Did you know the Rock Gods of the 80s failed Guitar History 101? It may come as a surprise to many fans of the 80s rock era, but despite their legendary status, some of the biggest names in rock and roll were not as versed in guitar history as one might expect. From their inability to appreciate older guitar styles to their disregard for the importance of musical notation, the “big hair” bands of the 80s fell short when it came to understanding the fundamentals of guitar playing. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the ways in which the Rock Gods of the 80s failed Guitar History 101 and what we can learn from their shortcomings.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The 80s Rock Scene
3. Lack of Appreciation for Older Guitar Styles
4. Disregard for Musical Notation
5. Over-Reliance on Technology
6. The Legacy of the Rock Gods of the 80s
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ
The 80s Rock Scene
The 80s were a time of great change in the world of rock and roll. The “big hair” bands that emerged during this period brought with them a new sound and a new look that would come to embody the era. Bands like Guns N’ Roses, Poison, and Bon Jovi ruled the airwaves with their catchy guitar riffs, soaring solos, and anthemic choruses. The 80s rock scene was a time of excess, both in terms of style and sound, and it seemed that anything was possible.
However, while the Rock Gods of the 80s were certainly talented musicians, they were not always well-versed in the history of guitar playing. Many of the techniques and styles used by these bands were not new, but rather, had been developed and refined over centuries of guitar playing. In failing to appreciate these older styles, the Rock Gods of the 80s missed out on a vital piece of guitar history.
Lack of Appreciation for Older Guitar Styles
One of the ways in which the Rock Gods of the 80s failed Guitar History 101 was their lack of appreciation for older guitar styles. While these bands certainly had their own unique sound and style, they often failed to acknowledge the influence of earlier guitarists. Many of the guitar riffs and solos used by 80s rock bands were based on earlier styles, such as blues, jazz, and classical music.
For example, Jimi Hendrix’s use of feedback and distortion, which became a signature sound of the 80s, was actually pioneered by blues guitarists in the 1950s and 1960s. Similarly, the use of modal scales, which was popularized by bands like Metallica and Slayer, had been used by classical composers for centuries.
Despite these earlier influences, many of the Rock Gods of the 80s failed to appreciate the history of guitar playing. Rather than building on the work of earlier guitarists, many of these bands simply borrowed from their predecessors without acknowledging their influence.
Disregard for Musical Notation
Another way in which the Rock Gods of the 80s failed Guitar History 101 was their disregard for musical notation. While many of these bands were certainly capable of playing complex guitar riffs and solos, they often did so without any understanding of the underlying theory.
This was particularly true of lead guitarists, who relied on their ear and raw talent rather than a knowledge of musical notation. While this approach certainly had its benefits, it also left many of these guitarists unable to communicate their ideas to other musicians. Without a common language, it was often difficult for 80s rock bands to collaborate and create truly cohesive music.
Over-Reliance on Technology
Finally, the Rock Gods of the 80s failed Guitar History 101 by over-relying on technology. One of the defining features of 80s rock music was the use of big, flashy guitar rigs that were packed with effects pedals and other gadgets.
While these rigs certainly looked impressive on stage, they often masked a lack of technical proficiency. Rather than developing a deep understanding of their instruments and the music they were playing, many guitarists simply relied on the power of their equipment to create an impressive sound.
This over-reliance on technology also had the unintended consequence of making 80s rock music sound dated in the decades that followed. As technology improved and new styles emerged, the big, bombastic sounds of the 80s began to lose their edge.
The Legacy of the Rock Gods of the 80s
Despite their shortcomings, the Rock Gods of the 80s left an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll. Their larger-than-life personalities, flashy guitar rigs, and anthemic music continue to inspire new generations of fans.
However, as we’ve seen, there are also lessons to be learned from their failures. By failing to appreciate older guitar styles, disregarding musical notation, and over-relying on technology, the Rock Gods of the 80s missed out on a vital piece of guitar history. As we continue to explore new sounds and styles, it’s important to remember the foundation upon which they are built.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Rock Gods of the 80s may have failed Guitar History 101, but they left an important legacy in the world of rock and roll. While their lack of appreciation for older guitar styles, disregard for musical notation, and over-reliance on technology may have held them back in certain ways, it’s impossible to deny the impact they had on the music of their time.
FAQ
Q: Who are some of the Rock Gods of the 80s?
A: Some of the most iconic 80s rock bands include Guns N’ Roses, Poison, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and Def Leppard.
Q: Did all of these bands fail Guitar History 101?
A: While not all of these bands may have had the same shortcomings when it came to guitar history, many of them shared similar tendencies towards over-reliance on technology and a lack of appreciation for older guitar styles.
Q: Are there any modern guitarists who have learned from the mistakes of the past?
A: Absolutely. Many modern guitarists have a deep appreciation for the history of guitar playing and are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the instrument. From John Mayer to Nita Strauss, there are countless guitarists who are carrying on the legacy of those who came before them while also forging their own unique paths.
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