Originally Posted by: 3fingeredbluesI think that people who think of themselves as the best are really kidding themselves, Yngwie Malmsteen springs to mind, because others may think they suck.

I try to strive to be the best I can be, and I am never satisfied....no matter how many people will say they like my playing (which is satisfying), it won't deter me from trying to improve. I think that is what sets the great ones apart from the posers. I'm sure, for example, if you told Joe Satriani that he was the "best", that he would take your compliment, but wouldn't actually beleive it in his own heart....he would probably say in his mind "but I cant speed pick like Al Dimeola, and my legato chops fall short of Allen Holdsworth..."

To strive to be the best that you can be is an admirable quality, and I try to better myself continually....I hope I never get there however, because then what would be left for me to strive for?

Yes, yes and yes...I absolutely agree with your statements on Joe. I think he, as is Steve Vai and Eric Johnson, et al, are always striving to be better - and I think what set's them apart from other virtuoso's is that they know there's thing's they don't know...(did that come out right? Think I lost myself there!).

To pick up on your Yngwie statement - I can't deny that he can play...but from a personal perspective, when I listen to his albums, all they make me do is want to play more accurately - they don't inspire me to write or play "music". Joe's, Steve's and Eric's, (along with many other's) however do - and I know a lot of non-guitar player's who enjoy their music because of this. I don't think Yngwie "sucks" as such, I just feel that you hear a Malmsteen solo...then you hear it again on another track...and the next, and the next and - well, you get my point...the notes may be different, but the content's much the same.