Be" live solo or his live performances of "Purple Haze" or "All Along the Watchtower") or even Satriani ("Made of Tears" live solo) and it's night and day.

[@oblivion_007]

Nah.. He boring... Highly technical... And its f* boring

[@EdwardKayeplus]

Back in 1998 I studied at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, Surrey, UK. Guthrie was one of our guitar teachers there and he was just so mind-blowingly talented that it was hard to actually learn anything from him, because I was constantly in awe of his unbrindled talent. It was like trying to learn basic physics from Albert Einstein-he was on a completely different level and it seemed unattainable. People used to give him requests for songs and he could just play them off the top of his head. He never ever failed to nail an obscure tune or even improve on it with improvisation. I wish some of that talent had rubbed off on me, but what can you do, haha.

[@wingchun-simplekungfu7584]

Is he from the UK originally ?

[@EdwardKayeplus]

@@wingchun-simplekungfu7584 Yeah, from Essex, I think.

[@allanwalli2935]

Great experience! Rubbing shoulders with greatness is always humbling.🙏

[@RH-wz1pd]

Guthrie is so good that every time I seriously study his playing I end up not playing guitar for months. He actually inspires me to give up lol. I am grateful that I got to see him with the Aristocrats and Travis Larson Band pre-covid in Nashville. Best show that I've ever attended.

[@oddjock]

@Ralph Reilly Claiming 50% of Guthrie for Scotland - what a guitarist and what an interesting bloke.

[@davekidd7811]

I've had the pleasure to work with Guthrie and have filmed him a number of times over the years for LickLibrary. He's such a nice and humble fella and of all of the guitarists I've either filmed or witnessed live he's definitely the most versatile and precise player I've ever seen, coupled with plenty of tasteful playing where you hear every single note. Pure underrated one of a kind genius IMHO

[@martrinshyde]

Wow! I've worked with Marco, Fantastic,Bloke great drummer, had a great laugh.

[@lavanski]

You're right, Guthrie is an astonishing improv animal. He's a master of so many sound worlds. A musical multi-linguist. His willingness to fuse different styles, be it harmonically, the effects he uses, or his point blank refusal to play in one style alone means that he's on the mountain with a few other GOAT's

[@richardmoule2870]

I had the pleasure of being taught by him, he is also possibly the nicest man you’ll ever meet.

[@gilldanier4129]

Yes I can see that, he has such eloquence when he talks, so erudite. Lovely man. Fancy being taught by him wow!!

[@Ihatemyusernamemore]

I get that impression from watching that video serries where he's sitting outside in the gazebo, just expounding his wisdom, he passes the vibe check for sure

[@flathead7922]

Did ya learn anything?

[@TheChinchilla15]

I met him in AZ. we had some beers together after the show, he said that no matter how good you get, it's never satisfying. Crazy

[@caiusmadison2996]

@@TheChinchilla15 like the Saitama of guitar, he's doing it for fun, but can't feel it anymore he's so excellent at it.

[@bryan8810]

Thank thank you so much for doing a video on Guthrie Govan! People need to know him!! I've been following him for close to 20 years now from way back when he was writing for Guitar Techniques magazine. I've never found any player like him... He's an absolute genius of the highest order! I mentioned to my girlfriend years ago that seeing him live was on my bucket list and she surprised me a year later and booked tickets to G3 (Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and The Aristocrats!) in Bonn in Germany. She's now my wife! 🤵🏻👰🏻‍♀️ What was truly amazing was as I was walking to the door of the gig, a side gate opens and out comes Guthrie for a smoke before the show... I completely lost my cool like a teenage girl meeting One Direction but thankfully I managed to get a picture that hangs in my home studio to this day! P.s. I remember Steve Vai and Joe Satriani saying this at the gig: "We've never met a guitar player that scares us so much" 😂

[@BassByTheBay]

It's funny how our heroes can make us weak in the knees. 😊

[@rickclick8359]

Ah the good old days of picking up the latest copy of Guitar Techniques.

[@hipiboy79]

Yeah, Guthrie is different league, regarding improvisational skills. I also recall when in the 90's I stumbled on a rerun of an MTV Unplugged, with Satriani and Stevie Ray Vaughn. I had never heard or seen SRV before, and I was a Satch teen fanboy then. Oh boy...SRV just owned that show. I had never seen that aggressive playing before. Poor Satriani, he was just very much out of his element. It was a stark contrast to SRV's instrument command. Men and boys, really.

[@Alkoholic666]

@@hipiboy79 perfect comment brother!

[@chanhtrungle1188]

He’s exact combination of “slow-hand” and “fast-hand”. His phrasing, emotion, speed, dynamic, target notes are all perfect.

[@tanxbro113]

man youre hardcore guthrie's fan didnt ya. seen one of your comment back then

[@chanhtrungle1188]

@@tanxbro113 haha of course, sooner or later you’re gonna be a fan of Guthrie

[@BurningMatchFilms]

His solo on Home Invasion / Regret No. 9 is one of the most perfect things that I’ve ever heard

[@PerfectSense77]

Govan's outro solo on Steven Wilson's Drive Home is one of the greatest solos ever. His work on that entire album is also amazing.

[@josephwinnard6666]

Agreed!!!! Drive Home is a religious experience every time!

[@wildizer]

Absolutely agree. Incredible.

[@marcotang1384]

His solos on 'Regret #9' and 'Drive Home' with Steven Wilson give me just the most exquisite emotions. The melodies, the dynamics - so unique. He's a true master.

[@xxvenom]

Both are masterpieces

[@goforthandeattacos]

The Watchmaker and Regret #9 have my two favorite solos of all time. Just a monster player with an ocean of emotions in his hands.

[@canepaper967]

All of his SW solos are incredible but the one from Ancestral probably takes it for me.

All masterpieces, I love Drive Home. The fusion Marco, Govan, Wilson was more than extraordinary.

[@tac915]

When I hear both of these solos, it's everything I can do to not break down and cry it's so beautiful.

[@PressK]

When I discovered Guthrie in the early 2010s I did not get depressed for “not being that good”. I felt liberated knowing that I will never ever be this good and I can just keep on doing my thing 😂

[@fedboy21]

thats my tought too... i watch guthrie movies like wheb im stil in high school...and i told myself do what u can do 🤣🤣

[@doodleedledoo]

I perhaps had a similar feeling hearing Eddie Van Halen for the 1st time when I was about 20. It was like, "OK, you're not going to be a guitar hero, what's plan B ?"

[@jemsar2]

So true for me too. I feel better now. My guitars can go back to being a "coffee table"..(see if you can spot the reference)

[@steffyweffy777]

Guthrie I heard of ages ago and saw his teaching videos. But guys anyone can play that good if they’ve got the talent and commitment. Problem is I’ve got the talent and I know other musicians who have but we lack the commitment to study and play guitar 8 hours a day with the best teachers every day for like 20 years etc. I was considered a child prodigy and various teachers said they’d only come across my talent and natural eat for music once before in their lives. But they both told me that what Mozart had and I didn’t, was the commitment and discipline so they said I was a terrible loss to music as I just didn’t want to sit there all my hours and become amazing. I was too lazy or incapable of keeping the attention. I liked to improvise as got a very creative mind, but I just couldn’t bother sitting there day in day out practicing. I learnt 5 times faster than others they said but I ended up never practicing between lessons and then didn’t touch guitar or piano much for the next 30 years. I’m a waster, loser who dabbled into too many other things and suffered a lifetime of mental and emotional problems I’ve been pulling through lately but yes I wasted my life and opportunities. Guthrie Govan is only one year older than me and he has the discipline and routine and no problems. I however can’t go back and forgot all I learnt. Could I start again and get good again ? Maybe maybe not as it takes time and my body isn’t as fit as it was and I can get in shape and sit in my room 8 hours a day and get the best private lessons, but will i do that ? No. Why ? Because life’s too short and I will learn but got to have balance and I’m more interested in song writing and more folky classic rock and not about how many complicated notes I can roll out but the feel. And I am an artist and designer and singer and actor too but just like music, I didn’t dedicate my time to one thing or enough of it, so I messed everything up and have done nothing mostly of anything for the last 10 years after my girlfriend left and my mother also died. I guess I’m pulling through but my life has been full of bad things and it didn’t help. Lesson to others. Stick to one thing you love best and do well and keep at it. Stay away from addictive behaviours, and get help if you have emotional or psychological problems but seek a more spiritual path as that’s what saved me, my faith in God. Stay blessed people.

[@Dmcinc]

His extremely talented and "fives" is one hell of a tune. The first time I heard him I was sure it was Greg Howe (especially from the album "Introspection" ), they have very similar technic and they both are Fusion oriented guitarists.

[@tommyjoekavanagh6590]

Guthrie's playing is absolutely fantastic. His playing on The Raven That Refused to Sing and Hand Cannot Erase, both Steven Wilson albums, was absolutely phenomenal. Two solos that for me especially cement how great a player he is are off Drive Home and Ancestral. Both would be in my top 5 favourite guitar solos. Especially Drive Home - that solo is so emotional and full of anguish, that it fits perfectly with the sombreness of the song. Just like Rick displayed in the video, it was that magic improvisation that saw it brought to fruition.

[@recat22]

I'm with you Tommy, amazing solos! Put in Regret#9 there and those are my favorites as well! ;)

[@cleanhit777]

Drive home is gut wrenchingly emotional, truly beautiful.

[@juanbarrios6895]

Absolutely, i agree with you too.

[@MrSphandor]

Regret #9 solo is transcendent it brings me to a higher plane every time.

[@hilmarkoerner2603]

@@recat22 Regret#9 is the one for me. I'm on a different planet for a few seconds when listening to that solo.

[@acornplaner]

Guthries solo on Steven Wilson - Home Invasion / Regret #9 is a first take, recorded live with the band, and it’s honestly incredible and extremely moving. It gives me shivers every time. There’s a video on KZbin, look it up!

[@bobsala7780]

That and the solo Guthrie Govan played on "Drive Home" on Steven Wilson's previous album "The Raven that Refused to Sing" are two of my favorite guitar solos of all time.

[@chefsu11715]

Also the solo on Drive Home

[@SamRoads]

@@chefsu11715 Exactly. Drive Home is like a Dave Gilmour.

[@stereoroid]

One shocking thing about that solo is that it was a rehearsal take that SW used, Guthrie was not happy about that and thought he could do better ... but that take had the Soul.

[@davidkershner7513]

I've been hoping to hear Rick mention/talk about Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson for a long time.

[@kuisma8]

In addition to what Rick said, his timing, articulation and intonation is always flawless. He seems to never make mistakes, no matter what the speed, his licks are just flowing perfectly. Amazing musician 🦄

[@stevemuzak8526]

God make mistakes. Guthrie never make mistakes.

[@seelenwinter6662]

​@@stevemuzak8526 how can i do mistakes, when i am improvising...? when he play that without any mistakes twice, then i give a thumb up...

[@jameshisself9324]

I prefer 'mistakes' myself. Without mistakes you are just an automaton.

[@valueape888]

I wouldn't dream of attempting a GG lick even on air guitar. Plus, from the lesson videos i've seen, Guthrie is kind, sweet, genuine, and humble. What a gem of a human being

[@lexrichardson7820]

He really gave substance to Steven Wilson’s best solo albums

[@martrinshyde]

Couldn't agree more. I've been a pro drummer all my life, I'm 60, but he takes my breath away every time!

[@PhilKMills]

Everyone seems to have already covered Guthrie's masterful playing but I also enjoy his videos where he talks about music. His humour, intelligence, and knowledge really shine.

[@bluesful]

Spot on.

[@kezman74]

Marco is the greatest drummer I've ever seen, and he gets to play with Guthrie, the greatest improvising guitarist. What a time to be alive ;)

[@jeffreyheil9542]

Yeah, Marco was right up there with Mike Mangini when they auditioned for Dream Theater. Great drummer!

[@sm1th139]

Bryan Beller is a phenomenal bassist too to bring it all together!

[@lebannerfan65]

@@jeffreyheil9542Saw Marco with Necrophagist. The drum solo was inhuman

[@dod1k112]

I Am 14 right now and have been playing guitar for 6 years now( omw to finishinging Vivaldi's Summer on guitar). When my guitar teacher showed that clip to me 2 years ago I was absolutely flabbergasted. Now when I gained a little more technique and am more confident in my improvs, it is ten times more impressive to me! Guthrie will always be a very important figure that inspires me along with David Gilmour and others. SO sad that people don't know about him AT ALL!

[@BorisBidjanSaberi11]

You like Jeff Beck?

[@jajasniewski]

Based on interviews and articles Guthrie doesn’t seem like the kind of person to talk himself up or market himself. He just does what he does. I admire his humbleness but at the same time I would love to see more of him on social media obviously for my own selfish enjoyment🤣.

[@patrickheikes6982]

check out Angel Vivaldi, "mercurian summer."

[@alfredopereira6884]

I think your statement that nobody knows GG is wrong. Every guitar player worth 2 cents knows Guthrie. I’m worth 1/2 cent and I know Guthrie

[@madden7732]

Hes not known by the casual public but very well known inside the guitar community

[@nucleusmedicalmedia]

Come on Guthrie! We'd love to hear more of your incredible solos!!

[@FSMusic86]

Wtf, I think he doesn't give a damn about what you want... Go search up his stuff... Tons of videos online..

[@imsellingmyhairline7422]

@@FSMusic86 hoes mad?

[@johncampbell5191]

I've been playing/improvising since I was in high school (in the 80s). Improvising isn't that difficult if you incorporate into your daily practice routine. I'm a tone chaser and it's more frustrating to me than creating palatable improvisations. That being said I don't see how this guy is better than most of the other great improv rock guitarists. My friend who I've always considered a better player than me could never understand how I could improvise. I'm jealous of parts of my friend's style (he can keep the Jimmy Page stuff to himself! Not my style), but I always thought we made a great team. Alas, we could never seem to form a gigging band. Anyway, this guy that Beato is creaming over sounds rather generic with his jazz/rock improvisations. I'm biased though because I don't 'get' jazz and this guy fits right into that category. Hate me all you want but I'm just expressing my opinion. End rant.

[@FSMusic86]

@@johncampbell5191 Dude, your comment shows, that you clearly don't know what you are talking about. Your channels playlist is full of boomer rock and you're cleary not half as good as an improviser as you claim. Maybe you think it but a lot of players overestimate themselves. "Improvising isn't that difficult" Sure... if you're a wanker and a typical lick player. But to be able to play to different styles of music, follow the chord changes perfectly and be melodic and technically brilliant at the same time while you just play what you hear in your head, is something else. And thats what Guthrie does. It requires a god-like ear, a lot of music hearing experience, practice and passion.. " I don't see how this guy is better than most of the other great improv rock guitarists." Like who? Name one. I know pretty much every significant guitarist in almost every genre and I can't name a single one that is a better improviser than Guthrie. Especially rock guitarists, like you say. "Anyway, this guy that Beato is creaming over sounds rather generic with his jazz/rock improvisations. " Not even a little. He is even one of very few players who doesn't threat the guitar like an guitar but like an instrument for expression. And he plays very unconventional and non-guitarist like. But I follow his career for 14 years know and know a lot of his stuff. And you clearly don't know much of him. He plays fretless guitar like nobody else, but on the other hand rips and perfect gipsy jazz solo out of nowhere. From country to funk. He knows it all. Which rock guitarist do you mean, that can improvise like him? There are acoustic guitar videos of him and videos where he plays on unreal time signatures like 11/8. His collaboration with jamtrackcentral especially "westcoast grooves" with tracks like "Hollywood Woman" and "Lost in Rio" where he just came into the studio, listened to the track and improvised beautiful solos over it, shows his immense musicality. "I'm biased though because I don't 'get' jazz" Ok, at least you know your boundaries. Maybe you try to widen you musical horizons. But to compare Guthrie to Rock guitarists is bs...

[@davidpayer651]

@@johncampbell5191 Clearly you did not listen to a lot of Guthrie's work. He's the best, undisputed. Guthrie govan is in no way a Jazz guitarist even though he can play it at a master level. Go take a look at his band : The Aristocrats. Really far from jazz. You're welcome.

[@kevinturvey8213]

i went to school with him. i'll never forget the first time i heard him play, at the annual school music competition. every one else was trying to play (terribly) things like "3 blind mice" on the violin etc. guthrie (aged about 12) played "purple haze" at ear-splitting volume on a gibson sg through a marshall stack. happy happy days...

[@paulbrown2971]

You from Chelmsford?

[@kevinturvey8213]

@@paulbrown2971 indeed

[@fffaccini]

Please share with us more stories like that!

[@StevenMartinGuitar]

Seen him at the basement loads in the past

[@dompricemusic2701]

Did he have the long hair and beard back then too?

[@BenEller]

I this Govan is the overall most powerful player we have. Writing, tones, improv, chops, range… all stats are maxed.

[@chrisdick2305]

he can also effortlessly flow in and out of anyone else's style from Hendrix to Metheny. There is a video somewhere of him playing in the style of something like sixteen of the most famous players in rock, you can't tell him from the originals at all.

[@joesiew6790]

What about buckethead?

[@0271028]

Ok Uncle Ben, you are so getting a request on your Patreon. I get the mechanics but the ideas and how they flow always stumped me. Show us the way!

[@BenEller]

@@0271028 hahaha man if I could play like Guthrie, I would BE like Guthrie right now!!! But this video has freshly inspired me to pick apart some of his licks and tricks. Stay tuned!!!

[@caseylockwood5512]

@@BenEller Looking forward to that video Uncle Ben!

[@karlpillay8360]

I feel like Guthrie helps me improve my own guitar playing literally by just listening to him play. What a beautiful talent he has!

[@mkbcoolman]

My head nearly explodes every time I listen to him. Doesn't matter if he's playing his solo stuff, the JTC stuff, the Aristocrats, or his work with Hans Zimmer who said, and I quote, "He's about as good and you can get, and he's such a pleasure to be with. He's really, truly remarkable." I've tried to make sense of him for years...I just can't. I'm honestly not sure he's completely human. It's such a joy watching a true master at work, but it somehow falls short calling him a master of his craft. He's absolutely transcendent. I've seen a lot of guitar players over my decades, but I've honestly never seen one who seems limitless in his abilities.

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

His phrasing starts making a whole lot more sense when you listen to him talk. He's a very eloquent speaker, and has an interesting choice of words at times. This all ties into an idea that quality of thought is somewhat correlated with quality and nature of language we speak. He is able to structure his sentences and ideas in a very elegant manner. You can hear it in his phrasing so vividly.

[@Cambodia69]

Before dropping out, he was an English major at St. Catherine's College at Oxford University.

[@dknockaert]

100% he speaks as he plays

[@RanulfoKnox]

His brain is doing its thing all the time, even without a guitar on his hands

[@cflowers69]

I often feel like he has his music playing constantly in his head while he speaks. He has a quirkiness about him that you just know is the mark of a genius.

[@DiegoPujolT]

Yup. His brain is what's really magical.

[@daedrmr2dae]

"you're the greatest I've ever heard, and I've heard a lot" I'm really glad you told him that. Incredible talents often get more criticism than they deserve.. people start setting higher bars for them and it's just unfair. They may never actually get to hear the truth from someone whose impartiality and objectivity they can trust. I hope he reacted well and thought about what you said afterwards. Much love from Vancouver and hope you keep spreading the word!

[@proggigs]

Vancouver represent! Seeing Guthrie and the boys in East Van end of the month!

[@joebisbey4521]

Thank you again, Mr. Beato, the world's greatest music appreciation professor, for opening my eyes and ears to talent that must be experienced!

[@michaelryan3541]

Guthrie is an absolute monster! When do we get an interview?!

[@mp-kq3vc]

The fact that Guthrie doesn't do social media makes me respect him even more.

[@tronna1]

Why do you feel that? This isn't an attack on your opinion, when i read your comment i realized that i don't have any strong opinions on what you said and got curious on why that would be a good or a bad thing.

[@thenameless3271]

Eh, having a social media presence is often seen as having an inflated ego, or caring more about image rather than substance. Guthrie isn't famous from social media, he's known for his playing alone. For some people, at least the ones without social media, that's the ideal way to do things.

[@guitarrerist698]

@@thenameless3271 social media is not just for fun or a mindless time waster. Its still an effective marketing tool for creatives. Thats what he probably meant by that.

[@M.S-Music]

Agree, SM sucks, its firstly a free spying tool on you that takes way too much time and attention from one´s free time, time that could be spent doing something creative. I personally deleted all my private SM accounts back in 2018 except this modest KZbin account.

[@johnlemon874]

@@thenameless3271 Refusing to use social media can also be because someone has an inflated ego

[@markthompson2234]

I sense no ego in his playing. Just pure music, trying to share what he hears. There just aren't the right adjectives to describe how brilliant he is. So glad he's in a band of virtuosos that drive him. The Aristocrats are a gift.

[@aidanblackmusic]

I have said and will continue to say that Guthrie is probably the greatest all-round guitarist the world has ever seen. All-round meaning theory and fretboard knowledge, chops, personality etc etc. He has it all at such a high level

[@82mangini]

Guthrie is amazing!! But I prefer Michael Romeo!!!!

[@jcgood]

Buckethead enters the chat...

[@frishdaw]

Followed Guthrie for a number of years now, he is truly fantastic and such a humble man.

[@andyaruldoss7994]

I was extremely lucky to have been taught at college by him. Unbelievably humble. A down to earth space cadet is the best way I could describe him. Fundamentally a great human...amazing

[@patsquanch]

The thing I love about Guthrie the most is how MUSICAL his shredding is. It's obviously a showcase of his chops but everything... AND I MEAN EVERYTHING... he does is so tasteful. It grabs your attention and is really an experience to listen to.

[@infowazz]

very true. i spot right away when its just technical and has no soul.

[@caiusmadison2996]

Yup, very few Jazz Plinkers and Jazz Puritan Notes 😆 🤣 😂, he's quite tasteful in stringing his notes together. His sense of harmonizing is unparalleled.

[@constantine412]

As Rick said..there is a difference between shredding and improvisation

[@fernandomendoza9372]

Spot on. Totally agree with you, Patrick.

[@KramerPacer2]

totally agreed. i found this musical shredding style only in joe satriani until i learned about guthrie. i love everything about those guys bringing actual musical ideads into bending guitar playing to the limits.

[@Joshuani]

I went to a music college in the UK about 10 years ago and Guthrie came to do an educational masterclass. He was phenomenal, had no idea how accomplished he was at the time.

[@Cripsy85]

This year I went to Hans Zimmer’s concert. I knew Guthrie toured with him a few years back, and I didn’t expect him to be there during this last concert. When the band got on and I saw Guthrie’s fro from far, I was so happy I almost jumped from my seat. Of course, Hans Zimmer was awesome and Guthrie was phenomenal. His improvisation over “If you love these people” from the Man of steel OST was sublime. There was a key change in that piece in which he geniously transitioned. Yeah, he is a true wizard. Also his work for Steven Wilson are some of the greatest things ever.

[@charlesbateson2471]

I’m seeing Hans Zimmer next year and will be truly disappointed if he’s not in the lineup!

[@Cripsy85]

@@charlesbateson2471 Let’s hope he is on that tour too!

[@Cripsy85]

@@charlesbateson2471i guess he was still on the tour?

[@martrinshyde]

Couldn't agree more!

[@martrinshyde]

Saw the same gig but online! Amazing!

[@TheMooseCaboose]

It is adorable at how excited Rick gets when he has a "fanboy" moment with some of his favourite artists. I love it! Makes ME excited to listen to it!

[@IrateWizrd]

His solos on Steven Wilson's albums are incredible, I'll sometimes listen just to his solo on those songs cause they blow me away every time

[@terryc7142]

This! His solo on Drive Home can just crush me if I'm not prepared. I spent two solid days in a dark cloud when I first watched that music video, and it was because I'd never heard a guitar solo absolutely capture the sound of a broken heart wailing out loud before then.

[@pcs56]

@@terryc7142 That soul-oh is phenomenal!

[@SRSR-pc8ti]

Yeah, Drive Home had me crying like a baby, right in the heart.

[@BlueBeast2013]

While Drive Home’s solo is beautiful and melodic, nothing compares to Guthrie’s solo at the end of Regret #9 on the Hand Cannot Erase track

[@kevinwhite0309]

He is one of the best guitar players I have ever heard. Every time I see or hear him play I’m beyond amazed with his playing. I saw him playing with G3 and when he started playing all the other guitarist stopped and just watched him play. Their jaws just dropped at what he was playing. Incredible player.

[@82mangini]

Guthrie, Michael Romeo, Tony Mcalpine My G3!!!!

[@georgeaslanidis4789]

​@@82manginithat would be an awesome gig to see!

[@ian2lorimer]

Guthrie is super human. I remember hearing this for the first time and being blown away by how tasty it all was. It's not shredding, it's just pure music. Rick you gotta get him on thr show.

[@seanandben]

I'm so happy to see you "displaying" and sharing Guthrie's playing Rick. As you said, there is no one like him - not even someone you can compare to him, as his mind is just an endless flow of incredible ideas that his insane technique allows him to translate into musical joy. He has a great sense of humour too, and sometimes he'll take something randomly - (three blind mice or something similar) - and by the end of his little "joke" he'll have taken it into a realm that most of us mere mortals could never even imagine, never mind play! He's uniquely Guthrie.

[@oldnelson4298]

His work on two of Steven Wilson's solo albums is just sublime. Two of the best solos of all time: Drive Home from The Raven That Refused to Sing and Regret #9 from Hand. Cannot. Erase. (Incidentally, if you want to hear one of the best drummers alive today, listen to Steven Wilson's band Porcupine Tree. I guess Steven picks his bandmates very wisely!)

[@michaelhintz6187]

Please review Steven Wilson ! PLEASE!

[@scottleitch2957]

Gavin is an alien I think...

[@PalkaBali]

Mr. Gavin Harisson ...

[@BassLux]

Thank you for this, the "Drive home"-solo is in my personal Top 5 solos ever. Goosebumps everytime

[@RanulfoKnox]

@@BassLux there must be a lot of us with you on this one. The drive home solo was improvised and it became instantly one of my top 5 solos of all time as well

[@danasekundiak2604]

I was lucky to see The Aristocrats in Spain. A mind blowing night! Once u see these three u realize how far ahead of everybody these guys are.

[@TroyDawes43]

well said!!

[@steveharryevans2868]

AT LAST! This video was so long overdue. When people ask "who's the greatest guitarist in the world", there is only one answer when taking all aspects of playing into consideration. I pray that Guthrie gets the musical acclaim and financial reward he justly deserves for a musician who is second to none in this world. Allan Holdsworth was of equal greatness and like Guthrie - was a gentle, unassuming character. Being the best should not mean reaping the benefits posthumously!

[@terryhicks4038]

Very nicely spoken and I have to agree. If people just want to go down that same old route of "who's best", then I really don't see anyone coming close to what GG does. Plus his playing is an absolute feast of emotion which above all technique surely that has to be the ultimate thing to affect the emotions with what you do with whatever instrument you happen to be expressing yourself with.

[@HunterRouth]

Thankfully, with his endorsements, working with Hans Zimmer live as well as movies, I'm sure he is doing great financially. :)

[@colinburroughs9871]

​@@terryhicks4038 Coming close? Oh there's no shortage of guys who are at least close. Vai, Greg Howe etc. GG isn't alone as a great technician. I think he's got a dose (!) of taste that maybe other shred guys don't and that's the difference.

[@zenchillin1]

@@colinburroughs9871 I think it might also have to do with not being as well known to most of us, maybe. I've listened to the other monsters you mentioned enough to recognize their sound and style. Guthrie just sounds fresh. It's a beautiful thing.

[@marshallcrocker8239]

Guthrie is killing it financially and is gigging constantly I'm pretty sure he's doing fine. Allan and Guthrie are/were both amazing rock/fusion players, but bluegrass, gypsy jazz, bebop, classical guitar, blues, are just a few other types of music with guitarists that could easily hang with Guthrie and play stuff that he cannot play, and of course Guthrie plays things that no one else can play. Once players reach this level of maturity and freedom in their playing i'd say it's just conversation, not a competition. Watch Pasquale Grasso, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Tommy Emmanuel, Bireli Langrene just to name a few players that are alive and killing it. That's not even including players like Joe Pass and Wes.

[@JTCGuitar]

We have tab! Awesome work as ever Rick. Need to get you our up to date logo though...

[@fluxerflixer1]

What really amazes me, is he makes it look effortless. His touch is soft and very much in control with structure , EVEN while improvising.

[@hugoveiga7537]

Saw him playing for Hans Zimmer a few weeks ago in Lisbon. Hans Zimmer himself said Guthrie’s probably the best guitar player in the world. What a master

[@eduardus4e]

Robert Fripp clear

[@RobertMJohnson]

he's the best technician in the world. he still doesn't have the musicality to write any hits, which tells me he's not much of an artist

[@ChrisM541]

@@RobertMJohnson "which tells me he's not much of an artist" -> Your infinitely more famous namesake (RobertLJohnson) would be turning in his grave at that own goal.

[@kevingill648]

Matter of opinion!

[@orpheus3342]

@@RobertMJohnson just because you dont appreciate his original works doesnt invalidate them... hes just as much an artist as the next guy.

[@jaserivers70]

I first saw Guthrie play in a little hall in Chelmsford when he was I think about 14 or 15 years old, his Dad was playing rhythm on a homemade guitar, and his younger brother was on bass. You could tell even then that you were in the presence of greatness. More than 30 years later, I can still remember him casually knocking out a Hendrix solo as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

[@roundhillmusicoscarrecords6100]

I heard him in Chelmsford- trying out a guitar in Hodges and Johnson when he was 6!

[@SuhrFusion]

I used to go see the Fellowship play in the Bassment every Thursday for about 4 years, unbelievably talented. I feel SO lucky I experienced watching Guthrie and all the other brilliant muscicians for so long.

[@victorbrown8389]

By that age he'd already been playing for about 10 years if I can believe wiki which says he started guitar around age 3.

[@Wahian1]

@@victorbrown8389 it’s what he’d said himself. There was an old Spanish guitar in the house and at 3, he’d picked it up to try and play it somewhat. Dad taught him a few chords.

[@MrConnorPatrick]

Like many people, I have a Guthrie story. I think it's one that describes what a gentleman he is and also (tragically) how so many don't understand just how amazing he is. In 2008/9 (or thereabouts) a buddy and I went to a music shop in France (just across the border from Basel, Switzerland) to attend a Guthrie clinic (it was amazing). Guthrie was on brand and so kind and generous with his time. After the clinic, Guthrie performed to backing tracks from his album in the store (ripped it of course! This should have been happening in a stadium, not a provincial French music store). I looked around and saw faces of people who did not understand that they were in the presence of a bona fide genius (sad). After just a few tracks, the store owner's son, who was probably 11 years old at most, went up to jam a song with Guthrie. The kid was pretty decent and Guthrie indulged him brilliantly in the moment, though obviously this was like Jordan playing hoops with a toddler. At the end of the track, the store owner jumps up on stage, tears of pride in his eyes and calls an end to the show. Shocking. Guthrie gives him a look like, "are you sure, I don't mind playing some more?". Show over. He came down into the audience and was gracious again to speak with my friend and I. I couldn't help thinking though... This is probably (almost certainly) the best musician I've ever seen/been in the presence of and nobody understands. And for many, including the store owner, the night was about the prowess of the 11 year old. I think it's amazing that this human exists and that he is such a kindly soul and more so that he has the humility to endure such moments, despite his clear brilliance. So disappointing that, at least on that night, he wasn't carried out on a chariot for his gifts. Keep rocking Sir Guthrie!

[@toolbros]

Anyone who does not understand how good he is does not understand anything. I have always been absolutely blown away by anything he does on You Tube. The flow of his playing is incomparable, the melody and harmony is so natural, its inimitable. Keep turning out that great stuff Guthrie, theres nothing like it, and we can never get enough.

[@casacasa5397]

You forgot before Guthrie there was Nicola Tesla with the exact same and worse evidence of mistreatment. Then there’s Jesus, the greatest of all forever and they murdered . Anytime anyone comes into the same pattern you can’t expect less. And Jesus is the one that made the people. And that lack of recognition is the Mark of why The world is so messed up. Free Will Is the precondition for Love so don’t blame Jesus blame us

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

I totally agree with your sentiment.

[@ponciobelleri7915]

Same here. He came in Italy, in Sardinia in 2011 or 12, to do a 4 day clinic from 10am to late night, eating and living with us, 8 students. Religious experience, btw. Did also a 1 hour private lesson with him. He made me jam over a blues, and after 9 bars he told me everything about my playing, and how I learned to play. Anyway. I went to see him like 3 or 4 years later, and at the end of the show, coming down from the stage, he waved at me, smiling. Again, few years later, went to see him and had the chance to go backstage. The tour manager - same italian guy who Made that amazing 4 day clinic possible - asked him: “do you remember him?” Guthrie said: “of course, the sardinia guy”. We don’t deserve Guthrie.

[@DueVolvi]

Typical French behavior..... grumpy folks over there!

[@paulfitz6614]

Every time a guitarist hears him play, they know he is something special immediately. My first thought was, dude has incredible control over his tones. He also seamlessly mixes styles all with incredible feel. The average shredder can't do half of what he does.

[@krygzify]

probably the most technically proficient guitarist in the world for the last 20 years or so. musical taste is of course subjective so whether you like his jazz fusion or not is a matter of taste, but from a technique standpoint he's second to none. absolute mastery of every style. can play anything he thinks of at any speed absolutely flawlessly but like rick said it's kind of tragic that he hasn't been putting out more music. we were all blown away by waves and sevens 15 years ago and there's just not much more than a few guest solos since then

[@thetruthchannel349]

*hes a good player. Greg Howe is someone I find impressive.*

[@matrixmatico695]

At times I hear Steely Dans and SRV ...mixed with the Steve Vai and Satriani...shreding....the mixing saves him from being one of the bunch

[@joshcline8764]

@Paddy Page Because he can.

[@marcillioficino4663]

@Paddy Page You heard the same lick? 😂 Point it out on each of the improvs.

[@jameshill4911]

Just wonderful watching Rick feel it and follow these clips in amazement, just like the rest of us. Brilliant if you ever got him on your channel.

[@JonnyZye]

Guthrie has been a monster for a while! Always remember seeing his vids in the first few years of KZbin. Glad to see him getting more recognition 🤘🏼

[@kyleoffringa6148]

Rick, you should look up KZbin videos of him teaching. He talks about music as a language, and it is fascinating to hear. He is a fantastic teacher as well.

[@Diggerdog2nd]

Totally agree with everything you said about the alien called Guthrie. I actually saw them 2 weeks ago today at Will's pub in Orlando. It was packed. I stood right in front of Guthrie the entire show & both my feet had painful blisters before the show was done (no lie) because I got there early & didn't move. Nobody was taking my spot.

[@C_Melvyn_James]

Been there. Done that. Even missed the bus home and had to hang out in a coffee shop all night after. Different band but I know the feeling... We are what the old-time jazz crowd used to call alligators (from the musicians point of view, we're down there looking up at them with our mouths hanging wide open in awe.)

[@davidn380]

What a great video. Discovered this channel not too long ago and Rick, your energy is unparalleled. So much love and good vibes through a 10 minutes video. New favorite channel!!!

[@daneracicot9343]

Rick, check out what he did on Steve Wilson's album The Raven that refused to sing, Marco also play on that record. It doesn't get enough praise that album is FIRE with the both of them on it... Unreal!

[@DaveH28]

The thing with Guthrie is, it isn’t just fast for the sake of it, the phrasing is phenomenal. Self taught too. Listening to him you realise he’s ridiculously smart and humble.

[@patriciosilvarobalino9832]

Self taught!!!! That was the most shocking fact about him. Then I realised, that he is the very son of music and sound!!!!!!!

[@sdb4473]

I was also shocked knowing Guthrie Govan was self taught where he himself mentioned in a video lesson... Truly a master

[@beerbatov]

@@sdb4473 helps to explain if you guys knew that he started playing from the age of 5. Also his father was a music aficionado.

[@CalHarding01]

Guthrie’s solo on Regret #9 by Steven Wilson is the single most beautiful and haunting guitar solo I have ever heard. Please, Rick, if you haven’t, give it a listen. There’s also a video of him playing it on KZbin.

[@dermpath101]

Couldn’t agree more and heard it was done in one take!

[@divinepereira3131]

For me it's 'Drive Home'. That solo almost makes me cry.

[@MichoCoban]

I once searched for Nick Beggs (Kajagoogoo Bass) on youtube and came across the Guthrie solo for Regret #9. to say I was dumbstruck and inspired doesn't give that solo justice. from there I went on to discover the album together with the Wilson and Porcupine Tree back catalogue. The power and skill of Guthrie's playing let to a new world of musical joy for me.

[@BP-or2iu]

It’s great. But I think Ancestral is better.

[@BrokenWingman]

Oooooh yeah, I pull that solo up frequently. SO damn good.

[@TUBESTOOL]

Something people don't comment on as much. Guthrie has happiness evolving from his very being when teaching. He has to be one of the best guitar teachers of all time.

[@cursedbernard5598]

Guthrie is unreal. Had the pleasure of a couple of his masterclasses at uni, and the way he played and talked... He has left no stone unturned - he just methodically assimilated styles and techniques until there was nothing he couldn't play. But the most amazing thing is his ear. As you say, he doesn't just shred random notes to get to where he's going. He just hears these great sounds and has the ability to play them for days. I've never seen anyone more connected to their instrument.

[@seb5587]

His solo for the song Drive Home of Steven Wilson is one of the best solos I've ever heard, extremely emotive and beautiful...

[@DrummerRF]

And the story behind it makes it even better

[@smokinghighnotes]

Sooo true, even his solo from ancestral, from Hands cannot Erase album by Steven Wilson is great too ❤

[@threee1298]

Loved that solo for so long had no idea it was him

[@daCATgraphics]

Damn I did not know this was the guy that played that. Agreed, that is an amazing solo

[@craigmarks7217]

Drive Home and Ancestral would both be great for What Makes this Song Great.

[@TomStrahle]

I met Steve Lukather at the NAMM show and told him what a big influence on me he was and how I moved to LA in the early 80's to do session work like he did, and he told me, as if he met me the day I arrived and not 30 years later, "I'm going to tell you what Larry Carlton told me... don't think, play!" So true. And I'm a big over-thinker. Guthrie is a certified beast.

[@MjBurns88]

It's great seeing guys that blow you away with their talent freaking out about somebody else the same way. Guthrie is a once-in-a-lifetime Talent

[@dansonntag4685]

On one of his "educational" videos he comments about the scales and playing fast as always being in service to the melody, never just a trick or stunt. That really stuck with me. Since then I cannot hear his solos without noticing his brilliant commitment to this (and ability to pull it off) as well as being ever-so slightly underwhelmed when I hear other wonderful guitar players play faster than I could ever hope to, but without that kind of melodic flow... Guthrie is a treasure.

[@jamesspooner5487]

I have also seen him talk about about respecting the melody but I still can't help but find him completely over indulgent, despite his insane technique. Honestly, I'd rather listen to John Mayer or Ariel Posen and other truly feel-based players.

[@mountainman8775]

This is the key

[@harrieindewarrie2448]

I'm considering myself lucky to have seen Guthrie Govan live a few times, he's magnificent and also a real humble and funny guy.

[@dervaumann1]

Gowan's and Minnemann's playing on Steven Wilson's "Raven Who Refused To Sing" is absolutely phenomenal. I'm surprised that his frequent use of fretless guitars finds no mention.

[@szymonkosowski1154]

That's the album I discovered these 2, absolutely amazing!

[@stevemann2662]

His solo on Drive Home is probably one of the best I have ever heard!

[@abc-un4xz]

I love Drive Home its such a great track Ive heard steve and gutrie numerous times

[@mattarseneault]

I always feel special when I get to introduce one of my music friends to Guthrie. Your summation of his abilities is spot on. An absolute sorcerer on the guitar. The final boss, if you will.

[@dvanselus5999]

Thank you for giving Guthrie the recognition he deserves. I highly recommend watching the first track on the KZbin video The Aristocrats - Boing, We'll Do It Live! It is amazing in two respects - the techniques with witch Guthrie plays as well as the depth of the Aristocrats. Thank you Rick.

[@tylerjacobson8012]

I still think the greatest guitar solo ever recorded is his solo for Steven Wilson’s song Ancestral. It’s epic and emotional. Guthrie is the master of our era. He really understands his instrument. The Paganini of the guitar.

[@miticoetxebe]

Agree. One of the best solos ever written

[@cosmokramer4703]

YES!!! AMAZING SOLO!!!

[@MichoCoban]

There's not a single second of that album that isn't pure beauty from all the artists.

[@BP-or2iu]

Dude, that is one of the greatest solos I’ve ever heard. I learned it note for note becusee it’s not very “hard” but it’s one of third things where you can’t really sound like him. You can play every not but it won’t matter.

[@MMcG25]

Yes!!!!🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@DorGreen1]

There's a video of Guthrie improvising "in the tone of" some famous guitar players. He can sound like everyone of them, chords notes and tone included, without stealing any line. As versatile as they come

[@rdennington]

Yes I’ve seen this too, Guthrie is incredibly talented. He understands what makes each guitar player’s style and can emulate any of the greats so easily without even playing the same notes. It’s all feel!

[@jeefuji]

Thank you for bringing him out of his cave so people become more aware of him! I discovered Guthrie pretty much when you did, but I was 17yo. I still consider him "objectively" as the greatest guitar player of all time, while still being the most criminally under-known. But if he is happy with that, I am. May he bless us with his talent for many years to come!

[@maxgrossosgarrillo]

Regret #9 is one of my favourite solos of all time. Deeply emotional. I love listen to it sometimes, and even after months I feel the same emotions as the first time I heard it.

[@doglovemimijumable]

And Guthrie's solo part in Regret #9 is "One take", just amazing this guy has ultra instincts to music pieces also has the ability to express anything he want.

[@ton-gle4137]

I think there’s a live video of him recording it….the look on his face when he finishes….I think he shocks himself! It’s utterly brilliant!

[@maxgrossosgarrillo]

@@ton-gle4137 that's true! It's in the making of Hand Cannot Erase. And, to be noted, the groove is by Marco Minneman, another impressive musician!

[@janfekkes3928]

MMMMM Yesss...OMG.

[@billwhitman4125]

There's an extremely short list of guitarists that can hang with Guthrie. Not just current guitarists....of all time. What I love about Guthrie is when he really jumps on it , he still has the genius to express emotion through his instrument. Many times when a guitarist shreds this fast it sounds like a mosquito in my ear. He is the GOAT

[@jstevens501]

@trash deth2022 Igor Paspalj. another monster guitarist.

[@tixximmi1]

I'll still place Zappa as Head Goat.

[@davidannderson9796]

Are you kidding? Rarely have I heard anyone play with such emotion! He is like Clapton at his best in tone and feeling! Stands with the legends- Clapton, Jimi, Page, Gilmour- in tone and feeling! I just heard him for the first time and it blew me away! You can probably count on the fingers of one hand the number of jazz players who can match in a jazz guitar kind of way the feeling he has in a rock guitar kind of way- I listen to Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, this is what people like Eric Clapton and Jimi Page are legends for! I was going to make a standalone comment, but I think that making my comment a reply to yours is just purfect!

[@billwhitman4125]

@@tixximmi1 Zappa was certainly a creative genius and in my top 5 guitarists of all time. I spent a month at one of his concerts in NYC back in 77 or 78. I still might be there.

[@billwhitman4125]

@@tixximmi1 , I'll tell you a funny as hell story regarding that Zappa concert. It's Halloween night ...77 or 78...Zappa at the Palladium in NYC. My buddy and me did acid about an hour before the show. We get there and the usher is bringing us to our seats. The Palladium was a dump. Dirty place. We get to the row and the usher flashes his light at the seats in the middle of the row. My friend was a fat guy back then. He turns and begins to squeeze his way down the row. He just stopped. The usher said...hey...keep moving. My buddy said...I can't. What do you mean you can't ...? I just can't my buddy answers. ..I'm beginning to crack up...but I don't know what's going on either. But at this point...it's funny. The usher said ....listen, keep going or get out. I told you I can't.....Now I'm almost on the floor laughing. Why can't you the usher asked...? Again...that place was a dump. My friend turned and looked at him and said... Someone is holding my ankles. .! There was so much old dried up sticky soda on the floor his feet was sticking to it. I went down the aisle quick and pushed him along. Lol..what a night. And Frank tore it up.

[@ReplicantSeven]

His solo on Steven Wilson's song "Drive Home" was improvised and done on the first take. Breathtaking. Highly recommend.

[@virtuososo]

One of the best solos ever. Brilliant use of the sustainiac.

[@philipmazonson4694]

yup SW gets the best !

[@audiotastik]

That to me is one of the best, if not the best guitar solos on a track that I have ever heard.

[@paulbrendanawicz4609]

Fun fact the high E string pop's up of the saddle during his solo and it makes it even better smh

[@naimislam1019]

Regret#9 even better.

[@mlws007]

My youngest son introduced me to Guthrie's music and I was absolutely stunned at his ability's. I finally got to see him in London playing with the Aristocrats, seeing him play live and sharing the experience with both my sons in their 20s with me was one of the best things.

[@caspermaster-com]

One thing of many that I find crazy with him is that even when he plays fast or intricate, its still a push and pull inside of the blistering fast licks, that are only for additive feel, not lack of ability. Fully inspired and communicating lines 😵

[@rickroberts9182]

Guthrie's solo on "Regret #9" is the most incredible solo I have ever heard. I've heard everything he's done on KZbin but that solo shows his absolute mastery and sensitivity for the music and the instrument using a borrowed Stratocaster and simply sitting in the control room. BREATHTAKING! He is miraculously unique. Jesus with a guitar.

[@HenkJovialusDikkus]

Oh man yeah Regret #9 is incredible. I also love Ancestral on the same record, absolutely crazy.

[@guillaumegayot807]

I was lucky to see Steven Wilson's Hand.Cannot.Erase 1st leg of the tour, and the band included both Guthrie and Marco Minneman. It was a fantastic experience. And when they played Regret #9, I got chills all over with the buildup.

[@bastiaanvanderkraan9730]

My favourite as well!

[@michaelgeiger4043]

Thank for this, Rick! I agree with you about Guthrie. Quiet and humble genius. I toured with Hans Zimmer in 2017 as a vocalist and got to watch Guthrie work quite a bit and he just seems to be someone who is flowing all the time. Very inspiring to watch an authentic creative artist at work. Rare and awesome!

[@JoJaDaRu]

One of Guthrie's favorite players was Shawn Lane.. a legend to many of us and I'd love see you cover some of his material. Especially the albums he did with Jonas Hellborg.

[@1tgiuntac395]

Yes , Atlanta,Georgia 1996 Friday night, the first of two shows. Shawn was on fire that night!

[@KBJ58]

I grew uo in the same town as Guthrie and used to see his band, The Fellowship, at a seedy little club called, The Bassment. When they first started playing there, there were often more people on stage than in the audience. The Fellowship also included Guthrie's brother, Seth, on bass, Peter Riley (who plays with ELP, and Manfred Mann, on drums, and my friend, Zak Barratt on sax - also a phenomenal player. I got to meet Guthrie lots of times over the years and the man has no ego whatsoever. He will talk to anyone, particularly if they buy him beer. He has no real drive to do anything that doesn't interest him, and still turns up at local jam nights. He is a real one-off.

[@thetruthchannel349]

*just sounds like a real musician to me. Most musicians are like that.*

[@bernardbrett8310]

I was lucky enough to see Guthrie every week at a small club in Chelmsford UK. He was playing in a jazz fusion band in 2001. We all knew we were witnessing true genius.

[@mattjones222]

SO pleased you posted this, and the admiration you have for Guthrie really comes across! I have been watching him for years, and he is without doubt the most talented guitarist I have ever witnessed. There are numerous shredders out there, but as you implied, every one of Guthrie's notes serves a purpose, it is not just fast playing for the sake of it, or showing off! He is such a humble, unassuming guy with it! Genius

[@nickb3058]

Had the pleasure of seeing the guys live last week and it was just incredible. Guthrie was on point of course but Bryan was amazing too. And well Marco delivered a 15 Minute drum solo that would've given most drummers a hard attack after the first 5. Just wonderful to see them perform