Yes, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) is a multi-instrumentalist and does play guitar. He has been playing guitar since the age of 15, learning chords and progressions from fellow Cleveland artist Dub-O. MGK has stated that his debut album Lace Up was mostly made up of songs written on his acoustic guitar. He also plays bass, drums and keyboards.
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MGK’s Musical Background and Early Career
With a stage name of Machine Gun Kelly, it’s clear that Richard Colson Baker is no stranger to the music scene. Originally hailing from Houston, Texas, MGK began his career performing with local hip hop acts in Cleveland before making a move to Los Angeles and signing with Bad Boy Records in 2011. Prior to pursuing rap full-time, MGK had been an avid musician since childhood; he learned drums at the age of four and later moved on to guitars and basses by the time he reached middle school. This early experience with instruments allowed him to layer his performances while recording with different producers and engineers during his rise as an artist.
MGK was always willing to take risks when it came to mixing up his sound; he experimented with multiple genres including metalcore, alternative rock, punk rock and even EDM in order to find what truly resonated with fans all over the world. His commitment paid off – between 2013-2016 alone, three of MGK’s studio albums charted on Billboard 200 charts across America. Despite constantly being in demand for tours or festivals across the globe, MGK still makes time for private guitar lessons when possible; helping him stay sharp and ready for whatever comes next musically. As one of rap’s most unpredictable stars it’s safe to say that no matter what direction his artistry takes him next we can definitely expect heavy influence from the instrumentation side of things.
Debates Over the Authenticity of MGK’s Guitar Playing
In recent months, debates have been swirling around Machine Gun Kelly’s (MGK) guitar playing prowess. The rapper has demonstrated that he can hold his own in a jam session on the six-string instrument, but some are dubious of the authenticity of his skills. It’s not uncommon for rappers to focus their energy on lyrical content and leave the music to producers, so many were surprised by MGK’s sudden interest in learning how to play guitar.
An interesting element to this debate is the fact that there isn’t any video footage from before MGK began posting clips of himself shredding with a pick. This leaves questions about whether or not he was ever truly able to learn an instrument independently. Many believe that MGK could have just been lucky enough to pick up and teach himself chords quickly, while others suspect that he had private tutoring from well-versed musicians behind closed doors.
The controversy surrounding MGK’s guitar playing talent hasn’t stopped fans from enjoying his lyrics and beats, but it does make them question his level of commitment when it comes to mastering the craftsmanship involved with string instruments. Some contend that you can’t develop such skill without dedication and practice over years; perhaps this provides answers as to why we don’t see more evidence of him playing live?
Analysis of MGK’s Live Performances
MGK has been known for his live performances. As such, it’s essential to look closely at the rapper and evaluate if he actually plays guitar during those shows. To start with, many viewers have noted that MGK is often seen playing an electric or acoustic guitar on stage. He has even gone as far as to give guitar lessons during some of his sets. There have been several instances in which fans have heard him playing a few chords or riffs over the microphone. All of this provides evidence that MGK does indeed play guitar during his live shows.
However, some critics argue that MGK may not be playing any real notes when strumming away on stage and instead just strums along to pre-recorded tracks. For example, it is possible for musicians to put backing tracks onto their guitars so they can ‘play’ without needing any musical knowledge or ability. It could be argued then that MGK might be using this method in order to provide a more exciting show for the audience while also appearing more musically talented than he actually is.
There are other experts who state that while MGK is likely playing some real notes during his sets, most of what we hear from him is either heavily auto-tuned or generated electronically. This would explain why some viewers feel like they can recognize certain chord progressions but are unable to distinguish any precise notes being played by the artist himself – they simply don’t exist. Ultimately though only one person knows how much of what we hear on stage is genuine and authentic; Mr Machine Gun Kelly himself!
Expert Opinions on MGK’s Guitar Abilities
Expert opinions on Machine Gun Kelly’s guitar skills have been divided. Some argue that the musician is truly a master of the instrument while others believe he merely plays it as a way to further his image. Guitar aficionados and musicologists who know MGK well swear by his talent and skill, stating that he has an impressive technique which has earned him numerous awards throughout the years.
On the other hand, some people doubt MGK’s ability with the guitar due to its often minimal presence in his work; furthermore, they argue that many of his performances seem overly rehearsed or even pre-recorded and lack natural flair. They are skeptical of his artistry when it comes to creating unique sounds from what is supposed to be an intimate instrument.
Ultimately, both sides make valid points about Machine Gun Kelly’s relationship with the guitar: no matter your opinion, you can’t deny he works hard at perfecting it for both studio and stage recordings – but does this translate into him being a true virtuoso? Only time will tell if MGK lives up to the hype surrounding him as an accomplished guitarist.
Conclusion: Is MGK a Legitimate Guitar Player?
When assessing the legitimacy of Machine Gun Kelly’s (MGK) guitar playing skills, it is important to look at both his technical proficiency and songwriting capabilities. On one hand, there are numerous videos of him performing on stage with a live band, where he exhibits impressive dexterity while playing chords and solos. However, it must be taken into account that MGK has been surrounded by experienced musicians throughout his career, who may have coached or even performed parts of his guitar lines during these performances.
In terms of songwriting ability, it is undeniable that MGK’s discography consists mainly of rap songs featuring only minor contributions from the electric guitar. While some tracks include brief instrumental passages or well-placed riffs within the choruses, these moments are few and far between. Some recordings feature clean tones which do not particularly convey emotion nor highlight any particular technique employed by MGK himself; hence further questioning whether he truly crafted them himself or if they were added as an afterthought by a session guitarist hired for this task.
Ultimately, while we can admire the artistic talents displayed in MGK’s career thus far and enjoy listening to his music regardlessly – whether those involve lyrics or guitar sounds – it is difficult to determine if he is indeed a legitimate guitarist given the scarce evidence available regarding this matter.
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