The Most Underrated Rock Guitarist, According to Slash: “He’s Phenomenal”

The music industry isn’t always fair when it comes to recognizing great musicians. While every guitarist dreams of being praised for their technical prowess, speed, and skill on the fretboard, these qualities don’t always translate to commercial success. Even Slash, one of the most renowned guitarists known for his seemingly flawless playing, believes that Tom Morello is a guitarist who hasn’t received the credit he truly deserves.

Tom Morello’s Unique Guitar Style

Tom Morello’s versatility might be one reason he flies under the radar. His work with Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and The Nightwatchman showcases a vast range of styles. Rage Against the Machine’s heavy riffs are worlds apart from Audioslave’s rock anthems, and both differ significantly from Morello’s folksy protest music as The Nightwatchman. This diversity makes Morello a chameleon in the rock world, constantly reinventing his sound.

Morello’s mission from the beginning was to break away from the typical fretboard theatrics popularized by guitar legends like Slash. While Slash’s style draws heavily from blues influences like Joe Walsh and Eric Clapton, Morello aimed to innovate beyond the technical virtuosity of players such as Yngwie Malmsteen and Eddie Van Halen. He brought a fresh approach by essentially becoming the DJ within the band.

Revolutionary Techniques

Rage Against the Machine featured a traditional band setup, yet Morello ensured his guitar sounded nothing like a typical shredder. His solos on tracks like “Killing in the Name” and “Bulls on Parade” are driven by innovative effects, using a whammy pedal to create soaring sounds or mimicking record scratches without playing conventional notes.

Slash appreciates this inventive approach, stating in an interview with Louder, “It’s funny ‘cause we all know he’s one of the most inventive, most interesting and most innovative guitarists around, but no-one seems to pay enough attention to him. He’s phenomenal, I know the guy and have played with him… he’s so talented and creative.”

Beyond Effects: Technical Prowess

Morello’s talent goes beyond his use of effects. For those who think he merely creates noise, tracks like “Take the Power Back” reveal his deep understanding of guitar shredding. His solo work on this track demonstrates a mastery that pays homage to the greats while pushing the boundaries of what a rock guitar can achieve.

Continued Innovation

Tom Morello’s creativity hasn’t waned. His recent collaboration with Måneskin on their album “Rush!” highlights his enduring relevance. The track “Gossip” features one of the most ferocious solos on a mainstream rock record in recent years, proving that Morello’s innovative streak continues to flourish.

The Iconic Pairing in Guitar Hero III

For many millennials, the inclusion of both Slash and Morello in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock cemented their status as guitar legends. This iconic pairing introduced a new generation to their unique styles and contributions to rock music.

Slash’s respect for Morello’s creativity and talent suggests that any hypothetical guitar battle between them would be much closer than many rock fans might anticipate. Morello’s ability to blend technical skill with groundbreaking effects sets him apart as one of the most innovative guitarists of his generation.

In conclusion, while Slash’s iconic status in rock music is unquestionable, his acknowledgment of Tom Morello’s genius highlights a guitarist whose innovative techniques and versatility deserve more recognition. Morello’s ability to reinvent his sound and push the boundaries of rock guitar playing ensures his legacy as a phenomenal and underrated guitarist.