Famous Guitarists On Randy Rhoads

Sorry , I’m not hearing Eddie Van Halen in Randy’s Playing , I hear tapping of Randy’s unique neo scales occasionally in solos, that’s It. No Randy’s Knowledge is not Eddie Van Halen . Eddie knew this. Randy was a million miles more than a pentatonic tapping shredder. He did not just choose comfortable shapes and chords so he could play in a comfort zone like most players. Randy learned many uncomfortable guitar scales. And made it look easy. You can hear it in his songs, so much tension , depth, and resolving going on , unlike other players.

As a non-famous guitarist I can tell you Randy Rhoads was a genius - because he understood the importance of holding something back.

I was a guitar student of Randy's for 3 years right up until his last day of teaching before the Ozzy thing started. I saw him play countless times with Quiet Riot and then once with Ozzy at the Long Beach Arena in CA. It's interesting to hear what other players thought about him. To me, you can learn a lot about players by what their opinion is of another musician. Steve Vai, for example, has a reverence for Randy and his playing, as does Kirk Hammett and Zakk Wylde. All amazing musicians in their own right who understood the uniqueness of Randy's gift; his classical influences, his complex chord structures and scale usage. What is sad is the Eddie interview. Randy and Eddie were around at the same time in L.A. They played the same clubs, etc. They were both part of the scene back then. But the idea that Randy was quoted in an interview as saying he took everything he knew from EVH is just ridiculous. To Randy, that would have been a complete betrayal to himself and all the years he spent learning and developing his style. I remember seeing Eddie in the audience at a couple of Quiet Riot shows, but I know for a fact that Randy didn't go to any Van Halen gigs. He just wasn't interested in what other bands at the time were doing. He was focused on his group and getting them signed. And he sure wasn't out trying to cop other players licks. He didn't need to. He was Randy Freaking Rhoads. And if you grew up in LA during the time he was around and playing, that will mean something to you.

Randy's guitar playing was so much better than anyone in that time frame. He truly was a legend and his time was cut to short. R.I.P Randy, you truly were the best guitarist in my eyes.

The clip of Dimebag playing Randy's solos is indisputably worth the entire watch.

Randy came from a totally different way of thinking than most rock metal players , he believed the notes you played had to have meaning , not just be played for flash . That's the difference in his leads compared to others with technical ability. That is what makes his playing sound fresh whenever you hear it and , that's why his playing never gets old .

I’ve been listening to metal/rock for years. I have a thing for guitar players and Randy Rhodes is at the top of the list. Always Randy. No one can hold a candle to him. Miss him still. ❤

Well, I'm not famous, but I'll put in my 2 cents. I was around when VH's first album came out and there's no denying Eddie's influence on rock guitar and guitar playing in general. And Eddie's stuff is super fun to play. But I've always felt that Randy's playing, crazy as it is, always made sense. Maybe it's because I'm pretty familiar with music theory. But you can kind of tell that Eddie never had a guitar lesson, and that Randy was obviously very schooled in music. Monster player, likely the first "neo classical shredder", at least in North America. And although it's a shame that he was only able to leave behind such a relatively small body of work, the fact that he's still cited as such a huge influence on so many is a testament to the quality of his songwriting and his incredible technique.

Man, Dimebag blew me away with the "Flying High Again" solo, shoot, all of them! I can tell he really loved Randy.

Diary of A Madman was absolutely brilliant!

Zak Wilde is spot on - every Randy solo stands out on its own.

I've always loved Randy's playing...After seeing this video, I have a new found and deep respect for Dimebag Darrel. Wow!!

I heard that even as great Randy was, he took a guitar lesson in every town he was in while out on tour just to learn something new from a different guitar teacher. Could you imagine getting this random guy requesting a guitar lesson and it's Randy Rhoads showing up as your student. It's hard to say who the best is. It comes down to personal taste and preference but this guy was rock solid. There are so many good guitar players out there past and present but Randy was one of the best.

Eddie: “everything he did he learned from me “ 🤣. Love Eddie. I personally prefer Eddie over Randy. But Randy certainly didn’t sound like Eddie. Aside from from some tapping and maybe a few legato runs. Randy definitely had his own thing going. Brilliant player.

Randy is one of the greatest Rock composers EVER!!!

Randy will always be my favorite guitarist. One of the few that was completely unique. His music is timeless. Rest In Peace Randy.

I was blessed to witness Randy's last performance in Knoxville the night before he died...it had an incredible impact on my life, as I was just beginning to "play" the guitar in 1982. 40 yrs later, I've got my own unique self-taught style, though nothing like RR's style

Randy is my favorite. Since Blizzard of Ozz. 42 years. George Lynch and Jake are amazing players, two of my favorites. Randy is number one.

Eddie and Randy 2 of the best ever! But I feel had Randy lived longer he would have surpassed Eddie and everyone else with his brilliance.

JAKE E LEE...great story!!! underrated player...