Identifying a future legend in the music world is never an easy task. While fans may confidently predict that their favorite artist will one day redefine an entire genre, the reality is far more unpredictable. Despite Jimmy Page ultimately becoming one of the greatest guitarists in rock history, he remained humble about his own abilities, recognizing that he was merely one among many talented players of his time.
While Page laid the foundation for rock guitar, other musicians were exploring different musical directions. Even within his blues-influenced style, he constantly sought innovation. However, when it came to rock, Jeff Beck approached the guitar with an entirely different philosophy—choosing to play straight from the heart whenever he picked up his Stratocaster.
Then, of course, there was Jimi Hendrix. In the few years they shared on the music scene, Hendrix established himself as a nearly untouchable force, playing with an intensity and creativity that few could match. Whether through sheer ferocity or groundbreaking sonic textures, Hendrix redefined what was possible on the guitar with tracks like Purple Haze.
Yet, for musicians who sought technical mastery, jazz remained the ultimate proving ground. Giants like Miles Davis and John Coltrane demonstrated an unparalleled command of their instruments, and their influence extended beyond jazz to guitarists pushing the limits of rock music. This led to the birth of jazz fusion, where players such as Pat Metheny and Larry Carlton showcased just how far the guitar could be taken.
Among those virtuosos, few could rival John McLaughlin. Having played alongside Miles Davis, McLaughlin’s work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra became a masterclass in technical skill and innovation. His complex runs and unconventional chord voicings left even the most skilled guitarists struggling to keep up.
Jimmy Page, despite his own success, openly acknowledged McLaughlin’s extraordinary talent. Reflecting on McLaughlin’s playing, Page admitted, “He was instinctively the best, I could tell. I didn’t listen to a lot of jazz—or it was selective, what I listened to—but I could tell from what I knew that he was easily the best that I was gonna hear or witness in front of me. He was the best one I was going to see, that’s for sure.”
However, Page’s humility should not diminish his own contributions to rock music. While he may not have pursued technical perfection like McLaughlin, his willingness to experiment led to iconic moments in music history. His innovative fingerpicking on Going to California and the dramatic, orchestral riff of Kashmir showcased a genius of a different kind—one rooted in creativity rather than pure technical skill.
McLaughlin may have been the ultimate jazz guitar master, but Page carved his own path, pushing the boundaries of rock in ways that continue to inspire generations of musicians. Though he may not have matched McLaughlin in technical prowess, his vision and artistry made him a legend in his own right.
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