🎸 The world of guitar virtuosos is often as competitive as it is complex, and the legendary rivalry between players was reignited recently when former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee took aim at neoclassical shredder Yngwie Malmsteen.
In a recent appearance on the Eddie Trunk show, Lee, known for his work on albums like Bark at the Moon and his band Badlands, addressed his earlier, viral comments regarding Malmsteen, stating he had some regret—but only about the precision of his phrasing, not the underlying sentiment.
A Matter of Wording, Not Substance
Lee’s original, unfiltered critique had involved calling the Swedish maestro an “arrogant *** asshole” and a “shitty rhythm player” who excels at only one specific facet of guitar playing. When speaking to Trunk, Lee confessed a minor wish to retract the harsh wording, but quickly doubled down on the accuracy of his assessment of Malmsteen’s personality and skill set.
The core of Lee’s argument centers on the idea that while Malmsteen is undeniably a pioneer of neoclassical metal and possesses incredible technical facility in his soloing, his overall musical contribution—specifically his rhythm playing—is severely lacking.
“I kinda wish I never said Yngwie was an arrogant asshole, but he’s an arrogant asshole,” Lee quipped, confirming that the sentiment regarding Malmsteen’s difficult personality remains completely unchanged. This quote alone is likely to reignite the debate among guitar fans and fuel further discussion on forums and social media.
The Rhythm Player Critique
The critique of Malmsteen’s rhythm guitar work is not entirely new within music circles, but coming from a respected peer like Lee, it carries significant weight. Lee is a guitarist celebrated for his dynamic versatility, seamlessly transitioning between memorable riffs, soulful bends, and intricate solos.
In contrast, Lee argues that Malmsteen, whose style is characterized by lightning-fast, highly melodic solos drawing from Bach and Paganini, essentially neglects the foundational aspect of the instrument: holding down the groove. Lee views this as a crucial flaw, suggesting that a great guitarist must be a complete musician, skilled in both the supportive role and the spotlight.
The comments underscore the different philosophies held by these two influential players: Lee prioritizing musicality and completeness, and Malmsteen focusing on technical boundary-pushing and virtuosity. While Lee expresses a slight desire for greater diplomacy, the rock and roll world, and specifically fans of heavy metal guitar, will appreciate his honesty in keeping the contentious assessment firmly intact. This fiery exchange ensures that the legacy and rivalry of these two titans will continue to spark debate for years to come.