U2's The Edge demonstrating his guitar rig (1/2)

U2's The Edge demonstrating his guitar rig (2/1)
Sir John Rogerson's Quay
Dublin
September 2008

[@rogebox]

This man is so talented. I don't understand how people think he's terrible. Being a great guitarist isn't about your technical proficiency it's about moving people with your playing. And it's safe to say he's moved a few people.

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

He's a genius! He comes up with signature riffs that are to die for. Vertigo, New Year's Day, I Will Follow...

[@richardjrtruesdell3617]

If you watch some live footage of U2, you’ll see that The Edge is a very technical guitarist. His timing is precise, his technique is near perfect, his notes are clear and understandable, and his style is one of kind. Musically speaking, he can do much more than he will ever let on. I appreciate his colorful playing.

[@johndrake2729]

I concur!

[@cooporlando]

And good back-up singer to boot

[@sdalt001]

The Edge may not be the most virtuosic guitarist. But, he's an all-time sound technician.

[@philyates7670]

Until The End Of The World on the Pop tour sounded incredible live, his playing was crystal clear CD quality on point.

[@indigofruit8710]

He has an uncannily great sense of rhythm. You have to be born with that to be a great guitarist.

[@JohnBindon]

I love The Edges attitude ! He's humble, easy to talk to and knows exactly what he's up to in any given song.

[@blaster21996]

Agreed, He seems very grounded... very non, Bono!

[@imedi]

i heard a story years ago about a guy that stopped to give this guy a ride to the nearest town in ireland after his car broke down in the country they spoke for about an hour until he left him off at the next town.. a week later watching tv he gasped thats the guy i stopped for last week,,, he remembered once during their chat that he asked him what he did for a living to which he replied that he was in a band,, that was it nothing more just an ordinary conversation with a regular guy... thats the edge

[@blaster21996]

imedi That is all they aright, people! The smart ones understand this, the numb nutz like Bono, elevate themselves up in their heads that they are somehow better, above everyone. When in fact, if you take away the fans,they are nothing! No audience = nothing!

[@scottbeckstead33]

He very much comes across that way.

[@ST1973]

@@blaster21996 U2: All of them are ok guys, meet them in Croatia island of Hvar (i'am Croatian) no questions asked signed my the joshua tree LP album which I bouth back in the 1987

[@timbocf76]

Say what you want about what technical expertise U2 does or does not have, you have to admit that they are ICONIC. Nobody out there sounds anything like U2 or Edge and really, who freaking cares if he’s a virtuoso or not? He’s freaking Edge and his sound is part of what makes this band as unique as it is

[@joeltunnah]

Try playing the solo from "The Fly". That ends all arguments about his guitar skills, IMO.

[@gebremenfeskidus9567]

The Edge created a unique sound, a tone that resonates like no other. And he always put the song first, as he articulates in this interview. There may be faster, louder, flashier guitarists, but The Edge is a true original.

[@marionmilligan186]

.. . .

[@hankgarza4975]

Don't get your "may be..." bullshit statement. Does not make sense, he is who he is. Who gives a shit about faster, louder and flashier? Who GiVES a Shit, enjoy The Edge and not try to muddy anything up!! Schmuck! POS!

[@oliveroneill1388]

Robbed from Andy summers

[@RH-kp1ib]

@@hankgarza4975 You missed his point completely or are just agro. Either way you are wrong. Maybe faster is better or maybe faster is worse. Speed is literally a core aspect of all music. Even the bango drums you sit with. Yes you can enjoy Edge simply for what he is but to describe his craft, his method and characteristics are literally what’s important to those that view art of any kind.

[@hankgarza4975]

@@RH-kp1ib Question: who asked you? Piss off

[@fakeplasticgamers9850]

One thing I don't see anyone say about The Edge: his riffs are designed to elevate the rest of the band. If you just play his riffs by themselves, they don't seem all that impressive. Take the soaring riff from "Walk On", for example. Extremely simple and downright basic, but because of its economy it allows for the rest of the band to shine through -- play the riff by itself and it doesn't quite get there, play the band without the riff, and it also doesn't work, but play them both together... and that's where the real magic happens. It's common for guitarists to just want to take over the song and have a moment of their own, and while there are solos in U2 every now and then, I feel like The Edge's greatest quality is how his guitar work FITS the song. I've seen a lot of people over the years critizing his style for being too simplistic, but if you take any U2 song and remove him... the magic is gone. He elevates the material in a way feel guitarists ever could.

[@roypellerin5146]

What's great about U2 is how the rifs are driven by Adam...then the Edge plays around it

[@timbocf76]

Other comments about his lack of technical expertise are ignoring the fact that technique doesn’t make music. If it did, everybody would want Yngwie Malmsteen in their band. Literally NOBODY wants that lol it’s technical but it’s not musical. Edge is a team player and what he and every member of this band bring to the table meshes perfectly to create a perfectly unique sound. There is only one U2.

[@davidbentick]

@@timbocf76T.E.A.M (Together Everyone Achieves More)

[@davidbentick]

Synergy “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

[@jean-renepirlet7726]

He said it all, the song comes first, that's why I love him so much like Andy Summers in the Police days, and Alex Lifeson in a way, texture guitar players

[@mattkelly9000]

The history and the miles that single guitar has, my god.

[@Thatguy55595]

Yeah man my favorite song he played with it was the red rocks 11 o clock

[@hcaz5818]

@@Thatguy55595 my dad saw that show. Said it was one of, if not, the best live experience he ever had

[@Thatguy55595]

@@hcaz5818 that’s sick

[@theonewhoeatsfeces]

"we have to be able to go back...if the song demands it." truer words have never been spoken. great guitarist AND a great musician

[@ST1973]

This was my first guitar, and the rest is history: I will follow !!! Great musician, with one of the best bands ever!!!

[@mynamesfriday]

What a nice guy. He deserves all the success he has had. A down to earth chap. Not at all cheeky. Here's for for you mate !!!

[@mernellmobley6782]

Edge is so very talented. There is no one else comes close . I love Edge and could listen to him talk forever. Would like to meet him. He has a beautiful voice also. Love to hear him sing Van Diemens Land. Sooo beautiful. ❤❤❤

[@bonolee07]

You can see in his eyes how much that guitar still means to him, it shaped the sound of U2 from the beginning and even though the Strat took over for a while he still plays the Explorer at every concert

[@bgierat]

I think Bono owes a lot to Edge...without him U2 would not have gone where they have gone. Edge is U2. I remember when the War album hit the radio in 1983 and it was like nothing I'd ever heard before. Brilliant to come out with something so original after everyone thought it had been done already in the 1960's and 1970's.....pure genius.

[@CasperLCat]

Yes ! The staccato machine-gun sound on Sunday Bloody Sunday and the slashing rhythm sound on New Year’s Day were amazing, and as influential in their own way as Van Halen’s breakthrough rhythm tone was on US hard rock. Very different guys with totally different musical philosophies, but maybe the 2 most influential guitarists since the 1st generation guys (Hendrix, Clapton, Page, Duane Allman, etc.) They both made the world of guitar A LOT bigger.

[@jamieokane989]

By definition they are a band! All 4 contributed.

[@AndrewZeleno1]

I'm reading comments right here and I'm impressed. So many better guitarists than The Edge are here. lol. All these comments make me thinking that almost everybody on the planet is better than The Edge. Even my grandma who never plays guitar. You people are amazing. I think you are all have been Grammy awarded, right?

[@Studio2770]

+Andrew Zeleno I must've missed their acceptance speeches!

[@mnb9162]

Its the classic thing of trained guitarists who can technically maybe play as good or even better than the Edge but what they can't do is make music which MILLIONS want to here and are willing to pay for. The edge doesn't play long self indulgent solos to show off great technical skill. He makes music for the people. And the people PAY. I suggest these gifted guitarists send him a letter on how to improve. Maybe his butler will give it a look while he's on his boat in South France.

[@exactsame]

Incredible musician...

[@agreen182]

It's really funny that you measure musical ability buy Grammy awards, since awards in general have nothing to do with talent or ability.

[@krispynachos9980]

By that logic lil Wayne is 'better' than most musician because he makes more money. Absurd comment. The Edge sucks lol

[@adam872]

I've warmed to The Edge as a guitar player over the years. I used to think that it was all multi-tap delay and that was about it, but I've grown to appreciate the textures and the rhythmic figures he puts into U2's music (like Andy Summers did for The Police). I've come to the conclusion that he's a really under appreciated musician and for me he's by far the best thing about that band. Without him they wouldn't sound half as good.

[@Chrisamusic1]

Not really insightful that is it? Patently, Edge's guitar sound is and always has been the very heart and soul of U2. He's a wonderfully influential alternative guitarist. Solid as a rock live and highy creative. Dalls Schoo - Edg'es Tech - believes Edge is the best guitar player in the world. And Dallas knows a LOT about guitar players.

[@theeltea]

What are you talking about U2 are one of the most successful bands of all time. Underappreciated by idiot notes-per-second guitarists, yes, but listeners? Pleeeease... Without him, there would be NO U2.

[@bernicerogers2383]

@@Chrisamusic1 More insightful than your comment 🥱

[@rorz999]

Under-appreciated? He consistently makes 'best guitarists of all time' lists despite being nothing special whatsoever. If anything, he's the world's most overrated guitarist

[@Barushia]

He plays exactly What he needs to play. No more or less. It takes a musician to know when to play or when not to play. And the edge is a pure example of this

[@gregermeister5]

Love what he said about certain guitarists being more about speed and spotlight than crafting and serving a song. My favorite players seem to be "side-men" too as he put it. Not a huge U2 fan, but its remarkable how The Edge has made such a big sound for himself with very little, and he doesnt seem to take the Rock Star attitude approach like his singer.

[@matthewpocock4824]

I've been a U2 fan and a guitar player for 35 years. The Edge conjures sounds out of his rig like a wizard.

[@Samurai78420]

What a fkng great guy. I got the chance to meet him once in London. We both were playing unrelated shows, and he was as great of a person than any fan could wish for

[@garrethdavis]

effects are there to be used. the edge is one of the most revolutionaty guitarists ever... there's no denying that. legend

[@markdilisio936]

His infinite guitar in With or Without you,backs that up!!

[@BC99]

I always liked him because he never went into the blues thing. Really unique player and songwriter. The song Numb is incredible.

[@WorknotWoke89]

He interplays with his band members and creates sublime soundscapes with his guitar, he is not the blazing virtuoso fretboard acrobat slinger like satriani, timmons, mamlsteen, etc..he operates musically in a different level and he is at the top of his food chain, he has become the inspiration of several musicians.. he is very original .. so guys .. quit whining!!

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Edge is one of the most criminally underappreciated musicians in the history of rock. And he’s an even better human being.

[@taichihead42]

He is totally useless with no ability, unless you call playing a few cords talent.

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

@@taichihead42 ... says someone who clearly is either delusional or jealous🤡😂

[@MultiPetercool]

@@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078 Bill Bailey said it best: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmnHi6qOo7KliLc

[@AncientCreature-i2o]

Just out of curiosity, how many tens of millions of albums did U2 sell? Just wondering what your definition of "criminally under appreciated" is......

[@stevewalters6853]

@@AncientCreature-i2o Try reading some of these useless comments in here from the nobody’s commenting and you’ll understand that millions of people say he can’t play a lick. I think that’s probably where OP’s comment was going.

[@50ShadesOfEndo]

The sound and the emotion you get from hearing the sound is always what matters the most in music, not the ability of those creating the music

[@motocommando2477]

He's not just a guitar player. He's an artist who paints with sound. The man is brilliant, just brilliant. I'm not much of a U2 fan, but I LOVE The Edge.

[@d3w4yn3]

What a humble guy... his name is a household word, and yet he views himself as subordinate to the entirety of the song being poured out of the entire group!!!

[@TrailerNerds]

he is right music is not just about speed is more about what feelings you give to your songs no matter how simple or complex they might be... incredible guitar player

[@THALIDO]

The man is a legend. One of the most innovative players ever.

[@AncientCreature-i2o]

Lol

[@pgaines72]

there aren't many guitarists who don't create their sounds with effects. The main difference is that the edge has created his own style while even the greats are variations of eachother. The edge creates a landscape with his guitar, a sort of highway for the song to ride. Even the greats who are still alive agree that like him or not, the edge is incredibly original.

[@deathtotruthers1]

My god that man is talented.

[@iceman9610]

Not a musician but U2 is my band and the attitude these guys have is the main reason for their galactic success. U2: a four legged team!

[@garrethdavis]

yet he has always been and remains so humble. legend

[@mamasaid5]

Good stuff! One of my guitar heroes… love the Johnny Marr mention too.

[@charleykitty]

He`s lovely I met him in Dublin. Really nice natured, he was in a hurry but he still stopped for photos and autographs. I love U2 so you can imagine my delight!

[@schwabit989]

Humility and genius go together very well!

[@leokimvideo]

King of the digital delay

[@Alienkiwi730]

Analogue too

[@Mark-gd5vr]

@Raul Karter no

[@Mark-gd5vr]

@Lee Dorian no

[@r0449]

i cane from big mouth

[@geomarierock3061]

The interesting thing is that after listening to Dallas (his guitar tech) explain it in a Rig Rundown video, that particular Edge sound, the one like the bridge between the iconic Where the Streets have No Name intro and the actually song (the way he changes from 3/4 time to 4/4) is not a delay or effect. It is him playing super fast just barely over his fairly thick gauge strings with a very stiff pick. Edge creates sound no matter where and how he can get it. He does not play just one brand of guitar, he does not only use a specific brand or gauge of string, he uses many different ways to pick and many different kinds of picks and he controls all his effects from the stage, not with an offstage technician. He does all this to create exactly the tone and color he wants. Most other guitarists tend to have a primary type of guitar brand (or one specific guitar itself-looking at you Brian May), strings, picks etc. and also do have certain effects for different songs on stage but they are not controlling them, techs are. Edge has a big panel he can control with his feet (along with a few peddles). His playing might not be virtuoso-worthy musically but he has an engineer's mind in creating a very unique soundscape. Although every once in a while, you come across a guitarist that you can tell was influenced by the Edge, I have never heard anyone that can emulate him. If you listen to just the guitar of a song and you immediately know who it is, I think that is the true test of a great guitarist. Someone who has a non-specific sound but technically is a great musician, does not necessarily make a great guitarist to me because 20 other great musicians can play exactly like them. BTW I'm not slagging Brian May, I love Brian because he falls into the category of knowing immediately who it is and really no one can replicate him.

[@theforcer1762]

The Edge is more a producer than a guitar player. Love the sounds he can produce.

[@firstofthemonthclub4491]

When he talks about retro part he added late in beautiful day that is literally the entire song. Its a revelation, a gut punch, tear jerk, and a heart wrench. It propels Bono. Like so many other parts that float in the ether of warm summer nights in stadiums near you or KZbin, the Edge recreated this instrument and like so many atg's it may be years beyond his passage that it's finally....properly.... recognized.

[@patrickfitzgerald9616]

Never a truer word spoken. That riff IS Beautiful Day.

[@brentbryan9425]

I'm a huge fan of Edge. He's really got his own thing going on and his originality and tone no matter how he finds it is something to be treasured. He also has a habit of making hard little parts sound easy. I can't stand anyone putting him down as he is a musical monster..... Look at all the riffs you know of his and actually think about the talent that go's into writing so many hit riffs. He's a modern day genius.

[@rhaastaa]

He ripped off PAUL REYNOLDS FROM FLOCK OF SEAGULLS

[@brianshaffneraclc]

In the whole Vai vs. Edge debate, it's important to remember to that the members of U2 didn't grow up listening to heavy metal and shredding. Their influences were punk, new wave, and earlier rock and roll, such as the Stones. That's what they aspired to be. Edge never had any goal to play like Vai or Satriani. If those goes are somebody's idea of great guitar playing, then of course they won't like what Edge does. Personally, I've owned about 3/4 of the albums U2 have done, but never purchased music by Vai, Satriani, or others like them. I respect what they can do, but I don't want to hear a whole album of it. Edge's effects are part of his basic sound. He's almost like a sound track musician, creating ambiance and mood, rather than a "lead" guitarist. During the 80's, his sound was a refreshing break from the horde of EVH clones, and their endless wanking.

[@thecourierNCR]

Is that even a thing? That's like comparing Chuck Berry to Kirk Hammet! There's no comparison. Not one can be better because they make such different music.

[@libertywagon3197]

+Brian Shaffner At least the other guys you mentioned use their own names and don't need to wear a knit cap 24 hours a day. U2 is a spy plane from the cold war. Bono means "perfect" in Latin. Who do they think they are? If you are so amused by characters listen to KISS! Get a grip on yourself and stop giving them your money! Or, wait! Maybe Dave needs the money for some guitar lessons?

[@richardharrold9736]

Bono just means good, and Bono and the Edge are just old nicknames that stuck, they never actually changed their names. The band name was chosen for its inclusive but ambiguous nature, with many possible interpretations. As for Edge's hat, the guy is bald and the weather in Ireland is usually cold and wet. No wonder he tends to keep the hat on...

[@kudos4201]

+Liberty Wagon why have you replied to every comment so far shoving your opinion into peoples faces. Nobody cares man

[@gdkjones]

You are a bore. I play guitar. I can noodle and riff and shred and strum and pick and finger style. I have never been able to produce a sound or style that seperates me from other guitarists. He has. You might be able to perfectly emulate every legendary guitar perfectionist, but you are unknown. He has created a recognisable sound. You and I haven't. You're nobody and neither am I. Build a bridge and get over yourself you complete ass knuckle.

[@dulichion]

The Edge is super humble and a team player and yet has made some of the best songs ever.

[@ck1643]

What a seriously humble top top bloke.... Wouldnt be the biggest U2 fan but always found the Edge top class

[@docscholl]

Great comment from The Edge: "it's about the band", not the solo artist.

[@mnb9162]

People don't understand that it is not great technical guitar ability that people want to hear. They want to hear a great sound. They don''t care if its imperfect. People like imperfection if it sounds great and stirs emotion. The Edge is more than a guitarist. He creates sounds which have shaped songs which Millions connect to. He is beyond technical ability.

[@pahwraith]

100 percent! Also, early U2 was very much in the vein of bands like Joy Divison or Gang of Four or even slow dive. At least guitar-wise.

[@buntycampbell8983]

ALL FRIGGING BANDS MADE OF INDIVIDUALS

[@clubpenguin13531]

@@buntycampbell8983 obviously, the point was that it's about meshing together well, not trying to be the stand out over the others

[@swrennie]

Having said that, he was the definitive sound of the band...

[@Crazycupmuffin]

he is an incredible guitar player look up some of his live solo stuff and be blown away

[@kasrakamooneh1676]

This is a special video for me because at the end he mentions all of the greats, Keith Richards (a great) then onto Pete Townshend and Johnny Marr (two absolute favorites!) and of course the Edge himself here. Perhaps the only greatest he missed along the same lines, Jimmy Page and yes maybe even Any Summers.. It's always special to see or hear of all or most of your heroes all in one place. Love it..

[@jeffreysurette1901]

Love the edges comments. That's why I love every note of U2songs, he is fore ever present, without taking over with a bad solo for nothing, like many other bands.❤🎉😮

[@almostclement4975]

I’m not a fan of U2 but I do feel he gets a lot of stick for the way he uses delay, but in my opinion it’s a skill in its self and he’s made it his own.

[@derekstocker6661]

Great guitarist, great at explaining his work and such fantastic sounds that nobody else seem to perform. Thanks for this.

[@deborahannterrell]

ty Cornel Lazar for this video of the Edge. I love him as a man and an excellent guitarist and singer. I love his voice. Ive been binging on U2 songs now for months now. I love hearing the Edge's voice and music. Happy new years eve to u

[@franksilval]

Amazing thoughts given by this beautiful soul...Probably the most beautiful advise for a serious guitarists...

[@sfwaddell]

I'm glad that he did that part, that the others didn't want, it is perfect for " Beautiful Day " it adds so much and is the musical hook of it, in my opinion.

[@hopscotchoblivion7564]

The Edge: The only musician out there who can wear a beanie without looking like a hipster.

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

I think it's beacuse it's so tight. It's effectively glued to his head

[@nilsscholl883]

He was born with it

[@row1300]

He was doing it long before it ever became a thing, if anything he set the trend

[@bernicerogers2383]

@@nardcalls He doesn't care because he's a good musician.

[@nardcalls]

@@bernicerogers2383 probably

[@UNKNOWNPERSON-kk9kd]

His use of echo is trademark. You hear it. You know it's U2. It's a phenomenal sound.

[@kharkhov]

I don't understand why people say he is overrated. He is the only guitarist in one of the biggest bands ever. It was his sound is that really made U2 stand out and to me he makes guitars sound as different as Hendrix did in his day. I think people are just jealous.

[@Ben_Mdws]

The Edge comes across as such a chilled and level headed dude. No rock star arrogance or ‘look at me’ posturing.

[@joeyracano1]

too bad about how he destroyed the hills above malibu with his 5 mansion complex

[@SpaceCattttt]

This is it! The first guitar I ever slept...RECORDED with!

[@johnnymalebana8959]

I first heard U2, when i was 6 or 5, but one thing that remained with me is the melody, the guitar. I am 41 now, i love Bono but I think The Edge...THE EDGE

[@jfarinacci0329]

Really good interview. Thank you for doing it.

[@Germstahh]

I love this dude so much

[@Adrain30]

All those practicing arpeggios should listen to this...no matter how amazingly technical their hero is..they haven't sold as many CDs as U2....The song always wins at the end

[@stefano.b65stef77]

I like The Edge, he seems to be a good guy, down to earth. I listened to U2 up until Zooropa but i'm still listening to their albums nowadays

[@chrima777]

... damned, i'm tired of all the greenhorns on youtube not even able to hold and tune a guitar, especially from the US. this man is a legend and one of the most creative guitarists and musicians on earth !!

[@chascopley]

People seem to be missing the point. The Edge came out of the punk scene, which privileged DIY ethos and energy over technical skill and instrumentalists. He created a very unique sound based on his use of effects and minimal playing that has the capacity to fill an entire arena. He may not be as technically proficient in the traditional sense as certain shred guitarists, but he is enormously influential on a generation of guitarist and musicians because he innovated new ways of approaching the instrument and effects. Whether or not he can shred is totally beside the point. He created a sound that had much broader musical influence than just on guitartists.

[@Studio2770]

+Charles Laubacher exactly, considering The Ramones were a huge influence made sense since the guitar playing was even simpler with no solos.

[@Doomslayingrocker]

I find it funny how people in the comments who are defending The Edge are bashing shred guitarists. The question should not be why do people bash The Edge (because they don't know what they're talking about, he's awesome), but instead, why do people make excuses in regards to lack of technique? The only excuse I will ever accept from someone is, "I'm fine where I'm at with my music and have no interest in learning tricks or flashy techniques." I hear that a lot, and that's ok. What I won't take is the constant criticism I hear from people in regards to shred playing. I hate it when I read comments from people saying shred lacks soul and is only meant to show off. Most shredders I've seen are incredibly passionate about music and constantly experiment with different tones and arpeggio/chord/scale shapes. Some of the best shredders out there take inspiration from all forms of music. Yeah, shredding is something to show off to others, but think about how much those people practice or how much time they put in to even get at that level. It takes extreme passion and dedication to achieve such ability to do so and even more to combine experimentation and feeling with technique and stamina.

[@TheZooropaBaby]

I defend Edge but Im not so much complaining shredders. They're all good in their own ways.

[@Doomslayingrocker]

Exactly. In my eyes, there are technically advanced players and not so advanced players, but neither is better than the other.

[@SatanicHorse]

For me it is that shredding is so overused (much like double bass drums) because everyone wants to show off how good they are. I like the way the Edge thinks, his guitar and the effects serve the song, the song doesn't just provide a backdrop for the most epic solo of all time. So it's not that much that don't like shredders or their abilities, which are awesome, I don't like the attitude that often comes with it. A good song is more than the combined abilities of the musicians, everything has to come together. Probably most people are better guitarists than Johnny Cash, yet he managed to write some of the most beautiful and simple songs.

[@Doomslayingrocker]

SatanicHorse But that's what I'm saying. Some of the best shredders think just like that, using effects and techniques that serve the song besides just showing off. I mentioned in my first comment that the best guitar players mix advanced technique with thought and feeling. Guys like Shawn Lane, Steve Morse, Guthrie Govan, Micheal Angelo Batio, Marty Friedman etc. all have that. They do more than just shred for fun showing off, they think about every aspect of their songs. Where to start, how it works, what to improve, what to take away, how to make it different and what to try that no one has done before. Also, if you look up their lessons, they never say that speed is everything and is the only thing to focus on. Marty Friedman said in an interview once, "If you can't play fast, then fuck it. Worry about making your music interesting and making it you." MAB put it best when he said, "In order to play it fast, you have to play it slow. The speed will come later. Focus on perfecting it one way and then change it." Now I think where you and I disagree is with how often it is used. When I listen to the radio or jumping between rock bands that are popular today I hear absolutely no shred stuff what so ever. Ever since the nineties there's been less and less of the stuff. I'm not talking about anything from the shred genre, cause that's pretty much never been on the radio. Whenever I hear a solo from modern rock or indie rock it's usually one note played over and over again or something simple that doesn't count as shredding. Simplicity has it's place, but eventually you hit a wall and have a hard time getting over it. The guys I mentioned are people who are always experimenting and trying new things to help music grow and evolve just like The Edge. Also, when you mentioned the attitude of shredders, who comes to mind? The ones I know are quite humble. If anything, I find most artists outside of shred music to have the same attitude as the shred guys.

[@MDonovan]

9unslin9er Marty Friedman is so uunderrated ! ( but big in Japan !)

[@TerryTrowbridge]

You got to love the explorers sharp… edges.

[@unymirless8760]

Well you can say anything bad about him, but a lot of the best guitar players in the showbisness have a great respect to him, the only ones that says he is not a good guitar player, are those playing at their home!!

[@guitardds]

Personally I wish they'd go back MORE to Edge's shimmering guitar work. Change for change only isn't always the best.

[@czgibson3086]

I respect the Edge, even though I fully understand why so many people find him annoying. There are thousands of teenage guitarists who could easily outplay him, but he has something they don't have - his own sound. You know exactly who it is as soon as you hear it. It's not difficult at all to play, but it's very difficult indeed to invent your own style like that. He has worked patiently on creating his own sound and he's made life very easy for himself as a result. It's a bit like Keith Richards, who walks on stage and plays two chord shapes for two hours and sounds effortlessly cool doing it. It's annoying because the rest of us are thinking: why didn't I think of that first?!

[@suncat5160]

lol no

[@lorenzoamaro1335]

Sun Cat yes man, yes

[@dchang11]

czgibson One of the first music books I bought was the U218 Singles sheet music. Many of the songs aren’t difficult to play. With Bono’s voice and Edge’s delay, it really separated themselves from their peers. Most of their early songs were dubbed as “science projects”, enabling the Edge to experiment different sounds.

[@czgibson3086]

@@Earl_Wallace He invented a particular way of using delay that has been much imitated.

[@andrewpittaway3023]

Depends on what you classify as "out-play him" . Do you mean faster, technically harder parts to play ? I fall into the camp of judging music with my ears and soul rather than how difficult a piece of music is to play. No other guitarist can give me goosebumps like the Edge can. His choice of sounds and notes are unrivalled to me - and that's why I think he's the best guitarist I've ever heard play.

[@edgonzalez32]

one of the most under-rated guitar players ever

[@richreid9631]

I was working at the Arizona Biltmore in 1987 when U2 was staying there for the 2 concerts at Sun Devil Stadium for the filming of the movie "Rattle and Hum". While working the front door late one day, a limo pulled up and the Edge got out, went to the trunk, and grabbed a guitar case and handed it me and a $5 tip and asked if I could make sure it got back to his room. I assured him it would and off he went in the limo. The guy I was working with said he had a camera in his car and we took some pictures of us with the guitar before I took it to his room. Still have the picture.

[@DanHunterSportsWriter]

The only people who slag off The Edge as a guitarist are KZbin Nobodies. The Edge for me might be the greatest creator of the Killer Riff ever. Think Vertigo, New Year's Day, I Will Follow, Out Of Control, Pride, With or Without You, and on and on.

[@iamtomkills]

Edge is a genius guitarist. Unique and uses delay, and drive textures wonderfully. He is also a player for the song and the vocal. Classic riffs n chimes.

[@terrydoyle8087]

I literally love him ...oh and one of best guitarist in the world

[@anidamsa4396]

If only he knew the influence he has on popular music . . I love U2. Everything about them.

[@alex5sosa]

Cool video, the Edge rocks. His simplicity makes it beautiful

[@gost4995]

Edge is one of my top 5 guitarists. Rocking out to Traveling Riverside Blues or Hey Joe is fine...but when Bad comes on...that's what hits me in the stomach. Edge is the only guitarist who can get to me like that. You see, I don't care if he uses 1 or 100 effects when he playes. It's how he makes me feel when he's playing.

[@chrisfairbarn9908]

Exactly...the stomach part. Only Edge (and U2 in general for me) can have that emotional response from a guitar.

[@sbrz1439]

"The Edge is the last guitar player who has changed way to play guitar" ( Eric Clapton)

[@sbrz1439]

IN PART YOU ARE REAZON. BUT WHOLE WORLD HAS MORE THAN 200 COUNTRIES. USA AND UNITED KINGDOM ARE NOT WHOLE WORLD.

[@sbrz1439]

i did not mean about this, The edge also are not from UK or USA. But almost rankings that you see, there are almost all from UK and USA. World is a place with more than 200 countries, with a lot amazing guitarplyers.If grammy award knew about all, never this s... musicians win as " the best music in category x or y."or rolling stone magazine would make this s... list.

[@hank10983]

the edge don't have to know anything bout music have a great guitar tech nothing but effects very little actual playing. he has 34 preset guitars he has on tour a guitar for every song,but he made a fortune not off me. I do like Bono, a great frontman, a friend of Micheal hutchens is a friend of mine I do like inxs

[@Braglemaster123]

S BRZ Jimmy Page

[@wezum]

Well, clapton havent been revelant since the mid 70 so i wouldnt really pay attention to what he says.

[@ThrashRoC]

GREAT Guy ...Great Musician !!

[@IntoTheWildernessBushcraft]

I’ve played with some AMAZING guitar players over the past 30 years. That said, only 1 could duplicate The Edges sound & riffs. The Edge will always have my deepest respect. Every note he plays has meaning & purpose.

[@KingTabor]

this man finds magic in just a few notes!

[@DaddyTwoFoot]

He's DIFFERENT from those other fellows. No, he does not shred. But he was also a massive innovator in soundscapes, as well as being a straight up excellent songwriter.

[@khutubkhan5459]

The guitar sound is truly The Edges voice!

[@akxeman]

very innovative. great guitarists have their own signature that they create and successfully use in a variety of music demands,andEdge most certainly fits that.

[@macca3666]

Edge is a great guitarist, he elevates the music with the parts he comes up with, and his ear for sound and bravery with effects. He's a real servant to the songs. I've never gotten the pleasure of listening to someone wank around on the guitar showing off - I don't get steve vai, for example. Hendrix, I believe, is different.. I can listen to him play, voodoo child slight return, little wing..

[@scanlon645]

Isn't there a guitar effect named after him?

[@xFanGame23]

Justin Scanlon all of them

[@vampireslayerslayer5501]

macca3666 I have always always loved Edge!

[@beviaart]

The Edge is the Mozart of our century..Master composer...and the best musician of the 20th century.

[@Adam-yf3ss]

I’m always amazed at how small their dedicated studio space is.

[@gigittyguy97]

I don't know why edge gets so much hate ? you can be the best guitar player on earth and shred like mad but what's the actual point if you can't write great songs ? it's what edge is and what he will be known for and that's why he is an amazing guitar player in my eyes as he has came up with some of the best and most memorable songs in history.

[@petre.w.487]

17 years old and in New York and having the money to buy that guitar.......lucky lad !!,,

[@plegrain]

my thought exactly. that being said, he made well with it ;)

[@petre.w.487]

Philippe Legrain He certainly did, didn't he,......well done, that young man !!.. ; )

[@Fireballfree]

he paid $248.80

[@petre.w.487]

***** He probably paid a third or half of what it would have cost in the U.K. or Ireland !!..

[@TT_1221]

True. U2 collectively were more middle class guys than anything else starting off.

[@Shector1969]

Again always the same arguments about the edges abilities.... Any true guitar player knows, that true pursuit is to find your own sound, simplistic or complex, as long as it is your own.... if you strum or if you shred, when you sound like someone else NOONE REMEMBERS YOU !!!! The Edge is a songwriter and writes landscapes of music that create mood and emotion, and has found HIS sound that the whole world knows is his... its funny to hear amateur guitar players rip the edge for his technique, or lack there of, when NOONE is trying to replicate YOUR sound...

[@hawkeyeted]

Russ Catron I've literally followed these guys since their first album in 1980 (Boy). The Edge doesn't know how to read music, nor is he an expert in music theory. That is perhaps what lends itself to his "sound." He knows what sounds good, so he plays from the heart, not from his head, which is where theorists live.

[@mariz9084]

Theodore Barkley I agree. If you play from the head, just look at the records so-called "modern prog" bands put out, that's where you're gonna end up. Edge makes riffs from the hearts for the hearts.The same applies to Bono, who has never had professional/formal training, although he's admitted to having used vocal coaches to get his voice back in shape after it's been blown following extensive touring.

[@hawkeyeted]

skidrowsux1977 You can think the Edge is boring, you are welcome to your opinion. However, to say that Edge is boring because he uses effects is lame. Every guitarist uses some type of effect. What makes the Edge amazing (IMO) is his ability to use those effects as an instrument in addition to being a guitar player.

[@j.m.santos117]

+skidrowsux1977 Really dude? He only SOUNDS simple and non-technical. If you can read music and look at a majority of u2 songs and edges riffs and licks in particular they ALL have complex rhythms and time signatures. you have to know what youre doing in order to do that. He plays a lot of 16th notes and thats with a delay, its not the easiest thing to do. Russ Catron is right, a true musician finds their OWN sound. That is why u2 are hugely successful, and many metal bands/guitarists are unknown/underground because they are all cut from the same cloth-from the likes of eddie van Halen, Jason Becker, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci.

[@SoreEyeMusic]

+rjohnston411 Exactly. Bang on. Understanding theory, and training your technical abilities will ALWAYS make you a better musician, more colors on the palette, problem is a lot of people forget that it's still supposed to sound good, and don't know how to control that many colors at once. Ear is essential, but i hate the musicians that have an ear, but refuse to learn the technicalities and theory behind their instruments because they think it's going to make them sound "schooled". If a musician thinks in those lines, he's lazy. If you want to call yourself a guitar player, knowing how a guitar works theoretically is essential. Like Guthrie Govan. Being able to play whatever you want, whenever you want and still maintaining an incredible musical ear is probably the best way to becoming a really REALLY amazing guitarist, and musician all in all. I know i should tread carefully writing this, but people like Kurt Cobain could've been so much more amazing if they just sat down and learned that stuff. He had the ear.

[@sfwaddell]

I'm glad that he used that lick on " Beautiful Day " in my opinion that is the musical hook on which the song rests.

[@cachetband]

the beautiful thing about music is the extremes. yes the edges style varies a bit from the 'typical traditional' style, but thats whats amazing. musicians need to push the limits of what their instrument can do. the edge has obviously made his contribution

[@griffm5]

everybody is different in some way......edge seems like a nice guy who plays in a band without ego.........hence THEY FARKING ROCK !!!

[@darkvaper2010]

The edge! !!!!!.the one man orchestra! !!!

[@BunkerAudioPanama]

I fell in love with that guitar when I saw it in "One" and my first guitar at 13 fbought rom Roary D. was a Hondo Explorer ❣️❣️❣️. G-D bless that model!!

[@FuzzImp]

Love the Edge and his tones and creative approach. Advice from one of the premier guitarists from one the longest lasting pop or rock groups? YES PLEASE!!!!

[@johnclarkson7942]

I agree soo much with Edge on the point of the Guitar Olympics!!!! Fuck speed and showing off.... alright for a quick flash... but a constant lead just gets boring!!! Funny enough... He mentioned Kieth Richards... who really nailed it for me.... "A song is like painting a picture on a blank canvas... if you use all of it and layer it too much... it just becomes a mess!!!...... Rests are so important". Jimi Hendrix...all the greats... rest!!!! It;s music... not a race! Edge.. and U2 rock!

[@libertywagon3197]

+John Clarkson His name is Dave Evans! Edge NO! Dull YES!

[@marioguti9887]

Liberty Wagon You're the dull one, fuck outta here if you don't like him. I don't get people who go to videos of musicians they don't like just to leave negative comments, are you really that bored? I hate modern hip hop, it's horrible but I don't go to Drake videos to leave negative comments. Not worth my time. Get the fuck out of U2 videos!!!

[@mottmatt7844]

@@libertywagon3197 why so you keep saying that in the comment section? It's a nickname. People with friends tend to have them. Not that you would know that.

[@JaseThorne]

What in the world is with all the hate? Edge is a legend. Incredible guitarist.

[@daveg4236]

Legend? Incredible? No

[@ilan956]

@@daveg4236 Yes, legend and incredible is Dave G

[@daveg4236]

@@ilan956 nope.

[@davidturner4610]

I’ve got a reissue of the Gibson on Epiphone mine has already 30 years wood maturity it was revamped and i imported it from a guitar shop in Beverly Hills US to AU. I read somewhere the guitar was moulded out of an African timber known as Corina wood. This unique timber gives this guitar its super brightness and tone. Edge plays it looks easy but it’s quite a heavy guitar and its centre of gravity is off. I’ll give edge 100 >3 for overcoming this anomaly for a start. It’s got a wider neck than a Tele for example and it slants a bit. Takes a bit of practice to get use to it. These edge style choices of guitars he demonstrates like using the brightness of Corina wood in beautiful day is just spot on. He reminds me of the Picasso of music. His Gibson would have a few years on it by now. I can only envy the edge I can’t stand gunslinger guitarists and neither can my jamming mates! It’s become apparent in my opinion and from reading posts ppl are only just getting their heads around this man’s super ability. If he didn’t have this ability he wouldn’t be standing there doing what he loves to do entertaining the world. He’s Welsh and they’re super musical. Yay !

[@blmprx]

Very interesting and correct comments towards the end of the clip. Even a nod to my favorite, Johnny Marr!