My Top Guitarists, Pt. 3

#6
Name: Daniel Ash
Associated Bands: Bauhaus, Love And Rockets, Tones On Tail

Daniel Ash has always said he hates guitars. As such, he doesn’t exactly play his guitars they way they’re meant to be played. Ash’s style tends to eschew crazy concepts like, say, chords and solos, instead opting for a noisy, piercing and often terrifying onslaught of electric noise, controlled with dentist-like precision. Ash’s experimental approach to his instrument was essential in creating Bauhaus, the band to defined what goth rock looked and sounded like. Along with is later work in Love And Rockets and the recent Bauhaus reunion, Ash has continued to slice away at the boundaries that dictate what electric guitars can and cannot do.

Required Listening: “In The Flat Field”, “In The Night”, “Ball Of Confusion”

#5
Name: Richard Thompson
Associated Bands: Fairport Convention, Richard & Linda Thompson, solo work

Definitely the most traditional “guitar hero” to be found on this list, Richard Thompson talents are well-documented. Yes, he’s an English blues-influenced guitarist and yes, he plays solos. But, holy sweet jesus, you’ve never heard solos quite like this. Whether he’s rapidly detuning the strings on his electric or playing three different melody lines at once on his acoustic, Thompson’s guitar deftness and sheer, undeniable dexterity makes his solos transcend simple shows of ego-driven virtuosity. His guitar playing virtually sings lyrics all by itself. More guitars could learn from Richard Thompson the skill of create solos that really speak for themselves.

Required Listening: “Shoot Out The Lights (electric)”, “Shoot Out The Lights (acoustic)”, “1952 Vincent Black Lightning”