An old U2 Performance from Live Aid

As far as guitar snobs reference no as I enjoy guitar virtuosity as well. I just have a threshold for it. I used the term sort of facetiously.

The edge is a song writer not a soloist and there is certainly more to guitar playing than improvisation and lead work. Malcolm young and Keith Richards can attest to that.

To me the edge is a master at crafting sonic landscapes that serve a purpose. I think if he focused on ither aspects he would be great as well. He did craft an excellent albeit simple "solo" in the song titled until the end of the world.



One may surmise im some die hard U2 groupie given my responses. Im not although i am a fan. I just think their heavy handed criticism was unwarranted.

Even nickelback has some ear candy pop songs that I dont fault people for liking. Im not above criticizing artists though and I do join in on them for a couple of reasons.

 

I actually don't mind Edge's lack of "lead guitar skills." Its the style of rhythm guitar that bothers me. I'm not sure how to describe it other than "chopping" at the strings.

 

Description: Hypnotic/minimalist

Here's a minimalist composition by Philip Glass. Perhaps if this was an electric guitar and not a piano, it would sound something like Edge's rhythm guitar approach.

 

Oh no problem and I get it. Not all music is for everyone. Totally subjective. My comments and meanderings are more about a swath of people that really bag on U2 as if they were some sham collection of talentless hacks that rode a shtick to worldwide success.

What you hear in his guitar is a digital/analog delay effect that repeats a note once you hit a string. There are an almost infinite amount of settings that you can use to increase or decrease the number of repeats as well as the duration of each repeat. It can get real messy when you hit even one wrong note which to me adds to the respect I have for his playing.

 

Yeah. That's definitely it. TIL what it's called.

 

I'll definitely never rag on anyone for their musical tastes. I know someone mentioned the analogy to food, but to me it's beer. If drinking Natty Light makes someone happy, I'm not here to judge them .

 

7:14 minute mark. Another great use of delay on a piano riff.

Just like heaven. An all time fav of mine

 

I thought it was funny when people got mad that U2/Apple uploaded a free album on their devices.

 

Good excuse to post a clip for one of the best Simpsons episodes

 

Exactly. He is a master at using delay - never heard anybody incorporate it so much as to make it their actual style of playing. It's super innovative and hard as hell to emulate. Imho, The Edge doesn't get nearly the respect he deserves... his sonic landscapes are amazing.

 

Not a huge U2 fan, but I did see 3 tours in a row that went from 1500 people to Tampa stadium. Crazy ascension.

I'll say this for the edge....his guitar is easily recognizable & that's something.

 

I have seen U2 several times and they never disappoint. Bad is their best song ever IMO and that includes the songs on Joshua Tree. Having said that, there are people that don't like them and that's fine. Music is a personal thing and it doesn't bother me if someone likes something I don't or vice versa.
I'm no guitar virtuoso but I have been able to recreate some of Edge's stylings using the tips that @antny1 identified above. Not everyone has to be Eric Clapton to be appreciated.

 

I felt like a wave of bands in the early 2000s owed a lot to his guitar style, bands like Interpol, Bloc Party, etc

 

Alcohol is a great analogy for me personally. Lite beer when im doing the yard, IPA/ liquor when I want a buzz and Guinness or wine when im cooking or just want something to sip on. I see a purpose for most things.

 

WTH? I rag on people for their taste in music & alcohol relentlessly. About 2 weeks ago I met a new neighbor for the FIRST TIME...he said he liked the Avett Bros & I said oh god, I just threw up in my mouth. I also gave the host shit for having Miller High Life. btw, seeing Lotus tonight for the 1st time. Anyone know anything about them? I think it is jammy. it's here & it's free!

 

Are they liberal or conservative? Being the old fart that I am I have no idea about this band. Need to know which side of this discussion to jump in on. This is a political board right?

 

I will probably not be too harsh to people for liking dogshit music or beer if you are cool about it, but I will definitely judge you. Of course my friends who rag on me for "hipster" tastes or liking obscure bands will be made fun of for their pedestrian tastes, as well as their double hazy milkshake fruity IPAs or whatever nonsense they are drinking.

 

I listened to about 30 seconds of them, my advice is to take drugs and get a glow stick

 

Looks like he has to stop at a store and find some glow sticks.

 

oh. That sounds shitty. We’re going with squares visiting from Texas, so it’s going to be a long night I guess