In the ever-evolving landscape of guitar music, the term “guitar hero” is often used, but rarely truly earned. While modern guitarists are encouraged to be versatile, mastering various styles and techniques, some individuals transcend mere proficiency to become genuine icons. Enter Guthrie Govan, a name synonymous with unparalleled guitar mastery and widely regarded as one of the most exceptional guitarists alive today. Far from being a “jack of all trades, master of none,” Govan embodies the rare combination of extraordinary versatility and absolute expertise in every facet of guitar playing. This article delves into what makes Guthrie Govan a modern guitar hero, exploring his journey, his breathtaking skills, and the invaluable lessons he offers to aspiring musicians worldwide.
Guthrie Govan’s journey to guitar stardom was anything but conventional. Picking up the instrument at the tender age of three, he embarked on a path that initially led him away from music, towards English studies at Oxford University. However, fate, and his undeniable talent, intervened. From a stint at McDonalds to being crowned “Guitarist of the Year” by Guitarist magazine in 1993, Govan’s trajectory has been uniquely his own. As with our other profiles in this “Guitar Heroes” series, this isn’t a biography, but rather a personal appreciation of Guthrie Govan’s profound impact on the guitar world and the aspects of his artistry that resonate most deeply.
(Alt Text: Guthrie Govan portrait, renowned modern guitar hero, close-up shot showcasing his focused expression and guitar expertise.)
True to His Roots: A Grounded Guitar Virtuoso
One of the most endearing qualities of Guthrie Govan, especially for those fortunate enough to meet him, is his genuine humility and affability. Despite possessing a level of guitar prowess that borders on the superhuman, he remains remarkably down-to-earth. He consistently makes time for his fans, engaging with them with genuine warmth and enthusiasm for his craft. His passion for music and his appreciation for his audience are palpable. Reflecting on a personal encounter in 2014, it’s clear that Govan’s approachability is as much a part of his appeal as his virtuosity.
(Alt Text: Enthusiastic fan meeting guitar legend Guthrie Govan backstage in 2014, showcasing Govan’s approachable personality and fan interaction.)
Hailing from Essex, UK, Govan’s connection to his local music scene remains strong. He frequently performs in intimate venues with “The Fellowship,” a band featuring saxophonist Zakk Barrett, Pete Riley, John Dutton, and his equally talented brother Seth Govan. These shows, often priced incredibly affordably, offer a rare opportunity to witness world-class musicianship in a relaxed setting. Adding to his local legend status, Guthrie is known to occasionally grace open mic nights and jam sessions in his area, a prospect that would undoubtedly raise the stakes for any guitarist in attendance. This commitment to his roots and local music scene further solidifies his image as a guitar hero who remains connected to the everyday music lover.
Technical Mastery: A Universe of Guitar Techniques
Guthrie Govan’s technical command of the guitar is simply breathtaking. He possesses the ability to play virtually anything imaginable on the instrument, and execute it with an almost effortless brilliance. To truly grasp the breadth of his skills, the video below is highly recommended. Created for a magazine poll ranking guitarists across various categories, Govan delivers a series of uncanny impersonations of iconic guitarists, showcasing his astonishing versatility.
Guthrie Govan Mimics the Greats
[Link to Guthrie Govan Mimics Video (hypothetical – insert actual link here)]
This demonstration video is a masterclass in guitar styles and techniques. From bluesy bends to neoclassical shredding, Govan seamlessly transitions between genres, embodying the essence of each guitarist he imitates. While these pieces were created for demonstration, they hint at the depth of his understanding and mastery of diverse musical languages. To delve deeper into his musicality, the following songs offer a glimpse into his original compositions and band work, showcasing his technical prowess within a musical context.
Guthrie Govan – Fives
[Link to Guthrie Govan – Fives (hypothetical – insert actual link here)]
“Fives,” aptly named for its 5/8 time signature, is a prime example of Govan’s ability to blend technical complexity with musicality. While the song features blistering fast passages, it’s equally characterized by dynamic control and a memorable melody. The chord progression, revolving around Am11, Fm11, and Dbmaj7#11, while sounding complex on paper, creates a rich harmonic foundation for his improvisations. The arrangement is thoughtfully constructed, avoiding the relentless intensity often found in instrumental guitar pieces. A quieter section featuring harmonics and a bass solo adds depth and texture to the composition.
Guthrie Govan – Ner Ner
[Link to Guthrie Govan – Ner Ner (hypothetical – insert actual link here)]
“Ner Ner,” another gem from his album “Erotic Cakes” (named after a Simpsons reference), showcases Govan’s versatility further. In 6/8 time and Drop D tuning, a tuning often associated with heavier genres, Govan crafts a song that is rhythmically engaging and melodically rich, while still retaining a rock edge, albeit a sophisticated one. This piece demonstrates his ability to transcend genre conventions and create music that is both technically impressive and stylistically diverse.
The Aristocrats – Bad Asteroid (Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r69ikFzUsHM
The Aristocrats, a power trio featuring Guthrie Govan alongside bass virtuoso Bryan Beller and drumming powerhouse Marco Minnemann, represent another facet of Govan’s musical genius. “Bad Asteroid,” performed live, exemplifies the band’s dynamic interplay and individual brilliance. Beyond the sheer technical fireworks on display, the song offers valuable lessons in chord voicings and arrangement within a rock trio setting. The jazz-infused line at 4:07, followed by a playful quote of the “Inspector Gadget” theme, highlights Govan’s musical awareness, humor, and improvisational brilliance. The band’s evident enjoyment on stage, despite the music’s complexity, underscores the fundamental joy of music-making. Furthermore, Govan’s guitar tone in the chorus at 5:17 is a masterclass in achieving a rich, “expensive” sound.
What We Take Away From His Playing: Lessons from a Guitar Hero
Guthrie Govan’s playing is characterized by a remarkable ability to seamlessly connect musical ideas with fluidity and apparent effortlessness. This often elicits reactions of awe and even humorous resignation from fellow guitarists. His improvisations often feel almost otherworldly, yet they consistently bear his unmistakable signature sound, a hallmark of all true guitar heroes. One of the most valuable lessons to glean from Govan’s playing is the courage to explore unconventional ideas on the guitar. He embodies the principle of embracing experimentation, knowing that even “mistakes” can lead to breakthroughs. As he suggests, playing nine less-than-perfect ideas might pave the way for that tenth idea that is truly special.
Inspired by Govan, incorporating musical quotes and references into solos can be a rewarding practice. Learning themes from TV shows, films, and popular songs not only enhances ear training but also provides insights into playing over diverse chord progressions and understanding how melodies can function differently within varying harmonic contexts.
“Some of what you practice should sound terrible, because then you know you’re working on something that needs to be worked on” – Guthrie Govan (2023)
This recent quote from Govan encapsulates a crucial element of effective practice. True progress lies in confronting challenges and working on areas of weakness, rather than simply rehearsing what is already comfortable. This philosophy is invaluable for both personal practice and guiding students in their musical development.
Govan’s extensive experience with Hans Zimmer, composing and performing film scores in large orchestral settings, and his work with a trio like The Aristocrats, highlight his adaptability as a musician. Playing with a large orchestra demands concise and sparse guitar parts to avoid being sonically buried. Conversely, in a trio, the guitar must fill a broader sonic space. Observing Govan in these contrasting scenarios reveals the importance of adjusting one’s playing style to suit the musical context. Whether it’s playing single-note lines within a dense orchestral arrangement or utilizing wider chord voicings to create depth in a trio, Govan demonstrates mastery in adapting his approach.
Final Thoughts: Appreciating a Modern Guitar Icon
While overwhelmingly admired, Guthrie Govan’s playing is not universally loved. Some guitarists, perhaps driven by jealousy or a misperception of him as merely a “shredder,” express dissenting opinions. One critique, that he sounds like a composite of many famous guitarists, ironically highlights his incredible versatility and deep understanding of guitar history. In reality, every guitarist’s playing is rooted in a lineage of influences, and Govan’s ability to synthesize these influences into his own unique voice is a testament to his genius. Fortunately, such dissenting voices are rare.
For many, including myself, appreciation for Guthrie Govan’s playing is enduring. My own fascination with his music began in college around 2012, and over a decade later, his playing remains as timeless and inspiring as ever. While emulating his unique abilities is a near-impossible task, the lessons and inspiration derived from his music are invaluable. For those seeking to explore his music further and develop their own guitar skills, resources like The American Guitar Academy offer guidance and instruction.
Alex
