Neil Young is widely celebrated for his exceptional songwriting abilities, but his talent as a guitarist often doesn’t receive the recognition it truly deserves. While many focus on his lyrical prowess, Young’s skills with a guitar are equally noteworthy and should be acknowledged.
Throughout his extensive career, Young has consistently delivered remarkable guitar performances that span across his varied body of work. His versatility is evident in the delicate melodies found in songs like ‘On The Beach’ and the intense energy of ‘Hey Hey, My My.’ However, ‘Down By The River’ stands out as one of his most outstanding guitar pieces, a nine-minute journey that echoes the style of legendary guitarists from the past.
Young has always been open about the influences that shaped his approach to the guitar. Among those who left a significant impact on him was Bert Jansch. Jansch, a key figure in the London folk music scene before joining Pentangle, brought a hauntingly beautiful quality to his music, which greatly influenced the emerging rock genre.
Although Jansch was skilled with various instruments like the banjo and dulcimer, his connection with the acoustic guitar was particularly profound. His expertise with the instrument set a standard for future generations of guitarists, inspiring artists such as Joan Armatrading, Jimmy Page, and Johnny Marr.
Young was deeply affected by Jansch’s artistry and even toured with him in 2010. However, it was in 1992 that Young made a striking statement, comparing Jansch to the legendary Jimi Hendrix. “Bert Jansch is on the same level as Jimi Hendrix,” Young declared. “That first album of his is magnificent.” Young’s admiration for Jansch’s song ‘The Needle of Death’ was so deep that he inadvertently mirrored its guitar melody in his song ‘Ambulance Blues’ from the album ‘On the Beach.’
Considering that Young regards Hendrix as “the greatest electric guitar player who ever lived,” equating Jansch with him is a testament to the profound influence Jansch had on him.
Jansch’s legacy continues to live on through the music of artists like Neil Young, solidifying his place as one of the greats in the world of guitar music.
