nnylg (July 23, 2008 at 2:27 am)

Allan started off as a horn player, until inner ear problems got to be too much & he switched to guitar. He hears like a sax player - Trane, specifically - so is into laying down sheets of notes over the rhythmic framework. The more complex the framework, the more challenging and dramatic it is to cover it.I'm an architect; I've always equated his solos to cantilevered roof/floor overhangs. The more you hang it out there, the more dramatic the result is (ideally) - same with Allan's music.

gh201059 (July 20, 2008 at 5:44 pm)

In an earlier posted comment I sounded off about "What History". Each person is entitled to their own flavour of music obviously and I for one can relate more to Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Steve Morse. Allan Holdsworth I would have to listen to a lot more to relate to his music. I respect his talent I'm just not a fan of his music but if you all like it thats great and who am I to question that.

Massapee (July 18, 2008 at 6:27 pm)

I must say that I'm not a real fan for fast guitarists either because they tend to sound too cocky. This includes guitarists like Yngwie, Vai, Alexi Laiho, Petrucci and even Al Dimeola. But the thing with Allan is that he doesn't sound cocky. What's more, he has a unique sound of his own, one that can easily be recognized from any album he's with. Allan has created a sound of his own and even though his chordal structures may seem weird at first, they are wonderful when you understand them.

alivonal (July 17, 2008 at 9:54 pm)

fucking hell!

yulo90 (July 17, 2008 at 7:09 pm)

With those things u said u r showing us that your ear isnt developed at all and u r talking shit. this IS music, the notes allan plays DO HAVE to do with the parts of the song, the fact that u cant understand this music and cant even play it doesnt mean that this is not music.

gh201059 (July 17, 2008 at 4:33 pm)

I play rythym and lead guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and write music in numerous genre and yes my ear is highly developed to the point where I can play lead guitar solo to virtually any music. I respect Allan Holdsworth technical ability which is amazing, I really wish some of these technical giants would infuse more musicality though. Playing technically brilliant passages and runs are cool to see and marvel at but after awhile my ears are asking for emotion and feel that I can relate to more

sacredwonder (July 17, 2008 at 4:14 pm)

develop your ear...

gh201059 (July 14, 2008 at 10:48 pm)

Wrote history??? What history??? How not to play a melody and play notes that have nothing to do with any part of the song...man this is painful to listen to, its not even music, do any of you even have an idea as to what music is? Its suppose to be about melody and feeling not just a bunch of technical instrumental mishmash of notes which don't belong together...wow this is just painful!!!!

MitchKahleBass (July 12, 2008 at 2:09 am)

Skully Sverrisson

MrIndeeply (July 9, 2008 at 12:52 am)

It is not just the distortion it is the guitar pickups in his guitar