Guthrie Govan (born 27 December 1971 in Chelmsford, Essex, England) is an E… Read Full Bio ↴Guthrie Govan (born 27 December 1971 in Chelmsford, Essex, England) is an English guitarist and winner of Guitarist Magazine’s “Guitarist of the Year” award in 1993. Govan read English at the University of Oxford, though he left after a year to pursue a career in music. He is a noted guitar teacher through his work with the UK magazine Guitar Techniques, Guildford’s Academy of Contemporary Music and currently the Brighton Institute of Modern Music.
Govan is known for his work with the bands The Aristocrats, Asia (2001–2006), GPS, The Young Punx and The Fellowship as well as Erotic Cakes (a vehicle for his own music).
In 1993 he won Guitarist magazine’s "Guitarist of the Year" competition with his instrumental piece Wonderful Slippery Thing (a version of which would eventually appear on his debut solo album); the demo of the track earned him a place amongst several other entrants in the live final, which he then won. Subsequently, he submitted a sample transcription (of a Shawn Lane piece) to Guitar Techniques magazine; this earned him a job as a contributor to the magazine, ending a spell working in fast food.
Govan’s earliest influences were Jimi Hendrix and Cream-era Eric Clapton; as such he describes himself as coming from a "blues rock background". While he is "wary" of 1980s technique driven guitar music ("shred") he cites the imagination of Steve Vai (as well as Frank Zappa, with whom Vai played) and the passion of Yngwie Malmsteen as influences. Jazz and fusion elements are an important part of his style: he cites Joe Pass as a pivotal influence in this respect.
Govan is known for his virtuoso command of the electric guitar, due to both his technical ability and proficiency in various styles. Govan’s MySpace profile lists quotes from various guitarists to this effect; elsewhere, fellow virtuosos Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert have praised Govan's playing. Satriani said "What sets Guthrie apart, is that no matter what he’s doing—picking, tapping, slapping, playing legato, whatever—he mixes everything up gracefully and absolutely nails each approach. And all the while the music sounds natural." Gilbert said "Guthrie Govan gives shred a good name. It’s absolutely heartwarming to hear someone play super fast and have musical depth to match. What a breath of fresh air."
Govan is known for his work with the bands The Aristocrats, Asia (2001–2006), GPS, The Young Punx and The Fellowship as well as Erotic Cakes (a vehicle for his own music).
In 1993 he won Guitarist magazine’s "Guitarist of the Year" competition with his instrumental piece Wonderful Slippery Thing (a version of which would eventually appear on his debut solo album); the demo of the track earned him a place amongst several other entrants in the live final, which he then won. Subsequently, he submitted a sample transcription (of a Shawn Lane piece) to Guitar Techniques magazine; this earned him a job as a contributor to the magazine, ending a spell working in fast food.
Govan’s earliest influences were Jimi Hendrix and Cream-era Eric Clapton; as such he describes himself as coming from a "blues rock background". While he is "wary" of 1980s technique driven guitar music ("shred") he cites the imagination of Steve Vai (as well as Frank Zappa, with whom Vai played) and the passion of Yngwie Malmsteen as influences. Jazz and fusion elements are an important part of his style: he cites Joe Pass as a pivotal influence in this respect.
Govan is known for his virtuoso command of the electric guitar, due to both his technical ability and proficiency in various styles. Govan’s MySpace profile lists quotes from various guitarists to this effect; elsewhere, fellow virtuosos Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert have praised Govan's playing. Satriani said "What sets Guthrie apart, is that no matter what he’s doing—picking, tapping, slapping, playing legato, whatever—he mixes everything up gracefully and absolutely nails each approach. And all the while the music sounds natural." Gilbert said "Guthrie Govan gives shred a good name. It’s absolutely heartwarming to hear someone play super fast and have musical depth to match. What a breath of fresh air."
More Genres
No Artists Found
More Artists
Load All
No Albums Found
More Albums
Load All
No Tracks Found
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
Slidey Boy
Guthrie Govan Lyrics
No lyrics text found for this track.
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
Luciano De Benedictis
One could say that this first record by Guthrie wasn't as organical as the ones with Aristocrats, but I personally enjoy the mix of different styles that Erotic cakes is, and it shows that he can genuinely play everything!
Clarence
Imo his erotic cakes tracks are better than most of the tracks of the aristocrats
An Epic Fatality
@Clarence studio-wise, the aristocrats albums are better in sound quality. This one feels a bit mellowed out. Great album regardless.
Randy Lott
Hearing Guthrie live was absolutely insane. The tone was 10x better. It seemed unreal.
Andrew Powell
Just love this track - a fine piece of Guthrie guitar magic :-)
Aziel
dude... Guthrie is just unbelievable. The perfomance on everything is insane
R C
awesome song, one of my favourites from the record!
Nancy Bisset
The first 2 min. you can experience an orgasmic-splendor. Erotic Cakes is magnificent and Slidey Boy a delightful track... Each artist has their own essence and Guthrie Govan you proved it here by playing this tune masterfully. Oh Yeah. The album name fits these tunes to a T. :-))) Thanks Angel Warrior for such a wonderful gift shared with me today... In need of a music fix, you hit the nail right on the head with this choice. Thanks!!! :)
Nancy Bisset
***** Right on!! Thanks for bringing me back to this Gem of a performance. Just what I needed to go to bed. Peace.:- )))
Nancy Bisset
***** Thanks Mac. I am on fb I posted there an ole tune "Will the circle be unbroken." Johnny Cash and a whole lot of ole crossed over to home greats. After this gem right into another truly an orgasmic experience. :-))Talk about memories. Thanks for your sweet words and bringing me back to this place. Miss my Angel Warrior clicking these kinds of Gems like Slidey Boy vid here. Astral travel will come easy tonight. :-))) Nite Mac Mann