🎸 “Guitar Is Not a Competition”: Why Ritchie Blackmore Believes Many Guitarists Aren’t So Nice

Legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, known for his work with Deep Purple and Rainbow, has encountered countless musicians throughout his long career. However, not all of those experiences were positive.

During a recent Instagram livestream celebrating his 81st birthday, Blackmore openly shared his thoughts on the reality behind the scenes of the guitar world. According to him, interactions with fellow players have sometimes been disappointing.
“Most guitar players aren’t nice people,” he remarked with a touch of humor.

An exception: Tommy Bolin
That said, there are notable exceptions. One of them is Tommy Bolin, who joined Deep Purple in 1975 as Blackmore’s replacement.

Speaking about him, Blackmore expressed genuine admiration:
“He was such a nice guy that I couldn’t believe he was a guitar player,” he said.
They spent time together, visiting each other and enjoying simple conversations.

A curious habit
Despite his praise, Blackmore did point out one unusual trait in Bolin’s approach to guitar — he rarely changed his strings.

“I once asked him when he last changed them because they were covered in dirt,” he recalled.
Bolin’s reply was surprising: “Probably about five years ago.”

Even so, Blackmore emphasized his respect:
“He was a brilliant player, a truly great guitarist.”

Friendship without rivalry
In an industry often driven by competition, their relationship stood out.
“There was never any envy or competition at all,” Blackmore concluded.

Competition in the guitar world
The idea of rivalry still exists today. For example, Exodus recently claimed they are “faster” than thrash giants Metallica and Megadeth.

However, many artists are pushing back against the idea that guitar playing should be treated like a competitive sport.

Perspective from Yngwie Malmsteen
In 2024, Swedish guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen encouraged musicians to move away from comparisons and rivalry.

“Even if you build a career, thinking in terms of competition will only make you unhappy,” he explained.
He believes guitar playing should be about enjoyment and expression, not winning.

Thoughts from Mateus Asato
A similar sentiment was shared by Mateus Asato, who reflected on his experience after winning a guitar contest.

“If I hadn’t won, it might have pushed me into a place where I wouldn’t want to play anymore,” he admitted.
For him, that moment made it clear: music is not about competition.
 

The reflections of Ritchie Blackmore, Tommy Bolin, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Mateus Asato highlight an important truth:

Guitar playing is not a race or a contest — it is a form of expression, emotion, and individuality that goes far beyond speed or technical skill.