Their studio work has layers of guitars which often includes Mick playing a pretty straight rhythm (probably recorded during the bed tracks). I find it does add something. Yes I've read quotes from Richards complaining about Micks guitar volume on stage & in the studio. I've also read quotes from Richards where he compliments Micks guitar playing and takes some credit for teaching him. Having said that I get that he is no Pete Towshend, Jeff Beck or Keef for that matter. But, folks have been rockin' to his guitar work for decades without realizing it. Underrated.
Steuart Smith (Eagles) Amazing guitar player. Listen to Keys To The Highway (Rodney Crowell album) and the album before also. Here he is backing Rodney live on a television show circa 1990 (sorry for the quality of the video) :
such an easy answer: stephen stills - acoustic, electric, banjo, leads, rhythms etc. no one better all-around, ever. he should have done one truly powerful solo album, in his prime (71 - 75) that showcased his ability to play rather worrying about his vocals and then i think the way history will look at him would have been different.
I’m not sure if he’s underrated or not but Ricky Wilson was a good guitarist. He was the lead guitarist for the B52’s.
Stymies me this guy isn't more well-known! - He's great. (Does not date back to the 60s or 70s); however, in music industry since 80s & as soloist, from the 90s. Seems to me that, often, Texas-based bands/artists, no matter how fantastic, seem to be a regional thing, i.e. Spoon & Fastball should also be a lot more recognized by now, all still active/recording, from the 90s. Alejandro Escovedo Posting clip/track "Tender Heart" (Great drums, too!) from release Street Songs of Love, w/link for track "Street Songs" Hope others will discover an artist they enjoy! Street Songs (Pumping basslines on this one!)
Posting another, because he gets proper dues as singer, but I feel, not enough as guitarist. On studio versions, predominantly electric, but live shows, plays acoustic a bit more. I don't usually care very much for acoustic, but he's an exception: Johnny Reznick - Goo Goo Dolls Found this clip & it showcases he's also a terrific guy!! Beautiful human being! Enjoy!!! John Rzeznik - FULL CONCERT - Live at Concert On The Lake 2018
For his work on Ritual de lo Habitual, I'd say Dave Navarro just for that album alone. Everything is perfect, every solo is spot on no notes wasted or over-doing it. Beautiful. Maybe it was all the drugs Most of my underrated guitarists are those that step outside of tradition, such as Kevin Shields, Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo and dare to be different. Ramming screwdrivers into them is so much more interesting than yet another rawk blues guitarist.
Johnny is indeed a wonderful dude. Happy for him with all the success he's had. Terribly underrated as a songwriter and a guitarist imo.
Dave Murray of Iron Maiden always been a tremendous player, who should be highly praised but barely ever had any press. Mick Ronson should be as well known as much as his blonde imitator Randy Rhodes, most people have never heard of him.
The most underrated guitarist of all time hasn't been mentioned yet. Just goes to show how underrated he is. Bruce Springsteen
Simon Blackwell (1)-Half Man Half Biscuit. Seems to have left the music business altogether now but his contributions to the first few HMHB albums sound like nothing else I’ve ever heard out of a guitar in a good way. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself if Clapton or Green could’ve pulled this one off:- (Prag Vec at the Melkweg) (1) Tho his famous namesake, as the writer of Back and a contributor to The Thick Of It, is my favourite Simon Blackwell. Conversely, his brother, Nigel, has given far more to society than the bloke who founded the chain of bookstores.
John Squier - The Stone Roses. Massive & massively underrated! Here's: Love Spreads. (Love me some great slide!!) Though he does it all & with such seeming ease & cool great-ness!! Something about Manchester!! Found a terrific live clip!! This from the legendary reunion tour 2012 Barcelona...Ian Brown sounds in top form (for him; his live can be dice-y!) - And, shout-out for Mani on bass!
