My wife just told me about this. Very very saddened by this news. Just 2 days ago, Jimmy Page turned 79. Time goes too fast....
Jeff was my inspiration to try to just play and reach beyond my box. It wasn't until I heard Blow By Blow at age 15 or so that I understood. To this day I listen to that masterpiece of not just guitar, but music, and am moved. My guitar teacher at that time had turned me onto Mr. Beck and I remember him saying he had seen Beck live a few times. He had some nights when he was off, but when he was on it was breathtaking. I've never seen him live, but there is an emotive quality coupled with fury and intelligence in his playing and music that is IMHO....awesome.
As a player, the guy was pure inspiration. How many players can truly say they have their own style, have evolved in their scope and capability (especially compared to their contemporaries) and have walked their own path. His phrasing was sometimes familiar but unique to wild and beyond. To this day I have not heard a more emotionally gut wrenching melancholy example of guitar playing than Cause We've Ended As Lovers. He did not have the overt inspirational power of a Hendrix or EVH, but anyone who plays the instrument and has some knowledge of the greats of the craft, knows of the magnitude and greatness that is Jeff Beck.
The world is diminished
R.I.P. Jeff Beck