Ed's Guitar Playing

**ScottyBHarris** · 09.07.06, 08:53 AM

is it possible that Ed's guitar playing isn't as good as it used to be because of his age, or is it he just isn't playing as much as he used to and his chops aren't up to par?

How many older guitarists are there that have lost their edge over the years due to arthritis, etc?

I know from my experience, I am now almost 40, my guitar playing isn't as good as it used to be. I have been playing guitar for 27 years and used to play eight hours a day. But now I find myself with less and less time to pratice and I do have a spot of arthritis in my hands and elbows that has slowed me down a bit. Could this be part fo the reason we are not as impressed with Ed's output today?

**Otis5150** · 09.07.06, 08:57 AM

I doubt it. I think alcohol and/or drugs are more likely the reason.

**ScottyBHarris** · 09.07.06, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Otis5150

I doubt it. I think alcohol and/or drugs are more likely the reason.

but Ed always did the drugs and drank. Why would that matter now?

**jimmy** · 09.07.06, 09:10 AM

I remember when Ed was sober for a few months and people said they liked his playing when he was drunk......oh how the times have changed.

**Zahzoo** · 09.07.06, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by ScottyBHarris

but Ed always did the drugs and drank. Why would that matter now?

After 30+ years of substance abuse most people develop significant deterioration in their muscle structures and in complex motor skills. These are known medical facts. Ed's hip problems were due to long term heavy alcohol abuse.

That's the physical attributes... there's also that damn sustainer pickup which has introduced some technical problems as well...

**Otis5150** · 09.07.06, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by ScottyBHarris

but Ed always did the drugs and drank. Why would that matter now?

Maybe it's gotten out of control...

**ScottyBHarris** · 09.07.06, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Otis5150

Maybe it's gotten out of control...

How much does Ed drink a day? one bottle of wine? a couple of bottles of wine? Shots? Beers? more speculation...

The guy is in his 50's. This is like most of your Dad's age or generation. Think your Dad still has what he had in his 30's, 40's?

**Otis5150** · 09.07.06, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by ScottyBHarris

How much does Ed drink a day? one bottle of wine? a couple of bottles of wine? Shots? Beers? more speculation...

The guy is in his 50's. This is like most of your Dad's age or generation. Think your Dad still has what he had in his 30's, 40's?

Ed has been described by Sammy, and many others including Dave and Mike, as a "cruiser" - someone who isn't necessarily fall-down drunk all the time, but usually has a pretty good buzz going. He'd already been drinking the first time Sam met him, at 9am.

He's even admitted that he's been drinking since he was 13 and, at times, has admitted he has a problem. Let's not forget the period when he was "sober" and talked about how he had a problem. Add the possibility of drug use and multiply that by about 30 years. Yeah, I think that would effect your playing...

**Rocket** · 09.07.06, 11:26 AM

Steve Vai appears to get better with age. I think it's the drugs and alcohol abuse.

**thankful*vhfan** · 09.07.06, 11:34 AM

Sam also mentioned at one time that Ed and Al or at least Eddie would already have a 6-pack in him by noon just to get themselves going in the morning.
Yeah someone like Ed who does not report to work like most people daily along with more "free" time now, a taste for the beverage, that's not a good combo. Never was.

**Raldo** · 09.07.06, 11:40 AM

With making music, how you feel will come out in your playing. If Ed's state of mind isn't 100%, that is what may be coming out.

**Duck** · 09.07.06, 11:43 AM

The drugs and alchohol are definately part of it.

Also, there may be this: Ed had something to prove as a kid, when he wasn't yet a rock star and was trying to break into a record contract. Lots of motivation for that.

He also had something to prove when DLR quit the band.

And now, he really doesn't have a lot to drive him.

Some people need an external reason or pressure to produce. He might be someone like that. Now we look at a guy who has made his mark and has made his money. Its pretty clear that his heart wasn't really into the '04 tour.

**Foamfoot** · 09.07.06, 11:59 AM

I think it's substance related.

The drop-off in his playing, and sobriety, was just soooo dramatic. He was at his guitar playing best in 1998.. just listen to any number of bootlegs. Then: cancer, divorce, no record company. Sure, Ed drank/drugs in the past... but he's older now and it wore him down and caught up to him.

**ScottyBHarris** · 09.07.06, 12:26 PM

The same things were said about Mozart. He was brilliant at a young age, but never got any better. Ed can still rip with the best of them, but his writing skills never get any better. Give the guy a break.

**SuckaInA3Piece** · 09.07.06, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by spanked55

I think it's substance related.

The drop-off in his playing, and sobriety, was just soooo dramatic. He was at his guitar playing best in 1998.. just listen to any number of bootlegs. Then: cancer, divorce, no record company. Sure, Ed drank/drugs in the past... but he's older now and it wore him down and caught up to him.

I have listened to many bootletgs from the III tour, and that was not Edwards best playing. Very good, but not his greatest.