Jimmy Page or David Gilmour: Which Rock Guitarist Do You Think Rocks the Hardest and Why?
As I mentioned in another Weblog entry, I deem both Jimmy Page and David Gilmour as two of the greatest rock guitarists of the past fifty years. Each time I listen intently to a classic Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin song, I am greatly impressed by the guitar work of each English rock legend. Both artists are true guitar heroes, without whose contribution to rock music would prove inconceivable.
When comparing both Jimmy Page and David Gilmour in terms of virtuosity, I conclude that the amazing guitar solo of David Gilmour (Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb) barely tops Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin’s Stairway To Heaven)… only by an inch. Nontheless, I equally respect each artists, both of whom exemplify the best of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. Why?
Jimmy Page: I first heard Page’s performance as a young lad many years ago on vinyl album, FM radio and cassette. I can attest to the fact he is a top-notch act, despite the crappy Outrider album he released in 1988. What a shame, dude.
David Gilmour: Gilmour is an adept multi-instrumentalist. He plays lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards, harmonica, and recently, the saxophone. The man works harder than the late James Brown.
Page and Gilmour are two critically acclaimed rock guitarists, both of whom are the epitome of the rock and roll music.
David Gilmour is the best of best, now, tomorrow and forever. Like a new Mozart!!
Both are obviously magnificent, but Jimmy Page is in a class by himself.
I have to go with David Gilmour. Jimmy is amazing as a studio player, and even greater as a live improvisational artist. Gilmour just plays on a different level. I would be more tempted to compare him to a classic painter or sculptor than musician. Gilmour’s music isn’t just about fist-pumping or dancing around the box; it ignites a person’s senses and can take that person to places not expected to be shown by music alone. This is true for his work with Pink Floyd as well as his solo work. I don’t mean to bash Page, because he was probably the greatest guitarist to ever lead a rock band; Gilmour was just a lot more than that.