2007: Battle of the Johns
With two different approaches to the guitar, the skills of John Frusciante and John Mayer are placed side-by-side to see who is better.
Feana Kotter
Issue date: 7/18/07 Section: Opinion
In the February 22, 2007 issue of Rolling Stone, guitarists John Mayer and John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers) were crowned as two of the new Top 20 Guitar Gods. Picks in hand and amps cranked to 11, it's time to determine who would prove triumphant in an old-school battle of the bands.
Most people might dare to automatically assume Frusciante would have the upper hand because he has been laying down melt-your-face guitar riffs for the Red Hot Chili Peppers since the late 1980s. He is widely known for his innovative solos and unique sound.
Mayer, on the other hand, has only recently won over critics after serving his time as every 13-year-old girl's fantasy. His most recent album, "Continuum," expertly showcases Mayer as a blooming blues guitarist capable of writing lyrics comparable to Anthony Keidis'. And he is friends with Eric Clapton.
With four components, let the battle begin.
1. The solo. As evident by the single "Dani California," not only can Frusciante deliver a gut-busting solo, but he can do it at the end of the song. For one blissful minute, Frusciante cleverly combines elements of rock and blues and serves up a solo so good it leaves you salivating for more.
Conversely, Mayer delivers his best solos in the middle of songs. His latest single, "Gravity," envelopes the listener in a bittersweet, slow solo that lingers like chocolate. He seems content to dabble in the blues, but his chord progressions are still unpredictable and fresh.
The winner: Frusciante.
2. Improv. Frusciante told Rolling Stone some of his best musical creations often have roots in solid improvisation. Though part of his success as a guitarist has been magnified by the funkilicious bass licks of Flea, Frusciante draws from his musical influences in a way few other guitarists can. And what a sweet ass.
Those who have seen Mayer live know his improv between songs is almost the best part of the show. Like an actor who's gone off-script, he momentarily strays from the set list while still mischievously teasing the audience with a familiar chord blended in. Whether for five seconds or five minutes, Mayer's improv keeps listeners guessing.
Most people might dare to automatically assume Frusciante would have the upper hand because he has been laying down melt-your-face guitar riffs for the Red Hot Chili Peppers since the late 1980s. He is widely known for his innovative solos and unique sound.
Mayer, on the other hand, has only recently won over critics after serving his time as every 13-year-old girl's fantasy. His most recent album, "Continuum," expertly showcases Mayer as a blooming blues guitarist capable of writing lyrics comparable to Anthony Keidis'. And he is friends with Eric Clapton.
With four components, let the battle begin.
1. The solo. As evident by the single "Dani California," not only can Frusciante deliver a gut-busting solo, but he can do it at the end of the song. For one blissful minute, Frusciante cleverly combines elements of rock and blues and serves up a solo so good it leaves you salivating for more.
Conversely, Mayer delivers his best solos in the middle of songs. His latest single, "Gravity," envelopes the listener in a bittersweet, slow solo that lingers like chocolate. He seems content to dabble in the blues, but his chord progressions are still unpredictable and fresh.
The winner: Frusciante.
2. Improv. Frusciante told Rolling Stone some of his best musical creations often have roots in solid improvisation. Though part of his success as a guitarist has been magnified by the funkilicious bass licks of Flea, Frusciante draws from his musical influences in a way few other guitarists can. And what a sweet ass.
Those who have seen Mayer live know his improv between songs is almost the best part of the show. Like an actor who's gone off-script, he momentarily strays from the set list while still mischievously teasing the audience with a familiar chord blended in. Whether for five seconds or five minutes, Mayer's improv keeps listeners guessing.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Dustin Lance
posted 7/19/07 @ 4:03 PM EST
John Frusciante is without a doubt the winner. No offensive to Mr. Mayer whom is incredibly talented as well, Frusciante has so much more experience in all aspects. (Continued…)
shashwati
posted 7/24/07 @ 3:55 AM EST
it's not that mayer is bad.......he's really good.
but John Frusciante is more versatile and diverse a guitarist, and he is a real guitar genius. Not just in RHCP, but in his solos, he ehas gone far far beyond the standard level of technical skll that most bands' guitarists have and has made his guitar a living, breathing, speaking extension of himself. (Continued…)
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