Can't touch this... well, Joe can :) (Page 1 of 2)

Seeing that video and the other one got me to thinking about these guitarists that are from another planet: Joe, Jimi, E.J. etc. What was it like the first time they picked up a guitar? Was there something special there already? When did they realize they were gifted? How long did it take them to reach the point where they were at the level that the average person could never reach?

On a side note... speaking of Eric Johnson and his involvement with G3, I've  heard that KWS was an invited guitar player with G3. If he was, why not Joe?

Born with it! I've had friends who have played for what seems like a life time. There brain only takes them so far. God made these guys different. It's like the guys you play little league baseball with, you know within a few years they will be better than you no matter how hard you try.

Or you could be like me and just keep pretending that you're gifted and were "born with it".  It works in my head . . .

Not trying to be a smart arse but that would of been G4. I don't know anything about the history of G3 I bought the DVD with Eric Johnson as a part of it. I also saw Eric for the first time by just happening on the Austin City Limits show. I saw him for the first time live at the Austin City Limits Festival. He did a version of a Hendrix song from the AYE album that was brilliant. Don't know what song it was but it was the best thing i heard that weekend till I strolled over to the stage Joe B was playing.

There is a market in the shredder guitar genre. Eric certainly fits in it more easily than Joe or even KWS. I believe that the 90% guy audience that make up their deomographic are the ones that read the guitar mags and they more and more are being exposed to Joe. I just don't listen to that on a regular basis. I still feel Joe's market is more the mainstream classic rock crowd. The crowds that like lyrics in between fret board fireworks displays.

The best reason for G3 to invite Joe along would be to have somebody that can sing during the last jam. Not that Eric can't he just doesn't have a bluesy voice.

That Austin City Limits show is available on DVD as part of the "Live In Austin" series.  Walmart carries 'em and you can problably get it on EBAY too,  Eric is terrific and definitely was unusual when he came out.  My problem is that I really can't take much of his singing....it's not his fault...he just wasn't born with a terrific-toned voice.  He doesn't really wander around much on his tones either...something I love about Joe's stage show....several guitars, EVERY pickup position...volume/tone knob exploration.....it's all good.

NPB..While I'm not a player, I have to agree that some people do have a "gift". We don't all hear music the same. For example, it always amazes me to watch people who have NO rhythm!!! I do believe that practice and study are needed to develope the "gift". Look at Jeff Beck, he's got the gift and it comes easily to him, but he'd rather work on cars!! Then there's the poor soul who works hard at playing but never reaches beyond mediocrity!  Passion matters and you've got it....Cathy

Cathy.....actually....there are some people who will NEVER get rhythm.....sad to say....just like some people can't hear relative pitch when someone sings. They may get a feeling that something's not right but they don't know if the singer's flat / sharp...or just lousy.

I've done studio work for nearly 20 years and I can tell you that the people on the first few weeks of the American Idol auditions certainly do exist...they actually believe they can sing for whatever reason (usually friends or family not being honest with them).  It's downright painful to deal with at times.

que sera sera!