[Systemanoob]

If you play an instrument, it's frustrating when you start playing your favorite songs, that they're all the same. When I listen to a certain genre -- with the slight exception of a few -- I almost feel like laughing because it's the same fucking song each time.

It wasn't always like this. In the 70's and 80's people actually knew how to play their instruments. In fact, guitarists on a whole have gotten worse in every aspect, especially technicality since the 80's. Nowadays it's not common to see guitarists saying, "Fuck theory, Clapton didn't need it," then go back to their recycled power chords.

Reason?
Same Key -- Usually C if they don't drop tune.

Same Chord progression -- usually I, IV, V

Same Chords Power chords (5ths) for distortion, the basics for clean -- no diminished, augmented, or add 9s,11s or 13s.

Same Scale -- Major or Minor

Same Mode -- Ionian for pop, Dorian for jazz, Phrygian for the Spanish, Lydian for Disney, Mixolydian for some more jazz, Aeolian for sad and no one uses Locrian (Enter Sandman is the only popular song that I can think of that uses it).

Same Time Signature -- 4/4

Same Instruments -- Guitar, Bass, Drums

Can anyone be original these days?

If that didn't convince you all the music you hear is the same, this certainly will.

[Anghel_jf]

Indie music FTW!

[JSN]

reminds me of when i was like 20 and puton master of puppets to figure out the songs. they're all in Emin!

[Lucky Rutledge]

1 line verses and 5 line choruses suck balls.

[Streetcleaner]

Go look for some then, theres still tones of great original bands popping up all over the place

I get sick of hearing people go on about all music today being the same and being unoriginal, your just not looking hard enough

[IcemanSlayer]

You must be referring to pop music all sounding the same, because their are so many different music genres today nobody knows them all let alone what they all sound like.

You're also crazy if you think guitarists are weaker technically than they where in the 80's? Eric Johnson can play faster than any of those bastards from the 80's and I wouldn't even consider him a shredder.

[Tropics1020]

pop rock is crap save for a few good tunes here and there. But there is a shit load of good music out there you just have to go find it. There was just a thread in Mayberry called best guitarist never heard with a shit load of great musicians. I honestly like the 1-4-5 progression and guys like Vinnie Moore, Ritchie Kotzen, Eric Johnson, Reb Beach etc,etc... use it constantly but still play very advanced technical music. The modes will always sound good...and when Joe Satriani plays the Lydian mode it doesn't sound like Walt Disney's music bruddah.

[IcemanSlayer]

If you wanna see a crazy good guitarist, check out Shawn Lane. Theirs videos from the late 70's where he already has better technique than any guitarist I've ever seen.

[Tropics1020]

Originally Posted by IcemanSlayer

If you wanna see a crazy good guitarist, check out Shawn Lane. Theirs videos from the late 70's where he already has better technique than any guitarist I've ever seen.

Shawn Lane was the man...but there are a shit load of phenomanal musicians...Most of which only perform live and will never release a popular cd. I have seen guys who can play like Shawn Lane, Al di Meola etc etc and who are for the most part unknowns, though they do earn a comfortable living.

[JSN]

if you guys want to check out a guitarist who does amazing things in a more or less pure rock context, check out uli jon roth.

if that guy had played only on "sails of charon" and then died, he'd still be the greatest rock guitarist ever IMO. i've never heard anyone with such a perfect balance of technique and feel.