I prefer expressive playing with unique chord voicings versus “shredding”. Technical ability combined with expressiveness is the zenith, but I much prefer “boomer” bends versus Polyphia-esque “Shreddy-Kreuger” guitar-neck masturbating, if it’s one or the other.

To me, it’s the equivalent of someone who brags about typing at 200 wpm, but makes no points, arguments, or revelations of new ideas in their content.

but it's not "one or the other" though, and the problem is boomers shitting on music that is different than theirs. Just because one cannot hear a coherent idea in something doesn't mean there aren't worthwhile things there; that person just cannot perceive the ideas.

[–] NeilBru@lemmy.world 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

There is something distasteful about elder generations prejudicially dismissing new ideas, especially in such a subjective artform as music; in that sense, we can find common ground.

However, I am now 42. An elder millennial. I have been a player of instruments since childhood. I read and have composed music in western notation. I've been in a few touring bands. I've been around and played with virtuosic players. I'd like to think I'm half-decent myself.

At this point, technical ability or mastery of the instrument doesn't matter to me anymore. Voices and lyrics are instruments too, so this goes for singers as well. If the selections of notes, harmonies, dynamics, <<and rests>> a player makes don't evoke some sort of emotional response out of me (joy, sadness, laughter, nostalgia, fear, etc.), I'm just not impressed nor interested.

Don't get me wrong. I'm discovering new music from younger artists and bands all the time, but what they have in common is that their music and musicianship expresses more than just their technical proficiency at their instrument; they're showing me something that transcends the song.

"Boomer" bends from Gilmore on his strat live as a part of the entire soundscape of Pink Floyd's albums, for the better. They're triggers of ennui, nostalgia, and longing, with just a few notes. If you think his playing style is only about pentatonics, I don't think we're hearing the same thing.

But I do agree with a different commenter, in that the most "OK, boomer" guitarist is Ted Nugent, by a country mile, as they say.