Who, in your opinion, is the "best" guitarist on the scene right now and why?

[jcbgtr]

Just curious what people think. Can also just be your favorite(s). What does best even mean, anyway? That's a conversation.

[FourOnSix]

My personal favorite is Jonathan Kreisberg. Oh wait, maybe it's Julian Lage. Hold on, Antoine Boyer? Um, how about Pasquate Grasso? Is Kenny Burrell still playing these days? I love his discography.

Never mind. Next question.

[BreckerFan]

Adam Rogers

Unique harmonic language mixed with deep roots in the tradition/blues, great sound production, insanely locked in time, ability to play in multiple styles with a unique voice.

There are a ton of right answers but that one's mine.

[wolflen]

Best reminds me of Lettermans top 10 list.

Faves is more realistic..Each player have their strengths and flaws.

My faves today

Kreisberg

Mancuso

McLaughlin

Govan

Bloomfield *

I can only imagine had Mike avoided drugs and whatever demons haunted him where would he today

[JazzerEU]

Bruce Forman, guy can do it all, probably the best chord soloer alive right now.

Footnote: He's my favorite guitarist in the world, ever, like ever, and I studied with him at USC, so to say I'm impartial would be a complete lie.

[buduranus2]

What does "best" mean?

[j.l]

For me, has to be Bernstein. Although Frank Vignola and Pasquale Grasso would both be close behind, and I'm open to revising my opinion after I see them in a couple months. Bernstein's phrasing is just impeccable.

[Mick-7]

Bloomfield *

I can only imagine had Mike avoided drugs and whatever demons haunted him where would he today

One of my faves too..... According to Nick Gravenites, whom I spoke to at a club he played at, Michael's problems all started with insomnia, which led to pharmaceutical remedies for it, etc. - weren't any sleep therapy doctors back then. Nick also played with John Cippolina, don't know what led him to drugs, but most of these musicians started self medicating due to physical/mental distress.

[rpjazzguitar]

Impossible question to answer.


Best at exactly what?

how many do I have to hear in order to have an opinion?

[kris]

John Scofield-because I have all his albums that he recorded.

[ragman1]

Who, in your opinion, is the "best" guitarist on the scene right now and why?

Me, obviously. But, if one must bow to lesser mortals, perhaps Bernstein. Menconi's good, Kreisberg's gone a bit off piste recently, and what's happened to Jesse Van Ruller I've no idea. And Julian is, well, Julian.

[Greywolf]

To subjective.

However.. Current favorites: Steve Kimock, Charlie Hunter, Billy Strings, Bruce Foreman, Mateo Macuso , Joscho Stephan, Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes

[JazzPadd]

Favorites at the moment are Kriesberg, Frisell and Scofield.

[grahambop]

John Scofield-because I have all his albums that he recorded.

Have you seen the film ‘Inside Scofield’ kris? If not, I think you’d enjoy it.

Inside Scofield – Joerg Steineck

[Litterick]

Mary Halvorson

[Christian Miller]

I will always put my oar in for Reinier Baas, one of the most original

Live his compositions and sense of humour too

But best is silly really. Even if it were a contest which it isn’t there’s no linear metric that everyone can agree. Some of the players people rave about leave me cold, and I’m sure vice versa.


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[Christian Miller]

Jim Mullen is up there as one of the GOATs.

He sometimes does gigs with Pete Bernstein so you get some value for money there.


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[wintermoon]

Joe Cohn is the best thing since sliced bread.
Ok, he's more recent than sliced bread but he's my favorite that's not 6 down and 3 across.

[deacon Mark]

i agree Joe Cohn is fantastic I have been listening to him much lately. Another is Pasquale Grasso is another and he could possess the best flat out technical ability is some ways. Watching his hands work is amazing. I would also agree Adam Rodgers another with great lines that weave through changes. Interesting Bruce Forman would be another pick but I mentioned this in another thread, I want to hear him on the L5. That Barney Kessel guitar he is playing I am just no liking the sound.

[Mick-7]

I will always put my oar in for Reinier Baas, one of the most original

Live his compositions and sense of humor too

Quite unique, I like his backyard too. Is he as young as he looks?

Jim Mullen is up there as one of the GOATs.

He sometimes does gigs with Pete Bernstein so you get some value for money there.

Good to know: I won't be needing to ask for a ticket refund.

[jbromusic]

Reinier Baas is also my favorite young-ish cat right now as well. He has a very unique voice and a very singular compositional style. I also like the fact that he's a little "raw around the edges" and not super polished sounding like a lot of the newer players. James Muller is another favorite although he's not that young anymore. If I had to vote for one "best guitar player on the scene", it would still be John Scofield.

[Bflat233]

Pat Metheny

[Christian Miller]

Quite unique, I like his backyard too. Is he as young as he looks?



Good to know: I won't be needing to ask for a ticket refund.

You would need to fly to London to see Jim live these days I think so maybe not that good value for money haha


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[Strat-itis]

Though I generally support taking opinions on seemingly subjective topics like music and backing them up objectively, I think there are way too many monster jazz guitarists today. From old tenured masters to young virtuosos. The field is waay too deep to even subjectively declare a best. There's no best. People will have their favorites tho.

[NewNewcastleBud]

Bireli Lagrene.