Famous Russian guitarists. The fastest guitarist in the world

Seven-string guitar with a classic body, made according to the late 19th century model from mahogany, maple, wenge and spruce

The ways of development of guitar art in Russia are peculiar and original. Being a five-string guitar, the guitar was brought to Russia by Italian musicians in the 18th century, but did not become widespread, remaining an exotic decoration. Later, in early XIX century, the Russian public became acquainted with the “Spanish” six-string guitar, which by that time had become quite popular in Europe. It was presented in Russia by famous foreign guitarists M. Giuliani, F. Sor and others.

Victory in Patriotic War 1812 extremely accelerated the growth of national self-awareness and caused an upsurge of patriotic feelings and sentiments in all layers of society. Interest in the historical past of the Motherland is rapidly growing, folk art, in particular to folk songs. Urban romance is gaining wide popularity. Based on everyday folklore, it represents a unique layer of Russian musical culture with characteristic structure and melosom, with expressive means unique to it.

Academician B. Asafiev wrote about this in his work “ Musical form as a process”: “There was no psychological realism with its analysis of personal mental life, the romantics had not yet gone on a rampage, putting forward a culture of feeling, and the masses were already eager to hear “simple speech” and heartfelt and exciting melody; for the dominance of nepotism, sensitivity, the cult of “simple morals” of simple-minded people and “homeliness”, tenderness for nature, quiet contemplation was approaching. The intonations corresponding to all this evoked in the music a romantic melody, sincere, heartfelt; both words and melody, for the most part which did not lay claim to long-term development, was covered by a single intonation structure - “sounding from heart to heart”" 1 .

Appeared in last decade The 18th century seven-string guitar, with its harmonic structure and timbre color, turned out to be very close to the nature of the Russian folk song and the urban romance genre that arose on its basis. Its use to accompany the voice made it possible to most subtly reveal the lyricism of intimate experiences that constitute the main theme of urban romance. Best works of this genre, created by A. Alyabyev, A. Varlamov, Titov and other talented composers, entered the golden fund of Russian music.

Russian musicians, realizing what great opportunities lie in seven string guitar, they are beginning to create a solo repertoire for her. First, they rearrange for her excerpts from popular operas and other works by Russian and foreign composers. Then they create variation cycles, quite complex in texture and concert in character, based on folk melodies. (As a shining example let's call A. Sihra's variation cycle on the theme of the Russian song “Among the Flat Valley.”) In addition to the variations, miniatures are created, graceful and melodic, touching the soul of a simple Russian person. Attempts are also being made to create a large form, in particular a sonata, a concerto for guitar and orchestra.

Andrey Osipovich Sihra

Russian guitar virtuoso and composer Andrei Osipovich Sihra (1773-1850)

The extraordinary popularity of the seven-string guitar attracted talented musicians to it. An outstanding role in the creation of the national guitar school belongs to Andrei Osipovich Sihra. A wonderful virtuoso guitarist and talented composer, he is undoubtedly the founder of the Russian school of playing the seven-string guitar.

A. Sihra was born in 1773 in Vilna (present-day Vilnius) in the family of a music teacher. In his youth he performed in concerts as a harpist, played six string guitar. Then he became interested in the seven-string guitar, to which he dedicated his entire life. In 1801, the musician moved to Moscow, where he began to create a repertoire for the seven-string guitar and study with his first students.

Sihra, a talented musician, a friendly and charming person, soon became the idol of numerous students and fans.

After Napoleon was expelled from Russia, Sihra moved to St. Petersburg, which he did not leave until the end of his life (he died in 1850). Here he, already a mature musician and teacher, creates his own school of playing the seven-string guitar...

A. Sihra was not only a talented, but also a highly educated musician. He was highly valued by M. Glinka, A. Dargomyzhsky, A. Varlamov, A. Dubuk, D. Field and many other figures of national culture. Famous singer O. Petrov studied guitar with Sihra. Biographical Dictionary of Russian historical society called Sikhra “the patriarch of Russian guitarists.” Of his students, the most famous are S. Aksenov, N. Alexandrov, V. Morkov, V. Sarenko, V. Svintsov.

If Sihra was recognized as the head of the St. Petersburg school of seven-string guitar with its characteristic strict “academic” style, then the founder of the Moscow school is rightfully considered Mikhail Timofeevich Vysotsky, whose life and work is another page in the history of Russian guitar art.

Of Vysotsky's students, the most famous were P. Belosein, A. Vetrov, I. Lyakhov, M. Stakhovich and others.

The era of Sihra and Vysotsky is the “golden age” of the Russian seven-string guitar. Its widespread use contributed to the democratization of the art of music.

Variation cycles of Russian guitarists-composers were created on the basis of Russian folk songs. This unique layer of Russian musical culture is an important source for the study of folklore.

The Russian seven-string guitar, sounded in the hands of talented musicians, inspired poets and writers to create beautiful lines of poetry.

A. Pushkin called the guitar “sweet-voiced.” Words full of lyricism dedicated to this instrument can also be found in M. Lermontov, A. Fet, I. Bunin, A. Grigoriev, L. Tolstoy, A. Ostrovsky, M. Gorky.

The guitar is depicted in many paintings by Russian and Western European artists: V. Tropinin, V. Perov, I. Repin, An. Watteau, B. Murillo, Fr. Khalsa, P. Picasso and others.

IN mid-19th century, interest in the guitar is declining not only in Russia, but also in Europe. However, in late XIX- at the beginning of the 20th century, the seven-string guitar begins to reassert itself. This was largely facilitated by the activities of enthusiastic musicians who tried to restore the traditions of Sihra and Vysotsky. The most famous of them were A. Soloviev and V. Rusanov.

Outstanding Russian guitarist and teacher Alexander Petrovich Solovyov (1856-1911)

Alexander Petrovich Soloviev(1856-1911) - a prominent performer and teacher. He raised many gifted students, such as V. Rusanov, V. Uspensky, V. Yuryev, V. Berezkin and others; created the School (published in 1896), which was the best at that time.

Valerian Alekseevich Rusanov(1866-1918) - famous historiographer and promoter of the Russian seven-string guitar. He organized the publication of the all-Russian magazine “Guitarist” (1904-1906).

In the period after the Great October Socialist Revolution, M. Ivanov, V. Yuryev, V. Sazonov, R. Meleshko did a lot to popularize the seven-string guitar. They created schools and tutorials for this instrument, original compositions, adaptations and transcriptions, and compiled numerous collections. M, Ivanov wrote the book “Russian seven-string guitar”. These musicians constantly performed as soloists and accompanists in concerts and recorded on gramophone records.

IN post-war years A new generation of seven-string guitar players has grown up, which worthily continues the rich traditions of the national performing school. Among them: V. Vavilov, B. Okunev, B. Kim, S. Orekhov, A. Agibalov. The repertoire of the seven-string guitar was replenished during this time with works by composers N. Chaikin, B. Strannolyubsky, N. Narimanidze, N. Rechmensky, G. Kamaldinov, L. Birnov and others.

Nowadays there is a growing interest in the Russian seven-string guitar in the world. Let us express our hope that in further history New glorious pages will be written on this beautiful original musical instrument.

Notes

1 Asafiev B. Musical form as a process. 2nd ed. L., 1971, p. 257.

Sometimes, while watching the performance of a band or enjoying a favorite composition, we pay attention only to the front singer and completely forget about other musicians, namely guitarists. And they play in the creative work of groups no less important role. The best guitarists in the world have long become legendary. This article will focus on them.

Blues 20-30s

The best guitarists in the world in these types of music are quite famous. Next, we will try to highlight the most bright musicians from a huge number of worthy ones. If we're talking about about the blues of the 20-30s of the last century, the most virtuoso musician is without a doubt Robert Johnson. Some people seriously believed that in exchange for his skill, he made a deal with the Devil. However, most consider this story to be just a romantic fiction. But both agree that Johnson’s genius cannot be ignored. It was thanks to his work that first the blues and then rock and roll became what they are now.

The best guitarists in the world of the next decades

When it comes to jazz, the guitar has always been considered an accompanying instrument. It was. However, a revolution awaited the blues. One of the first musicians to make this breakthrough is Blind Blake. The playing of this master of improvisation and his technique are still considered by many to be a reference. However, time passed, and new heroes appeared on the scenes. The most jazzy of all bluesmen is B.B. King. His signature branding and vibrato made him the king of the blues. Subsequently, his work in one way or another touched everyone who picked up an electric guitar.

Rock'n'roll

Piercing sadness blues compositions The saying clearly reflects: “The blues is when a good person feels bad.” However, people are not always sad. Perhaps the very first musician who managed to convey his good mood with the help of a guitar, he became Chuck Berry. This kind of music was later called rock and roll. Musicians still actively use his guitar moves and ideas today. Berry's ironic story songs made him a rock and roll poet.

The best rock guitarists in the world

Rock is the successor to blues and rock and roll. Many people consider one of the ancestors this direction Jimi Hendrix A. Almost no publication in the field of rock music history can do without mentioning him. - the best guitarist in the world according to Time. When his father gave him a guitar for $5 as a gift, he hardly thought that this determined not only his son’s future, but also the future of music in general. Many guitarists consider Hendrix their mentor and teacher. His simply virtuoso guitar technique was not an end in itself. She was only a means through which the musician conveyed his emotions. His perception of the world turned into unique melodies. Jimmy put some kind of cosmic meaning into literally every note. Many still consider his playing not just skill, but the secret of a magician.

Hard rock and metal

The following decades can be considered the era of hard rock and metal music. Many of the best guitarists in the world played in these directions. You can choose for a long time, but we will focus on those musicians whose names have actually become synonymous with these styles. One of them is This man had no choice but to become the best. When Richie's father bought a guitar, he said that if he didn't learn to play, it would be broken on his head. Blackmore Jr. had to learn. And how. This guitarist has gone down in history forever. His playing style and riffs have become standard and classic. Many aspiring guitarists try to copy Blackmore's style.

Another icon is “teacher to the stars” Joe Satriani. Many of recognized masters We learned to play from him. Satriani is considered the teacher of such gurus as Steve Vai, Alex Skolnik, Charlie Hunter, David Bryson, Larry LaLonde, and many others. Joe's acting is simply flawless. His virtuosic techniques, various tricks and unexpected harmonies aroused delight not only among listeners, but also among his colleagues.

Bassists

Low-frequency sound has long been considered masculine music. That's why big interest calling the best bass players in the world. The magazine, according to a survey of its readers, recognized the musician as such The group Who by John Entwistle. Paul McCartney and James Jamerson are also considered masters of brutal bass notes.

Lead guitar

The best solo guitarists in the world are a whole list of virtuosos and recognized gurus. Ritchie Blackmore, discussed above, is considered one of the remarkable masters of guitar soloing. He reached the top in this area after Deep Purple, when he created the Rainbow team. The musician's solos became slower and more thoughtful. There was so much philosophy and meaning in them that it is very difficult to find a second such master. Kirk Hammett can also be called one of the best lead guitarists.

Modern virtuosi

Today, one of the most brilliant and brilliant guitar masters is John Petrucci. He plays progressive metal. His music is unusually complex technically and compositionally. The virtuosity of a musician sometimes makes one wonder whether there are limits to human capabilities? Judging by the master's game, they simply do not exist. Some of the gurus whom the musician considered his idols today consider it an honor to play alongside him.

Joe Pass, considered a great improviser, once said that the electric guitar was not invented long enough for people to fully understand all its capabilities as a musical instrument. These words are still relevant today. Each subsequent generation of musicians discovers new possibilities of this instrument.

Many of those who want to learn to play a musical instrument such as a guitar dream of one day becoming world famous and winning the hearts of fans, performing high-quality and memorable music. Despite the fact that playing the guitar is quite difficult, this particular instrument has become one of the most famous in the whole world. You can hear guitar chords not only at concerts, but also on the streets, in small companies outdoors, etc. Each of the musicians who achieved worldwide fame and recognition went through a very long and thorny path. A lot of effort and patience was spent, great will and desire for their goal was demonstrated. Not without love for his fans and, of course, the instrument.

Since there are several types of guitars, then talk about best musicians, which beginners will look up to, should be separately. Make one common list It’s simply impossible, because every guitarist has his own, distinctive style of playing, which many will not even be able to repeat. Who are they, the most famous guitarists peace? Surely many will be interested in learning about who is included in conditional list the most famous guitarists in Russia.

Legends of the music world

All famous bass guitarists of our time have heard the name of one of the best people who played this instrument. This is Paul McCartney. His history as a bass player began under the following circumstances: he often replaced bassist Stuart Sutcliffe when he took over as guitarist in Lennon's band. However, when the unlucky bassist left the group for good, Paul had to take his place and “work” with the instrument seriously. At first he was very dissatisfied with the current situation and grumbled constantly. However, time passed, and soon he was rightfully recognized as one of the greatest musicians.

The category of “famous bass guitarists” includes the not very well-known to the public, but very talented musician Jaco Pastorius. This great person did so much for musical world, that among professionals it is even customary to separate two time periods - before and after Jaco. No modern music critic can give precise definition Jaco's playing style. His improvement and “throwing” from style to style, excellent success in playing the bass guitar remains to this day visual aid for many musicians. In addition, this man of genius recorded solo album, who was nominated for a Grammy twice, and many years later continues to bear the honorary title “ Best Album among bass players."

What is worth knowing about the classics?

It's quite difficult to start compiling a list of famous classical guitarists. There are many people who have dedicated their lives, and each of them is worthy of respect and glory. Therefore, we can mention many guitar classics, whose names, perhaps, someone will see for the first time. But this is an excellent chance to get acquainted in more detail with the life history, merits and creativity of each of them. These are Matteo Carcassi, Fernando Carulli, Dionisio Aguado, Tárrega Eixea Francisco, Andres Segovia, Emilio Pujol, Augustin Barrios, Maria Luisa Anido, Codina Jose Broca, Ferranti Marc Aurelius de Zanni, Bartolome Calatayud, Angel S. Villoldo, Legnani Luigi, Heitor Vila -Lobos, Mauro Giuliani, Fernando Sor.

Among the contemporaries, the following names should be noted: John Williams Julian Brim, Leo Brouwer, Vladimir Mikula, Ernesto Bitetti, Jose Maria Gallardo Del Rey, Roland Diens, Katsuhito Yamashita, Manuel Barrueco, Pepe Romero. This is not the entire list, but the most famous classical guitarists who made a huge contribution to music.

Famous names in solo play

As for the category “Famous solo guitarists,” here we should focus on representatives of rock music. It is here that musicians can often express themselves in their full glory.

First place without a drop of doubt should be given to Ritchie Blackmore. Each of his works is filled with incredible mysticism and deep philosophy. Moreover, over time, his creations became more and more slow and thoughtful. This unique person made the works of such groups as Blackmore’s Night, Rainbow, Deep Purple incredible. Bravo, Richie!

Second place can be shared by David Gilmour and Kirk Hammett. These people have incredible talent that not only gives you goosebumps musical works, but also to truly enjoy their creativity. Two famous groups – Pink Floyd and Metallica are honored to have such guitarists.

In fact, there is quite an extensive list of famous solo guitarists. Each of the musicians must be given their due place in it. Perhaps a book will not be enough to perpetuate their names. Among them are Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Carlos Santa, Tony Iomi, Pete Townshend, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton and many others.

Popular people from different directions

The most famous jazz guitarist, according to most publications and music critics– Django Reinhardt. He is one of the first European musicians to embrace the unusual style of playing. Another famous jazz guitarist is Charlie Christian.

The most famous rock guitarist of all time (although looking at his virtuoso playing, it's not just rock) is Jimi Hendrix. This legendary man is recognized as such not only for his incredible pirouettes with the instrument, but also for the naturalness and pleasure that he received and gave to all his listeners.

Eric Clapton Brian May, George Harrison, Duane Allman, Angus Young - each of them is a great and very famous rock guitarist who rightfully deserves such a title.

All the people mentioned above are the most famous guitarists in the world, who have done what many modern musicians cannot do. We must not forget that this is not the entire list that is worth familiarizing yourself with.

By the way, the most famous guitarists in Russia also deserve special attention listeners and readers. Among them, the most significant are Alexey Kuznetsov, Dmitry Maloletov, Dmitry Chetvergov, Igor Boyko, Valery Didyulya, Victor Zinchuk, Sergey Mavrin, Vladimir Kuzmin, Ivan Smirnov and others.

And then recently I was overcome by a question: do we have any worthy guitarists in our country now? Quite quickly, in my search, I came across a man named Sergei Golovin. I listened and realized that this was our Andy James, Vinnie Moore, our Satriani, ours and Vai all rolled into one. I'm joking, of course, but as a joke... you know it yourself. Is it true. The dude plays at the highest level.

Sergey Golovin was born in 1988, lives and works in Moscow. Recorded two albums. Behind him School of Music, if I'm not mistaken, by class classical guitar. He plays just great. The excellent work with sound immediately catches the ear. has its own recognizable style games. This is clarity in the execution of notes, speed, excellent technique, harmony in music, melody, attention to sound as a whole. In a word: wonderful.

You know, just a few years ago, this simply did not exist. These guys, born in the 80s, are now simply breaking the mold with their level of play. It's just space. If, I emphasize, we take into account that in Russia there is generally a problem with the electric guitar, then Sergei is just a breath of clean air. Well done! Just a great guy!

High-class professional guitarist.

I carefully watched YouTube videos and listened to two full-length albums by Sergei Golovin. The impressions are only positive. I am close to his approach to music, his melody.

Having become interested in the personality of S. Golovin, I watched several hours of video with him. All this can be found on YouTube. These are interviews, recordings from concerts. Sergei turned out to be an absolutely open, simple, pleasant person to talk to. Nowadays this is simply very rare. I would even say that Sergei is modest. I made a very positive impression simply as a person, as a person. No star strike. No inflated conceit. I say absolutely without irony: as long as there are people like Sergei Golovin in Russia, all is not lost.

Of course, such an already established master as S. Golovin can give advice himself, but I, as a connoisseur and connoisseur of electric guitar music, familiar with the playing of a huge number of guitar virtuosos, would risk advising Sergei to continue to improve further for the joy of all of us. And I just wish him creative and personal success!

Let's watch some videos of our Russian guitar virtuoso - Sergei Golovin. Here is a video clip of interesting fragments from Golovin’s compositions. Very tasty, check it out.

Here's "TwoGether", very cool, check it out.

Here's a very cool lyrical piece called "Don't Forget" from the album "Sense Of Reality" (2012).

Well, one more thing - louder and more assertive. Very, very good.

In my opinion, Sergei Golovin may well reach the world level of fame with such a level of play and attitude to sound. With his talent, he can easily be invited to any Russian famous performer as lead guitar. I don’t presume to give him advice, but it seems to me that he needs to leave Russia somewhere abroad, where famous music labels are interested in the electric guitar, and make his way there to global triumph.

In the case of Sergei Golovin, everything came together. This is both Sergei’s talent and what he received musical education and other factors. Just imagine: in Russia every year thousands of people enroll in music schools on the guitar. They study and graduate. AND? And where are all these guitarists? Sergei has talent. He has something to say in music. He can express his emotions and feelings through the strings of an electric guitar. One can only guess how much work is needed to master the instrument as S. Golovin does.

Learning to play the guitar is only half the battle. In order to play a string instrument masterfully, you need real talent and constant practice.

And some have been so successful in this matter that they have shown truly phenomenal results. Who exactly can hold the title of the fastest guitarist in the world?

The fastest composition is “Flight of the Bumblebee”

“Flight of the Bumblebee” from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”

If you carefully study the opera, the phrase “Flight of the Bumblebee” will not be found there at all. However, this name was firmly attached to the music. The musicians say that this piece is distinguished by incredibly fast performance. And the main task of the artist is to play at great speed. And it is not surprising that guitarists practice playing this particular composition to develop their skills. And here's who was especially successful in execution.

The fastest guitarist in Russia

Virtuoso musician Viktor Zinchuk, who also works as a composer and arranger, has a number of other regalia. He is a laureate international festivals and competitions, he was awarded the prestigious titles Golden Guitar of Russia and Honored Artist of Russia, he has the Order “For Service to Art” in his collection. And that is not all. He is also an Honorary Master and Associate Professor of the International Academy of Sciences of the Republic of San Marino.

The musician’s work, by the way, cannot be attributed to a specific style or genre. He plays different directions– from fusion to hard rock. In addition, it combines a variety of playing techniques and instruments.

The composer's collection of games is truly impressive. He has about three dozen rare string instruments. He brought almost everything from various tours. This is both a solid wood Bolivian guitar and Celtic harp, and the zither, and the Irish bouzouki. And the leaders of the world market of musical instruments, namely the American company Fender and the Japanese Ibanes, every year present their best guitars and guitar equipment. Such gifts are given to him as a sign international recognition his talent.

“Flight of the Bumblebee” from virtuoso guitarist Viktor Zinchuk

It is worth noting that Viktor Zinchuk plays with only nine fingers, and not all ten. The musician has a non-working little finger right hand. The artist broke his finger while playing football. However, the composer insured his valuable hands with an insurance company for $500 thousand.

The fastest guitarist combines playing instruments with playing football. The artist plays for a team of show business stars, despite his once injured finger. And he evaluates his entry into the international Guinness Book of Records as “pampering” and a “circus act.” He repeatedly stated this in his interviews. According to him, he set the record as a joke and does not take it seriously.

Fastest Guitarist

Thiago Della Viga was born in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. And the young man became interested in music early childhood. At the age of five he already learned to play the guitar. Over time, Thiago realized that his interest in the electric guitar gradually turned into passion. That's why musical instrument began to pay more and more attention.

The guitarist began to practice playing the strings for several hours a day. And after just a short time, he achieved phenomenal execution speed. He demonstrated his abilities and capabilities in the groups AfterDark and Fermatha.

Thiago Della Vega - the fastest guitarist plays "Flight of the Bumblebee"

And already in 2008, Thiago was in record fast pace– 320 sounds per minute – played “Flight of the Bumblebee”. A few years later, the record was broken by American John Taylor. He performed “Flight of the Bumblebee” at a speed of 600 sounds per minute. In 2011, the musician broke his own and a new record, and played the same composition at a tempo of now 750 sounds per minute. Immediately after this, Thiago was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most virtuoso guitarist in the world. But the master doesn’t stop there either. He continues to improve his game and hold the prestigious title.

By the way, Thiago is now traveling around different countries world and conducts special seminars for his colleagues. In his lessons, he plays a seven-string guitar, which has 24 frets and is equipped with a Floyd Rose tremolo, the Andrellis TDV.

The fastest guitarist in the world

At first, the native of Donetsk was able to play 27 notes per second, and a little later he surpassed himself and played 300 notes on an electric guitar in less than 10 seconds. Immediately after demonstrating his abilities, Sergei was awarded a certificate that confirms his absolute championship in Ukraine. Interview with the fastest guitarist in Ukraine

Now Sergei Putyatov’s record has not been officially registered, but the musician wants to get into the Guinness Book of Records at all costs. By the way, he has already submitted an application there and is waiting for the commission’s visit. In the meantime, he ends each of his performances with a demonstration of his super guitar playing.

The success of the guitarists can only be envied; all the records remain to be recorded in the Book of Records. In our next article you can read about the most expensive guitars in the world, because without an instrument it’s just a person with musical abilities, and with a guitar - a musician.
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