How important is technical skill in evaluating a musician's greatness?

**Buzzkill** · 11-16-2011, 02:33 PM

So obviously, like everything relating to music it's all a matter of taste, but I was arguing with my friend about this yesterday. He was saying that James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) is one of the greatest musicians ever because of his mastery of so many instruments as well as his amazing production skills.

I countered this by saying that Jeff Mangum was a pretty elementary guitarist and really didn't have much in the way of a great voice but is considered by a lot of people as one of the great musicians of the last few decades (no he didn't push the boundaries of music...but that's for another thread)

So in your opinion, do you need to consider the technical mastery of a musician to properly evaluate their worth?

I know this is a hugely subjective question, and there is obviously no right answer, just thought I'd hear all yalls take on it.

11-16-2011, 02:33 PM	#1
Buzzkill Jamiroquai Bodega Posts: 18,627	How important is technical skill in evaluating a musician's greatness? So obviously, like everything relating to music it's all a matter of taste, but I was arguing with my friend about this yesterday. He was saying that James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) is one of the greatest musicians ever because of his mastery of so many instruments as well as his amazing production skills. I countered this by saying that Jeff Mangum was a pretty elementary guitarist and really didn't have much in the way of a great voice but is considered by a lot of people as one of the great musicians of the last few decades (no he didn't push the boundaries of music...but that's for another thread) So in your opinion, do you need to consider the technical mastery of a musician to properly evaluate their worth? I know this is a hugely subjective question, and there is obviously no right answer, just thought I'd hear all yalls take on it.