Is speed still how a person determines how good a guitar player is? It seems people seem to think so. Players (even on this website) cite Paganini and Malmsteen as what they have the ability to play. Does that mean they are good guitarits? Maybe, maybe not. I dont think do, speed is nothing more that a mechanical process. I admire somebody playing really fast the same way I admire a sprinter running the 100 yard dash in 4 seconds - a great athlete.ANYBODY could play fast given self determination and time....
And just in case your thinking I'm only saying this beacuse I cant play fast, your wrong. I was playng Malmsteen and Paganini tunes back in the 80's, so I must be an incredible player, RIGHT? I dont think so, I'm just fast, I WISH I could play like BB King or Clapton, or SRV...Maybe its a maturity thing...
Any other thoughts?