As for the comment about classical guitar, go rent the movie Crossroads if you think Steve Vai can't play clasical guitar. He did all of the guitar work in that movie. Steve Vai does play Classical, as well as Ed Van Halen.
As for Jimmi Page, I have had a hard time with that guy since I discovered the stuff that he stole from old Blues guys and claimed as his own.
Blues is music that was written by people feeling bad in an attempt to make them feel better. Blues is not for everybody just like fast is not for everybody.
I have both Steve Vai and Satriani CD's and I think that they actually have gotten board with what they are doing and are trying to take the guitar to a different level. Unfortunately, for the purest that level may be unacceptable to the ear.
I am a blues player, but I also play jazz, rock, and I have been known to play really fast when the urge hits me. Does this mean that I am all screwed up in the mind, or does it mean that I just love what I am doing? I think we are all on the same page here and should respect the love of the instrument and the love for the music that we each have as individuals.
Vlahos, you make valid points but, if you feel the need to argue then maybe you need to go to the Chat rooms. This is suppose to be a forum for sharing ideas not blasting people for their likes and dislikes.
I will fight for your right to SHREDD even if I don't care for the style. Get my point???
KeepOnRockin!
Peace
Th'WOLF