Derek Trucks: The Best Slide Guitarist of All Time?
When it comes to discussing the best slide guitarist, one name consistently emerges as the ultimate choice: Derek Trucks. The arguments in favor of Derek's unparalleled skill and genius are profound and compelling.
Experts and Legends Speak
YouTube could be a treasure trove for witnessing the true magic of Derek Trucks in action. One memorable moment that garners widespread attention is when John Mayer sits next to Trucks during a live performance. Not only does Mayer stop playing to engage with Trucks, but he is also blown away by the slide guitarist's performance. It is a rare feat to see such an accomplished musician like John Mayer show such admiration.
The legendary BB King, who played and sang the blues from 1942 to 2014, also provided invaluable validation for Trucks. During a performance, BB King stopped playing and placed his hand on Derek Trucks' shoulder, remarking, "That’s about as good as I’ve ever heard it." This statement is especially poignant because BB King had heard countless slide guitarists over his years of performing and teaching, making his acknowledgment that much more significant.
The Subjectivity of Rankings
As a working musician with over 55 years of experience, I have learned to appreciate the subjectivity of rankings in the music world. Musicians at the top level of proficiency defy easy comparison. They are akin to masters who have transcended the realm of mere technical skill and have reached a heightened artistic level.
During my time in Chicago, I immersed myself in the blues culture, spending countless hours on the South and West Sides with mentors and eventually becoming the house band at the renowned Pepper's Lounge for a full year. Despite my deep experience in the genre, I have never encountered anyone who comes close to the level of skill and creativity exhibited by Derek Trucks.
Controversial Comparisons
Some argue that there are other notable slide guitarists who are also contenders for the title of best. For instance, Sonny Landreth is a highly respected figure in the field, and one might make the argument for Ry Cooder or David Lindley. However, these comparisons capture only a fragment of the all-encompassing greatness that Derek Trucks embodies.
Noted musician Bonnie Raitte, while a master in her own right, doesn't quite reach the same heights as Derek Trucks. Similarly, even Stevie Ray Vaughan's slide tricks from decades ago seem dwarfed in comparison. The field of slide guitar is littered with impressive talents, but there is still room for a player who can stand out even among the best.
Personal Experiences and Techniques
Having personal knowledge rooted deeply in the history of slide guitar, I can assert that the art form itself is highly subjective. Personal experiences, open tunings, and unique techniques can elevate one's playing to new heights. For example, learning from my Gramma how to open tune a guitar 50 years ago, and later teaching myself to play slide with various materials (glass, brass, chrome, and even a solid bar) further underscores the subjective nature of skill in this genre.
My current preference is for a bicycle handlebar that I hacksawed off an old tricycle, which I use for slide on my round-neck dobro and lap steel. Despite these personal preferences and techniques, there is no denying the sheer mastery that Derek Trucks brings to the art of slide guitar.
Listen to his music, and you will see why his reputation stands unchallenged. Derek Trucks cuts through the guitar world with a blade of excellence, leaving no doubt about his supremacy in the world of slide guitar. He stands as the irrefutable standard against which all other slide guitarists are compared.