[Current & Culture] Remembering Guitar Hero Jeff Beck

The world’s top three guitarists. This is a phrase that men who listened to music in the 1980s might have heard. Although there is no official certification like the Guinness World Records, the names of these three often appeared side by side in broadcasts, magazines, or album liner notes. The problem was that the names kept changing. Usually, it was three among Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Jimi Hendrix. Fans who liked fast and complex playing sometimes grouped Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, and Steve Vai as the new top three guitarists, but those are all stories of the past, memories of 20th-century boys.

Jimi Hendrix, who can be called the father of the electric guitar, Jimmy Page, who led the legendary rock group Led Zeppelin, and Eric Clapton, who has numerous hit songs known even to general pop fans?compared to these three, Jeff Beck’s recognition was significantly lower. Rather than saying he was underrated in skill, it is more accurate to say he was less popular than his reputation suggested. Commercially, he was always at a disadvantage in album sales and concert scale throughout his career. However, Jeff Beck’s achievements as a guitarist are enough to earn him the title of one of the world’s top three guitarists. He expanded the possibilities of the guitar by crossing genres from blues and rock to jazz and electronic music. Although some of his songs include vocals, his true essence lies in pure instrumental performances featuring only guitar, bass, and drums. Listening to his mesmerizing playing, sometimes without even a guitar pick, you might feel as if you hear a song that doesn’t actually exist. He passed away recently on January 10.

It doesn’t really matter who the world’s top three guitarists are. The fact that Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page all came from the band The Yardbirds, or knowing technical terms like fuzz, tapping, and arming, is not necessary. However, if you have never experienced Jeff Beck’s playing, it’s truly unfortunate. For those unfamiliar with Jeff Beck’s name, I recommend the instrumental track ‘Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers’ as an introduction. If possible, look for the 2007 Crossroads Festival video where he performs with bassist Tal Wilkenfeld. The stage where the guitar legend interacts with a young 21-year-old bassist is deeply moving. If you like this video or only know this song as a beginner, I suggest listening to the masterpiece album ‘Blow by Blow’ from start to finish. Live videos are good, but for this album, I recommend finding a well-remastered version of the audio to fully enjoy it by ear alone. If jazz is not your taste and you prefer rock music, the album ‘Guitar Shop’ is a good choice. You can meet a different Jeff Beck showing off a powerful tone over a vigorous beat. This album was also the first one through which I got to know Jeff Beck. I remember when I was a middle schooler obsessed with heavy metal, I bought it impulsively thinking it was a new heavy metal band’s album just by seeing the giant guitar on the jacket hanging in an auto repair shop, and was surprised when I heard the music.

Jeff Beck is gone, but we still have another guitar revolutionary, Steve Vai. It’s surprising that Steve Vai is already in his mid-60s, but he is still an active and passionate guitarist. I consider Steve Vai to be the hardcore version of Jeff Beck?faster and more intense. For guitar fans mourning Jeff Beck’s death, this might offer some consolation. I recommend the performance video of ‘For the Love of God.’ However, his stage manner, where he becomes one with the guitar, can be polarizing like a strong spice.

Farewell, Jeff Beck. My eternal guitar hero.

Lee Jae-ik, Novelist