Allan Holdsworth

[Robert]

If you haven't heard Allan Holdsworth - here is your chance! Go to http://www.abstractlogix.com/digital_downloads/product.php?prodid=21

He is one of those geniuses that don't get the recognition they deserve. I listened a lot to him when I was 18-22 or so, and while most of his stuff is way over my head, I still learned a few things and I still love hearing him play.

His guitar technique is completely insane. There is simply no one like Allan. Even shredders shake their heads at his technique. He uses legato techniques and hammer-ons and pull-offs, no alternate picking there!

The way he plays chords is also amazing. His chord voicings are usually quite unusual but always so beautifully sounding.

Go have a listen and let us know what you think of one of the most innovative guitar players that ever lived.

 

[Spudman]

Alan is on the newest Derek Sherinian album Blood Of The Snake. He plays only on 1 or 2 songs. The album has many other great guitarists playing as well.

Blood Of The Snake
Featuring Billy Idol, Slash, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, Simon Phillips, Tony Franklin, Brad Gillis and Brian Tichy.

Oops! He's on Mythology. My mistake.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mythology[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Featuring: Zakk Wylde, Allan Holdsworth, John Sykes, Steve Stevens, Tony Franklin, Simon Phillips[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Black Utopia[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]featuring: Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Al DiMeola, Tony Franklin, Simon Phillips[/FONT]​

 

[abraxas]

Allan is an eternal source of inspiration for me.

I had the luck to watch him live a few months ago and still couldn't believe my eyes and ears. It's not only the phenomenal, out of this world technique of the man, it's the musical genius behind the appearances.

Did you know that Allan "invented" the scales he uses to play?

Since he was unsatisfied by the "normal" theory on scales, he constructed "scales" or "patterns" that appeared musical to his taste.

Always an anti-conformist, as it's evident by not only his playing but his choices on gear as well, he is in fact a very humble and laid back individual, which truly lives the Music.

 

[Tone2TheBone]

I always remember being blown away with his playing on Jean Luc Ponti's "Enigmatic Ocean".

 

[tot_Ou_tard]

Allan Holdsworth on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=allan+holdsworth&search=Search

It's fun to read the comments too.

 

[Jimi75]

I have heard that in a circle of insiders he is called:

"Guitar Alien"

No one understands what he is doing.
Does he still play his weird guitar, the one with the angled neck?

This man is a genius and many steps ahead!

 

[Spudman]

I listened to U.K.-U.K. today. What a great album and playing by all. This thread made me pay more attention to AH's parts than usual. Wow! To bad he wasn't on 1979's Danger Money U.K. album. I really like the album but some guitar would have been nice.

 

[jpfeifer]

Great stuff. I bought a few Alan Holdsworth recordings when I first heard about him. He is truly an original. All I can do is listen to what he is doing and appreciate it. I gave up an trying to learn any licks from him since I couldn't comprehend what he was doing. I really like his tone and his chord voicings.

-- Jim