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

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

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

[@brows.]

Absolutely

[@standarsh8056]

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

[@brows.]

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

[@standarsh8056]

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

[@brows.]

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

[@flyjohnson711]

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

[@carlosimotti3933]

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

[@BobbysArchive]

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

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

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

[@markrodeo420]

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

[@carlosimotti3933]

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

[@tonedowne]

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

[@Monkeymosh]

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

[@sindreeidem5336]

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

[@olavjorvik94]

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

[@chriswinter8511]

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

[@common-girl]

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

[@Fenar_]

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

[@vaughanxaviermusic]

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

[@gahan101]

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

[@vaughanxaviermusic]

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

[@carlosimotti3933]

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

[@newfoundmoralclarity]

Most of his best stuff isn't on RHCP albums

[@N33se]

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

[@goodtogo2876]

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

[@N33se]

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

[@tremblence]

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

[@julianmorrisco]

Ok ‘Awkins. Hated yer music. Ok, it was in the long English/British tradition of camp and/or panto and I can respect that. But it wasn’t for me. Don’t know why I felt I had to say that, it’s the internet I suppose and nobody has boundaries anymore. Anyway. Gotta say, I’m tempted to go back and have a listen to the Darkness. An erudite, thoughtful and charming gent such as yourself must have more than the strutting screeches I remember. I am prepared to admit I’ve been a twat about it. And the fact you have Finnerty in for a natter is a huge plus in my worthless estimation. Keep it up lads, I’m enjoying the output from both of you immensely. Plus the amount of work Finnerty puts in. The man is committed. And I respect that with both of you. Fuck RHCP. They’re OK, I suppose. Just not the mutt’s nuts as I keep hearing. Oh, I also hate 99.9% of KZbin ‘guitarists’. They sit down (sitting down!) and wear glasses. Now, I’m not having a go because someone is myopic, I’m -4-.5 and -5 myself. But wearing glasses and sitting down to play guitar is one of the least rock’n’roll things I can imagine. And the heavy metal ones are the worst. Clean, shiny long hair . A black T-shirt with some obscure metal band logo, clean but purchased pre-distressed. Plus sitting down and wearing specs. Has nobody in the guitar ecosystem heard of contact lenses?

[@sheep910]

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

[@tokilladaemon]

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

[@whitebuffalo4904]

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

[@easytoremember246]

@@whitebuffalo4904 neil young is kind of on the other end of the spectrum where there's almost 0 "skill." He'll play the same note 20 times but flick the bean of your soul.

[@mqaisataloss.5951]

​@@tokilladaemon agreed. I loved rhcp growing up and F seemed amazing. Eventually I started playing instruments myself and i got more invested. Then learning about someone like Gary Moore and all of a sudden F has the Emotional affect of the one kid at guitar centre that managed to play something that didn't hurt your ears. I think for allot of his knights it's Mostly nostalgia or something. Their first "guitar hero"

[@tokilladaemon]

@@whitebuffalo4904 knopfler, yes gilmour, joey santiago, prince, homme, albert king, there's more but thats all ive got off the top of my head

[@benzilla1823]

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

[@mw7851]

Totally agree.

[@chriswinter8511]

Nice point.

[@VLKV_loves_you]

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

[@soarel325]

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

[@InsidiousJazz]

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

[@SupermanNew52]

He's probably only ever heard the radio stuff.

[@InsidiousJazz]

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

[@Bloom64-rt5cm]

It's not that great

[@coldblackfire]

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

[@maxmeier532]

Exactly! Slane Castle and Cigale intro/outro is as good as it gets. And no, John playing in a reduced way is not a bad thing.

[@pestesoidubutor8626]

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

[@WhiteWizzard]

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

[@Csnich96]

Jane’s addiction don’t have a bad album

[@sarcasmxkate]

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

[@medardoantoniocaballero8412]

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

[@shelby8364]

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

[@sarcasmxkate]

@@shelby8364 cool! So good!

[@Comedycutzz]

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

[@medardoantoniocaballero8412]

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

[@andoletube]

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

[@poipu425]

haha, thank you....i'm pretty clueless when it comes to guitars/guitar playing but i was intrigued about who they were referring to there

[@andywilliamsflorida]

Thanks! Thought it was likely Mark Tremonti with that trash guitar he has.

[@danjdear]

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

[@axeman14]

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

[@anshumandas6849]

me asf

[@kiwigold]

Well I love You.

[@ReeceyOne]

Speaking for me too

[@RickReasonnz]

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

[@MusicTheoryLogic]

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

[@fragrelb]

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

[@diogo.músico]

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

[@mamaloh8165]

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

[@ballsballsballs3617]

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

[@markocvejic6416]

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

[@misterlister-wm2tj]

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

[@Sinuite]

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

[@cotopaximusic]

His entire discography debunks this whole video lol

[@EasyAcoustic]

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

[@emirozdemir2037]

why? pretty basic stuff

[@SpencerLewis-tg8xz]

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

[@Krooksbane]

Sounds like that’s just your opinion, man.

[@philipampofo6435]

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

[@toekiman]

👊🏽spot on !

[@sailacristina]

I love Dani California. The final solo is glourious

[@whitherandthither]

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

[@WhiteWizzard]

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

[@musliboy2430]

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

[@WhiteWizzard]

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

[@paulkingdesign5928]

The truth stings.

[@tuckbradley2358]

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

[@Jake.Frush2]

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

[@arricat5e311]

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

[@Jafiveon]

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

[@carlosimotti3933]

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

[@Rattlepiece]

I can sing lots of songs I hate.

[@vi0letcr1me]

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

[@kylepretorius2982]

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

[@funkeestadirtwurx2448]

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

[@sindreeidem5336]

Oh this is spot on!

[@sombra1111]

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

[@MrMastrsushi]

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

[@sombra1111]

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

[@MrMastrsushi]

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

[@bencoleman5965]

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

[@PengoLu]

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

[@wolfreyet]

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

[@diegosotomiranda4107]

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

[@PengoLu]

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

[@edwardchester1]

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

[@misterlister-wm2tj]

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

[@lucassalman2803]

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

[@maxmeier532]

@@misterlister-wm2tj your life will always be the same way it is now, but get shittier every day.

[@paulharrisonadventuregearm5457]

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

[@adamcater87474]

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

[@klickj26]

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

[@willow519]

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

[@jakehines1123]

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

[@jeremykeelermusic3153]

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

[@misterlister-wm2tj]

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

[@thepayne7862]

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

[@klausbremner_autotelic_art]

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

[@ignatiusjackson235]

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

[@knowgoodmusic]

Who is Tony Kiedis ?

[@Collier990RHCP]

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

[@jackonly18]

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

[@donge9589]

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

[@kayes5216]

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

[@seanmacdonald8211]

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

[@TheRealSplexy]

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

[@ants.446]

Frusciante is amazing. End of.

[@EhrlicherEdukator]

I wanted to watch Darkness here in Berlin this year. Just canceled it. Good bye 👋🏼

[@ZwienerZ]

This sounds personal Justin. What did John do to you?

[@fleamail4]

my thoughts exactly

[@modgodel]

Exist

[@carlosimotti3933]

Being a galaxy above him

[@Ogilla]

Maybe he's mad because John isn't a one hit wonder whose sole famous song is absolutely mediocre at best lol?

[@cameroonarooon88]

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

[@NellyGandhella]

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

[@trickfinger1177]

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

[@medardoantoniocaballero8412]

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

[@felineexceptional]

As a musician, how can you NOT see the genius of Frusciante? I suggest listening to Stadium Arcadium from start to finish. And accept the melodic direction, the pushing boundaries. He's amazing. Definitely not overated.

[@Iggy87]

Well, to be fair he's more of a Queen/ACDC cosplayer than a musician.

[@archieeverett4926]

Watch slane castle and come back to this

[@ricardorix73]

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

[@eseljuani]

After hearing the bombastic vanilla blandness of The Darkness, it makes sense this guy doesn't get the beauty of the Californication solo and thinks it's shit.

[@willywonka7812]

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

[@galetinm]

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

[@jakubborczuch7543]

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

[@mikebaldino333]

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

[@iwearthegold]

Vini Reilly tho 🙌

[@buzzin-hornet]

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

[@MrFruscianteFan]

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

[@jackonly18]

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

[@StacyODell]

John is that you?

[@aaronneumann5378]

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

[@TheClicheGaming]

If you don’t get inspired by watching his playing at slane castle you have something seriously wrong with your ears and devoid in your soul

[@akiraergo4727]

or the concert at calgary in 2006 or gig syracuse from these year...

[@Zakkrifice]

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

[@freeed2722]

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

[@tremblence]

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

[@roydekel2445]

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

[@sagesheridan691]

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

[@BlackCatGuitar]

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

[@ryanjackson5689]

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

[@LucaBerkowicz]

No way he roasted the californication solo 😂

[@briancanfield2968]

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

[@inflagranti9706]

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

[@carlosimotti3933]

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

[@briancanfield2968]

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

[@carlosimotti3933]

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

[@adamcater87474]

Respect your opinion, but the constant mention of vibrato is a bit of a lazy critique. More vibrato would add absolutely nothing to his sound. The rest I can agree to disagree on :)

[@The_ScapeGoat]

I think a lot of people started playing guitar because of Frusciante. His approachable, minimalistic style works with Flea's funky and melodic bass. Their gigantic catalog of hits are a testament to the likability of their sound. I understand not liking it, but I don't get not understanding the appeal.

[@mechmat12345]

Lol

[@sah-win]

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

[@shayeasy]

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

[@ryanname2503]

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

[@WilliamPayneNZ]

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

[@shayeasy]

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

[@SingularityMedia]

Pop garbage, is that the best example?

[@TwilightCalzone]

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

[@merylrees7183]

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

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnn!!! 🎶🎶🎶

[@ontalio2496]

Red Hot Chili Pepper's music was never about flashy and loud guitar, it's not hard rock, it's groovy funk music which they excel at.

[@maxster0097]

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

[@dutchdlite]

John explained (I think) to Rick Rubin in his podcast why he abandoned the shredding. At 17 he was doing all the bells and whistles but knew it wouldn't lead anywhere. Here he is effortlessly nailing Steve Vai-esque guitaring at 17. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5nPmqycoc-YrNU

[@phoenixgirl70]

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

[@AaronEddieHYo]

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

[@Alpha_7227]

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

[@WhiteWizzard]

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

[@Alpha_7227]

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

[@Kevtron9000]

When I hear John play, I know it’s him right away. When I hear Justin okay I think, wow this is a great impression of (insert 80s band here)

[@ryanname2503]

You've never heard justin play then, you're just trying to throw a cheap insult at him thus completely proving his point about not being able to criticize RHCP.

[@GO-ej1pg]

True. A joto ass 3 chord riff. Stfu ya meko licker

[@brunorogoveanu1381]

Well, it’s a hard punch in the stomach, but they are not completely wrong. Everybody has seen that John isn’t at his best and honestly I don’t think we will ever see him like he was 20 years ago. His style has changed a lot in the past 15 years? from relearning guitar in 98’-00’, discovering electronic music and A LOT of pedals to stadium arcadium era and the empyrean where you would have a lot of stuff going on in the studio to recent stuff like hyperpop, ambiental music etc. I respect him with all my heart, he is the reason I started exercising more and wanting to become a better ME, but the only thing that made surprised me since he came back were the concerts in Toronto.

[@hodordoor3299]

"Don’t get your mind in that position where you’re just judging each song for whatever you can get out of it. Just listen to it for what it is." John.

[@gvngbvngiggy]

I saw that video just the other day and remembered this same quote. Listening is an artform of itself i think and ive often had to learn to really listen to an artist or a band the right way or learn more about them to really get them and start to appreciate their music the way i hadnt before.

[@woody1755]

Which really sets him apart....I spit out my coffee 😂

[@frusciantegeartone]

I feel like the people saying John’s overrated don’t get that people like his “feel” when he plays. True fans know John can play perfect “predictable” style of playing but we like his “organized mess”. He never WANTS to play the same solo twice. He doesn’t play the solo’s exactly like the record. Even when he records in studio he likes to do the first take most of the time, even if it’s not perfect.

[@sah-win]

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

[@11thtempleproductions]

Samhain Grim 🤘🏻

[@BasilHayden]

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

[@PintsofGuinness]

i love that this comment section is just 100% proving their point. theres nothing on this planet that everyone has to love. music is subjective and if they dont like JF/RHCP thats perfectly fine.

[@BobbysArchive]

I mean what did u expect? It’d be this way for any critical acclaimed band or artist with a impressive amount of music in their discography, especially if your criticisms are surface level and you only listened to the hits, you’re gonna get shit on. Do the same with The Beatles, Death Grips, Radiohead, whatever, there’s a difference between saying “I don’t like this”; and “this isn’t good” or “it’s expressionless”

[@LfunkeyA]

but to say that frusciante plays without feeling or emotion is such a bad take, especially when made by a professional musician. it's not a good look either.

[@carlgoranheintz3914]

I love the Darkness and I play the guitar myself (sure, less knowledge about brands, guitars and amps etc) and while I think it is an interesting discussion that is worth having, it certainly should be highlighted that it is something quite subjective and we all value different things. For example, I cannot listen more than a minute on most death metal solos or polyphia but I can understand some people find that enjoyable.

[@midwestdepressed]

Listen to his solos post Californication? Stadium Arcadium has his best work, including great solos and peak melodic chord progressions. Literally the best part of that band

[@GhastlyCretin]

What guitar is Justin saying no good rock was ever played on? Telecaster?

[@SuperAaron99]

PRS

[@GhastlyCretin]

@@SuperAaron99 Ah, okay. Thanks 👍. I've never even held one but I don't really like the look of them...

[@Lebowski55]

I listen to a TON of music across many many different genres and styles. John Frusciante is a world class, special guitar player. Not the most technical. There are plenty of technical wankery guitar players devoid of any feeling. Frusciante is one of the best going today.

[@jakehines1123]

my brother type up "John Frusciante Hippies time speed ike live" and it will be revealed to u that John Frusciante was a virtuoso at 17 if he wanted to he could play like via or Eddie but chooses not to

[@roostertheguy]

Also funny cause your most successful tune brought absolutely nothing new to the table.

[@johnusher83]

Sometimes less is more. Not all music is about indulgent solos (even though I love some indulgent solos).

[@FortheLoveofGamingYT]

For me I’m both slightly underwhelmed as a major Frusciante fan, but I’m surprised that people think he’s just an advertised guitarist like some say. I think if you listen to a song like slow cheetah or animal bar, for example, there is a sound of Frusciante that for me is unmatched, basically there is something kind of minimalist about his guitar tracks that is dismissed by many guitarists. I guess it’s a thing where there is an unmatched style and harmony in RHCP, actually unmatched though also inflated, and for many it’s as if what I just said was someone in a bubbles perspective, like this video. So it’s as if many people hear the Frusciante music and are amazed, and many feel like it’s lame. So it seems like some style is really not vibing with many listeners, though honestly I notice some music from RHCP at times unmatched in the common music scene, though I could be wrong.

[@hel59]

I remember watching a Kiedis interview (for The Getaway era) where he said that the band sent him songs and he decided whether or not he wanted to sing on it. That may explain partly why the instrumentation is so good compared to the lyrics and vocal

[@hel59]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGKwl55mhppjmpo - link to the interview

[@JonathanTaylorW]

I'm looking forward to the John Frusciante redemption arc on JHRA. I'm no particular Chillis fan but he's played on multiple Mars Volta albums, and they only work with the best musicians, that's for sure!

[@angelescattaneo9751]

Love John Frusciante!! he is one of a kind ❤ enough said 🙌 Frusciante's sensitivity can't be explained. It isn't reasonable, it doesnt happen in the brain, it happens in soul

[@IAmUndersteer]

“Man versus strings in front of something really really loud” is maybe the all-time best summary of rock and roll.

[@cmullen69]

Very bold things to say about someone who has more musical knowledge and talent in his left pinky than Mr. One hit wonder and Mr. Zero hit wonder have combined. This reeks of jealousy, and not just because he's "sold more records," but because he effortlessly gained and at various points outright rejected the widespread admiration and fame that the two of these guys have craved their entire lives. I guess ol Justin and Pat thought they could gain those things with the boring pentatonic hair metal guitar solos they love so dearly. There's a reason that shit got left in the 80s. Turns out originality and creativity actually mean something in music.

[@WilliamPayneNZ]

Nobody should glorify Frusciantes drug induced exile in the 90’s. I have seen the vpro interviews with him from that era. He was a complete drugged out of his brain, mentally unwell human being. I say that as someone who can appreciate his playing.

[@Lousy_Poetry]

So butthurt lol. These are just two guys expressing why they don't like John F. as a guitarist. It seems like your whole identity as a human being has been destroyed by their purely subjective appreciation of John F.' playing style. Let me ask you something: Does your life revolve around Frusciante? Are you friends with him? Is he your relative? Lol. Fanboys like you are really sad to read. Buy a life.

[@pipevc1]

I love the peppers and love Frusciante, but you can say that and it’s ok, the thing that cannot say is that their style has no influence of fru. Frusciante is the main responsible of why the band lives nowadays and their mayor hits and albums has the Frusciante sticker on it, that’s why we love him

[@NytronX]

Lol John has accomplished more in like an hour's time than these KZbinr guitarists will in their entire lifetime. John is the creative genius behind some of the greatest songs ever written in the last thirty years. That's why guitarists like Page and Frusciante will always reign supreme over other players that might be more technically impressive. Body of work is the number one most important thing when comparing or rating guitarists.

[@scotchvelo]

PRS: Santana, Larry LaLond, Dave Knutson, John McLaughlin, Mark Lettieri.

[@YOURCODENAMEISJASON]

If you’ve not heard JF solo work you shouldn’t really be commenting on him tbh He’s hands down one of the best we’ve had in decades I get his music might not be for everyone, but he’s just so prolific I can get my kicks from any style he’s touched His voice is like Cat Stevens meets Kurt in the best way possible

[@sanjephillips3524]

If being “deliberately minimalist doesn’t stop it from being shit,” then certainly being entitled to an opinion doesn’t stop your opinion from being shit either.

[@jacobslobotkin4501]

It's his backups vocals (10/10), writing, and interplay with Flea, ya don't get it

[@johnjohn37371]

Nope, completely get it...just hate it.

[@jpgduff]

Yeah, no. They're just awful.

[@ResevoirGod]

@@jpgduff If they were awful I don’t think they would have the longevity that they do

[@Frozen_Smoke1972]

@@ResevoirGod longevity is not a mark of quality.

[@ResevoirGod]

@@Frozen_Smoke1972 Your opinion is not a mark of an artist’s quality either. See where I’m coming from?

[@seanhaslett2465]

Justin Hawkins Clickbaits Again

[@danielryn5049]

It’s so weird, the things he said he wants to hear live is all there in John’s live performance. John is the master of wrestling with feedback, making the guitar sing, shout or scream. His set up is all analogue. This person needs to do more homework!

[@toastservant9542]

did you not even fucking listen? he was praising him for that

[@evanwright9016]

The thing that is simultaneously enviable and frustrating is the way the band is marketed. I do agree three out of the four are stellar musicians. There's no denying that. Still, their story and image matters more to at least the fans who aren't musicians themselves (so like 75% of them who haven't outgrown the band yet). That's the same problem I have with Fleetwood Mac and any 60's psych band. It's more about lore and a redemption arc. I understand Frusciante is a versatile player (see his work with the Mars Volta and Black Knights, even his album, 'Maya', which is a straight up drum 'n' bass homage) and you can decipher most of his live solos, albeit the majority of them being tweaked inversions across the minor pentatonic but rhythmically diverse (his solos only half the time land on the 1), but keep in mind, the percentage of the band's audience who are passive listeners say the most galaxy-brained shit about John, not just his playing style or what he is and isn't capable of. When John's on his own, he does show how much he sticks out. I notice he's a fan of diminished chords, which is always welcome in pop and rock. No doubt he's tremendously talented, but he's extremely introverted and selective when it comes to what aspects of his solo work he chooses to bring to a band setting. He's said as much in interviews up to this day. He knows the Chili's have a working formula, although their creative direction has gone through its fair share of peaks and valleys. Their audience is consistently skewing younger and younger. He knows where he fits in.

[@PineappleStickers]

I can totally get behind critiquing RHCP's albums for being generic or formulaic. But i feel like you guys are dismissing his entire Solo discography which is largely where his creativity is allowed to breathe. For sure it's full of hit and miss and even arguably could do with a little more refinement to trim off the mess and clutter. I'd love to see a critique of his Solo works rather than just going after the easy comercial targets everyone else already picks apart

[@musicmanxii]

You're allowed to have any opinion you want to, but there's a lot of factors to consider when talking about someone like John. Dude is lucky to have his arms, much more his life. With all the surgeries and scar tissue, it is amazing that he plays as well as he does today. You guys should look up his performances in Milan, Alcatraz, and Slane Castle. Those performances speak to his chemistry with the Chili Peppers. Listen to his solo works, which speaks to his songwriting abilities.

[@FDM-dd3jx]

I guess the same way people are allowed to dislike them, some others can think this critiques are nonsense and the worst part of a beautiful world that music is. For me is more like "pretending to be cool", like when in high school people were talking about others people musical preferences. My advice for the people is try to learn everything, from RHCP, to Knopfler, to R. Kotzen and to whatever thing you want, and learn how others musicians that are not guitar players talk better about other musicians than guitar players do. Guitar is so popular, so is a world full of people with a big ego talking nonsense sometimes, just focus on learn, be humble and dont talk bad for no reason about other's work.

[@upn2daleft]

It’s not about his playing, it’s about his passion.

[@aaronneumann5378]

he is a warlock of soulful playing