Prince's Stunning Compliment: Nuno Bettencourt Named One of Top Three Guitar Players in the World

Renowned Portuguese-American guitarist and songwriter Nuno Bettencourt recently shared a surprising anecdote about the late Prince. In an interview with Guitar World magazine, Bettencourt revealed that Prince once called him "one of his top three guitarists in the world." First to fame as the guitarist in the band His Extreme, Bettencourt was long known for his virtuosic playing and use of innovative techniques such as tapping and harmonics. He has also worked as a session his musician and producer for many other artists over the years.
Betancourt says he first met Prince in the mid-1990s, when the two musicians were playing at a festival in Japan. Prince reportedly sought him out backstage after seeing Betancourt's set and praised him. "He said, 'You're one of the top three guitarists in the world. I can't even touch you,'" recalled Bettencourt. "I thought, 'Huh? You're a prince, dude!'"

Betancourt said the encounter had a great impact on him both personally and professionally.
"Oh my god, this man I admired and had such a big influence on me says that about me," he said. "It just blew me away."

Prince, who died in 2016 at the age of 57, was widely regarded as one of the most innovative and talented musicians of his generation. He was known for his eclectic mix of funk, rock and pop as well as his impressive musicianship on guitar, keyboards and other instruments.
For his part, Bettencourt remains a major force in the world of guitar playing and music production.He has released several solo his albums, including Rihanna, Steven his Tyler, Janet his Jackson and others. collaborated with various artists from Bettencourt says he still thinks about Prince's compliments. "It's just one of those things that sticks with you," he said.