Pete,

Good Point. I tend to agree with you, Ed has definitely remain a one style type of guy.

But Ask yourself this. If Eddie didn't come along, we wouldn't have your Steve Lukathers, John Petruccis, or Reb Beachs. Sure, they'd be around....but the doors that Eddie opened for them, would still be closed.

Really...I mean, shit....Eddie paved the way for every AOR/melodicrock guitarist out there. If he hadn't come along, I firmly believe rock guitar would have taken 5-10 more years to evolve to the point it is today. He literally and singlehandedly took everyone for a 10 year jump in 1978.


Now having said that, if the list was best AOR/Melodicrock guitarist that isn't a schmuck. Eddie wouldn't be on that list. We all know the dumb mistakes hes made in the past and the real collosal one he's about to make. But getting on to his diversity.... I think one of the main reasons why Eddie has never 'explored' other musical avenues is two fold.

1) When, at the age of 28, you become the single most influential guitarist in the world....you tend to grow a big head. Eddie probably didn't think he needed to do anything other than play the way he has for years. Sorta the ACDC philosophy. "Hey, it's worked for the past 20 years!!"

*** Side note, having said that -- if you *really* listen to some of Eddie's playing, you'll hear all sorts of different influences cropping up here and there. Listen to the solo from when it's love....with the exception of the fact that its a humbucker through a marshall, you could easily mistake that solo for a clapton solo.

2) I think people really tried to prevent him from branching out. He had all sortsa fights with Roth over him playing Keys in the band.


Regardless, Eddie has literally inspired 3 generations of guitarists. More than anyone that has ever played the instrument. If that doesn't qualify him for this list, I cant tell you what would.

-Frank