The mags and rags of the guitar playing world seem to have forgotten about the absolutely amazing virtuosity of Greg Howe who, in my maybe not so humble opinion ranks among the best guitarists in the world, hands down. He’s as fast as Yngwie or Paul Gilbert, but in my opinion covers a lot broader musical territory. But the guy’s not only a speed demon, his solos are incredibly expressive, employing a lot of phrases that you’d expect to hear in jazz.
I’ve been amazed by Greg Howe’s mastery over the guitar for years, and I actually feel bad that I hadn’t acknowledged him here. Maybe it’s because he’s considered to be more of a fusion artist more than a rock and roll dude… Who knows? Actually, who cares? Greg Howe KICKS ASS!
Here’s a video that displays just some of that musicality and other-worldly technique. Please view it to the end. When he starts out, you’ll think it’s nothing special… Wait until he hits his stride! Aiyeeeeeee!
Guitar Gear 
Actually Greg is in the October issue of Guitar Player Magazine discussing his new Laguna guitar:
http://www.greghowe.com/news.php#news68
I actually read that, and it surprised me to see him in GP, he hasn’t appeared in GP for a long time… which prompted me to write this post. You see A LOT of Paul Gilbert, Satch (to be fair, he is kind of a contributor), and they ran two issues straight, featuring Al Demeola. Not that I was complaining, though… 🙂
It’s amazing how he starts and just don’t wanna stop! It seems he is never lost and at any moment has so many phrases to play and seems he has no time to do it…
That was awesome! wow!
Wow is right…. Thanks for the post. I haven’t been exposed to much of his stuff. Why isn’t this guy more famous?
Mainly because he’s been in the fusion world for so long. I have to admit, because of my rock and roll bent, I know of very few jazz/fusion guitarists save the guys most people know like Allan Holdsworth and Al Demeola. I originally got turned on to Greg Howe via a friend of mine several years ago. He was good back then, but he’s even better now. I love how he does that faux vibrato by sliding back and forth between two or three frets! 🙂
oh man, he’s amazing. everything above the guitar is so chill, too — amazing focus. mastery!
And his playing is SO clean…
the most amazing guitarist i’ve heard in over 40years of listening and playing….