Talking metal 1ON1 WITH DJ ASHBA - (he is absolutely full of s..wag)

[Guest Gunns]

Outside of the GNR perspective, Dj wrote a Motley Crue album, tours with GNR and has had success with Sixx AM too. So how bad is he really? He wants to just play the solos like the album for the most parts. He brings a similar "sloppiness" as Slash or Finck, he has some of that swagger from the original band.

"the Rick Rubin approach to writing" - is this the kind of record Axl wants to make? you know like remake AFD/UYI? or will they be working to make something fresh?

Apart from Dj not being Slash I think he's great. He's not a reason to shut down the band anyway. He's a pro.

Pro at what? He needed his guitar tech to explain the setup he uses as I doubt he has not much, if any idea. He is very talented at screwing up his guitar parts frequently so I guess you could consider him a pro in that respect.

[wasted]

Outside of the GNR perspective, Dj wrote a Motley Crue album, tours with GNR and has had success with Sixx AM too. So how bad is he really? He wants to just play the solos like the album for the most parts. He brings a similar "sloppiness" as Slash or Finck, he has some of that swagger from the original band.

"the Rick Rubin approach to writing" - is this the kind of record Axl wants to make? you know like remake AFD/UYI? or will they be working to make something fresh?

Apart from Dj not being Slash I think he's great. He's not a reason to shut down the band anyway. He's a pro.

Pro at what? He needed his guitar tech to explain the setup he uses as I doubt he has not much, if any idea. He is very talented at screwing up his guitar parts frequently so I guess you could consider him a pro in that respect.

I'm just saying he's worked with Motely Crue, Guns, Sixx Am. He tours constantly. Sure he makes mistakes. But he's not an unprofessional disaster, must be half decent guitarist on some level?

He has some sort of old school take or understanding of Guns. I'm not sure where that would come into play in terms of a record. It's all about Axl at this point, hopefully he can get the best out of whoever is in the band.

[axlrod]

Before DJ starts strumming his guitar, there were negative comments already and he knows that.

[gunnari]

DJ trying to look cool:

[Schwarzgold]

Greeeat. Now I gotta burn that shirt. And I liked it. It was a souvenir from the States. :/

Edited April 29, 2014 by Schwarzgold

[dalsh327]

Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne have their own signature guitars. Pretty sure skill don't enter into it there.

Edited April 29, 2014 by dalsh327

[Guns n' Swedes]

I can say with absolute confidence i am, and likely most anyone in the musicians section, a better guitarist than DJ.

Then you must be a professional, or? No offense intended, just curious

Are you kidding me?

Are you saying that DJ is a better guitarist than every single human being on earth who isn't doing it for a living?

Do you honestly believe it works that way?

You really should have called yourself 'rhetoricalquestionguy'.

Being professional and being proficient are two completely diffetent things. For example, someone like Syd Viscous was a "professional" musician, despite the fact that despute me not being a bass player I could still play rings around him, but taking your argument it would seem he would be in the elite if bass players. I know this is in effect an argumentum ad absurdum but whatever.

OT, I dont have that much confidence in my own abilities as a guitarist but I would say that I too am a better player than DJ and a better songwriter but meh, its all opinions right? My mom liked my songs!

he never was a professional musician. He was an image, he looked cool that's it. On the record is all Steve Jones(i believe), Sid was the ORIGINAL poser.

Ah forgive me I was trying to pull an extremem example. Im not a huge Sex Pistols fan despite being british. I guess you could probably go for someone like Billy Joe Armstrong and the point still stands? Just my opinion.

Jeeze, take it easy. I was just curious. Dj is in fact a good guitarist, there are better ones of course, but that would still mean you're really good.

Not by the the logic presented earlier I.e. professional musician = being good on your instrument. Whether I think DJ is good or not or if I think im better or anyone is better is irrelevant. I was just weighing in on the logic of said arguments. Apologies if I offended you just throwing in my opinion man. Friends?

No need for the impoliteness. I was just curious since you must be a very good guitarist if you're better than Ashba. I'm not saying you're not. Are you in a band?

[Russel Nash]

I can say with absolute confidence i am, and likely most anyone in the musicians section, a better guitarist than DJ.

Then you must be a professional, or? No offense intended, just curious

Are you kidding me?

Are you saying that DJ is a better guitarist than every single human being on earth who isn't doing it for a living?

Do you honestly believe it works that way?

You really should have called yourself 'rhetoricalquestionguy'.

Being professional and being proficient are two completely diffetent things. For example, someone like Syd Viscous was a "professional" musician, despite the fact that despute me not being a bass player I could still play rings around him, but taking your argument it would seem he would be in the elite if bass players. I know this is in effect an argumentum ad absurdum but whatever.

OT, I dont have that much confidence in my own abilities as a guitarist but I would say that I too am a better player than DJ and a better songwriter but meh, its all opinions right? My mom liked my songs!

he never was a professional musician. He was an image, he looked cool that's it. On the record is all Steve Jones(i believe), Sid was the ORIGINAL poser.

Ah forgive me I was trying to pull an extremem example. Im not a huge Sex Pistols fan despite being british. I guess you could probably go for someone like Billy Joe Armstrong and the point still stands? Just my opinion.

Jeeze, take it easy. I was just curious. Dj is in fact a good guitarist, there are better ones of course, but that would still mean you're really good.

Not by the the logic presented earlier I.e. professional musician = being good on your instrument. Whether I think DJ is good or not or if I think im better or anyone is better is irrelevant. I was just weighing in on the logic of said arguments. Apologies if I offended you just throwing in my opinion man. Friends?

No need for the impoliteness. I was just curious since you must be a very good guitarist if you're better than Ashba. I'm not saying you're not. Are you in a band?

Everyone here thinks is better than Ashba. But they are here... ranting on that shit instead of fucking a super model and playing in GNR. mmmmm im pretty sure it's only bad luck.

[moreblack]

Sure, because everybody that isn't playing professionally can't possibly have skills. That's exactly how it works.

[Guest Gunns]

I'm just waiting on the day that Ashba uses conquer and guitar in the same hashtag, it would be a miracle if he practiced what he preached, just think #ConquerTheGuitar. That is one hashtag we could all laugh at!

[jekylhyde]

Sure he makes mistakes, but who doesn't? DJ gets way too much shit. (I admit, his swag-promoting is annoying, but these days you got to do a little bit of everything the get your name out there, I guess.) And performance-wise he isn't even the weakest link in the band at the moment.

He isn't a virtuoso, but he doesn't have to be. He is a slightly above average rock'n'roll guitarist. He fits Gn'R well.

[moreblack]

I'm just waiting on the day that Ashba uses conquer and guitar in the same hashtag, it would be a miracle if he practiced what he preached, just think #ConquerTheGuitar. That is one hashtag we could all laugh at!

He' gotta stop using the thing as just a stage prop first.

[maynard]

Sure he makes mistakes, but who doesn't?

Bumblefoot

[moreblack]

Sure he makes mistakes, but who doesn't?

Bumblefoot

Fortus impressed me in Thin Lizzy, he had a far more demanding workload there playing-wise and never faltered. I doubt DJ could handle that guitarwork nearly as faithfully.

[maynard]

Sure he makes mistakes, but who doesn't?

Bumblefoot

Fortus impressed me in Thin Lizzy, he had a far more demanding workload there playing-wise and never faltered. I doubt DJ could handle that guitarwork nearly as faithfully.

Ashba on lead and Fortus on rhythm is just unbeliveable. Axl is a "genius".

[Russel Nash]

Sure he makes mistakes, but who doesn't?

Bumblefoot

Fortus impressed me in Thin Lizzy, he had a far more demanding workload there playing-wise and never faltered. I doubt DJ could handle that guitarwork nearly as faithfully.

Ashba on lead and Fortus on rhythm is just unbeliveable. Axl is a "genius".

If you think 4tus is only on rhythm you are not paying attention.

[Guns n' Swedes]

I'm not knowledgeable on guitar and maybe that's why I don't mind DJ's playing at all. I can't hear any big frequent mistakes. And if he makes a mistake in one show every now and again, on just one song, big deal...

Finck, however, he would play a lot of stuff very differently/bad, at least according to my ears, so I was just happy when he left.

[moreblack]

You weren't the only one.

If you think 4tus is only on rhythm you are not paying attention.

That being said, given what he can do, he doesn't get nearly enough chance to show it in this band.

Edited April 29, 2014 by moreblack

[SoulMonster]

I'm not knowledgeable on guitar and maybe that's why I don't mind DJ's playing at all. I can't hear any big frequent mistakes. And if he makes a mistake in one show every now and again, on just one song, big deal...

Finck, however, he would play a lot of stuff very differently/bad, at least according to my ears, so I was just happy when he left.

I think this is key to understanding why it isn't such a big deal if Dj continues in the band. I expect that to most of the audience his stage presence trumps the mistakes he makes simply because the former is more obvious than the later. People here, who are more than above average interested in music, and GN'R in particular, and who often play guitar themselves, just don't see it that way, but people here just don't matter as much as people there (in the audiences).

[Guns n' Swedes]

I'm not knowledgeable on guitar and maybe that's why I don't mind DJ's playing at all. I can't hear any big frequent mistakes. And if he makes a mistake in one show every now and again, on just one song, big deal...

Finck, however, he would play a lot of stuff very differently/bad, at least according to my ears, so I was just happy when he left.

I think this is key to understanding why it isn't such a big deal if Dj continues in the band. I expect that to most of the audience his stage presence trumps the mistakes he makes simply because the former is more obvious than the later. People here, who are more than above average interested in music, and GN'R in particular, and who often play guitar themselves, just don't see it that way, but people here just don't matter as much as people there (in the audiences).

True dat. Same goes for Axl's singing I guess...even though I'm sure that I would enjoy his singing live.

[Russel Nash]

You weren't the only one.

If you think 4tus is only on rhythm you are not paying attention.

That being said, given what he can do, he doesn't get nearly enough chance to show it in this band.

But it's pretty balanced this way(in a 3 guitar players layout). I really think that 4tus would be a great lead and a great rhythm with only 2 guitar players. My best combos are Slash/Fortus, Robin/Fortus, Bucket/Fortus. And maybe a Dj/Fortus would be nice too.

[Dazey]

I'm not knowledgeable on guitar and maybe that's why I don't mind DJ's playing at all. I can't hear any big frequent mistakes. And if he makes a mistake in one show every now and again, on just one song, big deal...

Finck, however, he would play a lot of stuff very differently/bad, at least according to my ears, so I was just happy when he left.

I think this is key to understanding why it isn't such a big deal if Dj continues in the band. I expect that to most of the audience his stage presence trumps the mistakes he makes simply because the former is more obvious than the later. People here, who are more than above average interested in music, and GN'R in particular, and who often play guitar themselves, just don't see it that way, but people here just don't matter as much as people there (in the audiences).

True dat. Same goes for Axl's singing I guess...even though I'm sure that I would enjoy his singing live.

Not really. Axl's singing of late has been noticeably shit to anybody with ears.

You weren't the only one.

If you think 4tus is only on rhythm you are not paying attention.

That being said, given what he can do, he doesn't get nearly enough chance to show it in this band.

But it's pretty balanced this way(in a 3 guitar players layout). I really think that 4tus would be a great lead and a great rhythm with only 2 guitar players. My best combos are Slash/Fortus, Robin/Fortus, Bucket/Fortus. And maybe a Dj/Fortus would be nice too.

You know what I like about 4tus? He just shuts the fuck up and plays guitar. Same with Bumble mostly and they're both good at it. Great players don't need all the posing and posturing. Just fucking play and do it well.

[bucketmaster101]

I can say with absolute confidence i am, and likely most anyone in the musicians section, a better guitarist than DJ.

Then you must be a professional, or? No offense intended, just curious

Are you kidding me?

Are you saying that DJ is a better guitarist than every single human being on earth who isn't doing it for a living?

Do you honestly believe it works that way?

You really should have called yourself 'rhetoricalquestionguy'.

Being professional and being proficient are two completely diffetent things. For example, someone like Syd Viscous was a "professional" musician, despite the fact that despute me not being a bass player I could still play rings around him, but taking your argument it would seem he would be in the elite if bass players. I know this is in effect an argumentum ad absurdum but whatever.

OT, I dont have that much confidence in my own abilities as a guitarist but I would say that I too am a better player than DJ and a better songwriter but meh, its all opinions right? My mom liked my songs!

he never was a professional musician. He was an image, he looked cool that's it. On the record is all Steve Jones(i believe), Sid was the ORIGINAL poser.

Ah forgive me I was trying to pull an extremem example. Im not a huge Sex Pistols fan despite being british. I guess you could probably go for someone like Billy Joe Armstrong and the point still stands? Just my opinion.

Jeeze, take it easy. I was just curious. Dj is in fact a good guitarist, there are better ones of course, but that would still mean you're really good.

Not by the the logic presented earlier I.e. professional musician = being good on your instrument. Whether I think DJ is good or not or if I think im better or anyone is better is irrelevant. I was just weighing in on the logic of said arguments. Apologies if I offended you just throwing in my opinion man. Friends?

No need for the impoliteness. I was just curious since you must be a very good guitarist if you're better than Ashba. I'm not saying you're not. Are you in a band?

Everyone here thinks is better than Ashba. But they are here... ranting on that shit instead of fucking a super model and playing in GNR. mmmmm im pretty sure it's only bad luck.

First person; I wasn't trying to be impolite? Sorry, I have a habit of thinking arguments through logically. Problems of having a First class degree I guess.

Second person; I only play recreationally, something I do for fun. My day to day life is what I live for (lawyer). I have no interest in playing professionally and never have. I enjoy playing/writing but I wouldnt want to do it for my life. Again I really dont wanna offend anyone or start arguments. I just wanted to throw in an opinion on it all. For the record whilst I think Ashba sucks I dont have that much against him. Fair play to the guy, he was in the right place at the right time and was able to use that to achieve his entrepreneurial goals.

[RandallFlagg]

How do you compare folks ability on guitar though? Give 50 non-pro guitarists a month to learn a GNR setlist, Ashba's equipment and rehearsals with the band, they'd do equally as well, better or worse over a tour. Compare their individual solo compositions, regardless of sales, it's relative, I'm sure with the right group of musicians, label support and spare time many could sell their music. We could do this for 4tus and BBF and Finck, anyone. BBF and Finck have pretty stellar outputs though, Buckethead is untouchable to 95% in terms of original compositions, Slash was in GNR and his work was a product of a group gelling but these guys cover him well, I'm sure many guitarists if given the chance and time and equipment, could match Ashba's performances, considered the weak link of the band in terms of vital components.

[bucketmaster101]

How do you compare folks ability on guitar though? Give 50 non-pro guitarists a month to learn a GNR setlist, Ashba's equipment and rehearsals with the band, they'd do equally as well, better or worse over a tour. Compare their individual solo compositions, regardless of sales, it's relative, I'm sure with the right group of musicians, label support and spare time many could sell their music. We could do this for 4tus and BBF and Finck, anyone. BBF and Finck have pretty stellar outputs though, Buckethead is untouchable to 95% in terms of original compositions, Slash was in GNR and his work was a product of a group gelling but these guys cover him well, I'm sure many guitarists if given the chance and time and equipment, could match Ashba's performances, considered the weak link of the band in terms of vital components.

I completely agree with you. Art is entirely subjective. But I think general skill is easier to compare. For example DJ seems to fuck up a lot of (relatively) basic solos. Maybe he has off days and nails it 99 times out of 100 but there are probably more skilled guitarists doing more intricate compositions who arent as popular as DJ. Whilst I dont think pure skill makes someone a great musician (take the Beatles for example) this thread has basically derailed into a dissection of DJ's skill as a muscian.

PS I agree wholeheartedly with the BH statement.