Dragonforce lead guitarist Herman Li recently joined an interview with Anthony Fantano and said that Kurt Cobain is one of the best guitarists due to the feeling it gives millions of music lovers.
Everyone has different criteria when talking about their favorite guitarists of all time. Discipline, dedication, and commitment are certainly among the elements of becoming a good guitarist. For many, the technical side of the issue is also significant. A good guitarist is to have a good grasp of music theory and substantial knowledge of the instrument.
Technical skills certainly help the guitarist to play flawlessly, but for some, a good guitarist also means the ability to play any part and improvise. What makes someone a competent guitarist is still a very subjective issue. During a recent appearance, Herman Li, regarded as one of the most technically proficient musicians of all time, reflected on his opinions on this topic.
The guitarist revealed that late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain is one of the best guitarists in the world since technicality is not the only and most important thing on his criteria for what it takes to be a good guitar player. Li thinks Cobain inspired millions of young guitar players thanks to the special bond he formed with them. He connected with those people, which is more important than playing fast or flawlessly.
Herman Li speaking on Kurt Cobain:
“A lot of people ask me all the time, who do I think is the best guitar player in the world. And I come up with different answers all the time. I say, ‘Well, Kurt Cobain is one of the best guitar players in the world.‘ And they’ll go, ‘Oh, my god, what are you talking about? I thought you knew something, Herman!’ He inspired millions of people to play the guitar.
He connected with them. Obviously, the feeling and expression are way more important than how fast and how many notes you can play in key. But if you can’t connect with somebody, it’s a different thing. Sometimes, the simplest thing is probably the most important thing. And we learned to do complicated stuff because, when you’re young, you impress your friends. It’s kind of cool. You’re flexing a little bit.”
You can watch the entire conversation below.
