Imagine this: The legendary bass virtuoso Geddy Lee from Rush, a man whose four-string mastery has defined rock for decades, boldly declares that one guitarist's sound reigns supreme above all others. But here's the twist that might just blow your mind—who is it? Stick around, because this revelation dives deep into the heart of what makes guitar heroes unforgettable.
Geddy Lee has never been shy about sharing his thoughts on bass guitars. As the powerhouse behind Rush, he's frequently pointed out that while bass is crucial in any rock ensemble, it's often overlooked when it comes to stealing the spotlight. 'In my era,' Lee reminisces, 'no one aspired to play bass on purpose. You started as a guitarist, and if the band needed someone to handle the low end, they'd vote you in. That's exactly how it happened to me—I got elected!' This anecdote shatters any romantic notions of him falling head over heels for the instrument. He adds that this was a widespread experience back then, as everyone dreamed of emulating icons like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, or Jimmy Page.
In essence, Geddy is just like so many music lovers out there—a passionate admirer of the guitar itself. Over the years, he's expressed enthusiasm for a broad spectrum of sounds, ranging from timeless rock acts like Cream and Led Zeppelin to innovative modern artists such as Björk and Radiohead. Though he's celebrated worldwide as one of history's finest bass players, his musical horizons stretch well beyond the realm of four strings.
As a go-to expert on rock's evolution, Lee opened up in a 2020 conversation with Rolling Stone, revealing that the English psychedelic trailblazers Cream—featuring Jack Bruce on bass, Eric Clapton on guitar, and Ginger Baker on drums—held the top spot in his affections during his formative years. Reflecting fondly, he shared, 'Cream stood out as my absolute favorite band once I reached an age where rock truly resonated with me, and I dove deeper into its world.'
He elaborated, 'Their impact on early Rush and my bass playing was immense. We'd recreate their version of 'Spoonful' in local coffeehouses and at school dances. In those initial days of Rush, we strove to capture their essence, creating a strong connection to Jack Bruce's distinctive style for me.'
And this is the part most people miss: Despite his glowing praise for Cream, Eric Clapton isn't Lee's ultimate guitarist pick. Surprisingly, it's his pal and Clapton's successor in The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck, who claims that honor. During a 2009 interview with Guitar World, Lee made this clear while discussing tracks that influenced Rush's signature sound. When spotlighting Beck's rendition of Willie Dixon's 'I Ain’t Superstitious,' he declared, 'If I had to name my all-time favorite guitarist, it would undoubtedly be Jeff Beck. Seriously, has there ever been a superior guitar tone?'
Lee went on to explain, 'This track marked Beck's first standout moment, where you instantly recognize the sound as uniquely his. He was a trailblazing genius, an unparalleled stylist. The way he manipulates notes using a whammy bar (that's the device on the guitar that bends pitches for dramatic effect), volume controls, and sheer finger dexterity is nothing short of magical.'
In the same discussion, Lee highlighted another pivotal song: The Yardbirds' 1966 hit 'Over Under Sideways Down.' This track, a cornerstone of psychedelic rock (a genre that experiments with trippy sounds, extended jams, and mind-bending effects to evoke altered states), is officially credited to the whole band. However, Beck played a key role in crafting its iconic intro. As the band's drummer, Jim McCarty, noted, that intro was what truly made the song special.
Lee raved about Beck's contributions: 'Once again, it's Jeff Beck delivering one of the most distinctive guitar riffs imaginable. Mastering it is a real challenge—it skillfully borrows from Eastern quarter-tone scales (tiny pitch intervals often found in Indian music) without merely copying them. And get this: It serves as the catchy hook in a pop tune, proving that back in the 1960s, British pop could serve as a launchpad for bold experimentation and fresh ideas. Beck, along with Page, Clapton, and other UK innovators, pioneered an entirely new sonic landscape by fusing electrified blues with a pop edge. This opened up profound avenues for guitarists to express themselves through music.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Why Beck over Clapton? Many fans might argue that Clapton's smooth, soulful style has influenced more generations, while Beck's wild, effects-driven brilliance could be seen as more niche. Is Lee's choice a nod to raw innovation over accessible melody, or does it reflect a bias toward the experimental side of rock? What do you think—does this shake up your own list of guitar gods?
We'd love to hear your take! Do you agree with Geddy's top pick, or is there another guitarist you'd crown instead? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let's spark a debate on what truly defines an unbeatable sound.
