i've heard him before he is quite good. if you want other fast guitarists check out Jason Becker, Shawn Lane, and Marcus Paus.
Benoit - i agree speed isn't everything. although i tend to respect those that can play fast a little more because, like you said, it usually means that they've practiced a lot more and put a lot of hardwork into their instrument. malmsteen for example practiced 12 or something hours a day for many years.
i'm not putting down those who don't play fast. i love gilmour and definately would place him on a level as malmsteen and others. i just think that there's also a counter-belief that overgeneralizes speed. people say its just showing off that i carries no emotion. i would definately disagree. there's emotion in all music. and people like Shawn Lane and Jason Becker have written some great songs, while using their amazing speed.
speed, to me, is a tool like bending that should be used to accentuate a song. i think there are some songs that definately over do it. but there are songs that definately make it work. Black Star is a good example. Petrucci is another awesome guitarist that uses speed well.
i think you're right. speed is not everything and some people judge guitarists based on that. but speed can be good.
anyway, sorry for ranting.......
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