Most rock and roll guitarists have always believed in the concept of no rules. Some artists prefer to stick to the fundamentals of guitar when they pick up the instrument. However, true innovators know how to twist the same cluster of notes to make them sound as if they are hearing them for the first time. While Joe Walsh had established himself as one of the most celebrated guitarists of all time before the 1970s ended, he knew he would never be able to compete with what Jeff Beck was doing at the time.
Compared to the other guitarists emerging in the early 1970s, Walsh remained a dedicated blues fan. When it came to his massive songs with the James Gang, Walsh was still getting his blues on. He sprinkled in a healthy dose of attitude when playing songs like ‘Funk #49’.
Although raised on the sounds of blues rock with The Yardbirds, Beck never remained satisfied with staying there for too long. After leaving the nest, Beck reinvented himself as one of the most lyrical guitar players to ever walk the Earth. He created songs that felt like the guitar was trying to speak whenever he played them.
While Beck would later surround himself with a massive band to help fill out the sound, he knew that the band’s foundation was built on how he played. Jeff Beck, who was constantly experimenting with different musical styles, was incorporating funk into his sound when Walsh arrived. He laid down the central groove for what would become Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstition‘.
When with The Eagles, Walsh adapted to country style, despite admiring Beck’s music. Taking over for seasoned country player Bernie Leadon, Walsh slid into the lead guitarist role perfectly. He brought an impressive level of chops to the band alongside Don Felder on the album Hotel California.
Walsh focused his talents on songwriting while Beck was still branching out into new genres such as jazz fusion. Aside from his blues-soaked beginnings, his solo hits around the same time, such as ‘Life’s Been Good,’ were considered mini sonic journeys. The song’s studio version stretched out over eight minutes and featured various musical deviations.
Even as Walsh became more well-known among passive rock fans, he knew Beck was in a league of his own. He told PRS, “I think Jeff Beck has taken the guitar to another galaxy. It’s not actually a guitar; it’s his own instrument. He made his own instrument. We’re the guitar, and no one understands what he’s doing. I listen to that and just shake my head. I don’t know”.
Although Joe Walsh continued to innovate his sound, Beck remained in his own world. He eventually performed incredible dips with the whammy bar to make his guitar sound like an extraterrestrial being whenever he performed. Any guitarist will do their best to master the instrument, but for those looking for a one-of-a-kind challenge, Jeff Beck, along with Jimi Hendrix, remains the litmus test.
