Ultimate Rhoads

Okay guys, players from different generations but with same influences. One thing they had in common was that they payed more attention to the riff and rhythm of a song rather than their lead chops. Why are both of these men so underrated? I personally think that riff and rhythm can make or break a song. Also this is one of the reasons why in the last few years ive been so turned off to listening to YJM or VAI records, even they are my influences. Both Montrose and Mars played heavy versions of blues licks that are very pleasing to the ear. They never get any credit and have been left out of the lime-light. I would like too say that even Eddie Van Halen, one of the most insane lead guitarist in the world, has said that rhythm is far more important in a song and that adding too many lead and solo parts in a tune often way the track down and can make it kinda suckish. So tell me what you think, should these players be recognized for their achievements?


P.S.- Has Sammy Hagar worked with some of the best guitar players in the world or what?

I never heard much of Montrose. (except that EVH wanted his guitarsound on VH1 like Montrose)
Really dig that early Motley Crue stuff with Mick Mars. Great riffs and I liked his guitarsound!

Agree with your post 100 percent mxr. Ronnie did have a great tone and I've always liked Mick's approach also.

"That girl's like candy, hot, sweet and sticky"

Rock Candy- Montrose, Jake covered this on "Retraced"

Rhythm is easier to learn/play, so a lot of guys think it's simple - i.e. "anyone can do it". Such thinking leads to the idea that the fast complicated soloist is "better". Personally I can get Motley songs stuck in my head, but I've never gotten a Vai song stuck in my head ('cept for his DLR stuff).

In a sense rhythm playing is a lost art, but all the players that I really liked at some point of their careers made comments that rhythm came first for them as that's what you play 90 percent of the time, Eddie, Randy , Jake (esp. Badlands), Sykes and Ronnie Le Tekro were/are some of my favorite rhythm (and lead to) players. I tend to agree with Paul about Vai's rhythms although I do admire his commitment to the instrument and I would have to add that most of his career has been instrumental music which doesn't lend as much to a "song" rhythm wise. Of course, somebody like Eric Johnson (my goodness what a player) blows that theory all to hell to, lol!!!!