# In 1989, Brian May heard “the most beautiful guitar music”. He still calls the guitarist “one of the greatest geniuses”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1989-brian-may-heard-the-most-beautiful-guitar-music-he-still-calls-the-guitarist-one-of-the-greatest-geniuses/
- Published: 2026-11-10T14:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T15:25:47+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1989-brian-may-heard-the-most-beautiful-guitar-music/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Brian May singled out Jeff Beck’s “Where Were You” as exceptionally beautiful.
- The track appeared on Beck’s 1989 album *Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop*.
- May later called Beck one of the greatest guitar geniuses.

## Summary

Brian May praised Jeff Beck’s guitar playing, saying that hearing Beck’s “Where Were You” from 1989’s *Jeff Beck’s Guitar Shop* revealed music of extraordinary beauty. His admiration matters because May is himself a celebrated guitarist, and he described Beck as a rare musician whose sound could reach listeners like a singer’s voice.

May urged people to listen to the instrumental track for its emotional depth, phrasing and sound, calling it possibly the most beautiful guitar music ever recorded. After Beck’s death, May said he was “one of the greatest guitar geniuses” the world had seen, describing him as wild and difficult to quantify. The article also points to Beck’s wide-ranging musical vocabulary, from blues to fusion, and his expressive use of sustain and a whammy bar.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.