The Song That Wrote Itself: Sweet Angel Blue Eyes

Sometimes, songs come ridiculously easy and out of nowhere.  When I was inspired to write Sweet Angel Blue Eyes, I had been on a date with my brown-eyed girlfriend. When I got home, I picked up my guitar, and that was that. Words and music just flowed out of me and within 15 minutes, Sweet Angel Blue Eyes was born. 

I didn’t even have the intention of creating music that night. It just happened. It was like getting a gift - a gift that will keep on giving forever. Playing that song that first time was like I had played it 1,000 times before. Not a word or note has been changed since. It still amazes me.

What I like most about Sweet Angel Blue Eyes is that it has a traditional love song feel to it – like something the Platters would sing. This song truly combines the feel of a 50’s ballad with the production of an 80’s power ballad – moving from the acoustic guitar and soft melody into heavier electric guitar mid-way through the song.

As I'm sure you can all relate, there are very few times in life that something so right happens so easily. Each time I hear Sweet Angel Blue Eyes, I am transported back to the night when the song wrote itself. This song affirmed that I was on the right track for the dream to become reality.

Top 10 Pick: Best Guitarists

10. Lindsay Buckingham (Tasteful and simple)

9. Alex Lifeson (Electronic affects expert)

8. Pete Townsend (Power-chord master)

7. Keith Richards (Overall style and ability to play all styles)

6. Jeff Beck (Jazzy precision)

5. Brian May (Extremely melodic)

4. Slash (Genuine enthusiasm)

3. Eric Clapton (Slow hand and can say more with one note than most guitarists can say in a verse)

2. Jimmy Page (Great riff master)

1. David Gilmour (Ethereal and eclectic)

Each of the players on our best guitarists list is an expert in their own style of music.  We included them because many musicians borrowed playing styles of others and adapted them to create new styles of play; they serve as an inspiration to fellow musicians. Lindsay Buckingham made the list at number ten (10) because of his tasteful yet simple style.  We chose Alex Lifeson to be number nine (9) because he’s an expert at electronic effects like no one else on our list.  Pete Townsend comes in at eight (8) as the power chord master.  This style of play is probably what makes The Who such a great “guys” band.

Some guitarists seem to have the ability to play all styles of music.  The best at this is Keith Richards coming in at number seven (7).  Jazzy precision is how we would describe the play of Jeff Beck making him our number six (6) pick.  Brian May’s extremely melodic play was more than just note playing.  His counter melodies to Freddie Mercury’s melodic genius created a partnership like no other placing him at five (5) on our list.  Genuine enthusiasm garnered Slash the number four (4) spot on our top 10.   

Eric Clapton holds the number three (3) spot because of his ability to say more with one note than many guitarists can cay in an entire verse.  Jimmy Page, although not precise, is the greatest riff master and brought lead guitar showmanship to a new level putting him at number two (2) on our list.  Finally, The Dreamer’s Brigade chose David Gilmour as the best guitarist because his style is ethereal and eclectic.  His playing takes you places outside of the song structure.

There are a lot of guitarists that were left off this list as experts in their own sound.  We give honorable mention to Joe Satrioni, Buddy Guy, BB King, Eddie Van Halen, Ingve Melonstein and Joe Perry to name a few. 

Do you have a favorite guitar virtuoso?  Why would you choose him or her?