Who is the better guitarist? Based on songwriting skills, on stage presence, songs written etc. I can't decide; Mike has had some amazing solos, some great songs (GTF) while I think Stone has been pretty consistent his whole career. I'm leaning towards Mike because these days he seems to be more energetic live. Thoughts?

stone is a better songwriter

mike plays better lead

mike is more energetic live

stone is better rhythm player

they are both equally as good imo and their relationship works so well together

Stone, for sure.

Mike's got the chops but Stone writes better songs and I find his guitar playing more interesting.

(I wish I wasn't Mike's Maniac, that was dumb. Please remove it somebody, I beg you.)

Stone's giving Mike a run for his money in the live energy department lately too. He also has cooler hair.

Four Aussies in a row.

I don't know enough about technical guitar playing to really comment. But my gut's telling me Stone.

5 in a row

Definitely Stone. I may be the only person in the world that loves his singing voice. It's just unique and different. On guitar he is fantastic, though I do admit Mike is a hell of a lot better with solos, but for 'technical' playing, definitely Stone. When I started actually getting into guitar late last year, I was playing a lot of Ed's parts in Pearl Jam songs, but now I'm moving onto Stones parts, and they are really fun to play around with. I'm not much of a solo'er but perhaps some day I will be, but til then, it's Stone.

I think I have an obligation to post now, don't I??

Stone's the more rounded of the two, and I agree that his guitar parts are more interesting, but then again I do love me some rhythm guitar.

Spenno - pm a mod and see what they can do for you - I think the removal is a fairly painless operation.

And Jack I'm guessing that you may indeed well be that only person you describe.

* breaks the aussie combo *

my favourite PJ albums:

Vitalogy
No Code
Yield
Via
S/T
Ten
Binaural
Riot Act

Yield
Vitalogy
Binaural
No Code
Riot Act
Ten
Via
S/T

Isn't the title supposed to Stone vs Mike??

I think the most compelling thing about them is their synergy together- linkin park alluded to this in interviews after they opened for them at that polish gig, how the two of them know how to compliment each other and create an amount of musical tension and energy that propels

Solo wise I've always enjoyed Stones more bc their was less wanking and wailing and more riff/groove style even if Stones using all 7 notes in a scale, it's like he knows how to scratch and dig his solos into the rythym (e.g. Letterman Save You solo)

live though mikes been the most entertaining for Years, though the recent videos I saw, it'd be Stones side I'd like to be on

masterflatch was more subtle with his critique of the thread title

while i love mike and his playing and still admit he is the whole reason i took up guitar, i will say that i think his solo's aren't as good as they used to be in certain situations. i know he's developed his own style etc but i used to REALLY dig his lead when he used to try imitate hendrix and vaughan at every chance he got

some of the old porch and garden solo's still rock me to the bone every time i listen to them today

I think they're more interesting as a unit then they are apart, but I guess it would depend on what era in the band's history we're talking about. Early on I definitely prefer Stone songs, but Mike has been more consistent. On the other hand I love guitar solos and Mike has written some of my all time favorites.

On balance I guess Mike.

On my planet, user moderates a tasty you!

I miss Stone's creative riffage. I can't bring myself to call the 'rhythm guitar part' to Life Wasted a 'riff' because it was so lazy, but so far I like what I hear of the chord progressions and rhythm guitar of Backspacer.. so I won't miss less solos. I think Brendan O'Brien has put Stone further to the front again... which probably explains Stone having so much fun at shows lately.

i love the music in life wasted.

I actually do too. Amazing drumming (some of Matt's best), beautiful accents and pushes. Amazing bridge.. one of PJ's best. And that rising shredding on Mike's lead, coming out of the bridge... Just awesome. I just think the rhythm 'riff' could've been more complex.

I love the song, btw.

Matt and Ed are better guitarists.