Imagine a guitar sound so iconic, so revolutionary, that even a legend like Geddy Lee declares it unbeatable. But here’s where it gets controversial: it’s not Eric Clapton or Jimmy Page who holds this title in Lee’s eyes. Instead, it’s the lesser-celebrated but equally groundbreaking Jeff Beck. And this is the part most people miss—Lee’s admiration for Beck isn’t just about technical skill; it’s about the emotional depth and innovation Beck brought to the instrument. Let’s dive into why this Rush frontman believes Beck’s guitar work is in a league of its own.
Geddy Lee, the iconic bassist of Rush, has never been shy about his thoughts on the world of bass guitars. While he’s widely celebrated as one of the greatest bassists of all time, Lee often jokes about how the bass wasn’t exactly his first love. ‘Back in my day, nobody chose to be the bass player,’ he once quipped. ‘You were a guitarist, and then someone said, ‘We need a bass player,’ and suddenly, you’re holding a four-string.’ This humble beginning, decided by a vote among his bandmates, belies the profound impact Lee has had on the instrument. Yet, his heart has always had a soft spot for the guitar—a love affair shared by countless musicians and fans alike.
Lee’s musical tastes are as eclectic as they come, spanning from the classic rock of Cream and Led Zeppelin to the avant-garde sounds of Björk and Radiohead. But when it comes to guitar heroes, his reverence for Jeff Beck stands out. In a 2009 interview with Guitar World, Lee was asked to name the tracks that shaped Rush’s sound. Among them was Beck’s electrifying cover of Willie Dixon’s ‘I Ain’t Superstitious.’ ‘If I had to pick a favorite guitarist of all time, it would probably be Jeff Beck,’ Lee declared. ‘Was there ever a better guitar sound?’
Here’s the bold claim: Lee believes Beck’s work on ‘I Ain’t Superstitious’ wasn’t just groundbreaking—it was a defining moment in guitar history. ‘The first time you hear it, you know it’s him,’ Lee explained. ‘The way he squeezes those notes out of the guitar with a whammy bar, a volume knob, and his fingers—it’s simply incredible.’ Beck’s ability to blend technical mastery with raw emotion created a sound that was unmistakably his own. But is this enough to crown him the greatest guitarist ever? That’s a debate worth having.
Lee’s admiration for Beck extends beyond ‘I Ain’t Superstitious.’ He also highlights The Yardbirds’ 1966 hit ‘Over Under Sideways Down,’ a song that significantly influenced Rush. While credited to all band members, Beck’s role in crafting the introduction was pivotal. ‘Jeff Beck again, playing one of the most unique guitar lines ever,’ Lee noted. ‘It’s a line that borrows from Eastern quarter-tone styles without merely imitating Indian music. It’s a hook that defines a pop song, but it’s also a platform for experimentation—something pop music, especially in England, used to embrace.’
And this is the part most people miss: Beck, along with contemporaries like Page and Clapton, didn’t just play the blues—they electrified it, giving it a pop edge that became a profound way for guitarists to express themselves. ‘They discovered a totally new sound,’ Lee concluded. ‘It wasn’t just about playing notes; it was about speaking through music.’
So, is Jeff Beck truly the unbeatable guitarist Geddy Lee claims him to be? Or is there room for other legends in this conversation? Let’s spark a debate. Who do you think deserves the title of the greatest guitarist ever, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
