Jeff Beck, guitar virtuoso who influenced generations, dies at 78

He was incredible. So many of the great musicians and other stars of entertainment I grew up with are dying. Cherish every day.

Amazing guitarist. Saw Beck perform at a private event that was held by the NAMM show a few years back and the guy was nothing but amazing. Just shocked. The world of music has definitely lost an absolute amazing and gifted musician.

RIP

Beck was friends with Hendrix and they performed together. Before Hendrix, most rock guitar players concentrated on a similar style and technical vocabulary. Hendrix blew that apart.

“He came along and reset all of the rules in one evening,” Beck told Guitar World.

Yes.

The funny thing is Hendrix was ignored in America and only gained recognition after a British promoter brought him to the UK.

Biggest news in the music world for the last several months.

Beck's sudden demise is a wake-up call reminding us all of the precarious razor-thin line separating life from death while hinting that 2023 is not going to be kind to other rock stars of his vintage. Jeff Beck left his mark and his guitar will play on. RIP.

Beck was a great guitarist who I saw several times.

the whammy bar on his preferred guitar, the Fender Stratocaster

That last is a half rhyme, I think unintentional? Otherwise, promising. B(+)

Beck? Pioneering musician, and extremely pleasant man, who will greatly be missed.

TT

Rock and roll heaven must be getting very crowded, I wonder if they are allowed guitars up there. Farewell Jeff.

I wish I had a fraction of his ability. Truly great guitarist.

He left a great body of work for us to enjoy for many years.

Great musicians do that.

Listening to Blow by Blow and Wired today. Two of my favorite Beck albums. RIP.

If Beck is the guitarists guitarist does that make Hendrix the guitarists guitarists guitarist ? Following this logic Robert Johnson is the guitarists guitarists guitarists guitarist.

Rock and roll heaven must be getting very crowded, I wonder if they are allowed guitars up there

Harps up there, isn’t it?

Jeff Beck would get a tune out of one.

God built ane extension just for rock musicians so they don't disturb others.

RIP legend.

A legend, for me, the best guitarist in rock history, what a big loss..

Rest In Peace..

Sadly, we are the generation will see our classic rock idols pass away.

Wow.

He was touring with Johnny Depp recently / until now right?

This guy was everywhere yet behind the scenes. I remember his album 'Flash' in 1985 and the guest appearances he made on other artists' CDs, esp. Rod Stewart and Seal and more. He never sang (that I know of) but he knew how to make the guitar talk.

u_s__reamerJan. 12  09:09 am JST

Beck's sudden demise is a wake-up call reminding us all of the precarious razor-thin line separating life from death while hinting that 2023 is not going to be kind to other rock stars of his vintage. Jeff Beck left his mark and his guitar will play on. RIP.

Domino effect. It stung my generation when Eddie Van Halen passed away in 2020. Those who think the 'guitar heroes' are extinct should look at Tom Morello and Mdou Moctar and they'll see that Jeff Beck's spirit and influence is alive and kicking.

Johnny Deppwas at his side when he passed away.

If Beck is the guitarists guitarist does that make Hendrix the guitarists guitarists guitarist ? Following this logic Robert Johnson is the guitarists guitarists guitarists guitarist.

Well, it depends. Like with everything music is subjective and there are many great guitarists, now was Hendrix the all-time best in the world? Hard to say, the man died in his prime and we just don’t have that long of a history to equate him to Beck. Beck was definitely a guitar virtuoso, a legend and world renowned respected one, deservingly of the adulation. It really boils down who you personally like. I own many Beck albums, went to a few concerts, but do I think he’s the best? Personally, I don’t think so, I think there are better and more talented guitarists out there, but again, that’s just my personal preference, too many guitarists out there with a lot talent to judge, overall I get it, but on a personal level, depends.

Well, it depends. Like with everything music is subjective and there are many great guitarists, now was Hendrix the all-time best in the world? Hard to say, the man died in his prime and we just don’t have that long of a history to equate him to Beck. Beck was definitely a guitar virtuoso, a legend and world renowned respected one, deservingly of the adulation. It really boils down who you personally like. I own many Beck albums, went to a few concerts, but do I think he’s the best? Personally, I don’t think so, I think there are better and more talented guitarists out there, but again, that’s just my personal preference, too many guitarists out there with a lot talent to judge, overall I get it, but on a personal level, depends.

"The best" is personal preference.

But, Jeff Beck had a very unique playing style that made other guitarists stop what they were doing to hear him. He had a seemingly endless bag of licks too, could play fast and slow equally well, could noodle with the best or play simply and put everything into a single note. Amazing touch and colors, lots of subtlety to his playing, one of the greatest ever.

He never sang (that I know of) 

An early hit was Hi Ho Solver Lining, which he sang. Surprisingly enough, they got him to reprise it here.

https://youtu.be/xhpgepbvIhY