Unconventional Strings: Spotlight on 5 Renegade Guitar Visionaries

Rock music often emerges as a defiant voice, challenging the norms of previous generations. An anti-guitar hero epitomizes this spirit of dissent by steering clear of clichéd techniques, instead discovering innovative paths on the age-old guitar.

Renowned parody metal ensemble Spinal Tap encapsulates a comic essence that resonates with musicians, highlighting the unintentional humor often present in rock music. As new waves in the genre arise, they often do so in opposition to former styles. Whether it’s punk rock’s stance against the extravagant trends of the 70s, grunge’s rebuttal to glam metal’s excess, or Britpop’s pivot towards British influences, rebellion shapes the genre. Thus, the anti-guitar hero—defying expectations—creates a fresh archetype of guitar excellence.

Tracing the Roots

The idea of a guitar hero traditionally pulls threads from historical influences, notably blues. Figures like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page drew inspiration from blues legends, forming the foundation upon which rock guitar was built. Then, with the eruption of artists like Edward Van Halen, the guitar scene was revolutionized with his classical and rock fusion style.

In contrast, anti-guitar heroes sidestep the blues-rock trajectory, deliberately avoiding worn-out pentatonic solos. These unique players often arise from indie or alternative realms, albeit not limited to those labels. They’re the rebels who trade standard licks for novelty, and while legends like Kurt Cobain and Johnny Marr are icons on their own, this list seeks to cast light on those who typically shy away from the hero spotlight.

The Avant-Guardians of Guitar

Several names come to mind when considering a broader selection, including Will Sergeant from Echo & the Bunnymen and Graham Coxon of Blur. They, alongside others, merit recognition but this list homes in on five guitarists who redefine the stage in their own right.

1. Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth)

Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore reshaped rock music with his unique upbringing surrounded by a trove of cultural influences. His unorthodox tunings broke free from tradition, weaving a sound deeply rooted in punk’s rawness and the avant-garde, highlighted in tracks like "100%" from the album Dirty.

2. Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead)

Jonny Greenwood, who doubles as a composer for film and Radiohead's guitar craftsman, infuses his work with a blend of jazz, classical, and post-punk influences. Far from the conventional rock guitarist archetype, Greenwood's use of complex scales like the octatonic are evident in the riffs of "Just" from the album The Bends.

3. Tom Verlaine (Television)

Television’s Tom Verlaine was a prominent figure in New York's punk scene, yet his music transcended easy categorization. Television's relatively brief existence belied their profound influence, with Verlaine's proficient explorations on songs like the epic "Marquee Moon" resonating through generations of musicians.

4. Annie Clark (a.k.a. St. Vincent)

Annie Clark, or St. Vincent, bends the norm with her intricate and evolving music style. Emulating art-rock influences like David Bowie, Clark delivers complex riffs and turns guitar solos on their head. Her ingenious approach can be appreciated in the riff of "Cruel" from Strange Mercy.

5. John McGeoch (Magazine, Siouxsie and the Banshees)

The late John McGeoch, despite his early blues training, embraced punk upon entering the art school scene. His influence with Magazine and later Siouxsie and the Banshees spurred a movement of arpeggiated guitar style, leaving a legacy lauded by guitarists like Johnny Marr and the Edge.

rebel, guitarist, innovation