Yngwie Malmsteen. The name itself conjures images of blazing speed, neoclassical fury, and an unapologetic virtuosity that has divided opinions for decades. While some critics dismiss him as a “wanker” obsessed with speed, the truth is far more nuanced, especially when you delve into the opinions of his fellow guitar titans. It’s easy to throw stones from the sidelines, but when guitar legends themselves weigh in, it’s time to listen. Let’s explore why some of the most respected names in guitar, like Satriani, Vai, and Wylde, hold Yngwie Malmsteen in such high regard, revealing the depth beyond the speed for those seeking to understand the phenomenon that is Guitar Malmsteen.
Uli Jon Roth’s Perspective: Beyond Speed Lies Authenticity
Even Uli Jon Roth, a guitarist known for his own profound musicality and deep understanding of classical music, recognizes the unique quality in Malmsteen’s playing. Roth stated he’s “not impressed by speed” in general, yet still considers Yngwie “one of the all-time greats.” This begs the question: what does impress Roth about Malmsteen? According to a comment defending Malmsteen, it’s Malmsteen’s “wanking” that is “100X more classically authentic than any of the others.” This connection to classical authenticity, a shared trait with Roth himself, points to a depth that casual listeners might miss. It’s not just about playing fast; it’s about channeling a classical sensibility through the electric guitar, something guitar malmsteen embodies uniquely.
Tosin Abasi’s Awe: Discovering a New Guitaristic Universe
For many guitarists, encountering Yngwie Malmsteen was a pivotal moment, a revelation of what was possible on the instrument. Tosin Abasi, known for his innovative and progressive approach to guitar, recounts his transformative experience: “Then I remember hearing Yngwie Malmsteen and being unaware that you could even do that on the guitar, so then I got obsessed with technique and speed and the harmonic minor scale and various things like that.” Abasi’s words highlight the sheer impact of Malmsteen’s playing. He wasn’t just fast; he opened up an entirely new universe of guitar technique and possibilities, inspiring countless players to push their own boundaries. For Abasi, guitar malmsteen was the gateway to exploring advanced techniques and a deeper understanding of the instrument.
Zakk Wylde’s Passionate Defense: A Virtuoso of Pavarotti’s Caliber
Zakk Wylde, known for his powerful riffs and soulful playing, doesn’t mince words when it comes to defending Malmsteen’s legacy. Reacting to Rolling Stone Magazine’s controversial “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list that omitted Malmsteen, Wylde passionately argued: “Do you know how good fucking Yngwie is? Its beyond fucking sick. The fact that Yngwie isnt in it is just fucking mind-boggling to me. People can say what they want about Yngwie, but its just like naming the 10 greatest singers of all time and not putting Pavarotti in it, you know what I’m saying? Yngwie is a virtuoso.” Wylde’s comparison to Pavarotti, a legendary opera singer, is striking. He elevates Malmsteen beyond mere guitar proficiency, placing him in the realm of true virtuosity, a master of his instrument on par with the greatest vocalists. For Wylde, dismissing guitar malmsteen is akin to ignoring a fundamental pillar of musical greatness.
Wylde further elaborates on the multifaceted genius of Malmsteen: “You have good guitar players. You have great guitar players. Then you have the ones that CHANGE THE GAME. . . . it’s not just his sheer & utter mastery & command of the instrument that make him amazing. The phrasing, the vibrato, the tone, and his feel & passion, along with the overall musicality that he brings to the table, are what make him so special & unique. . . . while other guitar players play fast and say nothing, Yngwie speaks.” Wylde astutely points out that Malmsteen’s greatness transcends technicality. It’s the complete package: mastery, phrasing, vibrato, tone, feel, and musicality. He argues that guitar malmsteen isn’t just about speed; it’s about communication, about “speaking” through the instrument with a unique and powerful voice.
Guthrie Govan’s Insight: Sincerity and Opera in Shred
Guthrie Govan, often hailed as one of the most technically gifted and musically versatile guitarists alive, offers a particularly insightful perspective on Malmsteen. Govan recalls the impact of seeing Malmsteen live: “He was going crazy, running around the place, and throwing his Strat while playing a million notes per second. And when he stopped and played just one note, it sounded like a violin or an opera singer. Yngwie has an incomparable vibrato, which his detractors choose to ignore.” Govan acknowledges the showmanship but immediately pivots to the musical depth, highlighting Malmsteen’s vibrato and the vocal quality of his playing. He pinpoints the very element often overlooked by critics – the expressive, almost vocal quality embedded within guitar malmsteen.
Govan goes even further, directly challenging the notion that Malmsteen’s playing lacks sincerity: “And then Yngwie, who, to me, demonstrates that it is possible to have all these chops and play these outrageous fast things but still sound like you mean it. This may not be a popular viewpoint, but when I listen to Yngwie playing, there’s as much sincerity as there is when B.B. King is playing. He plays every note like it could be his last.” This is high praise, equating Malmsteen’s sincerity to that of B.B. King, a blues legend synonymous with emotional depth and authenticity. Govan argues that beneath the speed and flash, there’s genuine feeling and commitment in guitar malmsteen.
Scott Henderson’s Bluesy Nod: Soulfulness Beyond the Harmonic Minor
Even Scott Henderson, known for his fusion and blues-based playing, recognizes a crucial element in Malmsteen’s style that sets him apart from other shredders. Henderson observes: “I mean, to me the best guy is Yngwie – I mean, Yngwie plays all that harmonic minor bullshit, but he also can play blues. He has some feel in his playing. Yeah, he’s a good guitar player. And so many of the metal guys just miss that, uh, miss that soulfulness, you know they uh, for them it’s not about phrasing and tone. It’s just about playing as fast as they can, and I think that’s not really, that’s not what I enjoy listening to. For me, that’s sort of like circus guitar…” Henderson, while playfully dismissing the “harmonic minor bullshit,” immediately acknowledges Malmsteen’s ability to play blues and inject “feel” into his playing. He differentiates guitar malmsteen from soulless shredding, recognizing the presence of soulfulness, phrasing, and tone – elements often absent in players focused solely on speed.
Conclusion: Re-evaluating the Legacy of Guitar Malmsteen
The overwhelming consensus from these guitar giants is clear: Yngwie Malmsteen is far more than just a fast player. He’s a game-changer, a virtuoso with a unique voice, and a musician who commands the respect of his peers. While criticisms of his style may persist, the opinions of these respected guitarists offer a valuable counterpoint, urging us to look beyond the surface flash and appreciate the depth, musicality, and lasting influence of guitar malmsteen. Perhaps it’s time to dust off those old Rising Force albums and listen again, this time with the insights of these guitar legends guiding our ears.
