What makes a good instrumental album?

[Chubtone]

Heck, I didn't even like my instrumental album

The only thing worse than doing an instrumental album is having to deal with a singer.

 

[Zap]

I prefer instrumental music because I perceive the lead guitar to be a voice telling a story.

 

[sixstringking713]

Don't shred all over the thing. There may not be lyrics but there should be a "voice."

but I like shredding

I'm kidding yeah I agree

 

[the rossness]

Catchy instrumental hooks with great phrasing.

Best albums IMO:
Paul Gilbert- Fuzz Universe
Steve Vai- The Ultra Zone
Satch- The Extremist
GG- Erotic Cakes
Vinnie Moore- To The Core

 

[SkyhighRocks]

Mine! J/K!

Seriously, if a song doesn't have a melody that hits me, vocals or not, I'm done with it. I also would prefer it not to just have blazing speed all over it...gets boring after 1 or 2 songs. It's much harder to write a memorable hook than it is to play fast.

 

[Joeytpg]

IS there any "rhythm guitar/riff" instrumental album? seems like all rock/metal instrumental albums are a shred fest.

I'd like to hear a GOOD rhythm guitar based instrumental.

 

[stanbog]

^ You might want to listen to this, first couple of albums were awesome imo:

 

[Bob Savage]

IS there any "rhythm guitar/riff" instrumental album? seems like all rock/metal instrumental albums are a shred fest.

I'd like to hear a GOOD rhythm guitar based instrumental.

I'm a nobody, but my album received some poor end user reviews because it had too many "riffs" and apparently not enough shredding. So there's at least one.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

the composition.

I prefer instrumental music, whether it be classical, jazz, fusion, neo-classical or even some rock songs.

Malmsteen, Holdsworth, Larry Carlton, Jeff Beck, MacAlpine, Vinnie More, Greg Howe etc

 

[Progbusters]

it would read like a good novel. there is a storyline it would seem. The Yngwie Malmsteen debut would be my favorite.

 

[Progbusters]

IS there any "rhythm guitar/riff" instrumental album? seems like all rock/metal instrumental albums are a shred fest.

I'd like to hear a GOOD rhythm guitar based instrumental.

Like an album full of songs like Mr. Scary and Urotsukidoji, that would be so cool

 

[Atropos_Project]

Composition is the primary factor for me. Tell me a bit of a story.

 

[ReloadZ]

PF - Atom Heart Mother Suite

 

[amiller]

Great tone and great melody.