Why Can’t We Criticise The Red Hot Chili Peppers?! 

My husband and I have this conversation all the time. As a non-guitar player I couldn't care less if you can (technically) play the guitar. The only thing I care about is if I like the song. I don't care if you're the best player in the world. If your song isnt good, I don't care how good of a guitar player you technically are. John is awesome because his guitar playing is emotionally relatable.

They never mention John's solo stuff...which is super expressive (in my opinion), and worthy of analysis if you want to rate John holistically.

Best thing about John Friuscantte is that he makes space for the bass.

I can't help but feel. People who don't like John's stuff haven't really listened to that much. What about songs like wet sand, charlie, slow cheetah, torture me?

I am a John Frusciante fan and someone that has an extremely eclectic taste in music. That being said, his solos are not what I love. It's his creativity in the songwriting and the parts he chooses to play. The rhythm parts on Blood Sugar Sex Magik alone are amazing.

I love John Frusciante and I also love Justin Hawkins. There I said it.

we must always remember that when frusciante recorded “” Blood Sugar Sex Magic”” he was 20 or 21 years old.. and that makes a huge difference when you are a musician

I think people forget that the Californication album was made right after John had to re-learn playing. His addiction took everything from him, including his ability to play. He made a conscious choice to not do anything he wasn't comfortable with and to just be a part of a band without taking any spotlight. Which is a stand he still takes to this day. But it's not just the guitar playing that fans love, it's what he brings to the band overall. There's so clearly a difference in energy when John is in the band. There's a reason their most beloved music is the stuff they've done together. There's also a difference between studio version John and live version John. I can understand not personally vibing with someone's playing, but I also think there's a much bigger pool of John's playing that you're completely missing out on. Which I think is where an unfairness in critique comes from. I saw them live in September and it was incredible. Everyone was killing it. Chad was hitting harder than ever, Flea was Flea-ing harder than ever, Anthony was on pitch and remembering lyrics, and John was absolutely shredding. To each their own, but I just think it's important to see the full scope before firmly planting your criticism in a critique that isn't the full truth. Then, if you're still not vibing, cool. At least you're more educated and can have a more well rounded response.

Brutal. The end of Sir Psycho Sexy debunks the whole theory of lack of expression. Poor argument

I absolutely adore RHCP, they’re special and significant to me. I also love and Respect Justin Hawkins. We’re all entitled to our opinions and we don’t always have to agree. We don’t need to get upset either.

It's so bizarre to hear someone say John's playing is void of emotion, when most of his fans consider his playing to be very emotional (myself included)

For anyone who doesn't know, at 3:05, he's talking about John Mayer and his Paul Reed Smith guitars.

It’s not just about guitar playing. It’s songwriting, hooks and serving the song. John F is s master of those….songwriting is way harder than shredding. I know a million guys that can shred. I know a handful that can write good songs.

See i love their live jams for the very same reasons that you, Justin, often mention you enjoy something, the rawness, the mistakes, the grit, the epic struggle of man vs instrument as you put it. I hate “perfect” music, butter guitars that practically play themselves. I don’t need every singer to be the best singer ever, or every guitarist to be Steve Vai levels of virtuosity. I want aggression and feeling in my music too sometimes. I hear those things in rhcp, and love them for it, if you don’t then that’s cool too, still love ya. Variety doth be the spice and the lice or whatever.

As a fan of Frusciante and Knopfler (Clapton, Green, Page, Hendrix) and a luthier and guitarist (and I love J Hawkins), he doesn’t get it and that’s totally ok. Everything Frusciante does is very deliberate and he’s remarkably eclectic. What strikes me about this conversation is how out of touch and amateur they sound discussing the validity of art. I’ve taught and played Darkness songs and RHCP songs live for years and technically, there’s no contest that Frusciante’s parts are infinitely more intricate and orchestrated than the Darkness songs that I’ve learned. Sadly, these guys are coming off as the antithesis of what music and art is about. To insinuate that Frusciante (or anyone’s) leads would be more musically valid if he played with more vibrato (as if he couldn’t or doesn’t - check out his shred-ish playing on Mother’s Milk for Van Halen-esque vibrato btw) is a perfect of example of “it’s not good because good can only be what I decide and like”, sadly a bad point of view to assess art and music. They truly don’t get it but there’s always time. 😊 to paraphrase; talking about music is like dancing about architecture. Do better fellas, we need ya

As an amateur guitarist, John’s riffs are obtainable, relatable and playable. I can’t see how it’s expressionless - all you have to do is watch them at Slaine castle and behind the scenes / making of their hit records to appreciate his dynamic. He and Flea have some kind of connection that cannot be replicated (we saw this with Dave and Josh and even Hillel IMO). I listen to and am a fan of a huge range of music, growing up in the 90s and John’s playing still stands out to me (I am also a huge knofler fan thnx to my old man). John’s tone and guitar choice is usually always on point. There is beauty in simplicity. In saying that it’s all subjective and relative to personal taste and opinion :) we can all agree Anthony is the weakest link in ability to perform - but you cannot question his song writing. /rant over

Never been a huge RHCP fan (I still prefer Jane's Addiction/Porno For Pyros) but John Frusciante's solo discography is a body of work I constantly come back to since my teenage and more strictly metal and grunge/alt-rock days. Also love Klinghoffer projects and Navarro's solo album is pretty good. Won't forget Hillel Slovak (RIP), he surely would have a great career if he didn't die so young (but he had a band with Alain Johannes and Jack Irons and also recorded with Keith Levene). Well, when it comes to RHCP I prefer all the extra stuff than their records/singles as a band (but they obviously have some great material too).

Frusciante also tracked all the guitars on mars voltas amputetchre record so that Omar could focus on producing, so that’s also evidence of how he’s said multiple times that he’s just not interested in the guitar gymnastics that developed with late 70s and 80s players.

If you listen to "don't forget me" and say the guitar is expressionless then I have nothing to say to you

John simply play in his own terms. He can suck if he wants, he can be brilliant if he wants. He can play, or not play. It’s this kind of artistic freedom and honesty that we’re drawn into

I love RHCP, I love Justin, and Frusciante is my favorite guitarist. And RHCP fans are obnoxious.

Because a solo or guitar part being a blowing in the wind hair metal helicopter view tapping jizz fest - is appropriate for every song

There's no possible way I can let this slide guys.

Absolutely dont get this one. Thats exactly WHY we love JF. The soul and melody in his guitar playing over heavy thrashing 'vertical' pentatonic solos. Wet Sand, Californication, I Could Have Lied, Scar Tissue- not the most difficult nor technical to play but full of melody- you could hum most of his solos. The opening riff of Under The Bridge- that should just be 2 chords- D and F#- that he sprinkled magic dust onto and created one of the most recognisable intros of all time. The riffs and ending of Sir Psycho. Then you get his solo stuff- Wayne is an absolutely brilliant virtuoso piece. I mean, ANYone can vibrato- im just an intermediate amateur and I can manage it. I personally feel vibrato is overdone by many musicians (not just on the guitar)- maybe because its safe or lack of imagination? It is weird because ive been on the 'music internet' for many years- he is usually criticised for not being technical/shreddy enough- literally never heard a single person describe his playing as soulless- even among his detractors. Even people who find RHCP insipid, often still rate JF. (I do agree Dani California was musically terrible) Edit- i just listened to the top 10 Darkness Solos to see where you are coming from. I couldnt play most of them on the guitar but they just dont do it for me. Most seem very predictable rock/blues you almost know where the solo is heading after the first couole of bars. Saying that, I love this channel so know you also have good taste for music so I find this a bit perplexing.

I like Frusciante. He is like a grungey version of funk. It’s not super choppy or in the pocket, it’s pretty real. It’s fuzzy riffing and simple lines. Not overproduced. Not over busy. No filler parts. It’s like hearing a live band. They’re not intense or dramatic, I think they sound pretty light, summery and uncomplicated . It itches that scratch. But I understand why not everyone likes it :)

Respect to both these guys but how can you listen to a song like Look On and not think that Frusciante is great?

You're absolutely entitled to have your own taste. But, I'd suggest listening to the recent Rick Rubin podcasts with John, where he explains alot of the musical choices he made regarding the minimal playing on Californication and By The Way, in particular. It might give you a bit of different perspective

The one thing that Mr. Hawkins isn’t mentioning with Frusciante-and the thing I love that he brings to RHCP-is his vocal harmonies. Frusciante and Flea crush a lot of backing vocals on “Stadium” songs and “By the Way” tracks. Their harmonies MAKE those albums! I agree that Frusciante isn’t my favorite guitarist ever. But his backing vocals are honey. Hawkins always keys in on great vocal harmonies-they’re there if he goes back and listens! Might make him forget the soulless guitar. 😁🔥

I'm smiling so much that the 2 of you are together in a video. This is the best combo team ever!

You don't have to love his playing. But if you don't acknowledge his absolutely amazing ability to write unique riffs and beautiful melodies idk what to say dawg. He's more creative than the majority of guitar players who are more proficient. Personally I would like it if he revamped his technique just a bit. Emotion wise and expressiveness he is top tier, he just tends to repeat his favourite licks a bit too often

The thing is one can argue intellectually as to why Frusciante genius in his expression, his tone is exceptional, his choice of notes is also exceptional, he does bends when appropriate, creates space where it is needed to produce emotional story lines. Very few guitarists can do all of these. They can shred, and do fast work..but there's nothing there to actually grab onto ... because it just doesn't have slow, fast space dynamics, to either paint a picture that goes with the lyrics. Very few guitarists can consistently find incredible melodies like Frusciante. Van Halen, Malmsteins...all of the shredders can go fast and all over the shop...but they simply cannot find the moving storytelling that Frusciante just constantly finds.

Frusciante is my favourite guitarist not because of the Californication and By the way albums, but because of his earlier work with the band, solo stuff and the sounds coming out of Stadium Arcadium, which are probably closer to the virtuoso like performances you seem to crave. Fair enough if it's not for you but if you're limiting your listening to a select period when they were in the mainstream then I feel sorry for you and the wonderful musicianship you're missing out on. I've studied plenty of guitarists over the years and I have no reason to prefer JF over anyone else, but I just find his style so unique, fascinating and ultimately a breath of fresh air from the classic rock tropes.

I don’t really know enough about the technicalities of guitar theory, tone, or expression so I can’t really comment on his PLAYING but Shadows Collide with People is one of my favourite albums ever. The songwriting and singing is stellar, just beautiful songs! Maybe give one of the songs on that an analysis? My favorites are Wednesday’s Song, Song to Sing when I’m Lonely and Carvel. Thanks Justin! You’re a beaut!

I've always been a firm believer in that you can be fan of any form entertainment media, and be critical of it especially if it's constructive criticism, and it doesn't make you any less of a fan. To me constructive criticism comes from a place of love, because you can still love something but want it to be a better version of what it already is.

Love Justin but I have to disagree! The first few notes of Scar Tissue was the start of my love for John Frusciante’s guitar playing. Pure, simple and perfect. All these years later and I just love listening to him play. Seeing RHCP on their most recent tour was one of the best concerts I’ve seen. Skilled musicians who love playing with each other at the top of their game! Oh yes and give Ramparts a listen to hear the most beautiful solo Frusciante!

Does anyone know what guitarist/guitar make Justin was talking about in the middle of the video?

Or on the subject of Flea, tangentially, The Butthole Surfers are another of those great bands that don't get their due regard. Paul Leary is one of the most talented guitarists, when it comes to scratching at the itch in the back of your mind

I don't consider myself a RHCP fan but enjoy enough of their songs I see their appeal... they fill a certain need/sound on the radio that is pretty harmless, it's there. Funk Rock, mellow alternative funk whatever you wanna call it... it has a place that is kind of timeless that nobody else is doing or doing as well as them, honestly. RHCP are some of the only old guard Alternative Rock bands still hanging around and filling in a sound for those who miss those kinds of sounds I guess. The simplistic and minimalist playing of John Frusciante serve the songs perfectly, and the guitar tones are memorable and signature... that without his involvement, RHCP feel incomplete. John's RHCP guitar stuff is very melodic/catchy and accessible and people probably grew up learning his guitar parts when learning guitar as a beginner... people need those kinds of heroes as much as virtuosos. In a sense, John Frusciante is not unlike The Edge of U2... often praised and derided for minimalistic style, but they serve the songs and create a mood/atmosphere perfectly that the singer may not always convey in all they sing about. It's ok if you don't like RHCP or John in particular, nobody said you had to... but it's the way you express your almost condescension hate for them is what rubs people the wrong way, I dunno.

Watch slane castle and come back to this

I'm a big Fruciante fan. Yeah, you can learn to play his stuff but the genius is creating the work. Come up with a riff like Under The Bridge or Can't Stop. Go on. Do it. By the way 😂 I love a lot of bands and not exclusively RHCP

I think the outro to sir psycho sexy is some of the most beautiful guitar ever recorded, and the solo from shes only eighteen is amazing. But what do i know 😂 i loved this whole interview 👍

Justin, have you ever heard John’s album ‘the Empyrean?’ Love to hear what you think. Not necessarily due to guitar but just as a whole

Hey Justin, love your videos and appreciate your work! As a big fan of John Frusciante and RHCP I respect your opinion, although I see things differently. What I like in John Frusciante playing is his totally different approach in his often minimalistic style; the absence of vibrato was also for me not understandable until I played an original 60ies Strat for the first time: usually one uses vibrato to add a certain expression or touch to a note, but this original 60ies Strat already had a so tremendous amount of self-expression that I found myself enjoying to hear the note ring without adding some expressive playing technique. And yes, the solo in californication is somewhat unexpectedly „different“, nevertheless I somehow found the beauty in its simplicity that is - if one may like it or or - unique (although does not contain the most sophisticated playing techniques or melodic surprises, but it’s something that’s sets it apart anyways 😃). Thx again for your great videos and insights into music!!! Peace ☮️

Glad someone is finally questioning rhcp ... I've thought they were over hyped... yes and I've copped flak online too for it ...keep it coming

To me whenever justin critiques the peppers its just coz i feel like he's judging them from only their mst popular singles and radio hits and such. I think their best stuff is lesser known so i feel like he hasnt listened to the things that make us rhcp fans adore the band lol. Like, I doubt justin has heard something like Aquatic Mouth Dance or The Heavy Wing or many deep cuts and things from their albums. When people describe them as only making funky rock music its like, no lol, listen to white braids and pillow chair. Maybe he has, what do i know, in that case its all fair, i just feel like he's not judging them fairly i guess? but hey everyones allowed to have an opinion, they'll be one of my fav bands right next to radiohead.

I remember watching a Kiedis interview (for The Getaway era) where he said that the band sent him songs and he decided whether or not he wanted to sing on it. That may explain partly why the instrumentation is so good compared to the lyrics and vocal

I love Frusciante and after spending my formative years emulating him, I’ve realized that after playing guitar for over 10 years, I just wasn’t playing rock n roll. 20 years later, I’m still trying to inject it to my alternative-electronic influenced sound.

Genuinely surprised by this take. Under the bridge being one of the finest guitar riffs ever recorded, and pretty tricky to play well. And its a silly, again slightly unexpected, turn of phrase for you to use to say he's overrated when as a musician you know full well people choose to have a style. You can not like it, but calling it overrated is... yeah, surprising.

This band got me into music, and John Frusciante is my fav guitar player...but I don't care about people's opinions when it comes to trashing the band, if you don't like Frusciante, cool, I love that guy. Everyone should have a right to an opinion.

Frusciante is a genius. You slate him for his style of guitar playing, but he deliberately keeps it simple listen to early frusciante, the guy is a genius

I love Justins Channel. Love what he does. And have massive respect for him as a musician. I saw the Darkness on the Permission to Land tour. And of course he is entitled to his opinion, as we all are. But I have to wholeheartedly disagree with him on the subject of Frusciante. Without waffling on too much. I started playing guitar in 99, aged 17. John was one of the reasons why. The solo on "I Could Have lied" still gives me goosebumps 30 years later. I saw RHCP 3 times between the Californication and By the Way tours. The first time I saw them is still the best gig I've ever been too. And mainly due to John's emotive playing. The show ending cover of Iggy Pops Search and Destroy. Just breathtaking. He never plays the same solo twice, like all great improvisers. From full on hard rock riffing on tunes like 'Good Time Boys' & 'Higher Ground' to acoustic numbers 'Cabron' and 'Road Trippin' and everything in between. I can see where he's coming from on the newer stuff, can't say I'm blown away by anything post 'Stadium Arcadium'. And truth be told I've never loved Kiedis' vocals. (I'm firmly in the Mike Patton camp there!) But I would suggest listening to Mothers Milk and BSSM in their entirety. This is not even to mention his extensive catalogue of solo work, almost an album released a year in recent times. My personal highlights being 'Curtains', 'Empyrean' and 'Shadows Collide'. The bottom line though, is that this is obviously completely subjective and a matter of personal taste. It comes down to what you grew up listening to in most cases I find. Personally I don't have any emotional connection to bands like ACDC and Queen. And as good as I know Angus Young and Brian May are as players, I can't say they "move me" in the same way that John does. Goal to minimise waffling failed 🤦

Okay, I'm going to try to be positive...... this video is a GREAT example of music snobbery.

I agree about Johns lack of vibrato but I think that is part of his sound. He has been responsible for some very good guitar pieces. I love his solo on Show Me Your Soul.

Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnn!!! 🎶🎶🎶

When John goes simple and melodic with his soloing, it's absolutely incredible! He can make his guitar sing and speak with very few notes! His stuff hits me in the feels!

I took a major influence in my playing style from BloodSugarSexMagik. It's more of a right hand rhythm thing and usual chords. It beats the previous 80s rock guitar solo hands down for style and creating a band vibe, rather than the big hair look at me. I'm guessing the darkness missed that.

Pat Finnerty and Justin Hawkins is the duo we needed!

*Their fans, not there fans. Come on Justin, you're better than this.

John F is perfect for what he does. He wrote great melodies in the last 3 decades. Also, his early and mid 2000’s solo albums are brilliant and so simple yet touching. You talk about PRS players such as J Mayer, but you play mainly on a butter guitar (les Paul) Check yourself

These two sadly wont get the views as e.g. a Michael Starr-interview......but its an absolute pleasure to listen to!

This is the take you get when you only listen to RHCP top 10 songs. John’s playing is revered by fans because they do their homework. Some of his work on the deeper tracks is remarkable. Also how he plays live… it’s incredible. Dissing things that tons of people enjoy and agree is impressive is a lame personality take.

Here: I spruced the solo up a bit for ya Justin ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bqvRX2IwALE.html

Not saying this should influence anyone’s opinion one way or another but John said in an interview that he doesn’t use vibrato very often because he finds using it sparingly makes it more effective for the rare occasions he does use it. I think this is a really good example of why Frusciante’s playing is so controversial. He has a very specific philosophy/approach to guitar playing that doesn’t jive with everyone.

I haven't seen a lot of Frusciante. But from the live performances clips I've seen. he really fights the guitar, playing with a ton of distortion and doing a kind of rock n roll performance. And that impromptu cover he did of How Deep Is Your Love is pretty raw

Nick Cave - 'I'm forever near a stereo saying, 'What the fuck is this garbage?' And the answer is always the Red Hot Chili Peppers.'

RE: John's playing on Californication (not just the song itself, but that album as a whole): I believe the minimalistic approach was due largely in part to him having just returned from rehab after being mostly in a drug-induced stupor for the past 4-5 years (there's that one particularly infamous video from around '97 where he looks & sounds like he's knocking on death's door). His skills had likely atrophied quite significantly, and thus took a couple years of consistent playing out on the road until he was able to reclaim his former chops. His playing on By The Way is still largely understated, though I suspect that was a deliberate artistic choice based upon the style of music & influences on that album (which, IMO, is easily their best; instrumentally, it's essentially a Frusciante solo album through and through). Fast-forward a few more years to Stadium Arcadium, and by then, he was pretty much back into 'guitar god' mode - though I personally find that album rather bloated, and also agree wholeheartedly with Pat's opinion on "Dani California". I still distinctly remember how underwhelmed I was the first time I heard it; to my ears, a very bland departure from their BTW-era sound despite John's flashy outro solo.

I was lucky enough to see the darkness play at the Isle of Wight festival years ago and it was absolutely amazing , is their anything that stands out about that festival to Justin as it’s based on a island 🏝

I think those two didn't do the proper research about John's guitar work. Go watch more live performances of him and peppers cuz that's where the magic is. John never plays any solo the same way. He always improvises. Sometimes he's great and sometimes not but that means he puts his emotions into guitar like no one else. Justin you seem like a clever well spoken man but not everyone has to be a flashy rock n rolla like you...yeah...rock n roll baby...I'm always gonna have John close to my heart. I think he's a beautiful soul. You guys mention solo from californication...even John himself said that back then he just got clean after being on drugs for a long time and he said that during this time he lost his good technique and vibratto because he wasn't practicing at all. Also during recording californication he was influenced by guitar players such as Bernard Sumner(Joy Division). So that's why he didn't care about the technical and flashy licks, instead he focused on pure simplicity and the melody and it's all there. You guys should check solos in songs such as "Turn it again" or "Hey" for instance or just watch some of the live stuff like live at slane castle. That's basically John for you: even if it's only one note he's completely aware of that one note and he knows what he's doing. He's an artist before he's a guitar player-don't forget that. He's a great singer, makes good electronic music and co worked with many artists playing various genres etc etc. Majority of great guitar players are just great players. They can't even sing one note in tune or just simply think outside of the box. I'm not gonna mention any names but go figure...

Have you ever done a video about Television? Tom Verlaine died not too long ago and if we're talking about guitar tones, Television had some of the sweetest, whether Torn Curtain from Marquee Moon or The Fire, on Adventure, Television made some of the most beautiful guitar music of the past century. In my opinion, of course, and I'm fairly redacted

I think it would be interesting to see Justin talk to a Frusciante fan and let the fan explain why he thinks Frusciante is a great guitar player. So they can understand eachothers opinion.

Maybe you should get John on the show to discuss guitartecnique.

Chad Smith is really a Will Ferrell character

The emotion JF communicates in his guitar playing live, I've yet to see anyone match. Always right on the edge of the notes, where such magic often happens. Worth noting he's a big fan of electronic music and attacks the guitar often as if it was a synth, hence the lack of massive vibrato!

And I thought the most “disrespectful” part of this ep was neither mentioning that Stevie & Petty doing “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” was the best rock duet of all time, haha!

What's your opinion on the birth of punk & the three chord wonders?

There's nothing in RHCP that appeals to me.

I honestly can't understand how Justin gets nothing from Frusciante, but that's possibly because I've grown up with his songs, and Justin is well entitled to his opinion. No hate here! And regardless, the driving force behind the RHCP sound is the almighty FLEA, not the guitarists!

Hi I watched the full PF interview and was intrigued by this bit - so yesterday I listened to a lot of Frusciante while out about - so my challenge is could you do a breakdown of Sir Psycho Sexy and in particular all elements of Johns playing ?

No way he roasted the californication solo 😂

It's simple: You speak about an EXCEEDINGLY brief period of JF's career in which he was PURPOSEFULLY exploring minimalism and the sounds between sounds, hence the lack of vibrato/expression, as if it represents his vast, and unparalleled evolution over 40 years. Quite simply, he can do anything any guitarist can do, and has.

I think someone of Justin's experience and achievements certainly entitles him an opinion on any musician. I think the issue is the rather narrow slice that he seems to have formed this opinion. I don't think anyone can watch John play live (particularly the live at Slane Castle show) and say that he lacks expression in his playing. I would've love to watch his opinion on that show, and if he still stands by his opinion.

One Frusciante guitar solo that I'm obsessed with is the Mellowship Slinky one on BSSM. Watching him record it is magic.

Wait so who was the Rock n' Roller who played with butter and didn't struggle with a Paul?

I have a very varied musical taste (take note I didn't use the "e" word) and I can't stand RHCP... For me they are the musical equivalent of painting by numbers.

Woah. I’ve only made it through about half of the comments and once again, a nerve seems to have been hit. Whether I agree or not with JH’s & PF’s opinions of JF & the RHCP, I’m just stoked that they gave it unfiltered. I get so sick of all the fake opinions that usually get spit out by commentators. Sláinte!

Hey Justin, Have you noticed how often Ricky Gervais used to play The Darkness on his old XFM shows? Very Cool

Can we get some reactions of johns live improve solos please. It's pretty sad seeing 2 guys trash talk his solo on californication when it seems like they are unaware of his live improv.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion but personally I think John is an amazing guitarist and he speaks through his work

I would love it if Pat was a guest once a month. These two are so smart and funny and I think they could talk about anything and it’d be enjoyable. They bounce off each other so well.

Any idea who they're talking about at 3 minutes?

2:45 Any guesses here? I know some of John Mayer's recent stuff is very Knopflerian.

"The californication solo is trash" And they can both sing the entire solo perfectly

Chad Smith recently said that John Frusciante is the greatest musician he's ever worked with. And he's worked with a truckload of musicians

I can see where they're coming from, but there's a counter-argument to be made for songs like Snow and Eddie, among others. These are definitely noteworthy high points with John's playing. I appreciate the love for Chad and Flea. Killer rhythm section.

Damn, I already know I will hate to write this comment. And I will certainly be a waste of time as you will probably never read this. For most of the reasons I will write, I can't tell for your guest, because I didn't heard his initail critique. So there is many reasons : - You based your critique on 1 single track which may not represent there overall work (not to mention his incredible solo career). - Maybe the words used in your xritique means a different thing for their audience. - You said Frusciante's playing has no dynamic, no tension. It has and is liked for this (listen to a song like Venice Queen or Turn It Again for example). - Maybe because yes, he serves the song. He's all about melody and not about jerking off listening to himself satisfied of the techniques he showed. And don't get me wrong he can do it (listen to Mother's Milk. - Maybe because he understands that music is a vector of emotion not about how "impressive he can be". - RHCP/Frusciante fans (or at least part the most vehement one), feels deeply, soulfully connected to his music, and that's why they feel offended (TBH honest, if some critique about Frusciante are legit, when i heard your critique video, I clearly remeber that some of your point were like red flags because it was the opposite of what I thought of the RHCP/JF's music). - Californication solo "crappy" ? Why beacuse there is not 12 notes/second ? So Pink Floyd's solo are crap too ? The melody / progression is great. And It's OK not to like it. But maybe calling it crap tells more about you guys that about the solo. - Yes for Californication, Frusciante was just back form his "junky years" and set himself a different limit on each tracks to work on his creativity. - Maybe you can critique them without being pedantic (as a fan (less now than 20 years ago) of the RHCP), I bought myself a solid discotheque (500 albums, form Pink Floyd to David Bowie, from Bob Marley to Buck 65, From ATDI/The Mars Volte to Billy Talent, from Emilie Simon to... The Darkness, from Nine Inch Nails to Serge Gainsbourg, from Frank Zappa to Mastodon, from The Beach Boys to Silpknot, from the Dandy Warhols to The Clash, from Death From Above 1979 to Johnny Cash, from Stupéflip to Miossec. - Maybe you are not sensitive to what makes them great in the eyes of millions of people. - Or maybe you are just trolling to create a buzz. - And maybe critiquing a guitar player whose palette is 20 times (probably way more) wider than yours does not help. And I certainly forgot a lot of other reasons why you "can't critique the rhcp" but it seems like a good sample and I already spend too much time responding to your question (and i didn't wanted to spend more time listening again to the first video to have it fresh in mind).

When all is said and done, music is subjective. Whether it's technically correct or not. It either speaks to you, or it doesn't. When we give an opinion (on anything), we provoke a reaction. Of course we do and those reactions may be strong and passionate. Such is life. If we put ourselves out there, we should expect that reaction. I'm not a huge fan of The Chili Peppers, but I like a few of their songs.....and Californication is one of my favourites. It's mellow, simple and to the point. I get it 😁😍

love you Justin but the thing with Frusciante is that the guy isn't a rock and roller , didn't needed much kind of effects or pedals to keep the funk alive.

I think that most frusciante and or peppers fans feel that their source of joy and passion is being attacked from a place of ignorance. If you listened to a lot of their records and frusciantes solo work and are of the opinion that its not for you, thats all good. But if you reacted to one or two songs and call all the guitar work in general bad, it seems ignorant.

never really got the chili peppers or their fans. its almost cult like in a slightly more talented insane clown posse way. not my bag.

@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain, What do you think of the guitarist who got fired from the Chili Peppers? Do you think he had more interesting things to contribute as a guitarist in that band?