Minor Threat was only a band for a total of about three years , managing to release one proper full-length studio album in that time , but its influence on hardcore is incalculable . More than any other band , Minor Threat set the standard for what many think of as the hardcore ideals , largely through its efforts to maintain a strong DIY work ethic . The band also single-handedly ( and somewhat inadvertently ) launched the Straight Edge movement with a single song . Minor Threat ’ s musical prowess was formidable as well , and at the center of the maelstrom was the guitar playing and songwriting of Lyle Preslar . Preslar remains criminally underrated as a musician , but his rhythm playing was deceptively brilliant , consisting not of mere power chords , but full six-string barre chords played at breakneck pace and with unwavering accuracy . And perhaps because he wielded a classic , time-tested Les Paul-and-Marshall rig , his tone was massive , with a depth and refinement that is uncommon among early hardcore guitarists .
PLAYER : LYLE PRESLAR BAND : MINOR THREAT
Minor Threat was only a band for a total of about three years , managing to release one proper full-length studio album in that time , but its influence on hardcore is incalculable . More than any other band , Minor Threat set the standard for what many think of as the hardcore ideals , largely through its efforts to maintain a strong DIY work ethic . The band also single-handedly ( and somewhat inadvertently ) launched the Straight Edge movement with a single song . Minor Threat ’ s musical prowess was formidable as well , and at the center of the maelstrom was the guitar playing and songwriting of Lyle Preslar . Preslar remains criminally underrated as a musician , but his rhythm playing was deceptively brilliant , consisting not of mere power chords , but full six-string barre chords played at breakneck pace and with unwavering accuracy . And perhaps because he wielded a classic , time-tested Les Paul-and-Marshall rig , his tone was massive , with a depth and refinement that is uncommon among early hardcore guitarists .
Essential listening : “ Out of Step ,” from Minor Threat ’ s album of the same name .
ToneReport . com 45