“It doesn’t matter how fast you can speak – it matters what you’re actually saying”: Uli Jon Roth explains the problem with the pursuit of technical perfection in guitar playing
Is the pursuit of technical excellence damaging the next generation of guitarists? Former Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth seems to think so, as he explains why players shouldn’t “put too much emphasis” on perfection.
In a newly uploaded interview with North Coast Music Beat, Roth discusses why the pursuit of “technical brilliance” might often be at the expense of feel and soul.
READ MORE: ThorpyFX just made the world’s first braille pedal for blind guitarist Anthony Ferraro following his custom braille Victory amp
“Nowadays there’s a lot of talent out there,” he says [via Blabbermouth]. “However, I find the journey at the moment is maybe a little bit too much in pursuit of technical brilliance, and the personal sound and personal touch and expression is wanting.
“Too many players start sounding like typewriters, I would say. And I’m not saying that derogatorily – there are amazing people around, but I would [say], for a young player who wants to be different and stand out, do the opposite: don’t play all the fast notes. Play the notes that go straight to the heart…”
The 71-year-old guitarist says he’s taken on his own advice in his later years: “I still do [play fast] sometimes, but the older I get, the more I aim for just the most meaningful notes.”
“It doesn’t matter how fast you can hold a speech to someone; it matters what you’re actually saying… when you listen closely [to someone speaking fast] they’re not saying anything – it doesn’t mean anything. It’s just empty gobbledygook, as we’d say in England.”
Roth says young guitarists should aspire to have an understanding of theory in order to make their playing more impactful.
“You should know music, not just the scales and arpeggios. Understand the harmonies, understand the rhythms, and understand music from deep within and connect with it on the deepest level you possibly can. And then get inspired. And then the rest will come.”
And Uli Jon Roth isn’t alone in his opinion that players should focus on the meaning of their note choices as opposed to just playing fast.
Earlier this year, Carlos Santana said those who play fast are no better than gym bros who flex their muscles: “Big deal, so what?” he said.
Similarly, in 2024, Lenny Kravitz gave his take on Instagram shredders who are all about speed: “Musicians should be thinking more about feel, dynamics and emotion,” he said.
Watch North Coast Music Beat’s full interview with Uli Jon Roth – recorded in 2025 – below:
The post “It doesn’t matter how fast you can speak – it matters what you’re actually saying”: Uli Jon Roth explains the problem with the pursuit of technical perfection in guitar playing appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
Source: www.guitar-bass.net
